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Detox Bath

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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Epsom Salt
  • 2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 cup Bentonite Clay (if its the powdered form & about 2 cups if its the liquid form as seen in photo)
  • Warm water

Directions:

  • Stay in bath for 25-40 minutes (25-30 minutes for first timers until your body adjusts)
  • Have a water bottle next to you to stay hydrated. (Epsom salt pulls water out of body)
  • Submerge your whole body up to your chin for the most benefits.
  • Take before bed-makes you tired.
  • Shower after
  • Take 1- 2x a week or more once your body adjusts.

*Do not stay in this bath for more than 40 minutes. I once stayed in for about an hour and became very sick after with sinus infection, sore throat, fever etc that lasted between 24-48 hours. My read on this is that too many toxins were brought to the surface and it was too much for my body to handle.

Benefits

  1. Epsom Salt relieves pain and muscle cramps. It is great for detoxification and also good for after a hard workout. Epsom salt helps to detoxify your body by making you sweat out toxins. Also, you will absorb some of the minerals and trace minerals found in the salt such as magnesium.
  2. Bentonite clay external benefits include: detoxify heavy metals stored in body tissue, acne, aching joints, sprains and strained muscles, relieve symptoms of Herpes 1 & 2, Eczema, Psoriasis, skin rashes, heals cuts and bruises, pulls out infection from a wound or sore and more. Do not use metal with Bentonite Clay because it makes the clay less effective.
  3. Apple Cider Vinegar provides relief for those with joint problems, arthritis and tendonitis. It also is very helpful foexcessive body odor. ACV can naturally help kill fungus and bacteria on the skin. It provides relief for skin problems like eczema, dandruff, dry skin and acne. ACV can also help with UTIs by helping to kill off the yeast or fungus. I like Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

The main drawback to using water to detoxify is that all tap water is contaminated with things such as chlorine, flouride, heavy metals, bacteria etc. Steps you can take to help purify your bath water are:

  • Dechlorinate your bath with a Crystal Bath Ball  Dechlorinator or Vitamin C
    • FYI-the Crystal Bath Ball you have to move around in the tub for 5-8 minutes before bathing. If you are someone that is pressed for time, the Vitamin C might be a better option.
  • Using Bentonite Clay in the bath. Upon contact with fluid, its electrical components change, giving it the ability to absorb toxins. Bentonite is known for its ability to absorb and remove toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals.

-Consider using a dry skin brush before taking bath for added benefits.                                     -My first 20 baths or so were very draining on my body but as my body adjusted, the baths have gotten less draining and I added a little more Epsom salt (about 1/4 of a cup) to get the same effect I had gotten previously.

References:

Jeffrey A. Morrison, M.D.,  2011. Cleanse You Body, Clear Your Mind, New York, New York, The Penguin Group

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Infrared Sauna

 

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Did you know your body does the best job of releasing toxins while sweating at rest?

The sauna is a great way to make use of the excretory organs of the skin to sweat out toxins. In a sauna, your surface body temperature raises to the ambient temperature of the sauna, which causes you to sweat while maintaining a normal core body temperature of 98.6 °F.

Whats the difference between Swedish(Traditional) Sauna and Infrared Sauna?

Swedish Sauna has a temperature range between 160 °F and 200 °F. Do not spend more than 20 minutes in Swedish Sauna or you can overheat due to your core body temperature rising.

Infrared (IR) Sauna has a lower external temperature between 110 ° and 130 °. A heat element that radiates IR spectrum heat, which is thought to penetrate your skin and thus provides more thorough detoxification. Due to this lower temperate, you can stay in longer without overheating. I usually start to sweat past the 40 minute mark.

Benefits include: detoxification, muscle and joint pain relief, helps increase circulation, reduce inflammation, lowers blood pressure, weight loss, skin purification.

Where to find a Sauna?

  • Infrared Sauna:

    • NAO Wellness  in West Village, Manhattan. 30 min – $45 w/friend $60. 60 min- $65 w/ friend $80. Also has membership pricing and package deals.
    • Gravity East Village in East Village, Manhattan. Couples package-$20 per person for 1 hour or $25 for single
    •  Cleansing Concepts in Brooklyn and Long Island. Package deals offered $25 per session
    • Aura Wellness Spa in Koreatown, Manhattan. $50 for 2 hours. You have access to the infrared sauna, a steam room & ice room with other people. This is more of a Spa experience & good for couples.
  • Sauna:
    • Saunas are more common than infrared saunas. Many gyms, hotels and luxury buildings in Manhattan have access to a sauna. I personally have used Equinox at the Columbus Circle & Lexington 63rd Street Locations.

For more, check out my Instagram @dshamptonorganics


References: 

Jeffrey A. Morrison, M.D.,  2011. Cleanse You Body, Clear Your Mind, New York, New York, The Penguin Group