A list of not-so-crazy detox tools so you can feel vibrant more often.
Simple but powerful practices that give an extra boost in the moment and create lasting change.
When we think about the word detox, it can conjure up thoughts of protocols, fasting or something we embrace after a particularly social summer. It can be those things, absolutely. However there’s another, more gentle perspective to try on here.
I like to think about detox within the context of a day. There are many ways we can introduce detox tools into our daily rhythm; unburdening, cleansing and refreshing as we go.
When we have a few easy actions to turn to, supporting the body’s natural detox pathways can be embraced easily within regular life, with more long term impact than a short lived swing to the extreme.
These practices have the dual benefit of acting like small anchors, drawing us back into rhythm and balance. They keep us on track. Cue the cleansing lifestyle rather than the cleansing holiday, the hare versus the turtle, if you like. I’m absolutely a turtle when it comes to health and healing, slow and steady, aiming to enjoy the process as much as possible.
If you’re craving new inputs, below are some simple tools you can call on for or in a day. Pick one and then add another only once you’ve successfully integrated the first. Small change can equal big difference over time.
Tongue scraping. I incorporate tongue scraping into my morning 3-4 times a week and am equal parts amazed and grossed out by what is scraped off. I like to think my breath is infinitely better when I tongue scrape! It’s been a recommended tool in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5000 years. A regular practice removes bacteria and toxins responsible for plaque, tooth decay and gum disease, and it’s a wonderful tool to support other established oral health practices. This one is fantastic.
Zero screens for the first hour of waking. Speaks for itself, and especially important for mental health with the current state of news yet in my experience, it’s rather hard to execute. Charging your phone in another room from where you sleep is a great place to start.
Dry brushing. A seriously affordable (in both time and funds) way to stimulate lymph flow, increase circulation and remove dead skin. Brush from your extremities to your heart. Beginning with feet, moving up the leg, followed by hand to arm, stomach and special attention to the underarms where the axillary lymph nodes are found. Finish with several strong clockwise brushes around the tummy and heart area, before showering. The Tronque one is a cut above with extra fine copper bristles (watch the dead skin fly), but any dry brush with stiff bristles will do the job.
Water! A link to my previous newsletter on this. Forever the gentle and important detox tool.
Hot/cold alternating shower. With heat our cells expand and with cold, they contract. When we alternate, we encourage flow of blood and oxygen through the body. Many people finish a shower by running it cold, however on mornings when you have more time, switch this tempo to warm-cold-warm-cold, holding each temperature for 30 seconds to a minute each. The increase in flow and movement in our body, especially in the morning hours, provides an instant boost to our mood and energy levels.
A cleansing day of eating. Green juice to begin followed by simple salads and warm herbal teas. Doing this once a week can have a transformative impact on overall health over time as we give our body a ‘day off’ digesting trickier foods to repair and remove waste from the body. I can detail more on this another week if it’s of interest, let me know.
Sophie’s Marketplace
A few bits and pieces I’m loving right now, maybe you will too.
body sculpting and lymphatic massage cup. I discovered this medical grade silicone massage cup recently, and am trialling using it in the shower with a body oil. It’s typically used on areas that are prone to fluid retention or cellulite, as it encourages the movement and elimination of fluid and toxins.
Clover Ferments. These ferments have been transformative for our family. Allergies and reflux were a challenge for my youngest daughter in her first year of life, and these ferments seemed to have a significant impact. I’ve also heard of others having success with clearing psoriasis and eczema. FYI they are not remotely like kombucha, more of a handcrafted tonic made from vegetables, salt and water, filled with probiotics. The salty taste means that my kids like to drink them. Delivered cold to your door! They also do empty bottle pick ups when you order the next lot.