Ready for a fresh start? Now that the new year is well and truly under way, it’s time to get refreshed and rejuvenated. Why not try these detoxes with a difference?


DRY SKIN BRUSHING

Although often overlooked, our skin can be a powerful detox tool. “The skin is the largest organ of elimination in the human body, thus it holds on to toxins, ” explains Endeavour College of Natural Health lecturer Bronwyn Spencer.

A skin body brush can be purchased from The Body Shop or your local health food store for $20 to $30. Brush your skin with the dry brush daily before you shower.

“Brush towards the heart and upwards from hands to shoulder, foot to waist and circular clockwise motions on the stomach, hands and feet, ” Ms Spencer says. “This will encourage the lymphatic system to drain the toxins from the blood and send healthy blood back to the heart.”

Do not use skin brushing if you suffer from dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema.


IONIC FOOT SPAS

While Ms Spencer says ionic foot therapy has no scientific grounding, she says experiencing this treatment is the proof for most people.

An ionic foot spa produces negative and positive ions. Filtered water is added to the spa and your feet are soaked in the water for around 30 minutes.

“The colour of the water at the end of the process depends on the organ clearance, ” Ms Spencer says. “The manufacturers of these machines will sometimes have conflicting information. Black/brown or black water can mean clearance of the liver. Orange water would be clearing from the joints/muscles. Black flecks could be heavy metal elimination.”

Treatments range from $55 to $80. Ms Spencer recommends six treatments for a detox.


ACUPUNCTURE

Danielle O’Reilly, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner with The Healing Point, says acupuncture is a perfect option for a post-festive detox.

A first-time consultation includes 40 minutes with a practitioner who will ask questions about your digestion, energy and stress levels.

You’ll then move to the acupuncture table where fine needles will be inserted into key points on your skin. Needles are in the skin for approximately 15 minutes per side. All up this takes about 40 minutes.

Expect to pay $90-100 for an initial consultation and around $80 for subsequent sessions.


TRANSDERMAL MAGNESIUM THERAPY

Ms Spencer says magnesium is required as a co-actor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body.

“It’s responsible for muscle and nerve transmission, helps promote restful sleep and concentration, ” she says. “One way of gaining lost magnesium is by having a foot spa or bath with Epsom salts, which is otherwise just magnesium sulphate and is absorbed through your skin.”

Ms Spencer warns this is not suitable if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or are diabetic. Seek medical advice before taking a program.

Detox Tip

During your detox eat whole fresh foods, drink filtered water, get plenty of rest and sleep and engage in gentle exercise.

Salt Bath

•1 cup sea salt

•2 cups baking soda

•1 cup Epsom salts

•1-2 tbsp glycerine

Mix together all salts (store in an airtight container). Fill the bath with hot water, add 1/4 cup of the combined salts and then add glycerine to the bathwater.

 

© The West Australian

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