Experiencing Detox? The "How To's"

One of the most amazing benefits of reflexology is how it can help the body detox. Though toxin release can present a challenge ... it's also one of the many wonders of a reflexology treatment.

It might take 4-5 sessions to trigger a toxin release, and even clients who feel perfectly healthy may experience toxin release. Detox symptoms may be unpleasant to deal with (feeling sick, dizzy, or tired), but if they appear, they can be considered a normal part of the body's healing process following a treatment.

As the organs and tissues are stimulated to function more efficiently, they are simultaneously being cleansed and brought into balance. Lymph and blood flow increase, and filtration and elimination processes via the liver, kidneys and colon improve, helping the process, but possibly causing some initial discomfort.

In other words, detoxing is an opportunity to trust the body’s wisdom and healing process. But detoxing can be a bit of a challenge, so here are some tips on toxin release, what that means, and what to do if it does happen.

What are Toxins?

• Chemical preservatives and colorings from food

• Pesticide & herbicide residue

• Animal growth hormones or antibiotics

• Leftover chemicals from (direct or indirect) smoking, drugs and alcohol

• Parasites & their waste products

• Products of illnesses, past or present

• Overabundance of candida

• Leftover products of faulty digestion

Signs of Toxin Release: (Should last no more than 48 hours)

• Darker or strong smelling urine

• Increased urination

• Gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, cramping

• Rash, sweating, pimples, other skin conditions

• Increased mucus in nose, mouth and bronchial tubes

• Bad breath

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Disrupted sleep patterns

• Depression or moodiness

• Fatigue

How to Deal:

• Keep a written record of your symptoms, how strong they are and how long they are lasting. This will help your therapist adjust your treatment plan so you're comfortable.

• Drink more water than usual - it will flush toxins out.

• Get plenty of rest - this gives your body time to process the release and re-balance your system.

• If you're experiencing a number and high intensity of detox symptoms (this is rare), request lighter pressure during the treatments and keep more than 48 hours in between treatments

• Keep it up! Continue with your treatments. Remember that toxin release is a sign reflexology is having a positive effect, and the symptoms too shall pass.

If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, it may be something else. You may want to consult a physician in case a diagnosis is in order.

A client who is experiencing dizziness after a session shouldn’t drive; either take time to rest before driving, or have someone else drive you.

As always, toxin release in excess of normal body processing should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing. During this sensitive and important time, clients are to be closely monitored for symptoms of toxin release - there should be none - and sessions may be adjusted if symptoms do appear: shorter duration, lighter pressure, longer time in-between sessions.

Remember: detox symptoms are a sign that the treatment is working. Hang in there - better health is on the way!

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