And so the dreaded detox begins. Your body might be saying yes but chances are your mind will be screaming no. Could it be time to try a residential detox?
‘Detoxing is as much of a mental challenge as it is a physical one,’ says Sue Davis, head of wellness at The Lifehouse Spa in Essex. ‘There’s a real science to navigating the issues a cleanse can bring up and that’s why it’s always so much better to follow a residential programme.’ If, like us, you’ve attempted several at home detoxes you’ll know it’s virtually impossible to resist temptation, especially on long, dark, winter nights. ‘Taking yourself out of your usual environment and giving your mind and body the chance to adapt in a neutral space makes all the difference,’ explains Sue. Read on to discover three more reasons you should handover your detox to the professionals.
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1 Not all juices are created equal
Hands up if you’ve tried and failed at DIY juicing? That’ll be us then. Somehow one quarter Kale to three quarters apple juice doesn’t seem quite so appealing when it’s mushed up in the bottom of a beaker now does it? ‘Juicing is a key part of a residential cleanse programme but if it’s not done properly it can hinder, rather than boost the effects of the detox, ‘ says Sue. ‘At home you’ll need to throw sugary fruit at the situation in order to make it palatable and this can kickstart cravings. Here at Lifehouse we mainly serve nutrient-packed vegetable based juices that contain little, if no fruit, making them so much healthier for the detoxing body.’ Yes people, the juices that really make a difference seem to be the ones that don’t taste so good. Fact. Three juices a day for upto a week? It makes perfect sense to have them blended by someone who knows their raw ginger from their cayenne pepper.
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2 It’s all about distracting yourself with pampering & detoxifying treatments.
Let’s face it. A mud mask in front of the TV doesn’t quite have the same appeal as an aromatic seaweed mud wrap followed by a holistic steam experience now does it? ‘As pampering as the treatments prescribed as part of a residential detox programme may sound, it’s important to remember that each is designed to compliment and boost the detoxification process,’ explains Sue. Specific massage techniques, custom blended clays and oils all add to the journey your body is on. ‘Day one will always start with an exfoliating sea salt scrub to get the circulation going, followed by a detoxifying seaweed body wrap to stimulate your bodies natural cleansing system. Day two is when we start to move the toxins out of your body with draining full body massage technique. Day three is all about re- balancing your body with a healing reflexology foot massage.’ The aim is that each treatment corresponds to a particular phase of the detox.
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3 They know how to guide you through the side effects of a cleanse.
Ever had a caffeine withdrawal headache? Not fun. ‘Any good detox programme will ask you to start cutting caffeine and alcohol out of your diet up to three days before you’re due to start cleansing,’ says Sue. ‘It helps you to make the most out of your programme here at the clinic and also gets those pesky withdrawal symptoms out of the way.’ The same applies to heavy carbs, sugar and processed food. The idea is that you’ve completed the initial parts of the cleansing process before you’ve even turned up. ‘If someone really struggles to abstain we would ease them in with a ‘light meals’ day to help lighten their load, before moving into the more challenging phases.’ What about exercise? Surely sweating in out in bootcamp style classes is all part and parcel of a Detox. Not according to Sue. ‘Your body doesn’t have the energy to work out during a detox. We encourage guests to swim or do a bit of yoga and sweating in the steam room is always recommended.’ Sleep is another important element that’s often overlooked; your body cleanses and heals itself overnight so the more sleep you get the better during a detox. ‘It’s actually more beneficial to sleep than it is to work out,’ says Sue. Feet up, robe on and relaxation it is then.
image credits: stocksy
FAQs
Why is a residential detox more effective than doing it at home?
A residential detox removes you from daily temptations, helping your mind and body adapt in a neutral space. Following a structured programme with professional support makes it easier to stick to your goals. This boosts the chances of a successful cleanse, especially during challenging periods such as winter nights.
What kind of juices are used in a residential detox programme?
You will mostly get nutrient-packed vegetable-based juices with little or no fruit during a residential detox. This approach avoids the need for sugary fruit that can trigger cravings and hinder detox results. Typically, you receive three freshly blended juices a day for up to a week, created by expert staff.
How do treatments support your detox at a spa?
Treatments like exfoliating sea salt scrubs, seaweed wraps, and full body massage are chosen to complement and boost detoxification. Each treatment targets a specific phase, starting circulation, stimulating the natural cleansing system, and moving toxins out. Foot reflexology helps rebalance the body towards the end of your cleanse.
What should you do before starting a detox programme?
It’s best to cut out caffeine, alcohol, heavy carbs, sugar, and processed foods up to three days before your detox. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and lets you get the most from your stay. If abstaining is difficult, the programme can begin with a “light meals” day to make the transition easier.
Can you exercise while doing a detox?
Strenuous exercise is not recommended during a detox, as your body needs energy to cleanse. Gentle activity such as swimming or yoga is encouraged, and sweating in a steam room can aid the process. Prioritising sleep is more beneficial, as your body heals and detoxifies overnight.