Kick Pain To The Curb Through Detoxification

February 28, 2017

Hilde Larsen,

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When we are in pain, we are blessed with sensing the body’s unique language. It is speaking to us, telling us something needs to be done. It needs to heal. By not listening and masking our pain instead, we only dig a deeper hole of potential misery. Pain is my friend; through pain, I am able to connect intimately with what is going on in my physical and emotional bodies. When I team up with my body, we grow closer and I find solutions as I listen and change.

Much pain is rooted in acid imbalance in the body with the cells not being able to properly eliminate and regenerate. Cleansing the body through detoxification allows pain to be carried out with the waste. While this process requires discipline and diligence, nothing feels as good as feeling good!

Try these tips that work in harmony with your body to detoxify and ease many varieties of pain.

Sauna

The skin is the largest organ of elimination in the body and acts like a third kidney, so it is crucial for your skin to be healthy. When we are pulling on the lymphatic system through detoxification, releasing toxins and acids into our lymphatic system, we need some highly functioning kidneys to filter out that extra waste. When the kidneys are not up for the task, the waste will show up as rashes and boils. Sitting in a sauna can be a great asset to skin detoxification, but limit the time or temperature, as heat is acidic in nature and may not be the best thing for a body already running low on adrenal energy. Any type of sauna will do, as long as it is making you sweat, but the far infrared (FIR) sauna is my favorite. Far infrared saunas emit energy waves that can penetrate all layers of the body including tissue, muscles and bone. The rays are used to heal, detoxify and relax the body. The sun, our bodies, and particularly our hands, all emit far infrared energy at all times. The FIR sauna operates on low temperatures and is more gentle to the body than a regular sauna.

Skin Brushing

Skin brushing is just as simple as it sounds, but don`t let that fool you. An ancient practice for beautiful, glowing skin, skin brushing is also called dry brushing, as the brush is dry and so is the skin. Depending upon your preference, use a soft or firm natural bristle brush with a long handle that will allow you to be able to reach your back. You can find natural bristle brushes in any health food store. An energizing part of any morning routine that is best done right before a shower or bath, skin brushing takes no more than 5-10 minutes once you get the hang of it. The benefits are many:

Exfoliating your skin will allow old, dead skin to loosen and be removed, giving the new skin cells fresh air and light. Your skin will look and feel firm and fresh with regular brushing.
Stimulating the lymphatic system is important for detoxification. By brushing the skin with natural bristles, you will assist in improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Skin brushing increases circulation and energy, and rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings. Pain sufferers often report that any sensation different than pain is a relief from pain.

How to skin brush:

Always start with your feet. Brush upwards towards your hips and use gentle but firm strokes. Do one leg at the time, from under your feet, upwards towards the heart to get the lymph flowing upwards in its natural direction, brushing each section about ten times.
Do the arms in the same way as the legs. Brush towards the armpit with firm strokes, each section about ten times.
Brush the abdomen from the right side to the left, which is the natural flow of the intestines. Gently massage the colon.
Brush downward over the top of the chest, making sure to work on the large concentration of lymph nodes around the armpits. Keep doing each section of the body about ten times.
Brush from the neck down to the lower back.
Finish around the neck. Avoid the face, as the skin is very sensitive. You can use a soft cloth to gently rub your face.
In general, brush from the extremities towards the core. Be gentle and mind any sensitive areas.

Epsom Salt Bath

An Epsom salt bath can easily become your best friend when relieving pain. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) gets its name from a bitter saline spring located at Epsom in Surrey, England. It is unknown exactly how Epsom salt soaks relieve pain, other than that they have been a traditional healing remedy for generations, with millions of satisfied users testifying to their success. Since neither magnesium nor sulfate can readily be absorbed through the skin, researchers have speculated on whether it might be inhaled through the salt water vapor of the hot bath or absorbed through mucus membranes or other as yet undetected mechanisms. Perhaps it is the well-known absorption qualities of salt that provide the expectation of healing, which fuels Epsom salt’s phenomenal healing reputation, for it is said that there is nothing that a long cry, a good sweat, or a dip in the ocean cannot heal.

When you are in pain or feeling overloaded, an Epsom salt bath can do wonders. It will relax the whole body and stimulate the lymph system to aid in detoxification. Essential oils add calming and healing benefits.

Fill the bathtub with warm water and add:
2 cups of Epsom salt
6 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops lavender essential oil
Spend about 45 minutes in the bath, or until you feel you are done, and then shower. Repeat as needed. This is a great evening wind down practice.

Castor Oil Pack

Castor oil comes from the castor seed, which is extremely high in ricinoleic acid. This is the active ingredient that holds the benefit of this amazing oil. The castor seed itself can be toxic, so do not ingest this oil. The practice of applying castor oil packs is mentioned in texts from ancient India and China. In more modern times, the “sleeping prophet” Edgar Cayce, revived the castor oil pack’s popularity by frequently recommending it as a cure in his channeled health readings.

A castor oil pack is simply a cloth soaked in the oil and applied to a specific area of the body. It can be laid over your liver to enhance the liver’s detoxifying abilities, over your abdomen to relieve gastric or menstrual cramps, or placed over an injury to relieve inflammation. Most often heat is used to let the oil penetrate easily into the skin and tissue. Castor oil packs are used to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, and to stimulate lymph flow. Avoid castor oil packs during pregnancy.

How to make and use a castor oil pack:

You will need: organic castor oil, a piece of wool, flannel or unbleached cotton cloth large enough to cover the affected area, a hot water bottle, a large plastic bag or piece of plastic, a glass jar with lid large enough to hold your cloth, a towel and a washcloth handy, and the time and space to lie down comfortably for about 1 hour.

