From “Dry January” to full body cleanses, tis the season for detoxing! While not as much fun as a holiday shindig, detoxing can do a body good, especially when it has become bloated or inflamed. Performing regular detoxes is well known to promote health and healing by optimizing body processes.
What is a detox?
A detox aims to rid the body of toxins through different detox pathways including the liver, urine, and sweat. Health benefits from of detox include:
- Eliminating toxins from foods, beverages, and hygiene products
- Increased energy
- Boosted immunity
- A healthy re-set
- Controlled food cravings
- Stress management
- Reduced water weight and bloat
Is your body or skin in need of a detox? Skin NV can help! Call us today at (813) 839-4141 to schedule a FREE consultation!
Different Ways to Detox
At Skin NV, we offer several forms of detox beneficial to both the body and skin.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
There’s a reason why lymphatic drainage massage is one of the “it” forms of detox. The lymphatic network (a network of vessels and organs) lies under your skin and is a crucial part of the immune system that rids the body of waste and protects it from infection. Should this system become “clogged,” health problems could occur.
Lymphatic drainage massage involves using gentle and specific techniques to move fluid around the body more effectively, helping the lymphatic system perform at its best. It starts at the central part of the body (around the regional lymph nodes), then moves towards the extremities. “You would first start by massaging regional lymph nodes – the lymph nodes that drain a specific area – to ‘empty’ the nodes get them ready to take on more fluid. It’s like emptying a glass before you fill it again. You would then start massaging the area that drains towards those lymph nodes that are ready to take on more fluid.” – Women’s Health Magazine
Gua Sha Massage
Gua sha is an ancient Chinese, healing technique that involves using a massage tool (called a gua) where a therapist performs short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, thus increasing blood flow. Massage oil is then applied to the skin and the gua is used repeatedly to scrape the skin in a downward motion.
Gua sha addresses stagnant energy in the body (called qi) believed by many to cause inflammation – the underlying cause of several conditions associated with chronic pain. Rubbing the skin’s surface with the gua breaks up the qi, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. While gua sha massage is typically performed on the back, buttocks, neck, arms, and legs, a more gentler version can be used on the face as a facial technique.
Diet Check
A detox diet aims to help the body rid itself of toxins, helps the body’s vital organs rest and recover, supports and increases liver function, and provides a boost of important micronutrients. Detox diets come in many forms, some of which involve fasting (water, juice, or broth) followed by a period of clean eating. Other detox diets include healthy smoothies, supplements, herbs, teas, enemas, and other methods of promoting detoxification. Learn more about detox diets and the many benefits!