Spring cleaning for the body

Healing fast

Those who want to do it very thoroughly put in a few days of fasting. Therapeutic fasting is a time-tested method that rids the body of accumulated "garbage." First the intestine is emptied. The afternoon or early evening has been shown the best time to take a laxative such as Glauber's salt. Take the prescribed amount of Glauber's salt, dissolve in a liter (4 cups) of lukewarm water, and store in the refrigerator. Drink it chilled by the glass and do not eat anything afterwards. Alternatively, you can take a laxative or enema recommended by the pharmacy. Also recommendable is a form of an enema known as colon hydrotherapy, which is offered by naturopaths and alternative health practitioners.

For a few days afterwards, only liquid food in the form of tea, clear soups or self-pressed juices or smoothies is consumed.

Alkaline bath soak

Those who find fasting or colon hydrotherapy too radical can detoxify with an alkaline bath. The mixture is prepared as follows:

- 500 g (2 cups) Himalayan crystal salt

- 200 g (1 cup) baking soda

- 300 g (1 1/3 cups) magnesium flakes

The bath water should be 37 degrees C (98.6 degrees F) and the bath time should last at least 30 to 40 minutes, since the acid excretion through the skin only starts after about 20 to 30 minutes. At the beginning do not fill the bathtub completely, in order to leave space to run hot water again as necessary Alkaline baths offer deep and lasting relaxation. They are therefore ideal for a calming end to the day. Alkaline baths can be used up to three times a week for two to four weeks.

Body peeling

For those looking for a budget option, I recommend a body peeling with crystal salt and macadamia nut oil: My personal favorite application.

For this you mix macadamia nut oil and crystal salt in about equal parts. Before application it is advisable to take a hot shower to open the pores. Then massage the entire body with the mixture in circular movements, so that the skin scales can be loosened. Shower off the salt with lukewarm water so that as much oil as possible remains on the skin. Pat and do not rub the skin dry, and allow the oil to soak in for a few minutes before dressing. The result is a soft, velvety skin that feels fresh and youthful.

For a more intense detoxification effect, leave the peel on for a longer time. After applying the salt and oil mixture, wrap yourself in a towel and let it soak in for 30 minutes. Only then is the salt rinsed off with lukewarm water. With this application you achieve a detoxification that can otherwise only be achieved through a fasting day.