After all you have drunk and ate during Christmas and New Year, you may feel that you have neglected eating habits and the idea of a detox may be attractive to you. A detox would help you eliminate the excesses that you committed during Holidays. Besides, it gives you a new start.

How can I detox my body?

1.Avoid toxins

Detoxing your body in the correct way requires dedication. You can find this harmful toxins in food and drinks you intake every day, so it’s important to eliminate these from our lives. Some examples may include:

• Alcohol
• Milk
• Processed meat
• Coffee
• Cigarettes
• Refined sugars
• Fast food
• Saturated fats.

All of these things bring harmful toxins into your bodies, but if we eradicate them from our diet and lives, over time the toxins within our bodies will decrease.

2.Increase fibre & Vitamin C

When detoxing, fibre and Vitamin C are vital for your body. First, you need to ensure your system is getting enough fibre as it helps to push out any harmful toxins.

Toxins tend to stick to your colon and intestines. With an increased amount of fibre in your diet, toxins will stop building up and can be removed. This will also help prevent colon cancer.

Second, when you intake vitamin C, it can help to detox your liver, as it helps to increase the number of antioxidants that are naturally found in your body. IV vitamin C therapy in patients with cancer have also shown improved quality of life, as well as fewer side effects.

In addition, Antioxidants, like vitamin C, help your body reduce damage caused by free radicals. This may lower the risk of diseases.

3.Reduce alcohol intake

Alcohol reduces the normal functions of your liver. As a result, it won’t be able to detoxify your body properly. Rhinophyma is a skin disorder that causes the nose to enlarge and become red, bumpy, and bulbous caused by too much alcohol intake.

4.Introduce herbs in your diet

When detoxing, It is important to consider eating or drinking natural herbs such as Dandelion or Milk Thistle. These herbs can help to provide your body with an extra boost of vitamins and nutrients, which help you remain healthy by removing harmful toxins.

By giving your body an additional amount of nutrients and vitamins in a natural way, your body is then able to absorb them.

5.Increase water intake

Water is vital for your daily functions, regardless of whether you are currently detoxing or not. However, when you decide to start a detoxing process, you are advised to increase your water intake from 2 litres to 3 litres. Water allows your body to remove waste products from your blood.

6.Sleep well

There are different techniques to improve your sleeping habits. Remember that when you sleep well, this allows your brain to relax, reorganize, recharge, reduce stress and anxiety and eliminate toxins (detox) that accumulate throughout the day.

7.Eat prebiotics

A rich prebiotics diet keeps your digestive system healthy, which is important for a proper detox and improves your immune health. Examples of food rich in prebiotics are:

• Romatoes
•  Artichokes
• Bananas
• Asparagus
• Onions
• Garlic
• Oats
• Leeks
• Barley

8. To detox-reduce salt

Too much salt increases water retention, so you won’t be able to eliminate excess water, toxins and waste products from your body. For that reason, you should avoid or reduce it.

9.Exercise is important to detox your body

Regular physical activity reduces inflammation and allows your body’s detoxification system to work properly. Besides, exercise improves your general well being.

10.Reduce your exposure to chemicals

You may start by introducing non-chemical products to your daily life, for example:

Choose natural cleaning products, like vinegar and baking soda, instead of commercial cleaning products.

You can use natural personal care products such as deodorants, makeups, moisturizers, shampoos, and other personal care products. 

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

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What is hot stone massage?

Hot stone massage is yet another technique of alternative medicine. It originated in Hindu 5,000 years ago and has been used and keeps developing ever since. Today this treatment type is becoming more and more popular due to its calming nature and benefits. 

Hot stone massage has several excellent benefits for your body and soul. It helps to:

• Reduce muscle spasm.
• Promote muscle relaxation.
• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• Promote better sleep.
• Manage some autoimmune disorders.
• Boost the immune system.
• Remove the waste products.
• May help to reduce cancer symptoms.
• It is also beneficial in managing lower back, neck and shoulder pains and aches.

All these benefits are achieved thanks to the effect of heat which is sustained by stones. Heat helps to promote blood flow making it more available for the muscles and skin. With increased blood flow fresh nutrients and oxygen are more available to the tissues, hence, their function and recovery is increased. Heat also has soothing properties which helps with relaxation of not only muscles, but your mind, which is crucial in reducing stress and anxiety. Studies found that knots back massager, in general, is effective in managing cancer symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and depression, as well as some autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia, which is a condition causing chronic pain throughout your body. 

 Is hot stone and  deep tissue massage the same?

Not exactly, however, the aims of the hot stone massage are similar to the deep tissue. The main difference is the application of hot stones which warms up the tissue allowing a therapist to reach deeper into the tissue without causing too much discomfort.

 What does hot stone massage include?

