Today I received an email from a yogi (lets call her cool cat) in Australia asking how my skin problem was going. You may remember my post, “Not all Roses” where I confessed my health was suffering. ‘Cool cat’ is suffering a similar outbreak of pimples and I’ve copied an extract from her email here:
“I have had the problem skin of a teenager for about a year now which is more than unfair as I’m a long way from actually being a teenager. I’ve been to a naturapath, GP, looked at my diet, used creams, you name it I’ve done it. I was talking to ‘cute puppy’ at yoga and she said that the only thing that improved her skin was to stop going to yoga. I had a morning class when I was so frustrated and devastated with having to look at my skin in the mirror for so long, that I decided that was it I was going to have to let yoga go.”
She goes on to say that after her Bikram Yoga class she checked out my blog which just happened to be “Not all Roses” and felt relieved she’s not the only one. BUT the problem still remains and we sure would like to get to the bottom of it! In fact I’ve heard the same story from a few yogis in my travels. I know we’re sweating out a lot of toxins during class, but when does it end?!
Speaking of bottoms, and I’m sorry if this is an “over-share” for some but why not get it out there for discussion. Soon after arriving in Malmö, I searched for “colonic hydrotherapy” as I’ve heard it can help with skin problems. Basicaly, colonic hydrotherapy helps clean the large intestine of toxin build up from all the preservatives in our food. I couldn’t find a clinic in Malmö so I took the train over the Öresund bridge to Colinic Denmark in Copenhagen.
Of course, I wont go into the nitty-gritty of what I saw floating down the clear tube during the treatment but it was an experience, I’ll tell you that!
So did it work and how many treatments did I receive?
My skin was noticeably clearer the next day. I only had one treatment. The staff said, “you will know if you need more”. I guess it’s a good thing they didn’t try to sign me up for multiple treatments and of course they cant guarantee success. However, the pimples are back although not quite as bad, so I guess that’s a clear enough answer.
My diet is quite healthy, I’ve given up coffee this month and trying to give up all dairy… but Erik is a cheese connoisseur (last block was a 6 year matured, local cheese from Skane) and it’s sooo tasty!
Hi, first thank you for all your blogs I am enjoying them so much here in Portland, Oregon. I just thought I would share something with you. I went off dairy a year or so ago, and broke out. After doing some research, I found out it is very common….they call it “dairy detox” may not be just bikram!
Hmm.. interesting, thanks for the advice Danelle. I’d given up most dairy a few years ago with the only exception cheese and the odd dob of milk in a macchiato. I was hoping to give dairy up totally to see if this helped.. a challenge for next month perhaps!
Hey Matt,
What a wonderful project! I met you – or rather – saw you – in Bikram class in Malmoe, but never realized the extent of your challenge – and adventure.
Anyway. I just read your post about breakouts and can tell you that I had the same problem for many many years. In spite of healthy foods and regular yoga practice my skin was like a teenagers even though I was well over 30. (I also had problems with infections, fatigue and aching joints). I finally found my way to a kinesiologist who diagnosed me with candida bacteria and parasites. Yikes. As a cause of this imbalance in my system I had developed(a temporary) intolerance towards a lot of different foods: Dairy, eggs, potatoe, tomatoe, eggplant,peppers, fruit (especially the citrus family), soy, beans and lentils. Phew. All the things you would think would be good for you actually turned into slow poison for the immune system…It was rough, but during three months I avoided all of these ingredients along with white flour, alcohol, and raffined sugars – with amazing results. My skin is SO much better, my infections are gone and my energy is back. I still avoid dairy but can eat most other foods.
I don´t know if this is any help to you…But I can highly recommend that you see a certified kinesiologist whenever you find the chance. It might involve some pretty drastic changes in your lifestyle – but somehow I have a feeling that you are pretty used to that…
Take care and I look forward to following the final part of your journey.
Best wishes
🙂 Sara
Hej Sara,
Thanks for saying hi and for the info. I wish I could put a face to your name!
Finally I think I have the pimple problem under control. My sister advised me to use jojoba oil (natural) as a moisturizer because she thought I may be drying my skin out too much using soaps etc.
I thought I was doing the right thing trying to reduce my oily skin but my sister said my body may be trying to re-compensate the dryness by producing more oil and therefore pimples. My face has cleared up since.
I also think stress plays a big part.
Thanks for your advice, I will definitely check it out if the problem comes back.