detoxing Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Halotherapy: Discover the Amazing Healing Power of Salt

The AHA! Team — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 05:04:10 +0000

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers via NaturalHealth365 – Have you heard about halotherapy? “Halo” literally means “salt” in Greek. For centuries, monks there and elsewhere in Europe used naturally occurring “salt caverns” in their local regions to heal respiratory conditions and skin ailments and energize the mind. Now, modern healthcare providers are getting into the act, offering “salt room therapies” for common health issues like, COPD and other breathing problems. Can natural salt really help you heal from chronic health issues? Centuries of practical use and modern research say “yes” – and here’s why. Halotherapy inside the modern “Salt Cave” is enhanced by technology These days, a person doesn’t need to seek out a cave to benefit from salt’s healing effects. Many modern “salt rooms” (called “halotherapy” or “speleotherapy” clinics) use “therapeutic dry saline aerosol microclimate” technology to ionize the air in specialized rooms and saturate it with low levels of NaCl (i.e., salt). The total environment in the salt room, including temperature, humidity, and salt concentration, is controlled by trained professionals through computer monitors based on the patient’s needs. Europe has a long and colorful history with salt therapy. In addition to the monks’ testimonies, in the 1840s, Dr. Felix Bochkowsky, a Polish occupational health doctor, noticed that salt miners were healthier than the average person, in stark contrast to their unfortunate coworkers in the metal and coal industries. Then, during World War II, salt mines were used as bomb shelters in Germany, and the same basic phenomenon was discovered. When asthmatics reemerged from the mines after the threat was over, they breathed easier and were in better overall health. Halotherapy is growing in popularity, and science validates its healing power In the 1950s, a slew of mostly Russian research studies verified the health benefits of salt. As a result, halotherapy chambers began to open en masse in Eastern Europe. Soon, halotherapy became part of many Eastern European countries’ prepaid socialized medical systems. Today, “speleotherapy” clinics can be found throughout Eastern Europe, including Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Russia, and Poland. Salt rooms (and caves) are scattered throughout the United States, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved salt as a “recognizable medical treatment.” Halotherapy “salt rooms” are mostly found in American spas and beauty centers. Salt loads the environment with healing and life-affirming negative ions Have you ever wondered why a trip to the beach always feels so refreshing? In large part, the invigoration you feel near the sea has to do with negative ions released through massive amounts of salt water. In the same way, dry salt releases negative ions into the air, which is a large part of why salt is so healing to the body. These ions can attach themselves to harmful bacteria, mold spores, viruses, and other positively charged airborne toxins. As the air becomes saturated with negative ions, the load becomes too heavy for harmful positively charged pathogens, and they simply float away. These kinds of airborne pathogens, as well as man-made chemical pollutants, are the real harm behind indoor and outdoor air pollution. Study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), based on half a million individual patient records, long-term exposure to pollutants in the air can lead directly to cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer. On the other hand, being immersed in and breathing natural salt can greatly improve many chronic respiratory diseases and other chronic conditions. By the way, if indoor air pollution is a big problem for you … be sure to use a high quality indoor air purification system to keep your immediate air space clean. Dry salt “Dry salt goes deep into the recesses of your lungs,” says Ulle Pukk, cofounder of the US-based Salt Therapy Association, in an interview with Harpers-Bazarre. “It absorbs impurities from your body and helps break up mucus so you can cough out toxins. When you have clean lungs, you get more oxygen, which gives you more energy, impacts every organ in your body, and improves overall well-being.” Use a salt lamp in your home to get the benefits of halotherapy Salt therapy is 100% natural and safe for people of all ages, including babies. One easy way to enjoy salt’s benefits every day is to buy a Himalayan salt lamp for your home or office. These lamps are usually illuminated by a candle or soft light bulb placed in a hole in the middle and can add up to 300 times more negative ions to your indoor space. Their wonderful glow is relaxing, and you will also receive the many benefits of salt for more health and a vibrant, energized life! Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Intechopen.com Halotherapysolutions.com Saltroom.com Harpersbazaar.com To read the original article click here.

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Armpit Detox: How and Why to Do One

