Detox

Your Body is Your Temple

Getting Started with DIY Detox

Pollution is something we come across every day. Toxins can be found in the air, water supply and even in the food we eat. Toxin build-up is responsible for many types of medical conditions, although some people try to attribute them to other factors. These factors can harm us in the long run. This is why it pays to give our body the tender loving care it deserves, on a regular basis. This is why detoxifying is a must. Since many of us are unable to afford frequent trips to the spa, we can turn our own home into a day spa instead. Here are a few interesting tips and recipes to help make your DIY Detox Day Spa at Home as effective as possible:

Dry Body Brushing

We have included some easy detox bath recipes to help you along the path to wellness. But before that, please remember to give dry body brushing and self-massage a try, as it improves the efficiency of the lymphatic system and the detoxification process. It also and clears the pores to aid in added absorption of the nourishing ingredients in your Day Spa at Home beauty treatments. You can buy your dry body brush from the bath section of your nearest grocery or convenience store. If they do not have any in stock, you might want to visit establishments that sell spa supplies.

How to Dry Body Brush

It is important body brushing is done on dry skin so brush before your bath or shower, not during or after. For best brushing refer to the image above for guidance in the direction in which you should brush. Using a firm natural bristled brush all over the body in upward strokes in the direction of your heart. Start by brushing the soles of your feet and then upwards over your legs, hips and buttocks. Concentrate on problem areas, such as the hips and thighs or where there is cellulite. Then brush your back and shoulders remembering to brush in the direction of your heart. Next, brush the palms of your hands and then upwards over your arms and shoulders. Use light and gentle brushing strokes to brush in downward strokes over your chest, as your skin is very delicate here. Then finish off by brushing your stomach area in clockwise motions. Try adding a drop of juniper or grapefruit essential oil to your brush, which have diuretic properties to help reduce excess fluid. Dry skin brushing will help improve skin texture and tone. Do it before your bath or shower for about 5 minutes and for maximum benefits, continue body brushing regularly after your Detox Day Spa at Home. For those who are new to dry skin brushing we recommend that you brush daily for 3 months for best results.

Detox Baths

The skin is our largest organ. It plays a vital role in overall health. It readily absorbs the products we slather on it and particles in the air as well. This is why it is best to use organic bath and body products instead of the commercial brands that may contain chemicals harmful to your health in the long run. If you feel sluggish you may want to give a detoxification soak a try before reaching out for that cup of coffee or energy drink. A detox bath will help clear out toxins and give you healthy and radiant looking skin. It can help energize you and calm your tense muscles. A detox bath is an easy way to help your body with its detoxification process. It’s also is a great way to end the day. It’s simple, just add 2 cups of sea salt or Epsom salts to the bath and mix in well with a cup or your hands so that the salts are completely dissolved. You can add five drops of your favorite essential oil to the bath water as well for a truly uplifting experience. Bergamot and Juniper are great choices for this. Sea salt contains minerals which help draw toxins from your body. Epsom salts are well-known for having detoxification properties. Lavender Detox Bath This helps draw out toxins and relaxes the body as well. You will need:

½ cup of Himalayan sea salt
1 cup of Epsom salt
1 cup bentonite clay
1 teaspoon of vitamin C crystals
10 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil

The Himalayan sea salt is chock full of nutrients for your skin. The bentonite clay draws out any heavy metals or toxins. The Epsom salt aids in toxin removal and improves relaxation. The lavender oil eases tension and the vitamin C crystals help block chlorine from entering your body. You may add grapeseed oil as well, as it is a potent antioxidant. Please note that about 10 drops should be fine. Pour all the ingredients into a tub of warm water and relax and soak for half an hour, allowing the healing properties of the detox bath to remove your impurities. Ginger Lemon Cucumber Detox Soak Ginger is known for its ability to battle stomach issues. However, you might not know that it makes a wonderful detox bath as well. Lemons help clear the skin of blemishes and bleaches dark areas, which makes this optimal for people who want even-toned skin. Cucumber targets redness and irritation, which will make this bath a sure hit with people who suffer from eczema or psoriasis. You will need:

1 cup grated ginger 1 lemon (seeds removed and pureed with its skin)
1 large cucumber (sliced)

Enjoy the delectable scent, which will stay on for quite some time. You can stay for as long as you want and your skin will thank you for it. Please note that it also boosts energy levels.

