You change the oils and filters in your car, you wash the dishes and scrub the bathroom sink. You take a shower and you make sure to clean between your fingers. But how often do you cleanse your body from the inside?

So what exactly is a detox? Detoxification is the process of purifying the body of compounds that have a detrimental effect on cell functions or structures. When one starts the process of detoxification, the body begins to discharge excesses that have been carried for years. According to ancient healing traditions, spring is recognized as the prime season for cleansing the body because the rhythms of the body coincide with the rhythms of the earth. For instance, in the Traditional Chinese Medical model the body changes in response to the seasons of the year, just like every other living thing in the environment. Interestingly, spring is traditionally known as the time for purifying the liver, which in modern physiology is the main organ that houses toxins. Spring is also seen as a time of birth, rejuvenation, and purification. Intuitively this makes sense since spring follows winter, which is naturally a time of storing away, preserving, and conservation. It is no wonder so many people feel dragged down by extra pounds they have packed away during a long cold winter season.

Another reason spring is such an ideal time for cleansing is because detoxification procedures generally have a cooling effect on the body. This change in body temperature can be balanced by the emerging warmer climate, but would otherwise cause discomfort during the winter.

A complete body detox should be individually tailored for your personal health concerns and be supervised by a trained healthcare professional. This is especially important if you want to enhance the procedure with fasting, homeopathics, herbs, and supplements, or if you have never detoxified your body before. You may not feel well during the initial period of detoxification as your toxic load is being mobilized prior to being excreted. You may feel weak, headachy, nauseated or lightheaded.

It is possible to detoxify in one to three days under controlled conditions, although there are a few gentle daily practices that can be incorporated by all to assist the body's natural spring cleaning. These helpful tips will keep all the systems clear and in good working order. When they're in good shape, you will feel energetic and strong enough to overcome a multitude of illnesses.

Certain herbs, vitamins and homeopathics are valuable in the process of detoxification and specific juices can be advised for different clinical situations. For detoxification in patients with an ulcer, raw cabbage juice is used, for example. Other juices are apple, lemon, carrot, grape. An herb known as milk thistle is sometimes supplemented with silymarin (70 - 210 mg) three times daily, but should not be self-prescribed. Ultimately, they serve to prevent cholestasis (stagnation of bile), the likelihood of stones being formed, and the systemic retentions of toxins. On the other hand, mild teas that are commonly used can be taken more frequently by anyone on a spring detox.

Teas include alfalfa, burdock, dandelion, and rosehips. One safe and effective herb that is widely available is dandelion-rich in vitamin A, C, calcium, and potassium. Medicinally, the roots have been ingested as expressed juice, tincture, capsule or tea three times a day before meals. Energetically, dandelion is a cooling herb that helps drain the liver. It is a diuretic, bitter, mild laxative and blood purifier.

Exercise. Stretching stimulates and unplugs your lymph glands, which is your body's plumbing system, flushing and removing waste so that your immune system runs smoothly. Aerobic activities help your lungs eliminate toxins through the breath and your skin to release toxins through sweating.

Get plenty of rest, and a nap is a good idea on the first few days of your new routine.

Drink plenty of water-it's one of the best ways to eliminate toxins from your body. Water is the medium through which the kidneys excrete waste from the blood.

Adequate fiber intake is a very important agent in supporting detox. Current Cancer research now recommends 40 grams of fiber on a daily basis to prevent cancer. Most people who do not eat whole grains and five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day do not get enough fiber. White bread, processed foods and quick meals seem to be the norm, which are all lacking in fiber content as well as other nutrients. Fiber binds heavy metals and other substances in the bowels so that they will leave the body.

A person who does not have 1 to 3 bowel movements a day is not regular and has increased exposure to toxins that should not remain in the body for so long. The good bacteria in the colon are also nourished by the fiber in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and this in turn reduces gut-derived toxins.

Switch to using whole grains in your cereals and breads and slowly include a higher ratio of vegetables in your meals. Snack on a piece of fibrous fruit instead of a chocolate bar, and watch how much better you feel.

Ultimately, if you want to detox on your own - and you don't have serious health problems and are not on medication or pregnant - sticking with the above recommendations will make a huge difference. Otherwise, people with specific illnesses and concerns should seek the advice of a trained healthcare provider.