Detox services: Fact and fiction

We typically trust scientific evidence regarding our outer physical health, but what about how we “feel?” What is our subjectivity telling us? Western medicine isn’t always able to capture that so well, though creating a better sense of overall well-being is often the goal of many alternative wellness therapies.

With proper mind/body balance in view, here are a few facts and myths about some detox programs.

Far infrared sauna

A popular way to enjoy heat therapy while still being able to breathe, far infrared saunas use infrared light, which heats the body first, not the sauna room itself.

Fact: Far infrared saunas are reliable in treating congestive heart failure, normalizing blood pressure, and helping easy chronic pain.

A 2009 article published in Can Fam Physician, reported evidence gathered from 5 different studies which found moderate evidence supporting the use of FIRS for certain conditions.

Fiction:  Far infrared saunas aid in reducing cholesterol.

The same paper reported a fair amount of evidence going against this claim. Don’t worry, though, it’s nothing a healthy, organic diet can’t remedy.

Lymphatic Massage

An orthodox massage method, lymphatic massage uses a very small amount of pressure – stimulating the lymphatic system, which is responsible for cleansing your body of toxins.

Fact: Lymphatic massage is helpful in treating conditions like edema.

That’s right. The article, published in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapies found that the therapy produced a, “statistically significant decrease in pain and edema.”

Fiction: Lymphatic massage works after only one session.

Although there might be some truth to this, usually it takes multiple sessions to see dramatic long-lasting results.

Detox foot-bath

Your feet have a difficult job, and they’re not often treated with the attention they deserve.

Fact:  Besides feeling great, detox foot baths helps eliminate free radicals from the body.

Yep. Detox foot-baths make the body’s PH levels more alkaline, which helps do away with various toxins.

Fiction: The change in the color of the water is the actual toxins leaving the body.

Unfortunately, the color change in the water is just rust from the metal probe at the bottom of the machine.

Colonic Irrigation 

A popular hydrotherapy that leaves people feeling completely revitalized.

Fact: Colonic irrigation removes bacteria from the walls of the colon.

Indeed.  When the colon is flushed with warm water, millions of bacteria are removed.

Fiction: The refreshing feeling so many people report, post-colonic, will last indefinitely.

Again, like lymphatic massage, multiple appointments are probably necessary, if you’re looking for that lighter-than-air feeling.

If you’re interested in learning more about detoxification, don’t hesitate to visit our detox spa at our Palos Verdes location.

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