The AHA! Team — Fri, 30 May 2025 05:10:07 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – As we learn more about the importance of ditching conventional antiperspirants and adopting natural deodorants instead, people are eager to find products that can both help keep body odor away and not pose a threat to their health. Enter the armpit detox. Natural deodorants — made with products like baking soda and essential oils — are gaining more traction. However, a relatively common complaint is that they don’t work as well as commercial products to keep sweat and smells at bay. This is where an armpit detox can come into play. It can potentially help naturally reduce body odor, making using gentler body care products a more attractive option. What Is an Armpit Detox? An armpit detox involves applying cleansing products, such as charcoals, bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar, to your armpits in order to draw out bacteria and residue that can contribute to odor. People most often do this when switching to natural deodorants (which don’t block sweat but reduce bacteria growth) in order to help these products work better. When ditching antiperspirants, some people also temporarily experience excessive sweating as their sweat glands adjust, so cleansing the area can be a way to keep B.O. in check while this happens. How to Do It How do you detox your armpits naturally? Most often it’s performed by applying a mask to your armpits, letting it dry, and then removing it with soap and water. This gives the ingredients time to “soak up” unwanted bacteria and other ingredients from your armpits, potentially leaving behind smoother, less odor-producing skin. What type of armpit detox ingredients? They can include baking soda, which has the ability to absorb sweat and odors and help exfoliate the skin. Bentonite clay is another one. It can absorb bacteria and chemicals from the skin, plus contains minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium that can be absorbed through your pores. Activated charcoal soaks up unwanted particles from the skin and has natural detoxifying properties. Lastly, apple cider vinegar can help contribute to a healthy skin microbiome (aka a healthy ratio of different bacteria that live on the skin), plus is useful for normalizing the skin’s pH. Generally, you take some of these ingredients, along with some water, and blend them in a small bowl to make a paste. For example, one tablespoon bentonite clay, activated charcoal or baking soda, as each help detox the armpit — or one teaspoon of all three. Then add one to two teaspoons water and one teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Mix all ingredients together into a paste, then apply the mask to your pits generously. Wait 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and soap. You can repeat this process every several days if you’d like, assuming you have no negative reactions. How long does it take to detox your armpits? It really depends on the individual. Some people report that they smell and sweat more for several weeks after stopping to use antiperspirants, during which the body’s bacteria levels and pH are likely adjusting. For others, this transition might last only a few days. Other Armpit Detox Tips Shower daily with an antibacterial agent. This reduces the smelly bacteria count on your skin. Opt for organic products when possible, and consider even taking your own soaps using essential oils, which are natural bacteria-fighters, such as tea tree oil and lemongrass oil. After showering, towel off and try to leave your skin as dry as possible. Wear natural fabrics that let your skin breath. Damp, sweaty clothes are the most likely to smell, so make sure to wash your clothes thoroughly using antibacterial laundry soap. (Try this homemade laundry soap.) Consider if your diet may be contributing to body odor, especially if you consume lots of sugar, meat and refined carbs. Benefits What happens when you detox your armpits? Does it work? Here are some of the purposes and potential benefits: 1. Balanced Bacteria (Which Can Help Reduce Body Odor) By applying products to your pits that naturally stick to smell-causing bacteria and then remove it, or kill bacteria on contact, you reduce unwanted odors. As said above, apple cider vinegar can help reduce the presence of smelly bacteria, such as Actinobacteria and Micrococcus sedentarius, and support the skin’s natural pH balance in the process (which is slightly acidic). This contributes to a healthy “skin microbiome” in your armpit area. Typically a healthier microbiome (including in your mouth) equals less offensive smells. 2. Can Help Improve Skin Health Antiperspirants can be irritating to the skin in some cases, especially if someone has a fragrance sensitivity or generally sensitive skin, so opting for a detox and more natural products is a good alternative to keep skin happy. Another downside to using antiperspirants is that they are drying, since they’re intended to reduce sweating. These leaves skin vulnerable to become chaffed, red and inflamed. If your armpits tend to become irritated easily, the key to a safe detox is using the right gentle ingredients and nothing too harsh or drying. 3. Removes Residue From Antiperspirants Commercial antiperspirants may leave behind trace amounts of chemicals that can become “stuck” inside the pores in the armpits. There haven’t actually been studies proving that an armpit detox can do this, but it makes sense that by taking a break from using antiperspirants you give your body time to shed these ingredients (usually over the course of one to three days) and open up your pores for other helpful ones. Risks and Side Effects Some of the ingredients used in the DIY recipes above may dry out your skin or alter your skin’s pH, so use caution when first beginning to apply these products to your skin. It’s a good idea to perform a patch test to make sure you don’t have any negative reactions, such as allergies, redness or irritation. If you experience signs of an allergic reaction or sensitivity when applying these products, such as redness, itching or hives, discontinue use, and simply avoid applying any products to your skin for a period of time. Remember, an armpit detox is usually done when someone is transitioning from using traditional antiperspirants to natural deodorants. During the first several days or weeks when quitting antiperspirants, some people find that they smell and sweat more than usual, so a detox might help to fix this problem. DIY Armpit Detox Recipe Author: Jill Levy / Total Time: 5 minutes / Yield: 1 application This armpit detox recipe uses ingredients that “soak up” unwanted bacteria and other ingredients from your armpits, leaving behind smoother, less odor-producing skin. Ingredients 1 tablespoon bentonite clay, activated charcoal or baking soda (or 1 teaspoon each) 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1 to 2 teaspoons water Instructions Combine the ingredients to make a paste. Mix all ingredients together, then apply the mask to your pits generously. Wait 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and soap. You can repeat this process every several days if you’d like, assuming you have no negative reactions. Prep Time: 5 min / Category: Detoxifying / Method: Mixing To read the original article click here.