The Importance of Hydration

It is vitally important to keep hydrated to be healthy and vibrant and to ensure that toxins are flushed out of your body. Water helps regulate our body temperature, aids digestion and keeps our skin clear and hydrated. Water also helps in the distribution of nutrients around the body while lubricating our organs, muscles and cartilage. We need to drink about about 8 glasses of water every day for our bodies to function properly, although this amount may vary depending of such factors as size, energy expenditure, the climate in which you live. Coffee, alcohol and soft drinks are not considered part of the daily-recommended water intake, in fact quite the opposite. These beverages actually dehydrate our bodies due to their diuretic effects (increased urine output) resulting in the need for an even higher water intake. Dehydration can negatively impact your physical and mental performance. Without replenishing your water intake, it can lead to headaches, digestive problems, low blood pressure, lower back pain, constipation, premature ageing and more. Remember to avoid drinking large quantities of water with your meal just before your meal, as it may dilute your digestive juices and possibly lead to bloating. If you feel you need to drink water with your meal, just take small sips and wait at last 20 minutes before and after meal to have a whole glass of water.

Detox Water

Pamper your body from within with a healthy dose of goodness. Detox water, juices and smoothies are delicious and help flush out unwanted toxins. Of course the easiest way to make detox water is by adding slices of lemon, or cucumber to your water. Here are a few more ideas that are delicious and easy to make. Weight Loss Apple Cinnamon Detox Water This is a zero calorie water that does not require too much of an effort. It helps boost metabolism and removes unwanted toxins from the body, making it a great addition to your day spa experience. You will need:

1 thinly sliced apple
1 cinnamon stick or 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
1 pitcher of water

This works best if it is left to sit in the refrigerator for one day. It gives the water a stronger and fruitier flavor. You can refill the water up to three times. Flush out the toxins with each delicious sip.

Detox Smoothie

Smoothies are a popular way of detoxing and have become the number one choice for many people as a means of staying nourished and healthy for the long-term. They are easy to make, simple to take in and give you an enormous health boost that you can benefit from for years to come. Energy and Detox Smoothie If you prefer smoothies over detox water, this energy booster is sure to drive the sluggishness away. This is the perfect way to start your day. You will need:

1 handful of almonds (non-salted)
1 large carrot ½ large beet
1 apple handful of fresh blueberries

Blend the almonds, carrot, beet and apple in a powerful blender and serve. You can serve chilled or over ice. Sprinkle the blueberries on top and enjoy. This refreshing smoothie removes unwanted toxins and tastes refreshing as well. It is a perfect way to start the week, or end one. In fact, you can have some every morning instead of your usual cup of caffeine. Our bodies needs extra pampering and detoxing is a great way to improve our health in general. You can try out different detox drinks and soaks to find one that suits you best because the ingredients are inexpensive and readily available.

Inversion Therapy

Good lymphatic drainage may be encouraged by resting with your feet higher than you heart. Lying down this way reverses lymph flow and assists in lymphatic drainage and the removal of toxins. You can do this by placing your buttocks against a wall, gently raising your legs so that they are resting on the wall. Stay in this position for about 10 minutes. Practice this daily, particularly at the end of the day, for maximum benefits. Alternatively, you can invest in an inversion table or practice inverted yoga poses such as head or shoulder stands. See our Youthful Longevity or Yoga pages for more information on inversion therapy.