During the treatment, a therapist will use several differently shaped and sized stones made of basalt. These stones are used because of their ability to sustain the heat. Your therapist might place the stones on the different areas of your body such as either side of your spine, palms, legs or abdomen and then, left them for several minutes. The application of stones will vary depending on the tension points. Alternatively, the therapist might apply some oil and a variety of techniques while holding the stones. These may include similar techniques used in Swedish, sports or deep tissue massage.

 Does hot stone massage release toxins?

Hot stone massage helps to remove toxins from your body. This happens due to relaxation of the muscles which allows for better lymphatic flow in your body. Enhanced lymphatic flow will help your body to remove the toxins more efficiently. You should stay well hydrated after the treatment.

 Where do you place a hot stone?

This depends on a therapist and the area treated. Usually, a therapist would use the knowledge of anatomy to place the stones on most tender areas. However, some therapists prefer to put stones on energy flow points such as chakra or meridian points.

 How do you place a hot stone?

Therapists place hot stones one by one on different areas of your body. This will depend on the areas treated. Stones are usually heated in a special device anywhere between 35 – 55 degrees Celsius. Therapist then picks up a stone, ensures that the temperature is not too hot and gently places a stone on a treated area.

 What stones are used in hot stone massage?

There are many types of stones which can be used for hot stone massage, however, most common are igneous, sedimentary and basal. Igneous stones are formed by volcanic activity. Sedimentary stones form over very long periods of time. They come from pieces of Earth and are smoothened by time. Basal stones are found in riverbeds where the flow of water smoothens their surface. The quality of stones depends on how long it can sustain the heat, the longer, the better.

 What do you wear to a hot stone massage?

For the hot stone massage, you would have to expose the area treated so try not to wear too many layers of clothing. If you are wearing a bra and will want your mid and upper back treated, you will have to take the bra off. The areas left untreated will be covered with a towel for your comfort and modesty.

We hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always glad to help. If you like this blog, please share! 

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Going on a detox soon after Christmas can have plenty of rewards. Especially as we head into the New Year. However, let’s first consider what overdoing it over the Christmas period can do to the body.

The first thing is obvious. You are likely to have gained weight. Many people eat around 5000 calories or more on Christmas Day itself. But let’s be honest, the lead up to and aftermath of Christmas can lead to weight gain too.

But there is more. Take the food coma you so suffer after Christmas lunch. This actually has a name. It is called postprandial somnolence. Primarily, it occurs due to the shunting away of blood from other parts of the body. Frighteningly, this also includes diverting blood away from the brain. And this is all in an effort to aid digestion.

And then there is the increased alcohol consumption too. This can have a relatively immediate impact on blood pressure, raised cholesterol and even impact triglyceride levels. Furthermore, binge drinking on holidays or at weekends can actually lead to an irregular heartbeat. A condition that is known as arrhythmia.

So now we know what damage has been done. Let’s see about reversing it.

Post-Christmas detox

How to start detoxing the body

The first two ways are fairly intuitive. But nonetheless should not be overlooked. Take on board plenty of water. And try and walk more. Walk for at least 10-20 minutes two or three times a day if you can.

The water will help to restore and replenish you. The walking will help you to start processing toxins by helping to stimulate the lymphatic system. The lymph system often called the second circulatory system, is lesser-known by most people. It does, however, play a pivotal role in removing gunk from your body.

Walking or exercise is good for the lymphatic system because it aids with the pumping action required to get it going.

There is a much lesser-known tip for helping you with your detox too. It comes from a practice in Ayurvedic medicine. Try taking some coconut charcoal. It helps directly with ridding you of toxins. However, do not use it if you are taking any prescription medications.

How lymphatic drainage can help your Christmas detox

We have already explained how the lymph system is important in eliminating waste from the body. Exercise can of course help. But if you really want to accelerate the process, you could try a lymphatic drainage massage.

It’s a form of massage that uses gentle yet repetitive strokes to help stimulate the body’s natural filtration system. The impact of the overindulgence we spoke of earlier will hamper the flow of lymph in the body. A trained lymphatic drainage massage therapist can help overcome this. And will get the lymph flowing again.

A final word

With all massage, it is important to go to a trained and qualified practitioner. But with Lymphatic Drainage it is extremely important. It can be counter-productive if applied incorrectly.

For more information on how to accelerate your Christmas detox, contact us. We will be more than happy to help. You can find me in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington.

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Detox?! Christmas is that time of the year where we all tend to overindulge in food. We stay up late, attend countless parties and do endless amounts of shopping. This can result in feeling extremely tired and lacking the energy we need for the New Year. If this sounds like you, your body is likely full of toxins. A detox could be the perfect way to get your body back on track once the festivities have ended.

Detox

Toxins

Detoxing your body in the correct way requires dedication. Harmful toxins are found in food, drink and habits that we may take part in every day, so it’s important we eliminate these from our lives. This can include alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats.

All of these things bring harmful toxins into our bodies, but if we eradicate them from our diet and lives, over time the toxins within our bodies will decrease.

