Clay Baths - A Safe Method for Body Detoxification

http://www.naturalnews.com/022674.html

(NewsTarget) "Detoxing" – the myriad and sundry ways of removing metals, toxins, and other nasties from the body - is becoming increasingly popular in alternative and natural medicine, and appears to be inching its way into the more traditional medical arenas as well. The beneficial health results produced by these procedures cannot be ignored. As a result, it seems that everywhere you turn, there are companies claiming to have the best product for detoxing your system. "Clay and water... those two lifelines are all you will often need to return your body to a state of optimal health," states Perry A., author of Living Clay, Nature's Own Miracle Cure.

According to Jason Eaton (www.eytonsearth.org): "There are many methods available in both alternative and natural medicine that are designed to "detoxify the body". However, nearly all of them do exactly the opposite: They stimulate the body to release toxic byproducts stored in fat, organs, and other tissues. The result is that these substances are dumped back into the active metabolism. The body, then, is placed under a great deal of toxic stress, even to the point of toxic shock.

This poses quite a problem, for the body has stored these substances for a very specific reason: It has been incapable of eliminating the substances without causing significant damage. Therefore, the short cut "quick fix" methods to detoxify the body can actually be quite dangerous, and the natural and comprehensive methods can require a lot of attention, hard work, and anywhere from six months to three years to accomplish, and are often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms as the body cleans itself." What is lacking is an avenue to get the released toxins out of the body.

So what's a person to do? Many experts, including Jason Eaton, recommend clay baths for detoxing and chelation.

Clay baths have been safely used for centuries. These days, they're used to treat everything from tired, achy muscles to heavy metal poisoning, radiation and chemical/pesticide exposure. Very recently, some surprising and encouraging results have been reported when using clay baths to treat autism.

Certain clays have the ability to remove toxins through the pores of the skin. Discussing clay baths, in his book The Clay Cure, Ran Knishinsky states, "It is a fairly simple procedure, and it can do a lot of good in a relatively short time. Because of clay's excellent drawing effect, the clay has the power to literally pull toxicities through the pores of the skin in the bath." And Wendell Hoffman, author of Using Energy to Heal, found that bentonite clay, when used in a bath, can and does draw out toxic chemicals through the pores of the skin.

Jason Eaton states on his website: "Taking a therapeutic clay bath, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours, is one of the most effective methods in existence to help assist the body in the elimination of toxic substances which have accumulated in the body. Clay baths stimulate the lymphatic system and deeply cleanse the body's largest breathing organ (the skin). Acting both directly on the body and acting as a systematic catalyst, clay used in this manner interacts directly with the body's immune system, and helps to remove the post-digestive burden placed on the major organs of the body."

Dr. Miriam Jang, M.D., author of "Breakthroughs in Autism," a synopsis of the DAN protocol, says: "I have put a huge number of patients on these clay baths and the levels of heavy metals – mercury, lead, arsenic, aluminum, and cadmium have come down dramatically... I have been monitoring the levels of metals using all three methods (TD DMPS, oral DMSA and clay baths) and the clay baths are way faster in the removal of metals…One particular patient had very high levels of mercury and levels of lead that were off the charts. In 3 months of twice weekly clay baths, the lead came down dramatically and the mercury disappeared. The muscle weakness associated with high lead levels improved dramatically. Interestingly enough, another 5 months of these clay baths showed even lower levels of lead but the mercury reappeared. This supports the theory that mercury is sequestered in different areas of our body and it takes time to get it all out."

Clay baths may be used for heavy metal toxicity, general chemical toxicity, radiation and chemotherapy recovery, general systemic support by stimulating the lymphatic system, comprehensive cleansing protocols, as well as simply for relaxation and enjoyment. They are wonderful for relieving stress and helping to relax, especially in the evening before bed.

Choosing the Right Clay:

It's important to choose carefully when selecting a clay for your clay baths. While certain clays are ideal, and others are acceptable though not as good, others should be avoided altogether. For clay baths, the experts agree that clean, raw, natural swelling smectite clays are the best. This includes swelling bentonites and montmorillonites, which are often referred to as Living Clays. It's vital to avoid any contaminated clays, as well as any clays with additives. Clay should be stored in containers that are completely sealed, and kept away from petroleum chemicals. Clay should not come into prolonged contact with metals.

