The process of cleansing the body through detoxification dates back to the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilisations. Even then, the concept of autointoxication from putrefied foods and partially digested matter was completely understood, and the act of flushing out the colon with the use of enemas, and fasting in order to restore cellular health was common practice.
Purifying all Levels of Our Being
Fasting for spiritual purposes has been observed for many centuries, and is a practice amongst many faiths that continues until today. In India, Ayurveda, an ancient form of holistic medicine, promoted fasting and detox as a cornerstone to balance out the ‘doshas’ or 5 natural elements of the body. As far back as 400 bc, practitioners of ancient Ayurvedic medicine frequently recommended diets that cleansed the body of impurities by eliminating various food groups and emphasising on a plant-based diet.
Throughout history, we have understood that the connection between body, mind and spirit is an essential part of the equilibrium required for our physical and mental health, and thus the connection between physically toxic environments and mentally toxic behaviour, is a well documented one. In order to function optimally, we know we need a foundation of purity on ALL levels of our being, and for many, this starts with the physical.
Increasingly, we are looking towards the past for inspiration on how to live happier, more fulfilled and peaceful lives, and detox has been lauded as a very big part of clearing out physical and emotional debris and starting from a new foundation of good health. Like many notions from the old world, there are several incredibly good reasons why the concept of detox has stood the test of time, and we encourage you to see what the ancient civilisations were all about by trying it for yourself today at Santosa for a real Detox in Phuket.
The mental and emotional benefits of yoga are akin to moving meditation, and the beneficial impact on our spirit is palpable. When we detox, we cleanse all facets of our being – body, mind and spirit. Yoga is another cleansing practice, bringing our focus back onto the breath and flowing movement that creates a new world of awareness each time that we step onto the mat.
The Bond between Yoga and Detox
When undertaking a physical cleanse, it is important to not only keep the body moving in order to accelerate the elimination process through our organs, but also to bring intense focus and concentration onto ourselves whilst encouraging and promoting mindfulness and reflection.
The journey of self-discovery through the physical postures in a yoga series create internal awareness, and through this sensation a mental connection to the body is formed.
When we become mentally aware, we activate our consciousness and then the relationship with our essence is created, where energy can be shifted with ease and grace.
It can take a long time for such a relationship with all facets of our being to be formed. However, when detoxing, the intrinsic connection is so much more pronounced that when practicing yoga, more spiritually profound and meaningful experiences are able to exist. Self discovery and consciousness is what yoga is all about, so the marriage between detoxing and yoga is a very happy one.
When we physically detox, we mentally and emotionally clear out a huge amount of debris. Yoga is hugely beneficial in this spiritual purge, particularly in poses specifically aimed at the hips, where much emotion and negativity is stored.
A hips series can really shift years of pent up emotion, and during the detox process at Santosa in Phuket, we highly recommend this class for its cathartic impact and emotional support.
The feelings of mental and physical lightness that abound when we are able to emotionally let go are incomparable. To get in touch with yourself, and discover the wonderful connection between each facet of our being, detoxing with yoga is something that we highly recommend at Santosa Detox Center.
Contact us today to find out more about how you can rediscover yourself through detox and yoga, and come closer to true equilibrium.
In an increasingly toxic environment, we are seeing more and more people who are escaping the rat race and choosing to spend their annual leave in true respite from the rigours of daily life at home. Detox provides the perfect platform for rest, relaxation and purification – meaning that your return from holidays sees you truly re-energised, with increased clarity of mind, boundless energy and an overall “joie de vivre”.
Santosa in the Mecca of Detox
Escaping to the sunny paradise island of Phuket is a picturesque setting for your wellness escape. Famous for its serpentine coastline, azure water and lush, green jungle, it is impossible not to breathe a sigh of great relief when taking in the captivating beauty that is all around. The south of the island has become a mecca for detox and wellness, and it is fast gaining a reputation as the place du jour for resetting the body and mind.
