about the course:
Certain seasons of the year push us to paying closer attention to our health. New Year’s resolutions, spring cleaning, all of these can turn our minds to some kind of detox.
If that’s on your mind, I want to talk to you about something first:
The purveyors of detox/cleanses will tell you you’re dirty. (You’re not.) They’ll tell you it’s a toxic world out there. (It is.) They’ll tell you you’ll get sick (maybe) and die (we all will) if you don’t do their complicated, trademarked/patented, expensive program. Over and over again.
The truth is that our bodies live to keep us healthy and return us to health in the face of this world of imbalances. And the keys to supporting the body (and mind and spirit) are mostly simple, inexpensive and close to hand.
I’m Dr. Orna Izakson, a licensed naturopathic doctor and registered herbalist. I want to help you navigate the hype.
In this class I cover the role of external and internal toxic stressors on human health, how the body deals with these, and simple home strategies you can use to support the physiological tools nature gave us.
what you’ll learn:
How toxics enter your life: From your home, your food, your environment and your body.
Nifty ways your body does its detoxification work for you — 24/7 and automatically.
Actions that promote healthy detox — and what to avoid as harmful or unnecessary.
Why many detox programs are bogus, wasting time, money and risking your health.
about your instructor:
Dr. Orna Izakson is a writer, gardener, registered herbalist and licensed naturopathic physician practicing in Alaska and Oregon.
Her love of wild places brought her to plants and their medicine, which she now works to share with clients, patients and the general public.
Dr. Orna sees patients through her Alaska and Oregon clinics and offers an array of options to help people learn to take control of their health.
In 2013 she launched the Traditional Roots Institute at National University of Natural Medicine, working to bring the people’s medicine back to the people. As the institute’s lead physician for the next six years, and now through this site, Dr. Orna has helped train hundreds of practitioners and patients in the practical and profound uses of herbal medicine.
Read more about Dr. Orna here.
FAQs
Doesn't everyone need to detox?
Detoxification is an ongoing process in your body. It’s automatic. Yes, we’re exposed to external and internal chemicals that can impede our optimal health. And yes, we can make choices to help our bodies do their thing more efficiently. But before you go adding spendy supplements and dangerous diets, let’s talk about what your body already does, how you can support its work, and which simple additions are actually helpful.
I tried a detox once and it made me sick. Should I still take this course?
I have absolutely seen that happen to people! Pushing our elimination systems too hard can definitely cause bad backlashes. This is why I always recommend starting slow and simple. This course is all about taking gentle support for systems your body already uses to keep you well.
Do I have to go out and buy a bunch of stuff?
Nope. The epiphany that brought me to natural medicine was that our healing tools are all around us: in our kitchens, bathrooms, gardens and natural spaces. If you have access to water, a window and ideally some veggies, you’re good.
Are you going to tell me I have to eat meat?
Nope.
Are you going to tell me I can't eat meat?
Nope.
Does this involve coffee enemas?
Nope. You might not have actually wondered about this, but it is something people ask about.
What if I need more help?
I share free content on my website, social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook) and my VIP email list. You can see my pre-recorded courses here. If you’d like to talk about your specific concerns, I’m available by appointment for folks in Oregon and Alaska.