Preparing a Clay Bath:

There are several methods that can be used to prepare a clay bath. When using dry powder clay, you can simply scatter 2 cups of dry powder clay into the water as it's running and use your hands to mix it and swish away any lumps of clay that might form. To avoid lumps altogether, you can 'premix' the clay to a liquid state by mixing approximately 1 part clay to 8 parts water in a lidded container. Shake vigorously, and allow the clay to sit for a couple of hours, then shake again. Use 4 cups or more of liquid clay in your bath. A clay bath should last ideally between 15-20 minutes in extremely hot water and longer in a less hot bath. Submerge as much of your body as possible during the bath. The more clay that is used in the therapy, the more powerful the response.

In some rare severely toxic cases the clay may turn dark and gooey. If the water has not turned dark, after your bath scoop some of the clay water to water your plants. Run lots of water to rinse the clay out of your tub.

Jason Eaton states, "Hot showers, baths, and steam treatments cause a forced respiration through the skin, resulting in a rapid uptake of gases, ions, and water directly into the tissues of the body. Indeed, any time one isolates a location of the body, covering it with any substance and then applying heat (even if this is only heat generated by insulation), an "environmental exchange" is going to occur, resulting in the absorption of substances through the skin and the release of substances through the pores of the body." For this reason, he recommends nothing be added to the clay bath – no herbs, oils, fragrances, etc. Herbal treatments, or other skin treatments can be done after the clay bath if desired. The only exception to this rule would be the addition of natural sea salt, which simply acts as a tonic, and increases the ion exchange capability of the clay in a clay bath.

About the author

Cheryl McCoy manages the website www.AboutClay.com, an information and educational resource for the various uses of healing clay. She discovered the amazing benefits of Living Clay several years ago, and has been an ardent advocate for this clay ever since. She may be contacted at Info@AboutClay.com.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/022674_clay_body_water.html#ixzz4Cn0hXjBt

MAGNETIC CLAY DETOX BATHS

http://www.magneticclay.com/guidelines.php

Remember: In all chronic & serious conditions, check with your doctor or professional. Always go slow at first & gradually increase the amount of clay in the bath over time.

GUIDELINES
FOR MAGNETIC CLAY DETOX BATHS

Follow the guidelines for the category that defines your personal health situation. 

It is recommended that you begin your bath series with the least amount of clay formula in each category and gradually build up to the maximum amount.

CHRONIC CONDITIONS | ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY | ALL MERCURY TOXICITY 

Use1/4 to 1/2 cups of clay (or do foot baths*)
Space your baths from 1 to 3 weeks apart
Carefully replenish your minerals/electrolytes
Keep your water temperature between 100-102°
Stay in the tub from 5 to 15 minutes depending on condition and toxic load.

*Ask about our mini doses

MINOR AILMENTS | PAIN, FATIGUE, HEADACHES | “NOT FEELING UP TO PAR” 

Use 1/2 to 2 cups in the tub
Space your baths from 1 to 2 weeks apart
Carefully replenish your minerals/electrolytes
Keep your water temperature between 102-104°
Stay in the tub for 12 to 18 minutes

HEALTH MAINTENANCE AND PREVENTION | AVERAGE HEALTH, ACTIVE LIFE

Use 1 to 4 cups of clay in the tub depending on health stamina.
Take baths once every 5 to ten days to
Replenish minerals/electrolytes
Water temperature 102-104°
Tub time-up to a full 20 minutes.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS

The contraindications for clay baths are a heart condition, high blood pressure, taking prescription medicine and pregnancy. Always consult with your doctor if you are on medication, have a chronic condition or have a special health concern.

Also, if you are elderly, or extremely toxic, weak or ill, you may wish to use less clay or stay in the bath for a shorter amount of time. Perhaps a clay footbath instead of a full body bath would be appropriate for you (See Footbath Instructions).

These special clay baths may remove toxins along with some minerals/vitamins and electrolytes. Do not take a clay bath after a heavy meal. Also, the clay may be slippery—please take precautions.