Supplements to Aid Your Detox

There are so many natural health supplements that may assist you in your detox. Here’s some information on some of our favorites, that are readily available in all health food stores: Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar has been used traditionally to detox and to cleanse the body and has gained a surge in popularity recently. Apple cider vinegar is vitamin, mineral and enzyme rich which makes it great at detoxifying the body. It is also able to assist weight management as it helps in the digestion processes thereby cleansing the digestive system. Enzymes, acids and probiotics found in apple cider vinegar assist in suppressing appetite as well as helping to increase the body’s metabolism thereby helping in weight management. It consists of high levels of pectin which is naturally found in apples and works to increase metabolism. Apple cider vinegar has also been seen to improve the look of skin. Apple cider vinegar can work great as a detox drink due to its alkalinity. It has the ability to counteract excess levels of high acidity within our bodies thereby promoting good health and restoring balance. Choose a brand which is organic and raw like Braggs. Try Apple cider vinegar as a tea, with 1 tablespoon in 200mL hot water and a teaspoon of raw honey. Or use it to make salad dressing by simply adding it to olive oil. You can also add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath water for a detox bath. Chlorella Heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and aluminum can build up in the body over time and eventually reach amounts which can cause damage to sensitive processes. Even in very small amounts, heavy metals can cause many problems. Mercury and lead for example can have very damaging effects on the central nervous system. It is important that these toxins are cleansed and removed from the body. Chlorella has been trialed and tested and has been known to assist in detoxing the body from these harmful chemicals. Chlorella works by binding to these chemicals and neutralizing them so that the body is able to excrete it. It is available in supplement form coming in tablets and powders. Chlorophyll Chlorophyll is the pigment in vegetables that give them their green color; it has recently been demonstrated to promote good health. The property of chlorophyll which allows it to be effective during a detox is its ability to bind to toxic pollutants within the body so that these harmful substances are not absorbed but rather excreted. It also has an antioxidant property, protecting the body’s cells from damage by getting rid of free radicals. Chlorophyll works well as a detox as it is a natural substance and can help give your body a break from toxic and harmful chemicals. Chlorophyll is available in supplement form in a liquid and can be taken on its own with a little water or added to smoothies. Coconut Oil Detoxing with coconut oil is a popular method. Coconut oil contains a lot of natural energy due to its medium chain triglycerides which are able to be metabolized and absorbed by the body faster than other longer chain fats. These medium chain triglycerides also contain fewer calories and are used by the body as an immediate source of energy instead of being stored as fat. This increase in the body’s metabolism and also reducing appetite can show using coconut oil as a means of weight management. Coconut oil is also thought to be great for a detox as it can remove harmful bacteria from the body as well as neutralizing toxins. The best way to take coconut oil for detox benefits is straight off the spoon. Allow it to melt in your mouth and hold it there for a few minutes, swish the melted coconut oil around in your mouth and spit it out. You can then take another teaspoon of coconut oil and swallow. Alternatively, you can mix it in a smoothie if can’t stand the thought of ingesting straight oil. The best time to take coconut oil is 30 minutes before breakfast. If you are not accustomed to taking coconut oil straight (which is solid at room temperature), start by taking 1 teaspoon once to three times per day and gradually increase this to 1-2 tablespoons three times a day 30 minutes before meals. Milk Thistle The liver is a very important and sensitive organ with many roles in keeping the body at optimal health, therefore it is essential that we do what we can to strengthen and to protect the liver. Milk thistle has been used effectively in assisting the detox of the liver and supports good liver health. Milk thistle works by removing toxic and harmful substances which accumulate within the body as well as helping to protect the liver from further damage. It also helps to improve the body’s natural resistance. Milk thistle is great as a way to detox as it is quite gentle on the body and therefore is not associated with harmful and unwanted side effects. Milk thistle is available in health food stores. Ask for a good brand and recommended use. Probiotics Probiotics are live bacteria which assist in digestive health by helping to promote a healthy balance of flora within the digestive tract. These ‘good’ bacteria play an important role in a variety of processes including digestion, relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neutralizing toxic substances, the production of nutrients which aid in digestive tract health, assisting in strengthening the body’s resistance to infections as well as hindering the excessive growth of ‘bad’ bacteria. Taking probiotics in order to detox the body could prove beneficial as it restores balance within the digestive system and assists in the body’s metabolism. Studies have also shown that probiotics can assist in cleansing the body of heavy metals and free radicals thereby increasing the overall health of the digestive system. There are two main groups of probiotics termed Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus is the most common type of bacteria and can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir. This bacteria is used in helping to ease diarrhea as well as for assisting in general digestion issues. Bifidobacterium produce lactic acid as well as vitamins and antibacterial substances, increasing the health of the digestive and immune systems. Bifidobacterium can also produce acetic acid which assists in reducing the growth of mold and yeast. Overall, probiotics are great for a detox as they work to cleanse the digestive tract of toxins and restore balance. Good sources of probiotics are fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchee. Probiotics are also available in supplement form.

