Whether it’s your first or fiftieth detox retreat you’ll still want to research carefully to ensure you find a cleansing getaway that is in line with your personal goals. Some want to challenge themselves fully with an intense water fast while others will be better suited to a more gentle approach. Read on to learn about the different types of detox retreats so you can choose the one that’s best for you.
Water Fast
A water fast is a fairly intense style of detox in which you give up food entirely and replace it with water and herbal drinks for the duration of your fast. During this process, the body switches from using food as nutrition and instead turns to lipids and fats as a source of energy. Your body also transforms bacteria and toxins into energy, releasing them from your body to create a healthier you. While you may begin the fast with headaches, stress and a feeling of depletion, your body and mind soon release their attachment to food which makes way for healing and rejuvenation.
Juice Cleanse
A juice detox is similar to a water fast but instead of removing the nutrients entirely you instead switch to receiving them in liquid form. Juice cleanses help to energise you (as your body doesn’t have to waste time digesting nutrient-lacking foodstuffs) and allows you to feel fresh and revitalised. If you feel as though you need a detox in a specific area of your body, our wellness consultants can recommend programmes to cleanse your liver or gallbladder and reduce bodily inflammation.
Ayurvedic Detox
The system of Ayurveda is based around the idea that inflammation and internal toxins are the root cause of many illnesses and diseases and that we can flush these out through cleansing detox programmes. Each Ayurvedic detox begins with a personal consultation that analyses your body type and digestive system (known as your dosha) and gives you a detox programme and future lifestyle goals that can help you live in alignment with this. Ayurvedic detoxes not only use individualised diets and cleanses but also incorporate massage, spa therapies, yoga and meditation to really help you make the most of your detox.
Yogic Detox
If you want a gentle introduction into the world of detox you may want to opt for something a little less intense. This is where a natural, yogic detox programme steps in. A yogic detox offers a holistic approach to detox without putting your body through a rigid fasting programme. These natural programmes usually include a raw or plant-based diet alongside yoga, Pilates, meditation and sound healing as well as alternative therapies such as lymphatic drainage massage, Thai massage, Indian head massage, reflexology and access to saunas and steam rooms.