CLAY TUB BATH PROCEDURES

	1… Check Contents of Box Approximately 8 Cups of Clay, Screen/Lid, pH strips, Herb/Spice packet, and Instructions
Pre-test for pH Take a pH strip, put it in your mouth, and check its color against the chart. If your pH is 6.0 (7.0 to 7.4 is even better), you can take a full tub bath. If your pH is below 6, a footbath is suggested. See more information on pH included.
	2… Combine Dry Ingredients Open the large container of clay.  Cut the Herb/Spice Packet open with scissors, and pour ALL the contents into the container.
	3… Dry Mixing Wear a mask to avoid breathing any clay dust. Thoroughly mix together ALL of the herbs/spices & ALL of the clay with a wire whisk , OR you may re-close the lid and shake until mixed.
	4… Measuring Measure out an amount of clay/herb mix for one bath (see Guidelines for correct amount) and set aside. Close the container to store for your next bath.
	5… Prepare Tub Unscrew and remove stopper (A). Be sure tub is dry so that tape will stick. Place the drain guard (B) into drain hole, and secure with 2 strips of duct tape.  Place flat stopper (E) over the drain guard, secured with another strip of tape. Use duct tape to cover the over-flow drain (C & D). A Screen and lid has been provided in each kit.
	6… Wet Mixing Start filling the prepared, taped tub with warm (not hot) water (102° to 104° F). Fill the tub with enough water to cover you. To dissolve the clay smoothly, here are 2 methods.  Blender mixing: Fill blender ¾-full with warm water. Using your measured clay mixture from the cup, take 3 TBS at a time and pour it into the blender (too much at a time may clog your blender). Put on the lid and blend about 10 seconds. Pour out into bath water. Repeat 3 or 4 times until the cup of clay is gone.  Whisk mixing: Fill a bowl or pail with warm water. Slowly add clay while stirring with whisk. Mix until the lumps are smooth, and then, pour the mix into the tub).
	7… Ears & Timer   Put cotton or earplugs in your ears if you plan to immerse your head. Keep clay water out of eyes and nose.   Set timer to the appropriate time (see guidelines).
	8… Into the Bath CAREFULLY, step into the tub (clay may be slippery).
Some normal symptoms from toxin elimination are nausea, light-headedness, headaches, a pulling sensation from parts of the body such as the stomach, and fatigue. If these occur during the bath, stop and get out of the tub. Use less clay and take less time for your next bath. The occurrence of the above symptoms means that the toxins are moving too fast.  Go more slowly.
	9… Small Tubs Submerge as much of your body as possible. if your tub is small and you cannot totally immerse yourself up to your neck, then lie on one side for half the time, then on the other side for the rest of the time. Or put your knees up and get your whole torso under the water for part of the time.
	10… Shower & Shampoo After the allotted time, carefully raise your body out of the clay water taking care not to slip, take a tepid shower and shampoo if you have a separate shower.  If you do not have a separate stall shower, see #11.
	11… Clean Tub Take an old towel, dry off as best you can, and wrap a towel around your head. Clay can be drained directly - passing through the drain screen provided in the kit to ensure no lumps of clay will clog pipes. Shower and shampoo in tub after it is clean.
	12… Rest, Keep Warm, Drink Teas, Moisturize Moisturizing your skin after the bath helps to relieve any resultant dryness. Dress warmly until your pores close. DRINK PLENTY of WATER, and REST. To help boost your energy and digestion, drink tea several times a day.
Ginger and peppermint tea are known to give energy, improve strength and helps digestion.

HOW MANY BATHS DO I NEED?

Please check the Guidelines above. After 4 to 12 baths you will probably feel a sense of relief and well-being. But detoxification is a gradual process and you might very well benefit from a longer series of baths. Foot baths may be taken between the full tub baths, as long their are no symptoms.

REPLENISHING MINERALS

Some minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes are also removed in the bath and need to be replaced immediately.  We strongly recommend a balanced "green energy" product such as spirulina, blue-green algae, chlorella, or similar product as they have the majority of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and high protein content in these products along with the ability to continue cleansing-detoxifying and building up your immune system.  The herb "Cats Claw" has been known to be good for the immune system and to remove toxic metals and chemicals.  "We like CELLFOOD", which are drops that are highly assimilated (added to water or juice) and contain many nutrients. See our Supplemental Section.

CLEAN UP INSTRUCTIONS

Be sure to use a “drain guard” or “hair trap” for all of the baths. For regular sewer systems, the guard provided will allow the clay to sift through at a rate and consistency that should not cause clogging.

