Most people overlook the skin as an organ of detoxification. But it is sometimes called "the third kidney," since many of its functions in fluid and electrolyte balance are similar to those of the kidneys. When great amounts of poisons flood the body, all systems are overloaded and this function of the skin is sorely needed. As the skin is utilized, all sorts of eruptions, odors, colors, and blemishes may appear. These conditions will disappear as the body becomes purified. One can quickly assess the relative efficiency of elimination through the skin by looking at his iris (the colored portion of the eye). The skin is represented by the outermost part of the iris. If it is very dark and dense, the condition is called a "scurf rim" in iridology, and it means that the skin is relatively blocked as an organ of elimination. To open it up, skin brushing before a shower and vigorous use of a loofah sponge in the shower are recommended. A good quality vegetable-bristle, skin brush should be purchased from the health food store or pharmacy. One should brush up the front of the body and down the back, over all exposed skin surfaces, until a warm glow is felt. Then one should take a warm shower and rub briskly with a loofah sponge (available in most health food stores) to remove the layers of dead skin loosened by the brushing. (We have found it best to take a hot shower each morning.)

Castile or other pure soap should be used — but in a minimal amount, since heavy soaping will wash all the valuable skin oils off and can cause the skin to overproduce oil in order to compensate. The hair should be shampooed frequently with a non-chemical soap or shampoo, which can be found in health food stores.

At the end of the shower, one should turn the water to cool, then to warm. As one becomes accustomed to the temperature change, he or she may go from hot to cold and back several times. This exercises the tiny muscles in the skin, which control dilation and contraction of the pores. As they become stronger, they can respond better to the physiological demands of the body.

After the shower, one can sit in a tub of water with a cup of apple cider vinegar added, to restore and strengthen the acid mantle of the skin. Afterward, the body should be dried and rubbed briskly with a towel until a warm glow is felt.

Epsom salt baths may also be used to help draw toxins out of the skin. These baths are especially beneficial if one is going through a "healing crisis" and is especially toxic and feeling bad. Such a bath works best after the skin brushing and use of a loofah sponge. A tub is filled with warm to hot water and 4 or more cups of Epsom salt are dissolved in it. This bath is quite relaxing and good for tense, sore muscles, and may be taken as often as needed.