wonderful way to cleanse
I've been doing the Master Cleanser regularly for about 10 years now and I have to say that despite the nay-sayers, I find it to be a lovely way to give my body a break and allow some deep healing and cleansing to happen.
Is it easy? No. But now I actually sense when my body wants this little vacation from digestion and it feels really good. I've done this for 3 days (after an initial longer fast) for a weekend tune-up, I used to do this every Monday as a one day per week body rest, and I've done it as long as 21 days. Ultimately, I'd love to do a 40 day version sometime.
I always find that when doing the MC I have loads of energy, sleep deeply and need less sleep and feel terrific in general. The detoxing does result in some not so pleasant symptoms, but knowing it's a sign that you're cleaning house makes it a positive thing.
I don't, however, see this as a weight loss technique, because obviously once you resume eating, even if it were to be obscenely healthy, you will certainly put some weight back on. Most likely all of the weight you lost, but I've observed a lot of these fasts and it seems that people with lots of excess weight to begin with are so loaded with toxins that when they do this some of that weight loss is permanent. A healthier person or someone for whom excess weight is more of an emotional shield might not see the same result. Still, I've seen many people do this purely for weight loss and they are almost always really disappointed at the end. This is, first and foremost, a cleanse.
I must also advise that like others, I can't even stomach the idea of the salt water flush so I turn to the use of Triphala, a gentle but very effective (and not habit forming) nutritional supplement you can take as capsules or tea to move the bowels during the fast. Most of the teas designed for that purpose are habit forming and downright uncomfortable. Triphala solves that dilemma for me because you don't feel any cramping but it does keep things moving.
I also highly recommend going out of your way if need be to find the Grade B maple syrup because I felt a huge difference between doing it with that and with the standard Grade A, which is lighter and has fewer minerals. I just felt less energetic and stable with the lighter syrup.
I've seen a lot of controversy about this cleanse but the bottom line is that there are many paths to wellness and not every path is for every person. if this doesn't appeal to you, chances are that's your body telling you something. Or you might not be ready. Believe it or not, major food cravings seem to diminish or outright disappear by day 3 or so and I've always been able to maintain full work energy and even continue to do yoga and run on this fast.
It's also worth doing this before making any major dietary changes to prepare for the shift. For example, if reducing your intake of meat, sugar, dairy, etc. The sugar part might seem counterintuitive, but on this fast you consume less sugar still than the average diet consists of, believe it or not.
All in all, this is a really great booklet to read and keep on hand. Trust your body's wisdom and when this calls to you, answer. ;)
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Lemon Fresh!
Interesting book. Originally published in 1976, it's short and sweet- and actually held together by two staples. Readers may also know this "master cleansing" diet and "the lemonade diet." Having said that....
What do you do? Drink 6-12 glasses a day of a concoction made up of lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and water. No other foods should betaken during ther full period of the diet.
What's it's purpose? to dissolve and eliminate toxins that have formed in any part of the body
When do you use it? According to the book, when sickness has developed-good for all acute and chronic conditions.
How often? For a minimum of 10 days and up to 40 days and beyond in serious cases. Good to do 3-4 x year.
The book ends with a list of suggested natural aids (such as coconut oil or oil of clove) for various "minor inconveniences" (such as warts, dandruff). A book not to be missed by hardcore detoxifiers, its not for the faint of heart. Other self-help books I enjoyed include The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution.
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