Fibre & Vitamin C

Fibre and Vitamin C are vital for our bodies when we are detoxing. Firstly, you need to ensure your system is getting enough fibre as it helps to push out any harmful toxins.

Toxins tend to stick to the colon and intestines. With an increased amount of fibre in our diets, toxins will stop building up and can be removed. This will also prevent colon cancer.

Secondly, Vitamin C can help to detox our livers, as it helps to increase the number of antioxidants that are naturally found in our bodies.

Herbs

When detoxing, you should consider eating or drinking natural herbs such as Dandelion or Milk Thistle. These herbs can help to provide your body with an extra boost of vitamins and nutrients, which help you remain healthy by removing harmful toxins.

By giving your body an additional amount of nutrients and vitamins in a natural way, your body is then able to absorb increasing amounts.

Water

Water is vital to everyday life, regardless of whether you are currently detoxing or not. However, when you are participating in a detox, you are advised to increase your water intake from 2 litres to 3 litres.

We hope this information was useful for you. If you have any questions about it or about our treatments, please contact us.  We are only a 5 minute walk away from Mill Hill Broadway Station and in Islington.  We are always happy to help.

The post Detox – The top 5 tips for after Christmas appeared first on Perea Clinic.

You might have heard of Lymphatic drainage massage. It is a specialised form of treatment, it is a particular type of massage. It can also help to reduce cellulite, scar tissue, spider veins, redness and acne.

Lymphatic drainage

The benefits of this form of treatment.

There are many benefits to you having a lymphatic drainage massage. It can help with the reduction of lymphedema within the lymph nodes. As well as this, these massages can also help hugely with unwanted water retention and swelling. This type of treatment is of huge benefit to your body as it helps to remove toxins.

By tapping into your lymphatic system you are helping to detox your body in a more effective way. The systems primary function is to transport lymph (a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells) throughout the body. This fluid is what helps to eliminate toxins from our bodies by collecting them and pushing them out.

What does a Lymphatic drainage massage involve?

When you receive a lymphatic drainage massage, the flow and circulation of the lymph is encouraged. This means they are able to circulate throughout the body more freely, collecting more toxins as they go. The end result is a decreased number of toxins in your body, and therefore a body that is fully cleansed.

If you have decided to opt for a lymphatic drainage massage, you should expect a gentle pressure across the whole body, often starting from the feet and working upwards in order to stimulate flow and circulation for the lymph nodes.

The masseuse will use their hands to gently rub, stroke, tap and push the skin in the directions that follow the system. During the massage, your spleen, collarbone, armpit and popliteal are likely to be targeted in order to ensure all lymph’s are circulating around all areas of the body and you are receiving the full benefits of the massage.

This type of massage is a pain-free and effective way to ensure your metabolic rate is increased. It also removes all toxins. As always, ensure you receive professional treatments.

We hope this information was useful for you. If you have any questions about it or about our treatments, please contact us.  We are in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help.

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Inflammation has come under the spotlight as a contributory factor to some very serious conditions. When it gets out of control it can contribute to heart disease, obesity, and even cancer. Chronic inflammation can even cause conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Ironically, it is actually part of the body’s immune response, and without it, you can’t heal. But when it is excessive, that’s when problems start. Luckily diet can help to reduce inflammation. So we take a look at the foods that can help.

Reduce inflammation

Foods that cause inflammation

First, a word about foods that can aggravate and inflame. Foods high in sugar and saturated fat (especially when these are combined) can encourage inflammation. “They cause overactivity in the immune system, which can lead to joint pain, fatigue, and damage to the blood vessels,” says Scott Zashin, MD, clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

But there are definitely foods that will help to reduce it, and you definitely need to consider adding some of these to your regime.

Foods that help reduce inflammation

Let’s start with a food source that is massively overlooked for many in their diet, dark leafy greens. The health benefits of dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and broccoli are so wide-ranging, it is hard to put into words how important they are. Firstly, they are an incredibly good source of vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron, also, they contain disease-fighting phytochemicals.

Next, it is worth considering ways in which you can introduce Turmeric into your diet. It is a brilliant yellow spice common in Indian cuisine that is widely available. It has been used as a medicine for centuries to treat wounds, infections, colds, and liver disease.

Studies have shown that curcumin, a compound in turmeric, has a pivotal role to play in reducing inflammation in the body. Other spices to look at include, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne and black pepper.

It’s also worth cutting out or cutting back on refined, white bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. Whole grains, which tend to have more fibre in them, are better for you.

Another way to help fight inflammation is by eating oily fish, which has Omega-3 fatty acids. Some of the best sources are salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. It is certainly worth considering supplementation for Omega-3.

Final Word

When making any dietary changes, it is always worth getting the advice of a qualified nutritionist.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. If you like this blog, please share!

We are always happy to help.

The post Reducing Inflammation with food appeared first on Perea Clinic.