You can greatly enhance your cleansing and detoxification program with the addition of saunas or steam baths. As much as 25 percent of all toxins—including pesticides, solvents, drugs, and heavy metals—are eliminated through the skin. By increasing perspiration, saunas step up your body’s efforts to get rid of such poisons. Use saunas or steam baths as often as 3 times a week during a cleansing and detoxification program, and once weekly or every other week on a regular basis to maintain optimal health.

Do not use saunas or steams if you are pregnant, or have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or any other serious health condition without first consulting with your health care practitioner.

Herbal BeautyFor best results, the temperature of the sauna or steam should be moderately hot, between approximately 140 and 160 degrees. Steam baths are often within this temperature range, but saunas are frequently hotter. If a sauna is too hot, try opening the door slightly to lower the temperature. A moderately hot temperature makes it possible to stay in the sauna for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, which stimulates a deep level of detoxification.

For the most effective release of toxins, exercise aerobically for 20 to 30 minutes before entering the sauna or steam. A brisk walk is sufficient—anything that will get your circulation and lymph moving and help to start the detoxification process. In addition, massage your entire body with olive oil just before going into the sauna or steam. An oil massage is traditionally used in Ayurvedic purification treatments to help to eliminate toxins that are stored in the fatty tissues. I enjoy adding grapefruit or juniper essential oils to olive oil for additional detoxifying benefits. Both have purifying and diuretic properties and add a wonderful fragrance to the olive oil. Add 10 drops of each (or 20 drops of a single essential oil) to 2 ounces of extra virgin olive oil. Massage your body with long, smooth strokes, and then enter the sauna.

Plan to remain in the sauna or steam for 3 15-minute sessions, or 2 20-minute sessions. Bring plenty of water—at least 1 quart—to keep yourself well hydrated. The more fluids you drink, the more effectively your body can detoxify.

If at any time you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, leave the sauna, rinse off in a cool shower, and rest.

While in the sauna, perform a lymph-draining massage. Beginning with your feet, massage with a gentle circular motion, moving up your calves, around your knees, and up your thighs. Finish with long stroking movements up the entire leg. Massage up your arms and under your armpits in the same way, around your collarbone, chest, neck, shoulders, and under the jaw. This is also a good time to perform an abdominal massage. Work in a clockwise direction, deeply massaging all of the internal organs. Visualize any toxins that are stored in your body being released and excreted through your perspiration.

After 15 minutes, rinse off with tepid water, and then reenter the sauna for another 15-minute session. Complete 2 or 3 sauna sessions, finishing with a cool shower. Relax after your sauna, and be sure to continue drinking plenty of fluids.

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Detoxify with Saunas and Steam Baths