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How a Sauna a Day Keeps the Stress Away

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 07:00:18 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – If you have been following me for a while, you will know how much I love my infrared sauna from Sunlighten! It is an integral part of my mental and physical health regimen, my favorite place to do brain research and detox my mind, and something I cannot live without! In this podcast (episode #423) and blog, I talk to the co-founder of Sunlighten Saunas Connie Zack. We discuss why infrared heat is so good for us, the difference between infrared and conventional saunas, the best way to use an infrared sauna, common mistakes we make when using infrared saunas, the science behind Sunlighten’s amazing saunas, and so much more! So what exactly is an infrared sauna? The light spectrum in an infrared sauna comes from the sun. It heats the body directly, whereas a conventional sauna only heats the air around the body. Although any kind of heat in a sauna can be good for us, infrared heat directly impacts our health, working naturally with our body to supercharge our cells without tiring us out or draining us. This allows for maximum detoxification and purification. There are many benefits to an infrared sauna, including: 1. Detoxification: An infrared sauna can help detox the brain and body, right down to the level of our cells. This helps us get rid of impurities like heavy metals, which can impact our mental and physical health. In an infrared sauna, your body is sweating in a relaxed state, and can excrete more toxins and heal and repair itself. This is because infrared heat can reach the toxins that are surrounded by a protective layer of fat deep in the body, pulling out those substances you don’t normally get rid of by sweating in a conventional sauna or by going to the bathroom. Even if you avoid smoking, eat well, exercise regularly, practice mindfulness, use natural products and sleep well every night, you will be exposed to toxins that your body will store in a protective layer of fat. We all have bad stuff in our bodies, which is why it is essential that we take the time to detox our brains and bodies if we want to live a truly healthy lifestyle, and infrared saunas can help with this. 2. Heart health and circulation: As the heat in an infrared sauna heats your core up, your body has to work harder to cool you down, which improves your circulation and boosts your heart health. Better circulation, in turn, can clear your mind and help you process information faster, lower blood pressure, give your skin a gorgeous glow, help with pain relief, reduce inflammation, give you more energy, boost your metabolism, aid recovery and more. Instead of getting out of the sauna and feeling worn out, you will feel more energized, healthier and ready to take on any challenge! 3. Immunity: We should all be doing what we can to boost our immune systems, especially as the colder months approach, and an infrared sauna can help us do this. The energy from infrared saunas is absorbed on a cellular level, which positively affects the heat-shock proteins that strengthen the immune system. This not only boosts the immune system, but also helps free up the body to deal with any other health issues we may have. 4. Pain relief, recovery and aging: Better blood circulation from infrared light means more toxins flow from the cellular level to the skin’s surface to improve cell health, aiding in muscle recovery and joint pain, which can be a big help after an intense workout, a physical accident or with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Near infrared waves in particular have a shorter frequency range and penetrate the epidermis layer of the skin, impacting the body at the cellular level, encouraging tissue growth and collagen production, helping with the negative effects of aging and speeding up muscle recovery. 5. Mental health: Not only do saunas help us relax, which is certainly important for our mental health, but research on infrared saunas has also shown that it can have positive effects on our mood, helping with depression, anxiety and other types of mental distress. Just one infrared sauna treatment can potentially reduce depressive symptoms by up to 50%, with the benefits continuing for up to 6 weeks, while regular sessions in an infrared sauna can reduce cortisol levels, helping with toxic stress and burnout, and increase our clarity of mind and focus. I personally love using my Neurocycle app to detox my thoughts while I am detoxing my brain and body in my Sunlighten sauna—this is a perfect mental self-care cleanse, like a spa day for the mind! I also love to use my Sunlighten sauna to have “thinker moments”, where I just switch off and let my mind wander and daydream. These moments give the brain a rest and allow it to reboot and heal, which increases clarity of thought and organizes the networks of the brain, rather than just letting toxic mindsets build up in the brain and cause all sorts of mental health issues. (For more information on thinker moments and how to make them a part of your daily routine, see my books Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess and Think, Learn, Succeed). When it comes to using an infrared sauna, consistency and frequency are key. Even though it has all these great health benefits, it is important to remember that an infrared sauna is not a magic bullet or cure-all. It strengthens the brain and body over time, harnessing your natural power and helping you feel stronger and healthier than you did before. When using an infrared sauna, you also need to listen to your body and focus on your unique needs. Many experts recommend up to forty minutes a day if you are an adult, depending on your health history and what program and type of sauna you are using. When you choose to use a sauna is up to you and what you are looking for. I personally avoid using my infrared sauna too late at night because it keeps me awake, unless I need to stay awake to work on a new book or research deadline! It is, however, important to note that not all infrared saunas are created equal. There are three different parts of the infrared light spectrum, and each of which have different effects on the body and our health. Many infrared saunas don’t use all three types of infrared light, or don’t use them in an effective way or in the right frequency with the right materials and deliverability. This is why I love Sunlighten Saunas. They focus on the science behind their unique technology, always searching out the safest and most effective way to help provide optimum infrared light frequency and results, as well as creating non-toxic and sustainable products using high-quality materials that are safe and long-lasting. After using my infrared sauna regularly for several years, I can truly say I am impressed with the results. I am in my fifties and feel younger, healthier and happier than ever. It really is my “secret” weapon when it comes to my mental and physical health! To read the original article click here.

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