The skin is the largest organ, acting as both a barrier and a waste removal system. It’s porous and permeable, which allows it to aid in our bodies’ elimination processes, but also allows absorption of much of what we put on it and in the same way it digests nicotine through a patch, it absorbs toxins into the bloodstream, where the circulation propels them into contact with every single cell.
By entering through the skin, these toxins also bypass the detoxifying bacteria, selective cellular barrier, and sensitive immune system in the gut, meaning they can be deposited and even stored throughout the tissues before the liver has a chance to metabolise and detoxify them.
According to nutritional pioneer Dr. Hazel Parcells, 65% of body cleansing is achieved via the skin!
“Bathing is viewed more for relaxation than detoxification as a general rule. The focus on bathing enjoyment can be observed worldwide by the plethora of artificially scented, hormone disrupting bubble bath concoctions sold year round.
I would venture to suggest that health cannot easily be maintained over the long term without the regular incorporation of detox baths. If traditional cultures valued therapeutic cleansing baths back when our world was pristine with clean water, air, and unprocessed, additive free food, one can only imagine how important a gentle and regular detoxification bathing protocol is today given our toxic soup world with chemicals and other biologically disrupting agents nearly everywhere!”
If the body is clogged up with toxins from the physiological stress of modern living and the chemical assault from every direction, it cannot properly utilize the nutrient dense food that is consumed.
To maximize the effects of the hydrogen peroxide bath we recommend that you perform the Dry Brushing protocol prior to your Hydrogen Peroxide or Detox bath. A hydrogen peroxide bath, as well as all bath therapies, are more effective when you utilize dry skin brushing on the entire body. Dry skin brushing removes the layer of dead skin that can block the absorption of energy and nutrients from this bath and also stimulates the blood and lymph fluids to rise to the skin to accept the healing effects of the bath.
How Detox Baths Work
The reason water as hot as can be tolerated is typically used is because this initially draws toxins to the surface of the skin, as described by Dr. Hazel Parcells in her book “The Pioneer Nutritionist Dr. Hazel Parcells in Her Own Words”. Then, as the water gradually cools down, the toxins are pulled into the water via the principle of osmosis – the weak energy from the cooling water draws from the strong energy from the body heated up initially by the very hot water.
If the wisdom of cleansing baths appeals to you, below is a primer on four different types of therapeutic baths. Generally speaking, a cleansing bath 2-3 times per week with only one per day maximum works well for most people to keep elimination channels open and gently encourage the detoxification process on a regular basis. However, follow the recommended protocol provided to you by your practitioner as to which bath to use and how often.
STEPS TO HEALTHY SKIN |
SugarCut out all refined sugar. Refined sugar (sweets, chocolates, cakes, biscuits, sodas) spikes your insulin levels, causing a burst of inflammation in the body (and on your skin). Inflammation is responsible for breaking down collagen and elastin, which keep your skin tight and wrinkle-free. | |
Add Leafy GreensAdd leafy greens to each meal. The vitamins and minerals in leafy greens like kale, spinach, parsley and cilantro are essential during any kind of detox. Boost your smoothies and salads with extra kale because the beta-carotene delivers a youthful glow and neutralizes free radicals. Load up on spinach too. It’s a good source of omega-3s, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins B, C, and E. | |
Lemon WaterDrink a glass of lemon water each morning. Lemon water boosts your metabolism and begins the body detox process immediately. As lemon water is alkaline, it helps balance the pH levels in your body, reducing skin inflammation and flare-ups. Rich in vitamin C, this citrus fruit will help your body purge excess water weight and balance the sodium and potassium levels in your cells. Add a slice of lemon to a mug of warm water in the morning to encourage digestion or squeeze onto your salad when eating meals. | |
Add Parsley and Cilantro to Your DietParsley and cilantro. Parsley, known for supporting liver and kidney functions, acts as a metabolism booster while removing toxins. Add these delicious greens to your daily green juice or sprinkle the milder flat-leaf version on a salad to keep those toxins from showing up on your skin. Cilantro is rich in antioxidants that prevent damage from free radicals and it helps the body purge “heavy metals” consumed in non-organic foods. Grow your own easily at home and add to rice, salads, salsas and dips. | |
NO SOYStay off soy. Soy is full of phyto-estrogen that can make your face breakout. These hormonal blemishes occur around the mouth and jaw line. Additionally, soy is a GM food source | |
Good Organic Coffee – in ModerationCoffee. Most people consider caffeine to be a diuretic, which means too much of it will leave you feeling dehydrated (and probably with a headache and under eye circles, too). Our research however shows that this is not totally accurate. Studies have not proven an increase in urine output. It is obvious that if you are drinking 5 or 6 cups of coffee a day, you will indeed use the toilet more often. Our concern with coffee is more from the negative aspects of caffeine – such as insulin resistance, impacted sleep and much more. Try switching to green tea instead as it has the added benefit of antioxidants only has a fraction of the caffeine found in coffee, and it has wrinkle-fighting antioxidants. HOWEVER, be guided by your DBM Physician on whether or not you are able to include coffee in your program | |
Chemical-free Skin ProductsUse only natural, chemical-free skin products. Since you are reducing the toxins you are putting into your body, it makes sense to also reduce or remove the toxins you put onto your skin. Switch from chemical laden store-bought formulas to coconut oil or vitamin E oil. This of course depends on your skin type.my favorite scented drugstore body lotion to good old coconut oil. It’s anti-bacterial and antifungal, which is beneficial for maintaining clear skin. Luckily, I already used most natural skincare products on my face, so this one wasn’t too much of an adjustment. | |
Water, Water and More WaterDrink half your body weight in water per day. Water increases your metabolism so much that if you’re chronically dehydrated, it can mean up to an 8-pound weight gain or more per year. No wonder weight creeps on! Your challenge is to drink at least half your body weight in ounces (ml) of water per day. For example, someone who weighs 150 pounds should be drinking 75 ounces of water a day. This doesn’t mean all at once, it means throughout the whole day. This would equate to approximately 7 – 8 glasses of water for someone of average weight and height of 75kg / 1.65m | |
Healthy FatsDon’t skimp on your healthy fats. Avocados will be your best friends on this diet. Avocados, full of moisturizing mono-unsaturated fats, are a great source of antioxidant carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein that provide significant protection for your skin from the environmental damage that leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Kelly suggests putting them in your smoothies and adding them to your salads. | |
Healthy SnacksMake your midday snack a healthy one. This means no more popcorn or granola between lunch and dinner, instead snack on sliced cucumbers, carrots and celery with healthy dips like home-made hummus and almond butter. Cucumbers are especially good for your skin: they contain hydrating, nourishing and astringent properties both internally and topically. The enzymes in them help digest damaged skin cells, removing dead skin cells safely and adding a fresh glow. |