SPA DETOX PROGRAMS

by Regular Wittmer

The primary goal in a Detox Program is to rid the body of toxins and excess waste. The accumulation of toxins (from things such as chemicals used on and in foods, pollution, etc.) in the system is the main cause of disease and illness. Toxic overload is also the primary cause of liver damage. It's important to note that detoxing is not safe for people with certain health conditions.

There are body-cleansing techniques, which have been used for centuries to heal the body and today many spa's offer excellent detoxification programs. They may vary in their techniques, so you may choose what works best for you. You also need to consider how strict you want to be with your detox program.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a Spa Detox program include:

• A healthy diet. You need to eliminate all processed foods, dairy, meats (some programs allow you to eat fish), simple carbohydrates (sugars), caffeine and alcohol. The diet should consist of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, and in some cases whole grains. All foods should be preferably organic.

• Some programs recommend FASTING for cleansing. Fasting can add years to your life. It helps the body heal faster and gives the organs a much needed rest. Make sure, though, the spa you select has trained professionals who can guide you safely trough the Fast. Hypoglycemics should not fast without a high quality proetin supplement. Diabetics should not fast.

• Enemas are also a great help to eliminate toxins. There are two types of enemas. Retention and cleansing. The cleansing enemas are not retained. They are used to flush out the colon. Retention enemas are desigend to help the absorption of necessary nutrients and substances through the colon wall (i.e. coffee and chlorophyll).

• Some Spa's offer herbal, or homeopatic supplements to detoxifying the body.

• Fiber is also recommended. Rice bran, Oat bran, apple pectin, psyllium seed or ground flax seeds.

• Dry brush massages rids the body of old dead skin cells, so new ones can form. Dead skin cells prevent the skin from breathing.

• Hydrotherapy is also very beneficial for detoxifying, so are body wraps.

• Some form of exercise is important during your cleansing program. Activities such as walking and yoga are good.

• Before starting any form of detox program make sure you talk to your Health Practitioner.



Regula Wittmer is the Wellness Director at the Hills Health Ranch & Spa in the interior of British Columbia. Find out more about detox programs plus other wellness information at www.alive-health.com