Santosa opened its doors in April, adding to an already prominent landscape of fantastic wellness retreats. Our philosophy is based on providing a platform of affordable luxury to rediscover the equilibrium between body, mind and spirit. Our staff and outside practitioners are commended for their abilities and at Santosa, we are often told, that nothing is too much trouble in assisting our clients to reach their optimal health and vitality.
We have a number of programs available, including three colema based cleanses, which combine differing levels of fasting with herbs and supplements that aim to clean the digestive tract and purify the mind. The active cleanse program is a different style of cleanse, with equally wonderful results – focusing on sweating out toxins through a rigorous training and treatment program, through the body’s largest organ – its skin!
So why not contact one of our wellness professionals today, to ensure that your next holiday offers you a true break, which will improve your year ahead and focus on the most important asset… you!
We all know that choosing to detox is a huge gift to your overall health and wellness, but how do we know which program suits us when there are SO MANY options out there? The right detox program for you depends on the current state of your diet and lifestyle, and to make it easy for you to choose… we have made this simple quiz!
Question #1: How would you best describe the current state of your health?
A. I am in excellent health with a great level of fitness. B. I am content with my health but could do with a reset or spring clean. C. I am relatively healthy but my energy levels are low, I have issues with my weight and my moods can be up and down. D. I am unhealthy, my immune system is suffering, would like to work on my health and fitness.
Question #2: Do you want to change your lifestyle?
A. Health is my lifestyle, but I am always looking for ways to learn more or become even more healthy. B. I am in a bit of a lifestyle rut and would like a quick reset to get back on track. C. I am not sure that I can change my lifestyle, but I am always open to being educated and trying new things. D. My lifestyle needs to change – I am actively searching for ways to change it.
Question #3: How dedicated are you to doing a detox program?
A. I have done detox before, so it would depend on what the detox program could teach me. B. Detox seems like a great way to lose weight and learn more about diet. C. I hope that detox can help me, I want to create change but I am not sure exactly how. D. Right now I will do anything!
Question #4: How would you describe your diet best?
A. Vegetarian – mainly plant based, whole foods. I steer away from dairy and gluten, and I try not to consume processed food, coffee and alcohol. B. Quite healthy – meat/fish and vegetables. I try not to eat processed food and drink coffee and alcohol in moderation. C. I am guilty of eating on the run, and sometimes eating sugar and fast food. I drink on weekends and have one or more coffees a day. D. I have an unhealthy diet heavy in processed, sugary and fatty foods. I consume soft drinks, coffee and alcohol on a regular basis.
Question #5: What are your expectations from a detox program?
A. Health is my priority, I just want the opportunity to learn more. B. I am already quite healthy, but I want to restrict certain foods or curtail cravings. C. I want to be healthier and learn how to best approach it. D. I’m dealing with a health issue and want to get to the bottom of it.
Mostly A’s:
Health is your number one priority, and your ideal holiday doesn’t involve sitting and drinking on a beach – it means building even stronger health and vitality. Your system is strong, and you are perfectly primed to take part in a Full Fast Cleanse – the strongest and most purifying of the three internal cleanse options available. To learn more about the full fast, click here.
Mostly B’s:
You are very healthy, but everyone could do with a reset from time to time. The Juice Fast cleanse is the most effective way for you to purify your system, gentler than the Full Fast, you will find that it is still ultra-cleansing, but allows you to keep your energy up with less pronounced detox symptoms. To learn more about the juice fast, click here.
Mostly C’s:
Starting on a raw food fast would be the best option for you – we would then transition you over to a juice fast so that you could experience the fantastic transformation that happens when your digestive system is switched off. Beginning on raw food means that your body will have the chance to detox from some of your dietary and lifestyle choices, and lessen uncomfortable detox symptoms significantly. To learn more about the raw food fast, click here.
Mostly D’s:
To make a true change to our health and wellbeing, sometimes it is important to tread gently. Taking part in a raw food fast will give your body a transition into alkalinity that will be comfortable and seamless. You will enjoy a strong education on the benefits of leading a healthier lifestyle, as well as a plan forward with the support of our wellness experts at Santosa. To learn more about the raw food fast, click here.