Mental Detox

Much ink has been spilled about the importance of a physical detox. While purging all of the harmful toxins that have collected within the body is crucial to long term health, it is not nearly as pivotal as purging the mental toxins. In order to get the absolute most out of your Day Spa at Home experience, you must first clear out all of your mental clutter. Removing the clutter from your mind starts with removing the clutter from your living space. The more clutter and junk that you allow yourself to accumulate, the harder it can become to let it go at the appropriate time. By finally taking the time to get rid of your physical clutter, you are further equipped to tackle the task of handling your mental clutter.

Switch off the TV or any other source from which you are hearing bad news. Constantly hearing bad news puts you into a negative state with negative thinking patterns. Instead, read inspirational and motivational articles, books and biographies. Subscribe to daily positive and motivational emails. Monitor your thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts say “STOP” and think of something wonderful instead. Controlling your thoughts this way is so powerful and can encourage very positive changes in your mood, your relationships, your work and your life.

Focus on what you are grateful for. Start a gratitude journal and write down the 5 things you are grateful for every morning or night. Take notice of your self-talk. Do you speak to yourself with kindness, compassion and love or do you beat yourself up with put-downs and criticism? Write down some constructive and loving affirmations and recite these to yourself as you look yourself in the eye in the mirror. Speak to yourself with love and kindness. Tell yourself you love you. Begin a ritual of doing this every day for at least 5 minutes in the morning. It may seem silly at first, maybe even fake. But continue to do this until it seems less and less fake and until you actually believe it.

Meditation is one of the best forms of mental detox. Meditation does not require the purchase of any fancy equipment or a membership to a club, it can be done in the space that you already have and can slot easily into your busy schedule. There are many guided meditations available free on the internet and YouTube. Even if you only have fifteen minutes to spare each day, meditation can still deliver the desired results. See our Meditation page for more information. Your mind is a powerful tool, it simply needs to be taken care of in the correct manner. Meditation gives us the chance to work through underlying emotions and traumas and a long stretch of silence can often be just what the doctor ordered. Thoughts that were once dormant inside of your mind and merely taking up space can now be accessed, processed and removed, increasing your mental space and your mental state.

Another way to remove unwanted thoughts from your head space is to participate in a regular exercise program. We are all aware of the fact that exercise provides us with a tremendous boost to our overall energy level. But what the majority of people do not realize is that exercise is also a great aid to our thinking processes. A person who exercises on a consistent basis will experience heightened levels of serotonin within the brain. Serotonin is a natural chemical, one that is released inside of the brain when a person’s fitness level increases. Those who are in search of increased mental clarity would do well to exercise and provide themselves with a much needed serotonin boost. See our Fitness or Yoga pages for more information.

By removing mental and physical clutter and placing yourself on a regular meditation/exercise regimen, you greatly increase the effectiveness of a Day Spa at Home treatment. Not only is your physical wellbeing immensely important, but so is your state of mind. Don’t neglect your cluttered mind and be sure to take the right steps towards eliminating negative thought processes.

More on Detox

Our skin needs extra pampering to improve our health in general. You can try out different detox juices and soaks to find one that suits you best because the ingredients are inexpensive and readily available. Check out our free eBook with 20 great recipes for a healthy Detox which is our gift to you when you subscribe to our newsletter. Ensure that you consume a clean and healthy diet as part of your normal routine to reduce your exposure to dietary toxins. Our Nutrition pages have lots of information to help you develop a healthy eating plan for yourself. Keep your body in fighting form and free from unwanted elements with a regular detox session without having to spend a fortune. Please note that pregnant or lactating women should avoid this routine. Therefore, if you fall into either category, it would be best to ask your doctor for a go signal before resuming or starting your home detox routine.