Supporting Your Body Before & After Your Session
HOW TO AVOID DETOX REACTIONS
Lymphatic Drainage, and occasionally Craniosacral therapy, can induce detox reactions in folks who are sensitive or more depleted. To reduce the chance of detox symptoms after your treatment, and to receive the most benefits from your session, it is recommended to:
HYDRATE
Please hydrate yourself well before and immediately after your session—with either water or other mineral- and electrolyte-rich beverages. Spring water, miso or bone broth, coconut water, nettle tea, or water with mineral drops are all great options. It's also supportive to limit caffeine and alcohol consumption and consume simple and nourishing meals for 1-2 days before and after your session.
MOVE
It can be very supportive to bring some gentle movement to your body before and after a bodywork session. Work in a 15 minute walk after your session, or try breathwork, rebounding, gentle yoga, Qi gong—whatever movement you most enjoy that won’t be too taxing on your body but can keep your lymph flowing.
SWEAT
Especially for those who are slower detoxifiers or who are dealing with a higher toxin load, working up a gentle sweat after your session can help the body to complete the detox process we began in session. If you have, take a sauna or warm magnesium bath after your session.
SLEEP
If your body is asking for rest after your session, please honor this need! Our body does so much of its detoxification while we sleep, most critically in our liver and brain. This is energy-intensive work your body is doing, so prioritizing a nap or an early bedtime after your session can make all the difference in your results from our session.
FOR SLOW DETOXIFIERS
If your system is impacted by MTHFR or COMT genes, Lyme, mold/mycotoxins, heavy metals, substance use, etc, or if you are chronically constipated, some extra drainage support may be appropriate after your session. In addition to the above recommendations, try*:
BINDERS
A binder is a supplement that will help your body mop up and eliminate any toxins stirred up during your treatment so they aren't reabsorbed into the bloodstream. There are many options, including CellCore's Biotoxin Binder, which is very gentle and does not interfere with mineral or supplement absorption, as well as zeolite, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, or blends for specific toxin profiles.*
COLON HYDROTHERAPY
Scheduling a colonic within 24 hours after a Lymphatic drainage treatment is an effective way to complete the detoxification work we initiated in our session. Additionally, a coffee enemas can be a hugely supportive tool for liver function, increasing glutathione production, and preventing and clearing herx/detox reactions. CleanseMarin offers colonics & coffee enemas in Ross, CA.
TOPICAL CASTOR OIL
I offer castor oil during your session, but it is also helpful to apply it topically over your abdomen/liver for an hour or so at a time, depending on your sensitivity. Beware that castor oil will stain clothes—using a castor oil pack is a common way to apply it, or simply an old towel. Use a hot water bottle over your abdomen as well for improved absorption.
SEEK SUPPORT
There can be an emotional layer to deeper release and detoxification. Be gentle with yourself, journal, rest, listen closely to what your body may need, and seek out the connections and support that feels best to you. You are welcome to email me with questions, concerns, or reflections on what has emerged.
* The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health condition or before making changes to your health regimen.