One of the reasons that we absolutely adore detox is watching our guests leave feeling happier AND healthier. Time and time again, we see total transformations, and they are certainly not just skin deep.
The Results of a Detox
It is true – detox will make you lose weight, result in clearer skin, brighter eyes, thick and lustrous hair and help us to radiate a luminescent glow from within. But the true magic occurs on a much deeper level – the coming together of body, mind and spirit!
The reason why detoxification has been around for centuries is because of the profound shift that is able to occur when focus is taken away from food, and when we deeply purify ourselves on a cellular level. The act of fasting itself is about mastering the mind and bringing intense focus onto the self. It represents the precious opportunity to clear the mind and bring about greater focus, concentration and realize who you truly are. The simple act of breaking habits and completely changing routine is proof that it only takes a short time to totally transform your mind. True energetic shifts and the nurturing of your soul can only take place when you focus all of your energy on looking after its kingdom – your body!
Don’t forget to check out the different detox programs that Santosa offers and let us know if you have any inquiries, as our team of professionals is here to help.
Aubrey de Gray – the key to discovering the fountain of youth?
The son of an artist, Aubrey de Gray was encouraged into studying mathematics and science from a young age, eventually studying at Cambridge University, joining the Sinclair Research Department as an artificial intelligence and software development expert, he then became an authority in the area of genetics. He was awarded a PHD on the basis of his book, ‘The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging’ published in 1999. De Gray writes that prevention of damage to mitochondrial DNA might extend the lifespan considerably… in simpler terms? A lesson on mitochondria is in order…
What is Mitochondria?
Mitochondria is like the ammunition that fuels our cells. Damaged or ageing mitochondria, means sick and damaged cells. Each of us have 2 – 3000 mitochondria in each cell, and each of our mitochondria contains its own unique DNA. Because of this, mitochondria are able to thrive and multiply, in a healthy cellular environment. What happens in an unhealthy cellular environment?? Oxidative stress! Poor diet and lifestyle contributors are the leading cause, with factors such as cigarettes and alcohol playing a huge part too. We cannot internally produce enough antioxidants to battle nefarious free radicals each day, and mitochondria are damaged in the process. When our mitochondria suffers, we degenerate and the process of ageing is rapidly accelerated. And here, Audrey de Gray’s research is changing the face of anti-ageing.
Regenerative Medicine
In 2005, Professor De Gray set up a foundation based on this research – Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS), which aims to prevent age-related physical and cognitive degeneration. A huge injection of funding from his mother’s death in 2011 has doubled the research budget to $4 million per year. His research is incredibly interesting, and more than innovative – though he maintains the theory that there is enough knowledge to create effective anti-ageing medicine in existence, but science is way ahead of funding.
De Gray’s research now centers around a clever play on words, ‘The Seven Deadly Things.’ De Gray believes these to be cancer causing mutations in the chromesome, cellular function fighting mitochondrial mutations, intra-cellular junk – caused by bad proteins and metabolic waste, extra-cellular junk (outside the cells), cellular damage and eventual loss, too many cells – when the cells are unable to divide, but then stop others dividing, causing a host of issues including type 2 diabetes, extra-cellular crosslinks – bad proteins forming links between cells and tissues.
We are sitting on the edge of our seats waiting to hear what incredible discoveries SENS will make in the field of regenerative medicine. It poses the very real hope that there really will be no need to get sick as we become old. Incredibly, research is suggesting that we can do more than just halt the ageing process, soon we may just be able to reverse it as well.
And what of natural prevention? We have and will be discussing many more topics in this blog in the coming weeks. Watch this space!
At Santosa, guests can use their free time to relax and disconnect from the stresses of the outside world by joining our free classes, taking a swim or a relaxing ice bath after a sauna.
Santosa Spa is truly an extension of our ethics; to take you on a sensual and luxurious journey. Our treatments nurture and support the connection between body, mind and spirit.
Shirodara & Ayurvedic - Thai Herbal Compress - Hot Stone - Cupping Therapy - Infrared Dome Sauna - Ion Cleanse Foot Bath - Epsom Salt Foot SPA and Foot Scrub
