Detox baths are great but…

As much as I wish I had the time to take a bath regularly, I simply don’t.

(Or let’s face it: when I do have the time, I’m watching old episodes of The Office because no one gives me a good giggle like Michael Scott.)

Related Post: Relaxing Detox Bath Recipe

But there’s a really simple way to transform your shower into a detoxifying hydrotherapy practice. It takes just five minutes tacked on to the end of your regular ol’ shower.

Quick & Simple Detox Shower:

Alternative hot and cold temperatures stimulate the lymph by contracting and relaxing the lymph vessels, helping it to flow. This is really important since unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump and so can become stagnant. Considering the lymphatic system is one of the body’s main detoxification routes, we want to be sure lymph is always flowing!

Steps

1. Shower as usual with whatever temperature water you prefer
2. Turn the water temperature up slightly. (You don’t want to scald yourself! Think hot tub temperature.) Keep your body under the water, getting all parts wet, for 30 seconds.*
3. Turn the water temperature as cold as you can stand it. Again, keep your body under the water, getting all parts wet, for 30 seconds.*
4. Repeat 4 times.

*Different sources suggest different times for the alternative hot and cold temperatures. This is what I have personally found doable (i.e. not too miserable!).

Tips

• Dry body brush before hopping in the shower. This is a very helpful daily detox practice in itself since it also stimulates lymphatic flow — see The Benefits of Dry Body Brushing for more info.
• It’s really important to filter your shower water, either with a whole house filter or a super easy to install showerhead filter. Otherwise, the shower can be a major source of exposure to harmful chlorine and chlorine byproducts. Check out this post — Why You Must Filter Your Shower Water — for more info + more filter suggestions.
• You certainly don’t need to do this practice everyday! I aim for once a week.