Liz Seal Holistic Massage
The New Year is a time when many of us think about beginning a new routine for looking after ourselves, whether a resolution to eat more healthily or get fitter, the excesses of the holiday season are behind us and we start to look to the future.
Detoxing is a buzz word which many of us may have come across, with the best of intentions to improve our health and well being, but what is the right way to go about this? Toxins are potentially harmful or poisonous materials that can create local or systemic adverse reactions. Exposure to these toxins can be either a single high dose or long term exposure, the net effect being the body's natural detoxifying systems being overwhelmed.
The systems of the body involved in eliminating toxins include 
the lungs, digestion, kidneys, liver and the skin. By reducing the intake of possibly harmful food and drink and by increasing our intake of fluid, we may be able to promote a 'fast cleanse'. Any sudden changes may induce headaches, fatigue or gastro-intestinal upset. Anyone who has been a coffee drinker, who cuts out caffeine can testify to this effect.
Detoxification can be broadly associated with positive outcomes, elimination, cleansing and purification. When managed carefully, the side effects of withdrawal from the toxins which our bodies are used to, can be reduced and become more manageable.
Our bodies continuously remove toxins through the digestive system, urinary, circulatory, respiritory and lymphatic systems, but when challenged or overloaded, we may need support or to enhance these inbuilt mechanisms.
There are a number of ways to encourage and support our organs in the detox process-
Drinking more water (preferably filtered) or herbal/fruit teas to cleanse the kidneys;
Avoiding alcohol and fatty foods promotes healthy liver function;
Regular exercise for example walking, swimming etc, dry body brushing or using salt skin scrubs can improve lymphatic flow removing stagnant toxins from the muscles, improving the skin and encouraging better circulation.
Can essential oils help? Quite simply, Yes! By stimulating the body's systems, in conjunction with the steps suggested above, the detoxing organs can be supported and encouraged to work more effectively. Oils can be incorporated into a massage routine, stimulating the circulation and lymphatic system, or added to a salt/sugar scrub followed by a relaxing bath or invigorating shower. Oils can also be used to cleanse the air, supporting our respiritory system, either with a diffuser, or on a cotton wool pad to inhale.
Relaxation is an important element in reducing emotional toxicity, by relieving stress and promoting a good sleep pattern our bodies are more able to cleanse and detox without more dramatic measures. Take time for yourself this year and get into the habit of spending time in relaxation?