Detoxification, or body cleansing, is used in alternative medicine to remove accumulated harmful substances from the body that compromise health. There are a number of cleansing techniques, the most common ones being through herbal, electrical, or electromagnetic treatments and dietary restrictions. Naturopathic and homeopathic remedies are also promoted for cleansing purposes.

The body eliminates toxins through the liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph, and skin. However, when this system is compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered and the body is negatively affected. It is believed that after years of exposure to toxins, the body can no longer keep up with eliminating harmful substances and they get circulated into the bloodstream once more, producing a negative impact on health. In order to reverse this impact, remove buildup of toxins, and alleviate other problems, body cleansing methods are used. Holistic healers often prescribe detoxification for moderate to severe immune system disorders and symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, irritated skin, allergies, and mental confusion.

A detox program can help the body's natural cleaning process by stimulating the organs that drive toxins from the body, improving circulation, and reenergizing the body with healthy nutrients. As there are many detoxification programs out there, it is possible to cater one to the patient’s individual needs. After a detoxification program, it is encouraged to maintain a clean body by following simple practices such as taking herbs to cleanse and protect the liver, drink plenty of water, breathe deeply to allow oxygen to circulate through the system, and eat plenty of fiber. As stress triggers the body to release stress hormones into the system and helps release toxins and slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver, it is also important to detox stressful situations. This can be done through yoga and meditation.