Hello friends, this is an update of a previous article on healing power of the detox bath. Happy soaking!
The skin is the largest organ in the body. One-third
of all invading bacteria, viruses, and toxins
are eliminated through the skin. When the liver, colon, and kidneys become overwhelmed, the
skin picks up the slack. Toxins are processed through the pores to the surface
of the skin. Often it is difficult for the body to keep up with the task of
removing environmental pollutants and chemicals, as well as, excessive fats,
preservatives and impurities found in our food. We end up carrying an accumulation
of toxins in our bodies. The symptoms of toxic over load include fatigue,
intestinal irregularity, acne, skin inflammation, brown spots, achy joints and
heavy bags under your eyes. Excess uric acid in the body can contribute to
muscle, joint, tendon inflammation and pain. Effective detoxifying of the body
treats vaginal yeast infections and restores acid-alkaline balance to the body.
A great way to detox the body is by soaking in a
bathtub. For those with mobility issues a convenient alternative is the
footbath.
If you are new to the Detox Bath procedure start
slow-- do not soak more than 10-15 minutes and build up to 30 minutes if you
can tolerate it. You should drink plenty of water throughout the day, so that
you do not dehydrate during your soaking. During your soak drinking hot herbal
tea will promote the sweating or drink carrot or a vegetable juice to replenish
minerals is excellent. Use unchlorinated water, if unchlorinated water is not
available add 2 Tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) to the bathwater.
According to Naturopath Dr. Hazel Parcells, an expert
on detoxification, hot water draws toxins out of the body to the skin’s
surface, while taking a follow up cool shower pulls toxins from the skin. Hot
water, 98 degrees is considered very warm when beginning the detox baths, draws
toxins out of the body to the skin’s surface. If you are already used to warmer
water choose a water temperature you tolerate easily. It is suggested you do
not submerge your head, avoid rubbing dry rather pat dry and wrap yourself in a
dry towel and keep your feet covered when you get out of the bath. It is often
good to go right to bed after a detoxing bath.
Remember the toxin pulling action may create some
body stress. After soaking in a full bath, rise up slowly. Rinse in slightly
warm water to wash off toxins and then rinse in cool water for just a few
seconds. This prevents the blood from pooling. As a result of the toxins being
pulled from your body, you may feel headachy, lightheaded, fuzzy and fatigued.
You may experience flu-like symptoms during the
detoxification because your body is ridding itself of poisons. You can get some
relief from these symptoms by taking baths using Epsom salts (1 to 2 cups) and
baking soda (1 cup) in a tub of water and soaking for 20 minutes. Baths should
be taken on a daily basis during detox and rotated, switching to a different
type of bath each day. After detoxing, use whichever bath seems appropriate to
meet your current needs.
Common salts used in detox baths include Epsom salts,
sea salt, baking soda, Dead Sea salts and Bentonite Clay are highly alkaline
and cleansing. Betonite clay should be used with care and only as directed as
it may clog household plumbing. For a full bath, put 1 cup of Epsom Salts for
every 60 pounds of body weight, or pour 3-4 cups in each time you soak to
promote lymphatic drainage. Hydrogen peroxide can be added for oxygenation. One
cup of baking soda, which acts as a mild antiseptic, opens pores, relieves
itching and skin irritation and is good for skin conditions such as eczema;
helps with metal toxicity and promotes acidic balance.
Seaweed Detox Bath--overall detox, nourishing benefits for skin, increase microcirculation,
filled with minerals. Seaweed is believed to absorb toxins by up to 50 percent
of its dry weight. Add a large piece of seaweed, kelp, or one tablespoon of
dulse flakes to a pot of boiling water and let steep for 1/2 hour. Strain and
add to bath water. Soak for 20 minutes
Epsom salts for detox--
magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is absorbed through the skin in a bath, it helps
to draw toxins from the body, reduce swelling and relax muscles. Epsom salts
are named for the mineral rich waters of Epsom, England, where they were known
at least as far back as Shakespeare's day.
Himalayan Salt Detox Bath Recipe--overall detox, relaxation, balance energy, infuse
minerals into body (Himalayan salt contains 84 minerals and trace minerals that
can be absorbed through your skin) and skin softening--2 1/2 pounds Himalayan
Salt Add to bathtub water--soak for 20 minutes--do not shower off salt.
