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In August, 2010, when I started aggressive treatment for Chronic Lyme Disease, I found my over all body pain unbearable. After researching and asking a lot of questions, I found a simple solution that worked for me; Soaking in the bathtub. However, it was not your typical bath water. I came up with a group of ingredients that worked great to temporarily relieve my pain as well as kill off some of the spirochetes and detox my body.
Over time, your body naturally builds up with toxins from the environment, food, beverages, medications and anything else that enters or touches your body. While taking strong medications to kill of bacteria such as the spirochetes, it is vitally important to detox.
Detoxification is performed by a number of organs and glands including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and mucous membranes. In this post, I am going to focus on detoxification through the skin. The skin is the largest most important eliminating organ in the body. By learning how to properly DRY BRUSH your body, it will allow your body to detoxify through your skin. There are many benefits to using the Dry Brush Technique, however, for now, my main objective is to discuss detoxification of the skin.
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I found that using a natural fiber brush with a long handle worked very well for me. Some people prefer using a loofah sponge or a rough towel. Dry Brush BEFORE you soak in the tub or take a shower to wash off the impurities from the result of Dry Brushing. Use long, sweeping strokes in a motion leading TOWARD your heart. I start at my feet and brush up the entire front side of my leg. I repeat the same motion on the back and side of my legs. I then Dry Brush my arms, starting at my hand and brushing upward all the way to my shoulders. Dry Brushing your back can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it is an easy task. Your torso should also be Dry Brushed using strokes toward your heart.
When I first started the Dry Brush Technique, I used a gentler stroke with the brush because my body was already very uncomfortable with pain from Chronic Lyme Disease. There were many times that I opted out of the procedure simply because I did not have the energy or willpower to deal with any added discomfort. However, it wasn’t long before I noticed the benefits. After a complete body Dry Brush, I would soak in the tub allowing my body to rejuvenate. I could literally feel the pain subside within minutes.
My bath water soaking concoction was also successful for me. Spirochetes can not live in a highly oxygenated environment. For this reason, I add 35% Hydrogen Peroxide to my bath water. It will help kill off the spirochetes. I purchase 35% Hydrogen Peroxide at the local health food store. I store the plastic bottle in the freezer.
Most people afflicted with Lyme Disease are Magnesium deficient. Magnesium plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions such as muscle control, electrical impulses, energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins. Adding Epsom Salts to your bath water will not only help temporarily decrease muscle pain, it will also help maintain the magnesium levels in your body by being absorbed through your freshly Dry Brushed skin.
Soaking Bath Water Recipe:
4 Cups Epsom Salts
1 Cup 35% Hydrogen Peroxide
1/2 Cup Baking Soda (I add the baking soda to help keep my skin soft)
As you are preparing for your soak, make sure the water is not too hot. It is better to use warm water. Add all your ‘ingredients’ to the flowing water. Swish the water around to help distribute and dissolve the ingredients. Before I climb into my peaceful oasis, I take an extra towel and totally submerge it in the water. I use the wet towel to place over the top of my body. By doing so, my body is completely covered with this special bath water. As the towel cools down, I re-submerge it and place it over me again. If I had a larger bathtub, one in which I was totally submerged in water, I would not have to use the towel. I found using a curved plush travel pillow behind my neck was very comfortable.
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The soles of your feet are also important in the skin detoxification process. Therefore, I take special care of my feet as well. After soaking for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the soles of my feet to soften, I use a pedicure foot brush with a pumice stone to eliminate dead skin and calluses. After brushing my feet, I place them back in the water to continue soaking.
As the bath water cools down, I simply add warm water to the tub, allowing myself to soak anywhere from 30-40 minutes. When your soaking session is complete, pat your skin dry with a fresh, soft cotton towel and enjoy the rejuvenated feeling you so well deserve!
For some added enjoyment, I light a soy candle, play some of my favorite music, turn the lights down low, lock the door and put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the outside of the bathroom door!Image may be NSFW.
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