For septic systems: If using only 1 or 2 cups of the clay formula, the use of the drain guard is sufficient. If more than 2 cups are used, you can use a container to transfer the majority of the water from the tub to the toilet. Once a sufficient amount has been removed, the clay can be scooped up for disposal.

Interested in seeing how the clay changes as a result of your bath?

Prior to your bath, put a little of the clean wet clay mixture in a small plastic bag or on a spoon. After the bath, if using more than 2 ½ cups of clay, use a container to take water from the tub and dump it into the toilet. When there is only a small amount left in the tub, allow it to go down the drain, making certain the drain guard is securely in place. Then take a flat knife and scrape some of the residue from the bottom of the tub and put it in another small plastic bag or on a spoon. Compare the difference of the two samples. If there is still a lot of clay residue on the floor of the tub, you may use old newspapers or an auto sponge to wipe it up. Clean the tub with an environmentally safe cleanser. Be sure to flush the tub drain for a good 3 to 5 minutes with hot running water to ensure clear drainage. You’re finished!

DOES THE CLAY HAVE OTHER USES?

Bentonite clay is used in area packs.  Mixed with water, it can help draw out infection, reduce the swelling of insect bites, promote the healing of wounds, and reduce pain. 

This type of clay has great healing capacity by its magnetic "drawing power" for removing toxins.  Our special type of clay formulas with specific herbal and spice enhancers create a very unique, quick, inexpensive, and natural detoxification program. 

WE OFFER A VARIETY OF CLAY BATH KITS:


Radiation Detox, found in so many areas of daily living including x-rays, cell phones, micro-wave ovens, computers, and atmospheric radiation to name a few sources.  This bath is great to assist in removing all forms of radiation including nuclear radiation.

Formaldehyde Detox is a silent gaseous killer and is more prevalent than ever before from smoke in tobacco, new carpet glues, pressboard, etc.  A very special formula to relieve formaldehyde poisoning.

Mercury II is a new formula to assist in mercury located all over the body while Dental/Mercury I focuses on mercury from dental amalgams. Mercury II is great to alternate with Dental/Mercury I.

LL's Natural comes without any herbs & spices for the "super-sensitive" persons.

Environmental Detox: for pollutants, insecticides, pesticides, vaccination poisons, industrial pollution

Smoker’s/Drug Detox: for assistance in removing chemicals from drugs, tobacco, smoke (also used to help remove cadmium)

Dental/Mercury I Detox: for assistance in clearing the poison of dental/mercury amalgams

Arsenic Detox: Arsenic is found in pesticides, industrial pollution, water supplies, etc.

Aluminum Detox: Found in aluminum cans, cookware, aluminum foil, antacids, automotive exhaust, American cheese, milk products, table salt, toothpaste, deodorants and many other sources

Tox-Away Detox: This kit is a general detox bath to help remove metals. Has an herb in the formula known to help detoxify the liver.

Clear-Out Detox: One of our newer formula and the spices and herbs in this are known for various situations that are present with metal and chemical poisons, such as digestive problems, parasites in the body, depression, etc. This bath also addresses the following metals: lead (lead poisoning), arsenic, mercury and aluminum poisoning. A great bath for a general detoxification.

Copper& Lead:

Copper is viewed in two ways. The first is a detrimental heavy metal accumulated in the system by drinking water from sources with copper plumbing. The second is that a lack of copper causes a form of anemia. Many doctors in the alternative field feel it is an important mineral. According to one doctor, copper levels are restored through the addition of chlorophyll.

Lead may enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin eruptions. Adults normally absorb 5-10% of ingested lead. Children can absorb up to 50%. Biochemically, lead appears to be an enzyme poison. Saturnine gout has been connected with lead at levels as little as 1 ppm.

We use the same special clay in our line of Magnetic Clay products. Our unique Bentonite clay is also excellent for burns. Keep a jar, ready-made, in your refrigerator! 

Thank you for your support in purchasing our products. We are always interested in hearing about your results.  Remember, all clays are not alike! 

GET THE BEST! 