Instead, just pat dry with a towel.
EPSOM SALTS AND GINGER--opens pores, eliminates toxins, helps to eliminate pain. Stir one cup
of Epsom salts and 2 tablespoons of ginger in a cup of water first, then add to
the bath-do not remain in the tub for more than 30 minutes
SALT AND SODA--counteracts
the effects of radiation, whether from X-rays, cancer treatment radiation,
fallout from the atmosphere, or television radiation-1 cup of baking soda and 1
to 2 cups of ordinary coarse salt (or Epsom salts or sea salt) to a tub of
water-soak for 20 minutes
EPSOM SALTS, SEA SALT, AND SESAME OIL--helps with dry skin and stress. Take 1 cup of Epsom
salt, 1 cup of sea salt and 1 cup of sesame oil and put into a warm to hot tub
of water and soak for 20 minutes--at yourself dry.
VINEGAR BATH--used
when the body is too acidic to restoring the acid-alkaline balance--1 cup to 2
quarts of 100% apple cider vinegar to a bathtub of warm water--soak 40 to 45
minutes—eliminates excess uric acid in the body and especially for the joints,
arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and gout.
Feet have been recognized as healing focal points as long
ago Chinese healers began defining reflexology points in the foot. The
acupressure points located on the feet are considered energy channels that
connect to the rest of the body and major organs. As the hot water and
ingredients in the footbath stimulate these organs, they release toxins and
metals through these body channels to the feet and then out of the body. Foot
detoxing benefits your internal organs, as well as the lymph, circulatory and
respiratory systems.
If your choice is the footbath follow the same
procedure, first soak your feet in hot water and then rinse the in cool water. For
footbaths; soak feet until water begins to feel tepid, then dry off the feet
and put on socks. Check with your physician if you have high blood pressure,
heart or kidney problems, are diabetic, are pregnant/breast feeding, have a pacemaker, or transplant before starting a detox
bath to see if it is right for you.
An effective detox footbath recipe can be made in
your kitchen. Mix together 1 cup of sea salt, 1 cup of Epsom salt, and 2 cups
of baking soda. Mix together well and store this bath mixture in an airtight
container. When you are ready for your detox bath use a square basin,
designated only for soaking your feet, or fill bathtub until the water covers
your ankles. Make the water as hot as you can comfortably stand it and while
filling the basin add 1/4 cup of the detox mixture. Find a relaxing place to
sit, and sit with your feet in the water for 30 minutes. The hot water and
salts combination works to leach toxins from your system and draws the toxins
to the reflexology channels and out of the feet.
Foot
baths recipes:
A. 1 TBSP of Mustard Powder and 1 TSP of Cayenne Powder (raises core
body temp); B. 1/2 cup of Epsom and 1/2 cup of Sea salt for every 60 pounds of body
weight; C. 1/2
cup of Epsom and 1 cup of Hydrogen Peroxide w/1 TBsp of Baking Soda; D. 2 Tbsp of Ginger (helps to open pores and aids in the detox);
E. 1-2 Tbsp of an essential
oil (if you have dry skin); F. 2-3 cups of 100% apple cider vinegar if your body is too acidic.
After you remove your feet from your bath, brush them
with a natural fiber brush to remove any toxins and dead skin, and then rinse
with warm water. For softening use organic lotions and avoid lotions with
additives as feet quickly absorb what is
on them.
Tea Detox--combine one cup of Epsom salts with one
unopened peppermint tea bag, and one unopened chamomile tea bag, placing all
items in a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for thirty minutes.
Honey Foot Bath--use honey, liquid soap, vanilla extract and sweet almond oil. Mix
together about 1 tablespoon each of the honey and liquid soap, combine with one
teaspoon of the vanilla extract, and two tablespoons of the sweet almond oil,
pour into foot bath with enough warm water to cover feet and soak for twenty
minutes. Honey is antibacterial, antioxidant, and a wonderful, natural
moisturizer.
http://www.guidetobodycleansing.com/
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4778828_recipe-homemade-detox-foot-bath.html
http://www.best-detox-diets.com/bath-detox.html
http://www.mdjunction.com/
http://www.alternativehealth.co.nz/cancer/bath.htm
