Whether you overindulged over the festive season, if you just want to shift that sluggish feeling, or are experiencing other signs and symptoms that you might need to detox your body holistic therapies such as osteopathy (yes! it’s not just for backs), massage and acupuncture can be an enjoyable and relaxing way to aid the process.
How Do Our Bodies Detox?
Our bodies naturally detoxify, which is lucky considering the volume of toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis from pesticides, food additives, and environmental toxins to the things we put into our bodies in the name of recreation such as junk food and alcohol.
The main organs associated with the removal of toxins from our bodies are the kidneys and the liver and these effectively act as filters that remove potentially harmful substances as urine or faeces. Toxins that are missed or otherwise not removed in this way can also be removed via the lymphatic system as part of our immune systems, the colon, and digestive system, through our skin as sweat, or they are stored in fat.
Signs You May Benefit From a Detox
Tiredness and fatigue.
Insomnia.
Constipation.
Spots, rashes, and acne.
Difficulty losing weight.
Bloating.
Headaches.
NB: It is always a good idea to get checked over with your GP if you are experiencing any of the above health problems or have other health concerns. If you have a drug or alcohol addiction and require detox there is help available via these charities or the NHS.
How Our Therapies Assist With the Detox Process
Osteopathy
As a holistic or whole-body therapy Osteopathy can help boost your body’s ability to heal itself, this includes assisting with the removal of toxins. The combination of joint manipulation and massage helps improve restricted movement which is central to the detoxification process. It also increases lymph flow and blood circulation. This is important for the detoxification process because blood and the lymphatic system work together to neutralise and remove potentially harmful waste as well as deliver nutrients that will aid the post toxin healing process.
Holistic Massage
Although some massage is specifically termed detox massage all types of massage increase blood flow and help stimulate the lymphatic system which aids the body in the removal of both natural and artificial toxins. By reducing stress and increasing feelings of relaxation and general wellbeing massage can also help you not to reach for the toxins commonly used as a temporary feel-good measure; junk food or alcohol.
Acupuncture
By increasing blood flow and working as a natural diuretic acupuncture can assist in shifting and releasing toxins from the body. By stimulating the meridians connected to the organs particularly the liver and kidneys acupuncture can also improve organ function which helps support your body’s own detoxification processes.
To find out more about how our therapies can help you feel better and head into the rest of the year feeling less tired and bloated and more active and energised get in touch with us or book an appointment with one of our expert therapists here.