The Tao of Detox

October 1, 2006
This manual suggests a raft of Eastern therapeutic techniques for those suffering from anxiety, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and general unhappiness, all of which Reid traces to "toxic waste" polluting the body, a problem common to the "Western lifestyle." Some of the advice is grounded and practical: the author urges massage, Tai Chi, deep breathing and a sensible diet in a revolving plan of "periodic detox" and "rational retox." Unfortunately, much of this guidebook's program is entirely unsubstantiated. The author is not a doctor, but rather a student of Chinese civilization, and his medical explanation ranges from shaky to irresponsible. For instance, he refers to "toxemia" as a "state of toxicity in the blood and tissues," though medical parlance already defines "toxemia" as a sometimes-fatal pregnancy complication. Specific claims come without any documentation, such as his statement, attributed to "several studies," that "five glasses of pure water per day ... may reduce ... risk of colon cancer by 45 percent, breast cancer by 80 percent, and bladder cancer by 50 percent." Most disconcerting are the dubious medical interventions he touts, such as the "Zapper," an electronic parasite-removal device he suggests as a treatment for "asthma, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and candida fungal infections." More reliable sources on detoxification can be found in any self-help section.