The Importance of Cleansing Within

Holistic and natural health practitioners look at the skin as mirroring a myriad of health problems—a reflection of internal health connected to specific toxic overload within the body. Developing an understanding of toxic overload, resulting skin problems and the importance of cleansing within will help you guide your clients to achieving healthier, more beautiful skin, as well as a renewed overall sense of well-being.

Toxic overload defined

Every moment, individuals are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals in air, water, food, household and laundry products, personal care products, plastics, dry-cleaned clothing, wrinkle- and stain-resistant treated fabrics, synthetic fragrances, food preservatives, additives, flavor enhancers, and medications. They ingest, inhale and absorb these toxins—each one a foreign, unnatural substance that either is metabolized by their organs or stored within the body. Researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed samples of blood and urine from 2,500 men, women and children, and identified dozens of man-made chemicals that were being stored within their bodies—many within the soft and connective tissues.1,2

The body continuously is on autopilot, cleansing and rejuvenating itself without conscious effort. This entire biomechanical process is activated automatically while humans still are in the womb and continues 24–7 from that point on. Unfortunately, because the detoxification processes are invisible, most individuals go about the process of daily living without giving any thought to the accumulated toxins stored within their bodies. When toxins constantly are dumped into the organs of detoxification faster than the organs’ ability to neutralize and cleanse the body effectively, this constant buildup literally prevents the life force from manifesting health, beauty, energy and stamina.

When we add other lifestyle factors, such as dehydration, lack of exercise, excess caffeine, stress, anxiety, lack of dietary fiber, constipation, and insufficient consumption of fresh vegetables and fresh live foods, the body becomes malnourished and toxic, with skin disorders being the end result.

The skin is the body’s largest organ of detoxification. It works to support the body by excreting toxins that are linked to skin disorders—from serious skin problems and acne to signs of premature aging and wrinkles. The skin reflects not just the health of the inner body, but the level of toxic overload as well. (See Internal Causes of Skin Problems.)

Facilitating rejuvenation

Clinical experience has shown that it is just as important to care for the skin from the inside as from the outside—maybe even more so. When the internal toxic load is reduced, clearer, more radiant skin occurs because skin responds on a cellular level. This includes a more youthful appearance, healthier skin, increased energy and stamina, and enhanced mental functions to aid in clear, focused and alert thinking.

The following basic recommendations can assist you in providing your clients with a blueprint on which they can rebuild and rejuvenate their bodies.

  • Supplement your diet daily with vegetable fiber and herbal colon-cleanse tablets taken anytime in the evening. These act as intestinal brushes to remove colonic debris and keep it from recirculating through the liver.
  • Consume half of your body weight in ounces of water daily. Example: a person who weighs 150 lbs. should drink 75 oz. of water per day.
  • Schedule a series of professional colon hydrotherapy sessions and maintenance by a certified therapist—most spas outside the United States offer this service.
  • Support liver function and detoxification by using a homeopathic or herbal supplement, under the guidance of a detoxification professional.
  • Drink 2–4 oz. of fresh, organic wheatgrass juice concentrate daily. The high chlorophyll content assists internal purification, kidney and blood cleansing, and rejuvenation of blood cell integrity.
  • Dry brush the skin one to two times daily, just before showering, to stimulate lymphatic flow for elimination of cell waste.
  • Jump on a trampoline for five to seven minutes one to two times daily, with only your heels bouncing. The toes and the balls of the feet always should remain on the mat. This action stimulates lymphatic flow and overall circulation for nutrient assimilation and debris elimination.
  • Avoid all foods in the “nightshade” plant genus, which scientifically are known to accelerate inflammation that always is present in premature aging. These include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, paprika, peppers (all varieties) and tobacco products. In addition to “fueling the fire of inflammation,” this group of foods is believed to be addictive. Spas can create recipes for gourmet entrées with substitutions and provide cooking classes for its clients. Avoidance of nightshade foods is especially beneficial for clients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, lupus and scleroderma, to mention a few inflammatory conditions.
  • Reduce your consumption of sugars and simple carbohydrates to avoid “feeding” health-depleting organisms within the intestines.
  • Undergo a homeopathic or herbal parasite cleanse every six months for two weeks, under the guidance of a health professional.

The key to health

Education is a powerful tool to build and enhance client relationships. Today, more and more people are interested in the health effects of toxic overload, as well as the importance of internal cleansing for health and beauty. Capitalize on this by providing education as an added benefit of your spa, and consider sponsoring a series of educational events—invite your clients and the general community to attend. Experience has proven that the best results are achieved when people are given specific tools and a program to follow.

When clients follow the basics of internal cleansing, the results from spa treatments will be enhanced. Incorporating basic detoxification and rejuvenation education will ensure that the services your facility provides will shine in the lives of those you serve. Plus, others will want to know your clients’ secret as they continue their quest to defy the outward and inward manifestations of aging, naturally.

REFERENCES

1. Second National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NCEH Pub. No. 02–0716 (2003)

2. T Gouveia-Vigeant, J Tickner, Publication of Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, Dept. of Environmental Health, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA

 

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