Magnetic Clay Baths
"Pulls Toxins Out Like a Magnet"
1-800-257-3315 Customer Service
Check for a Distributor Near You!
See Instructions for Footbaths and Packs

Detox with clay bath

http://www.mygutsy.com/how-to-detox-with-a-clay-bath/

HOW TO DETOX WITH A CLAY BATH

Clay. Its what you used to play in as a kid (or still do). Was there an “instinctive” reason why kids do this? Clay naturally detoxes, so it makes sense why the human body would be attracted to it. How can you incorporate clay into you life today?

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IM TOXIC:

Or let me rephrase that, I was. Let me explain.

The reason why Im writing this post is because I actually just took a clay bath. If you know anything about clay baths- they absorb toxins and detox.

So what did I get into? A new i-phone.

I was so excited to finally get an i phone. I got it all set up yesterday and fidgeted around on it like all-day-long. By mid day I was starting to get a headache but just passed it off as not drinking enough water or eating food (because I was so engrossed in my phone). By the end of the night I was going to take a clay bath but my body was sooo exhausted.

Something wasn’t right, Im not normally exhausted after sitting on my butt all day. I just prayed that I wouldn’t wake up with an allergic reaction. Too bad- I woke up and my face was puffy. My skin was red. My head was foggy. My head hurt like a brick fell on it. The first thing that came to my mind was the i phone. Usually my first instinct is right.

There was no going back now, so I decided to eat a few bites of liver (hey my body needed that extra boost) and hopped in a clay bath. Now that im done with it, my head hurts a lot less and my head doesn’t feel as “heavy”. My face is still puffy but I think my lymph system is one of my weak points so it might take a day or two to “drain”.

A clay detox bath is my go to when I feel “toxic” or blah. I can’t live without it. Let me share my clay detox secrets…

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WHAT IS A CLAY BATH?

A clay bath is a bath with clay stirred in it. It looks just like the picture above. Some clays are lighter some darker. I find that each one is effective, though the source is important. This is the clay I use to drink and bath in. A clay bath is a gentle detox because it absorbs the toxins instead of forcing them out (like a sauna). I always feel more relaxed and “clear headed”.

HOW DOES CLAY DETOX?

Believe it or not, the clay particle actually pulls the toxins inside the clay molecule. Isn’t that cool or what? That is why clay is so expansive. (Clay not only absorbs toxins but nutrients too).

A toxin carries positive electron. A clay particle carries negative electrons. This is why the toxins are attracted and “pulled” inside the clay molecule. When you take a clay bath you will see this “science” actually happen.

When you sit in a clay bath or rub clay on your body, sometimes there will be globs of clay stuck to random spots on your skin.    These “glob spots” wont come off as easily as other places. You might have to rub the clay off with a rag or your finger nail.  That spot on your skin is where the toxins have surfaced and the clay is still very attracted to that spot.

If I have lots of the globs left on me I try to soak in the tub for a few minutes longer (usually they are all gone by 20 min). Am I the only one fascinated by this?

WHAT KIND OF CLAY?

Bentonite clay is the clay suggested to use for a clay bath. Be careful of the source though. Since clay can absorb toxins easily, you want to make sure to get a clean uncontaminated source. I would suggestthis clay. Its so pure you can drink it too (and I do).

HOW MUCH CLAY?

I usually put in 1-4 cups of powdered (it comes powdered) bentonite clay. Its not cheap, so I try to save it- though the price does not stop me from using it because my body needs it. To me drinking clay and taking clay baths is like “food”. I usually only take clay baths when I feel I “need” one. Because of this, I like to do the clay body mask. I feel like it saves clay and it more effective.

HOW YOU I KNOW WHEN I “NEED” A CLAY BATH?

Do you ever get …

headaches

body aches

pimples

eczema

allergic reaction

digestive distress

fatigue

head “fog”

pressure

sinus congestion

… you see where this is going.

Most illnesses are caused by the body not functioning properly. Toxins are an easy culprit for most illnesses.  Detox is the word to get rid of these toxins, though it is not that easy to just flush all the toxins out of your body.  Detox takes patience, time, the right tools, and a gentle touch.

Our body is designed to detox. Think of the organs, the gallbladder, the spleen, the liver, the skin.. all there to detox. After years and years of junk food and pollution or even just wearing new clothes or living in a new house, these organs get stressed and “clogged up”. Herbs, acupuncture, enemas, sauna’s are all things people do to detox the body. Clay is just another solution to rid the body of toxins. I find it the most gentle of all the detox methods and the most effective.

