Spring Cleaning: Detoxing the Body- Gently!

2010-04-27T10:13:00.001-07:00

Spring cleaning is not just for our homes, garages, and yards. It is important to help our bodies cleanse from the inside. There are many simple ways of achieving this without a lot of discomfort. As I stress in my practice, prevention is the best defense, so try to incorporate habits that promote cleansing on a regular basis.

Part 1 - Water

Water is crucial to our body's self-cleansing system. It is essential to life itself. The only nutrient more important to the body is oxygen.

Drink Enough Water

Be sure you are drinking enough pure water, to help flush (pun intended) toxins from the body. An easy formula is to divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces per day. If you are on a specific cleansing program, increase the amount per day by at least 20%. Avoid municipal water as much as possible. It contains aluminum (linked to Alzheimer's disease), and chlorine, which inhibits thyroid function. Adding a drop ofYoung Living Lemon, Peppermint or Spearmint Essential Oil will purify a glass of city water. Putting the oil in first whenever possible will help disperse it through the water.

Health Baths

Another way water helps us to detox is by taking frequent Health Baths. The warm water opens your pores and the "chemistry mix" speeds up the release of waste and toxins from the body. "Skin brushing" with a dry, soft brush prior to bathing also helps clear toxins from the skin.

· As the tub is filling, add one cup each of baking soda and sea salt, swishing to dissolve.

· Add 2-3 drops of your favorite Young Living Essential Oil to the salt/soda mixture first if you wish.

· Relax and soak for at least 20 minutes. Then rinse off in the shower to remove any residue.

These are great at bedtime to help you relax and sleep well, especially with the addition of 2-3 drops of Young LivingLavender or Peace and Calming essential oils.

Steam rooms and saunas are also beneficial to help flush toxins out through the skin.

Colonics

For those of you who are willing, colonics can be quite beneficial for cleansing and can help a variety of conditions. (OK, not my favorite pastime either but I have to admit it is not as bad as you think.)

(Part Two will be "Diet Tips")

Joyce Phelps Stephens

Spring Cleaning: Detoxing the Body- Gently!