Acupuncture Healthcare

It’s the beginning of a New Year, a time in which we contemplate the old year and envision the new and yet to come.  It’s also a time when many people decide to begin again with dietary changes, exercise routines, and a commitment to changing habits that may have been waylaid or forgotten in the holiday season.  As an acupuncturist, I heartily endorse the gentle experiments and simple changes in a person’s health routine which promote a healthy and happy individual.

However, it is at this time of year I am asked about cleanses and detox programs.  Most of which I feel are inappropriate.  This is winter, the coldest and darkest part of the year.  It is a time of inner contemplation and hibernation and as such, requires the slower, gentler changes we can make for ourselves.  The castor oil pack compliments this season with simplicity and gentleness.

Castor oil packs are used to improve circulation of the lymphatic system which assists in the elimination of toxins and improves immunity.  Castor oil packs also decrease inflammation, improve the absorption and assimilation functions of abdominal organs, especially the liver and colon, and may be used over areas experiencing aches and pains to engender healing.  Women may use castor oil packs on the lower abdomen to increase circulation to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and urinary tract.

Word of caution:  Do not use on open wounds.  Do not use castor oil packs if pregnant or menstruating.

Supplies:  Cold-pressed castor oil, piece of flannel, plastic bag, three towels, and 1 gallon sized ziploc bag.

Pack Preparations:  Through trial and error, I have found this to be the easiest way for me to handle castor oil packs.  You may need to try your own experiments to see what works best for you.  Once you establish a rhythm, this will be quick and easy. The layer method—1. short hand towel folded 14″x 8″   2.  piece of plastic that covers the hand towel   3. cotton or wool flannel 11″x 15″ double thickness and folded in thirds.  Now you have a sandwich of sorts, bottom hand towel, middle piece of plastic, and top flannel.

Castor Oil Preparation:  You want to saturate the flannel with oil.  It will take time for the flannel to absorb the oil, so begin with a dizzle of oil over the flannel, wait a few minutes and drizzle some more, continue until flannel is sufficiently saturated.

Heat Preparation:  I prefer a water bottle, but you may use a heating pad if it’s easier for you.  I like to be able to fall asleep without worry about a heating pad being left on.  So the second towel is to lay over the water bottle to retain its heat.

Preparing Yourself and Bed:  The oil will absorb into clothing, so choose clothing you don’t mind staining.  I use an old t-shirt and sweat pants.  Lay the third towel over the sofa or bed where you will by lying down to protect against oil stains.  Now pick up your castor oil pack sandwich and place the saturated oil side over your liver, spleen, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, or lower back.  Place the water bottle on top, and place a towel over the water bottle to keep it warm.

Time:  Leave the pack in place for 45-90 minutes.  Cycle 3 days of packs over the same area, then rest three days.  Depending on the condition and goals of your castor oil packs, packs may be done for one to six months.

For a simple detox program and immunity enhancement I recommend 3 days over the liver, three days rest, 3 days over the spleen, three days off, 3 days over the upper colon, three days off, 3 days over the lower colon, three days off, repeat cycle if desired.

Storage and Reuse:  Fold castor oil sandwich (hand towel, plastic, and flannel) in half, place in gallon sized ziploc bag, and store in refrigerator.  The next time you use the castor oil pack, refresh the oil by drizzling more to the flannel.  The flannel may be reused for six months.  It is not necessary to wash the flannel between uses, but keep the used flannel in the refrigerator to prevent the oil from going rancid between uses.

Cleaning up:  The oil will stick to you, so a teaspoon or two of baking soda in a quart of warm water will clean you off with ease.

Final Note:  This is a detox protocol so it is important that you drink plenty of water to flush toxins out of your body.

Heritage castor oil products are usually easy to buy at healthfood stores or online.

Tags: Detox, experiments, health care, liver detox, pain relief