Part of Natural Nutrition and working with your body is finding ways to support it to cleanse effectively. Here are three naturopathic techniques that have really help me and that can be easily woven into a daily routine.
First a little bit more info on how your body cleanses.The main organ of detoxification is the liver but it also has a wonderful supporting cast; your kidneys through releasing urine, your lungs though the breath and mucous and your skin though sweat and of course the bowels. In Traditional Chinese medicine the skin is referred to as the third lung because of its importance in letting go of what we no longer need (also perfect for these Autumn months and the Metal element link to the skin).
For most of us it never crosses our minds that the skin does any releasing and many of us forget about it except for examining wrinkles and slapping on moisturizer and sun cream! What is amazing about the skin is its huge surface area and hence the huge potential for cleansing and sharing the load with the liver.
Here are 3 lovely gentle techniques that make the most of the skin and supports that wonderful cleansing flow through the body to help deal with any detox aches and pains.
Skin brushing
Skin brushing helps remove the stale acid mantel level of the skin, it also helps stimulate the lymphatic system which is crucial in cleansing.
Using a natural fibre, preferably long handled brush, brush from the feet and down from the neck towards the heart, not away from it. Start at the soles of the feet, then brush in small strokes up the feet, ankles, calves, thighs, buttocks. Then brush up the front and back of the torso as far as the heart. Work up the hands and arms and then down the neck, chest and upper back to the heart. Avoid brushing the face as the skin is too sensitive and only brush gently over the breasts. You could also just use a flannel, sponge or one of those scrunchy wash thingies 🙂
Hot and cold showers
Hot and cold showers increases circulation through body tissues, promotes detoxification, and strengthens the immune system.
Take your normal shower then switch to cooler for 30 seconds. Alternate the temperature back to hot for a minute and then cooler for 30 seconds again and repeat this cycle once more.
Taken on its own the pattern would be: Warm 1 minute; Cooler 30 seconds and repeat this 3 times. The latent heat of the body brings blood to the surface carrying lymphatic system along with it, allowing toxins to be released through the skin. Wonderfully refreshing!
Epsom salt baths
Epsom Salts are made of the mineral magnesium sulphate. When magnesium sulphate is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it helps to draw toxins from the body, relax you and is a natural emollient & exfoliator. Dissolve a kilogram of Epsom Salts in a warm bath, lay back and relax for 20 minutes. Please note: Epsom Salts baths are contra-indicated if you have heart trouble, high blood pressure, or are diabetic or pregnant.