A detox is a way of removing the harmful and unwanted toxins from the body. This can be done in difference ways, such as changing your diet and releasing the toxins through an internal view point, through the feet and the release of toxins through sweat. In addition, there are various external methods.
What is a foot detox and how does it work?
A foot detox, as mentioned, is a way of removing harmful toxins from the body through the feet. This can be done in a variety of methods, such as, foot soaks, foot masks, foot scrubs, foot pads and acupressure-based techniques.
Foot Soaks
This is the most simple form of foot detox and it involves soaking your feet in warm water. You can have this type of treatment done at spas. The process usually involves a product being put into the water, such as bath salts or essential oils.
Foot Masks
Foot masks can come in different forms. Some are clay that are applied to the foot, left to set and then washed off. This creates a softer texture for the surface of the foot and can clean them in the process. Another form of foot masks is the process of buying at home masks. You can insert your feet into bag type socks that are filled with moisturiser. They have the same effect as the clay masks.
Foot Scrubs
A foot scrub is intended to clean and detoxify the feet by removing the dead skin. It can remove any aromas from the foot and the process of scrubbing the foot can relax the muscles.
Acupressure-based techniques
This is the process of applying pressure to specific parts of the feet in the form of a massage. It is believed that this can also remove toxins through the feet.
Foot Pads
A detox foot pad is placed on the foot, causing it to sweat. It is believed that this process is what draws out the harmful toxins. This is one of the most popular methods of detox through the feet. There is no evidence that suggests these work, but they are becoming increasingly popular.
Foot Detox Patches
A detox foot pad, and or patches, are stuck on the bottom of your feet and you can sleep with them on or leave them there for a specific amount of time as per the instructions. After the time has come to take the patches off your feet, they would have changed in colour. It is reported that this will be due to the toxins that have been removed from your body.
Do foot detoxes work?
There is no proof that a foot detox actually works. However, that doesn't mean that you won't benefit from any of the methods mentioned above. It can still aid relaxation and soften the skin of your feet, whilst removing dead skin cells. Considering the liver and kidney are mostly responsible for ridding the body of toxins, it is difficult to suggest that a foot pad will do the same. However, if the foot patch contains ginger, it is possible that this will have its benefits.
There are no negative effects to foot patches, but there is the argument that they simply may not work. Just note any reactions your skin may have.
Are there benefits to foot pads?
There may be benefits, such as smoother and healthier looking feet, but overall some cheap foot patches may contain chemicals that are harmful or irritant to your skin. However, if you aim to find one that contains natural ingredients, these risks reduce dramatically.
They are simple and easily accessible. If you did not want to go to a spa to have the treatment done there, they offer a variety of different at home products that can produce a similar, if not the same, effect.
Can you detox through your armpit?
The notion of an armpit detox is similar to that of the foot detox. The idea is that you are extracting the harmful toxins from your armpits. Once again, there is no scientific evidence that suggests this would work. It is becoming a popular home method, with apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and bentonite clay being used for soothing. You can also buy specific solutions and creams that are specifically made for the detoxing of armpits.
If you arm pits become irritated ensure that you wash off and remove it immediately.
What is a hair detox?
A hair detox is aimed to remove the consequences of product build up in your hair that can leave behind dirt and oil. You can reform a hair detox which involves revitalising your hair. It takes using shampoo and conditioner to clean your hair a step further. Although it may not have the effect of removing toxins that you want, if it makes your hair feel great, consequently making you feel great.
Your hair can be an important feature of your identity, and ensuring that this is kept healthy, can be a great way for you to be able to connect with your hair. This is more of an external cleanse and has no relation to the inside of your body, however, that doesn't mean you cannot take the steps to ensure it remains free of chemicals and build up.
Hair is made up of keratin and the blood vessel at the end of the follicle is what keeps it growing from the root. However, once the hair has reaches the surface of the skin, the cells die and the hair is no longer alive. Therefore, a hair detox does not remove harmful toxins from the body as you are putting it onto dead cells. This does not mean it cannot look and feel healthier as a result of a hair detox.
What is a body detox?
An external body detox is a great way to make you feel good about your body. There are various ways in which you are able to do this.