If I have a really bad reaction, the first thing I do is jump in a detox bath. Its as simple as that. I feel at least 70% better the the end of the 20 min bath. You wont know if you like it until you try it.

THE CLAY CURE:

If you are a clay freak like me, can you tell its a passion of mine? Read this book  (The Clay Cure) you will love it!

HOW TO PREPARE THE CLAY:

If you have tried a clay bath you probably end up in a chunky mess, right?At first I tried to sprinkle the clay in the tub. Fail. The clay just clumped up and never dissolved.

Instead I have found a way to allow it to get incorporated into the water much better. Start off by measuring your clay into a bowl. Pour a few cups of water in the powdered clay and mix with your hands until it forms wet clay. Spread this mixture all over your body or plop in the tub and squish through your hands to mix into the water. It takes a few minutes but it makes bath time fun! Squish squish squish.

CAN IT CLOG MY DRAIN?

Yes- it can. Don’t let that scare you- there is an easy solution. I got a screen with the Magnetic Earth company. You could maybe use something like this too. I place it on top of the drain before I drain the clay water and it catches the big particles of clay. You could also line the drain with cheesecloth or mesh and just hold it here until all the water drains. You will be left with clumps of clay that you can toss in your soil or garbage.

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THE CLAY BODY MASK:

Silly picture right? This is just my technique because I find it more fun, more effective, and more frugal. You use less clay over all (instead of dumping cups into the tub). The wet clay is spread directly on your body so it can “pull” the toxins out easier-direct contact. Use the instructions above under the heading “How to prepare the clay”.

PRECAUTIONS:

• Drinking clay with medications or supplements or even food can make then less effective or “block” certain minerals from the food. Wait at least 3-5 hours after medication and ask your dr. before doing so- don’t play around.
• Don’t sit in the bath for over 20 min. Sitting in a detox clay bath for 20+ min can cause stressful detox symptoms. Generally a clay bath is a gentle detox. Too much of a good thing can be bad.I once over did the 20 min (just because I HAD to test it) and I got nauseous and felt dehydrated. I was detoxing too much. I wont do that again.
• Don’t slip in the tub or the shower. Clay is slippery to make sure to lay a bunch of towels down around the tub and you can even lay a small towel in the tub to keep your feet from slipping when you stand up.
• Drink water before and after the clay bath. I make sure to eat something salty beforehand too- because I tend to crave lots of salt afterwards. Eating it beforehand helps.
• Wear a mask when you pour the powdered clay. The clay powder is very fine and not good for your lungs. Strap on a mask  to scoop and mix the clay. Take it off when there is no more clay powder left.
• If you have long hair, you might want to tie it up (like a bun). Mine always falls down and I actually sometimes get it wet in the clay water deliberately. It dries out my hair a bit, but I actually feel like it detoxes my hair as well (kinda like that feeling after you go swimming in the lake- it just wont be silky, but you will feel even more “natural and clean”.) The dryness only lasts for a day and you can put some apple cider vinegar on it afterward if you need. I just use baking soda. You choose.
• Don’t drink the clay water or reuse it. After you sit in there for 20 min the clay is now saturated with your toxins..so the waster is in fact “toxic”!
• Don’t get the clay stuck in your body holes (ear, nose… ) Sound funny, but its not. I got it stuck in my ear once and it was no fun. If that does happen use hydrogen peroxide and it will bubble out.
• If you have high blood pressure, heart disease , or any other condition that prevents you from taking a bath (too weak, old age…) please contact your dr. first. You can still benefit from clay but a foot soak (1/2 cup of clay in warm water) will be better for your condition.

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IS CLAY SAFE PREGNANT OR NURSING?

Since I am not a dr. I would suggest you first check with your Dr. first before taking a clay bath.

A clay bath is detoxing which can put stress on your body as well as your baby’s. A foot bath would be a better option, because it is much more gentle on the body. Doing a foot bath will not detox your body as much, but at this time in your life (especially if you are nourishing a baby), your body should not be going through full body detoxes. At this time in your life you need to be gentle and its all about rebuilding. The toxins released can get absorbed by your baby.

