The body has natural healing abilities with numerous mechanisms that work hard to help you detoxify and rid the body of harmful substances, but over time these systems can become overwhelmed and sluggish.
You can help your body detox through a cleanse!
Learn how to safely cleanse the body for better health during my Cleansing Blog Series. Steps 1-3 are in How To Facilitate Optimal Body Detoxification and steps 4-6 are in What Are the Benefits Of A Cleanse?
Today I will be going through 3 more steps to get your body into a state of cleanse and detox.
Step 7: Dry Brushing
Are you familiar with dry brushing? It’s a simple process that kicks your cleanse into overdrive and can really increase your chances of a successful cleanse.
Dry body brushing helps stimulate the lymphatic system by aiding the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. Pay close attention to the inner thighs and armpits, which house the greatest number of lymph nodes.
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in elimination, helping to move toxins through the body.
First, you’ll want to select a brush with natural bristles and a long handle for hard-to-reach places. Remember to brush towards the heart, which is in the same flow as the lymphatic system.
Try starting at the feet, using smooth strokes up the legs. Repeat the same process with the arms, starting with the palms of the hands and brushing up the arm toward the heart. On the stomach and armpits, brush in a circular clockwise motion.
Aim for 10 strokes on each part of the body.
Step 8: Move!
Regular exercise is a must for any healthy lifestyle. Preventing weight gain, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or depression are just some of the benefits.
Physical activity rewards you by slowing down the effects of aging, increasing energy levels, reducing fatigue, and giving you a lean, toned look.
During your cleanse, you still want to move your body but in a different way. Because you will not be eating like you normally do and maybe cutting back on a few things during a cleanse, you'll want to honor your body by participating in less vigorous physical activity. This includes walking and low-intensity activities such as yoga and tai chi.
For inspiration, check out this cleansing yoga flow:
Step 9: Be Aware Of Your Body
If you haven't already done so, start tracking how your body feels throughout the cleanse.
Consider how you were feeling prior to the cleanse. What has changed? Are you feeling more energetic? Has digestive upset subsided?
Whatever you are experiencing, take note.
I know when I go through a cleanse cycle if I'm experiencing bloat for some reason that subsides in a few days. I feel more like myself and without the feeling of bloat, I feel more energized.
Remember, a cleanse is a cycle. It is not something to do forever or for weeks at a time. They should only be 3-7 days long. And a cleanse is not all about only drinking smoothies, you're body has to have calories and nutrients. Don't deprive yourself. Go back to my other posts and see what you can eat and what you need to take a break from.
A cleanse is about giving your body a break from certain things that are either toxic to your digestive system or things that your digestive system has a hard time breaking down. Your digestive system sometimes needs a break and that is what a cleanse is good for.