Soak your cloth in castor oil in the glass jar.
Put the soaked cloth in a pot to warm up on the stove or warm the jar directly in the oven. Avoid microwaving. Make sure the cloth is warm and not hot, as it will be going directly on your skin.
Put a towel on the surface you will be laying on to catch any oil drips.
Fill your hot water bottle with hot water.
Lie down and place your soaked cloth over the desired body part. Cover the cloth with plastic. Place the hot water bottle on top of the pack and cover yourself with towels and blankets to stay warm.
Relax in place for about an hour, with feet elevated if possible. Shorter sessions are also fine if that’s more fitting for you. Breathe, meditate, and visualize your body healing and regenerating.
Remove the pack and wash off the leftover oil on your skin.

The pack can be stored in the glass jar in the refrigerator and re-used several times, as it is recommended to do a treatment course of at least three to four consecutive days. Just add more castor oil each time. Using the pack in the evening allows you to be able to rest afterwards. It is also great to put castor oil on your skin before going into the sauna.

Hot/Cold Therapy

Alternating applications of hot and cold temperatures has been used for centuries to aid in detoxification and increasing circulation in the body. When we subject the body to very cold temperatures, it will direct its flow of circulation inwards, towards the vital organs. Once we change to hot, the flow of circulation turns outwards, towards the skin. This alternating inwards and outwards motion helps release blockages and increase blood flow, nutrients, oxygen and the whole process of detoxification. The hot and cold also causes the muscles to expand and contract, wringing more waste from the muscles themselves. This healthy circulation booster is a great way to start the day.

How to do a hot and cold shower therapy:

Get in the shower and start with the temperature that is most comfortable for you.
Very slowly increase the temperature of the water. Let it get as hot as you can tolerate. Make sure you invite your whole body to the party.
When you reach your absolute tolerance of heat turn the water down to as cold as cold as you can get it. It can never get too cold. Again, your whole body has to go in.
Slowly turn the water hot again, trying to make it a little hotter than the last time. You should not be scalding yourself, but a good dose of hot water is very tolerable when you build up slowly.
Go back to the cold again, even colder than last time, and repeat seven times alternating between the hottest you can do and the coldest you can do.

Deep Breathing And Rest

No matter the symptom or crisis, breathing deeply from the diaphragm will be of great benefit. From opening blockages and obstructions in the energetic field, to bringing more oxygen to the tissues, deep breathing will soothe and provide relief. The stress that follows any type of discomfort, especially fear, will be lessened with deep breathing, which helps of return to center, relax and restore.

Going to bed by 10pm will ensure the highest amount of quality sleep as the period between 10pm and 2am is said to be the optimal time to sleep. During these hours the adrenals function best in recharging the body, the gallbladder is dumping bile and hormones are being regulated. Try it and see how you feel.

The Neti Pot

The term neti pot derives from an ancient Yogic technique of sinus rinsing called jala neti, where salt water is poured into one nostril and leaves through the other. This technique not only clears the nasal passages but also contributes to the drainage of toxins from the whole head. You can flush your sinuses any time of the day, and many times each day, also. It is great for relieving head pressure and any blockages in the nose or ear.

How to use your neti pot:

Standing over a sink, fill your neti pot with a saline solution of about 1 teaspoon of sea salt to 2 cups of warm water. Use distilled or boiled, then cooled water to avoid any possible contaminants. Stir well until the salt is dissolved.
Lean over the sink and tilt your head to the side. Insert the tip of the neti pot into the upper nostril and slowly poor the water into it. Breathe with an open mouth as the water slowly begins to poor out the lower nostril.
After using about half of the prepared water, stand up and blow your nose.
Repeat the same procedure using the other nostril.

Essential Oils To The Rescue

Learn how these magical natural healers can benefit you on your journey! Always use organic, therapeutic grade carrier oil with your essential oils, such as fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil. Here are some specific detoxification symptom helpers. Choose single oils or blend them together.

Aches and pains — Choose from marjoram, birch, peppermint, rosemary, lavender, frankincense, juniper, sandalwood, wintergreen, and thyme on the affected area.
Anxiety — A few drops of lavender and chamomile on your chest, inhaled, or using a room diffuser is wonderful.
Bloating — Some peppermint and fennel on your tummy or a few drops of peppermint in a glass of water can help.
Coughing — Try melaleuca and lemon.
Depression — Inhale lavender, peppermint and wild orange.
Dizziness — Peppermint, cypress and basil in a diffuser can help.
Diarrhea — Put a few drops each of peppermint and ginger in a glass of water and drink.
Hair loss — Use a few drops each of rosemary, thyme and lavender in a carrier oil and massage into scalp.
Insomnia — Try some chamomile and lavender in a hot bath. You can also inhale them, diffuse them and put them on your skin.
Itching — Use a carrier oil with peppermint, lavender and oregano on the affected area.
Leg cramps — Massage clary sage, cypress and lavender with carrier oil into the legs.
Nausea — Apply ginger topically behind the ears and above the navel as needed. You can also diffuse it or put it under your tongue.
Rashes — Dilute lavender, Roman chamomile and sandalwood with carrier oil and apply topically to affected area.
Sinus congestion — Diffuse melaleuca, rosemary and eucalyptus and inhale several times a day.
Tension Headache — Dilute a few drops of peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender with a carrier oil and rub into chest, neck and forehead.

Hilde Larsen is an author, journalist and certified health and wellness coach who spends her time between Norway and Florida exploring health, healing and the human connection to nature. After years of being bedridden with severe chronic diseases, she is inspiring many to take back their power. Visit inspiredbyhilde.com.