Drinking clay is another story. Actually in some cultures women drink clay to promotes fertility. This could be because it is cleansing, which helps makes the body ready for a baby. Pregnant women and nursing women should make sure to only drink clay at least 2 hours away from food because it can absorb nutrients. You don’t have room for clay to be soaking in your nutrients when your baby needs them. Also, you want to find a very pure source, because it is not just affecting your body, the the baby’s too. Living clay is a great one. I would recommend to start slow and small.

HOW TO TAKE A CLAY BATH:

1. Fill up your tub with warm water. You want it as warm as you can handle but still be comfortable. This helps your body’s circulation flow, allowing the lymph system to circulate all the toxins so the clay cam “mop” them up. Not too warm– you don’t want your pulse racing.  (In the picture you see a sack attached to the spout. That is just our bath chlorine filter. We took the bag out of the plastic ball and tied it to the spout, it works pretty well. I used the brand, click here.)

2. Make sure to use a good drain plug. You don’t want the clay chunks to seep down the drain.

3. Scoop the clay; 1-4 cups of powdered bentonite clay.

4. Mix the clay with enough water to create “wet” clay. I use this brand. Squish with your hands. (Dont forget your mask!)

5. The clay will soak up more water within a few min so make sure that you add a bit more water if needed. If you are doing the body clay mask, don’t make your clay too watery or else it will be harder to spread on your body.

6. You have 2 choices. #1 Clay body mask: spread the wet clay all over your body like in the picture above. I even put it on my face and the tops of my feet. Hey why not get a facial while your at it! #2 Clay bath: dump the wet clay into the bath directly and squish around while you are in the tub to get that “mucky” clay water.

7. Sit in the bath for 10-20 minutes. If you are a newbie and don’t know how you will react, try 10 min or even 5. Never go beyond 20 min (ok ok i have gone 25 and still been ok). Anything over that could make you lightheaded or nauseous from detoxing too much.

* tip* If you have the clay body mask on the clay will slowly get softer and dissolve off your body into the tub. I always make too much wet clay for just my body so I squish the rest into the tub water. So I guess I do both ways at once. Don’t scrub the clay off, just let it “slip” off by itself. When the 20 min if getting closer to being up, run your body with a wash cloth  to get off the rest of the “globs” of clay.

*tip* If you put clay on your face, the clay can dry up within 20 min so you might want to wet your face with a wet washcloth to keep it moist, otherwise it kinds hurts and cracks. ouch.

8. 20 min up yet? If so take a cool shower to rinse off the clay residue. I wash my hair with bakings soda, do what ever you do. If you let your hair in the clay tub it may be a tad dry. The cool water also closes your skin pores after the warm bath. Make sure your shower water temperate is cool-not cold (don’t shock your body).

9. Moisturize. You will probably notice you skin is super dry afterwards. Clay seems to draw water out of the skin, or else its just that I sweat so much. Whatever reason it is, I always use coconut oil or beef tallow for the dry spots.

1o. Dress Warm. After your detox clay bath and then cool shower make sure to dress in warm clothes. Keep the “heat” in your body. Your body just worked hard to detox so the extra warmth will give it a break and allow your body to relax and recharge.

11. Oh yeah, don’t forget to drain the tub. Ask my family how many times I do that?! Haha. Use a screen or mesh to catch the big clay chunks. Let the clay water drain. Toss the big chunks in the soil or garbage.

12. Re-mineralize with sea salt, food, electrolytes, and magnesium oil. I explain below.

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WHAT TO DO AFTER A CLAY BATH?

Replenish and remineralize are the words. Drink clay. Drink salty water (minerals).

I would suggest a small spoonful of clay in water. I drink this brand. This will help to soak up any toxins that got released on the inside. Make sure to drink a few glasses of sea-salted water afterward too. When your body sweats it releases toxins and minerals. Drinking sea salted water and/or rubbing magnesium oil (make your own with instructions here) on your body will help balance your body’s minerals back out.

RELEASE THE TOXINS:

Do you feel it? Nothing is quite like it, the feeling after a clay bath. So clear and fresh-toxin free. I even find that after a clay bath my eczema has disappeared or on the rare occasion when I get a pimple-it is comes to the surface (I feel like the clay “pulls” the toxins under the skin to the surface). My hair even gets a detox because it always ends up getting wet in the clay water. Oh well! Why cant you have a little fun when you detox too?!