Detox Skin and Lymph Cleanse

It is believed we excrete over a pound of waste through our skin every day.  And when we are full of toxins, our lymphatic systems get clogged.

Exfoliating the skin two or three days per week helps stimulate blood and lymph flow to encourage new cell growth.  Ideal exfoliation methods for detoxifying include dry body brushing and / or the use of a salt scrub.

A couple of weekly bath detox treatments in dead sea mineral bath salts are also recommended to heal and sooth.  These salts help extract toxins and impurities from the body and are also beneficial when convalescing from illness.

Exfoliation Method I: Dry Body Brushing

Dry body brushing is ideal for getting the lymphatic system moving.  It works well if done first thing in the morning because the increased blood flow can help awaken and energize. 

Body brushing is performed on dry skin with a body brush with natural bristles.  All movements are performed in an upward direction towards the heart.  Use 7 long, light strokes per for each area listed below and be G-E-N-T-L-E.  If your skin gets red, you are being too aggressive!

Start at the feet and continue upwards, covering each of the following areas separately:

lower legs (front and back),
thighs (front and back),
groin / tummy (both sides),
fanny (both sides),
lower arms (front and back),
upper arms (front and back),
under arms (both sides)

Exfoliation Method II: Salt Scrub

The following recipe is for a detox salt scrub for use in the shower.  In the order listed below, add the following ingredients in a 4 oz jar:

7 drops of essential oil* (see list for recommended essential oils for detox),
1/4 cup of dead sea mineral salts,
2 oz sweet almond oil

After washing, gently rub your scrub (about 1-2 tablespoons) in a circular motion all over your body, excluding face and sensitive areas.  Leave on for 5 minutes and rinse well.  Caution: Do not shave before using scrub and be careful not to slip and fall!  Also, do not perform dry body brushing the same day as a salt scrub because you may irritate your skin.

Dead Sea Mineral Salts Bath:

The recipe below is for detoxifying bath salts.  The salts help emulsify the essential oils and are very nourishing to the skin.

One cup of dead sea mineral salts,
7 drops essential oil* (see list for recommended essential oils for detox)

Run bath water, add salts when tub is almost full and mix in well.  Soak for 15 minutes.

*Essential Oils for Detox:

Dr. Daniel Penoel is a medical doctor and world renowned aromatherapist in France who incorporates essential oils (EO) into his medical practice.  He uses EO’s as an adjunct for healing the body

and mind, as well as for overall health maintainence.  He is also a teacher and author of several books on aromatherapy.  He has done a tremendous amount of research and testing with two gentle,

but powerful, essential oils called Kunzea and Fragonia.  Dr. Penoel encourages using these 2 EO’s together, as he believes they work together to heal the body and mind synergistically.

1)  Kunzea is an essential oil distilled from the leaves a small prolific bush in Australia and was discovered in the 1990’s.  The oil properties are as follows:

- helps with joint and / or muscle inflammation
- kills yeast and e-coli
- aids with skin conditions, including eczema and dermatitis
- helps with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and addictive behaviors
- has a male dominance to it (e.g., provides strengthening)
- increases the power of other essential oils
- can be safely used neat (no emulsifiers required)
- helps relieve respiratory ailments

2)  Fragonia comes from a specific bushy tree species grown in Southwestern Australia called the agonis fragrons.  This essential oil has only been around since 2005, but seems to exhibit very deep healing properties, as follows:

- uplifts and energizes
- clears blocked emotions
- aids female hormonal balance
- helps with OCD & addictive behaviors, such as uncontrollable crying, food cravings and overeating  (WOW…this sounds like an essential oil created just for me!;-))
- has a female dominance to it (e.g., provides sensitivity)
- beneficial for wound healing
- helps with physical and emotional healing

3)  Grapefruit essential oil properties:

- helps with mold and fungus
- good for cellulite
- helps to balance fluid in body
- lymph system detox
- liver and gall bladder stimulant

4)  Palmarosa essential oil properties:

- helps detox at a cellular level
- eases fatigue, nervous exhaustion, stress-related problems
- helpful during convalescence
- cools the body
- aids digestive system
- helps clear intestinal infection and digestive troubles
- relieves sore, stiff muscles

5)  Cypress essential oil properties:

- diuretic
- increases circulation
- helps with varicose veins
- helps with hemorroids
- tightens
- helps with excessive sweating
- lymphatic decongestant
- pancreas and liver tonic

As you perform these detox methods for cleansing the skin and lymphatic system, aim to drink about half your body weight in water and be sure to get in some exercise.  The lymphatic system has a pumping action, so it is important to keep it moving so it can receive nutrients.  Exercise increases lymph flow, which tones your glandular system, removes waste and keeps lymph fluid moving.

BTW, if you experience facial breakouts during your detox, a clay mask will help dry up the breakouts and extract the impurities excreted through your skin.  You are well on your way to looking and feeling healthier, happier and glowing!

Next detox topic will review a healthy cleansing process for the liver and gallbladder.