Exfoliating
The idea of exfoliating is that it will help to remove dead skin cells and open up your pores, which encourages the release of toxins. It is a quick and easy process and can be done from the comfort of your own home, in the bath or shower. Alternatively, there is the option to dry exfoliate, but this can sometimes irritate skin and cause it to become sore.
Cupping
Cupping has started to become more of a mainstream notion since 2016. The process involves heating small cups and placing them onto the skin where it will be suctioned upwards. This claims to get rid of excess fluid and toxins, bringing a better blood flow to the skin. Cupping can be used for muscular pain and stiffness, relaxing the nervous system and improving your blood flow.
Yoga
Yoga has been a great way for people to feel better connected to their body, with there being multiple health benefits alongside its practice. For some, it can feel like a way of getting rid of the negative energy within your body and replacing it with positive thoughts and feelings. It provides us with better air circulation with the controlment of our breathing being a great priority. Much like exfoliating, it can be done in the comfort of your own home and you can do it outside in nature for an increased effect.
What about a mental detox?
A mental detox is a way to clear anything that is causing your mind to have negative thoughts and to remove any triggers that might be affecting your emotional and physical well-being. Through the removal of these sources, it should act as a removal of the negative feelings that are associated with such triggers.
Write things down
It can be extremely beneficial to note down any thoughts and feelings you're having that could be a result of something negative. This allows you to track the movements in your emotions and sort through triggers. If you notice one thing in particular keeps arising, them it may be beneficial to detox on that item. Alternatively, recognising how you feel is a great way to express your feelings.
Removing mental and physical clutter
Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed with the amount of thoughts and feelings that we process on a daily basis. For some, this can be a result of having a over stimulated and cluttered physical environment. It is suggested that we can remove physical clutter as a way of sorting through mental clutter. Having a clean and organised space can make it easier for you to be able to sort through mental emotions and organise your thoughts, feelings and ideas.
Meditation
Like yoga, meditation is a great way for people to feel connected to their body and mind. It can be a way for you to give your mind a break and allow thoughts to come and go rather than focusing on them. This process is often a way for people to clear their mind of negative thoughts and deal with them in much healthier way. It can feel like a mental detox. Completing a quick, five minute detox is enough for you to feel the effects of using meditation as a form of mental detox.
Social Media Detox
Social media can often be a trigger for some people. This can make a social media detox an extremely important concept when attempting to detox mentally. It can be done in one of two ways. If you have a smart phone, some allow you to set timed allowances for social media apps to ensure that you do not overindulge. It essentially means that you are limiting your use of social media, though for some people, this can include getting rid of social media apps altogether.
It gives you a chance to clear your mind whilst eliminating negative influences seen on social media. You are able to monitor your social media habits, acknowledging if you are spending too much time on your digital devices. You might find that removing yourself from social media will provide you with more free time that you can fill with something much more positive. Additionally, if your trigger is social media, it can eliminate any anxieties.
How to do a social media detox
Firstly, it may be worth making a small announcement to those who you communicate with over social media, but this is not crucial and you should only do this if you feel comfortable enough to do so. Once you have decided on this, remove the social media apps you wish to delete from your phone. This can be done by either putting them into a folder and not opening them, or the more effective method of completely deleting them from your phone. This is recommended as you may be tempted to open the apps if you do not.
It can be great idea to plan what you're going to do with the free time that you make through this detox. You want to ensure that you are filling it with positive replacements, such as hobbies that you want to pursue or spending time with people who make you happy. It can be filled with body detoxes, such as yoga sessions or even meditation.
If you are wanting to start this process, you might find that starting with a small goal can be beneficial. Try one day without using social media and see how you feel. Then progress onto a week and remove them from your phone. If you feel you're able to, progress onto a month. If you feel that this is benefitting you, then consider coming off the apps for good.
So, what is the best type of detox?
This really depends on the type of detox you are after. If you want to rid yourself of negative thoughts and feelings, a mental detox may be a great place to start. If you are wanting to feel and be healthier, a body detox is beneficial. This can be in the process of foot patches, hair detoxes or the various methods of body detoxes available.
