DETOXIFY
11 January 2012 at 04:31

By Dr. Tony Vendryes



THE NEW year offers us the opportunity to clean up our bodies. A great way to start the year is to give your system a cleansing in the month of January.

We live in a toxic world. The food we eat, the water we drink and bathe in, the air we breathe and the substances we apply to our skin and hair each day are all potential sources of harmful chemicals generally referred to as toxins. In addition, our body's own metabolism naturally produces wastes that may also be toxic if not effectively eliminated.

These toxic substances can build up in the body, recirculate in the bloodstream or get stored in the liver, body fat or in other areas. Although the body has its own built-in cleansing systems, these may become overwhelmed by our increased exposure to environmental toxins. There are several programmes geared toward assisting the body in removing these toxic chemicals and there are various body systems that these cleansing programmes focus on.

These include the colon, bloodstream, liver, gallbladder, skin, lymphaticsystem, lungs and kidneys. Here are some simple cleansing techniques for the skin and lymphatic system that you can do for yourself.



Skin cleanse

The skin is the largest organ in the body and plays a major role in cleansing. The skin both breathes and sweats and in so doing, releases toxins from the body. If the skin does not eliminate efficiently, a backlog of impurities will accumulate and a skin cleanse helps to remove these wastes.



Air and sun baths

In addition to regular bathing, exposing the skin to fresh air and sunshine can be very helpful in increasing the skin's ability to eliminate toxins.

This should be done in a bathing suit or in minimal clothing to expose a large area of skin. Twenty to thirty minutes in the morning or afternoon sun each day is great for an air/sun bath. Do not use sunblock, drink lots of water and avoid the very hot hours.



Skin brushing

Skin brushing with a natural bristle brush or loofa is a very good way to promote elimination of wastes from the skin and to improve the overall health of the skin. Brush all parts of your body except the sensitive areas, starting at the periphery and moving to the centre of the body. This can be done while sunbathing and before showering.



Detox bath

A very simple cleansing bath can be performed as follows: Fill the bathtub with hot, unchlorinated water. If no unchlorinated water is available, add two tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (three per cent) to the bathwater.

Add two cups of baking soda to neutralise the acidic toxins and two cups of Epsom salts to help draw toxins out of the body. Soak in the tub for half hour and drink a lot of hot green tea while in the bath. The now popular foot-detox bath is also a useful technique.



Sauna Cleanse

The use of a sauna can be a powerful tool for detoxification. I particularly recommend an infrared sauna, which is easier to tolerate while providing a more effective cleanse than ordinary saunas.

The temperature should be high enough to work up a good sweat in 10 to 15 minutes, but low enough that you can stay in there for 30 to 40 minutes. You may need to experiment with the temperature adjustments and drink lots of water. Take a shower using natural soap after the sauna.



Ocean- or mineral- bath cleanse

This cleanse can be done if you have access to a sauna near the ocean or a mineral bath. Bathe in the ocean or mineral bath for five to 10 minutes. Then sit in the sauna until you sweat (10 to 15 minutes). Repeat the process two or three times and then shower with fresh water. If a sauna is not available, you may sit in the sunshine instead.



Lymphatic-system cleanse

The lymphatic system is an important part of the body's circulation that transports nourishment to the cells while removing wastes. The lymph vessels deliver the lymphatic fluid to the lymph nodes where toxins are neutralised and germs destroyed. Lymph cleanses are particularly recommended during or after acute illnesses or after an extended period of inactivity.

Because deep breathing and movement helps keep the lymphatic fluid moving, regular exercise is an excellent way to keep the lymphatic system from stagnating. Exercising on a trampoline, a technique called rebounding is a particularly effective way to stimulate the lymphatic circulation. Deep-breathing exercises (e.g. yoga breathing techniques) are powerful tools in keeping the lymphatic fluid moving.

A whole-body massage is another great way to revive a stagnant lymphatic system. A special massage technique called lymphatic drainage is particularly effective.



Individuals with severe toxicity may require an experienced practitioner to supervise a deeper cleanse involving colon hydrotherapy, liver detox and blood purification. It is important to balance these treatments with a good nutritional programme and adequate digestive support. I recommend the cellular-nutrition programme, with a patented aloe vera drink and probiotic tablets



While a thorough cleansing can be extremely healing, it is of little use if the individual continues to pollute his/her body with a poor diet, alcohol, tobacco and other legal and illegal drugs. A healthy lifestyle is the most basic way to detox.

You may email Dr Tony Vendryes at tonyvendryes@gmail.com or listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on POWER 106FM on Fridays at 8 p.m. His new book 'An Ounce of Prevention, Especially for Women' is available locally and on the Internet