Spring Into Detox!

Spring is the traditional season for having a good clean–out! It is also the ideal time to consider a detox spa holiday or cleanse.

Spring cleaning the house and opening all the windows and doors allows fresh air in which feels wonderfully rejuvenating.  Recycling unwanted clothing, old books, toys and electrical items is very satisfying and creates space for the new. The same applies to our bodies. It is natural for the body’s system to tune in with the rhythm of nature and re-charge after the dark winter months.

Detoxification is simply the elimination of toxins from the body, a process which occurs quite happily on a daily basis. However, with modern day living a little extra help is sometimes needed.  Even the healthiest of us will have toxins residing in our bodies, which we take in from food, drink and our environment. These can all serve to compromise our body’s ability to function at optimal levels.  Typical symptoms include dark circles under the eyes, bloating, poor skin tone, bad breath, weight gain, headaches, infertility and insomnia to name a few!

Many people who have cleansed delight at their increased energy and vitality. They also report  feeling less stressed and anxious with increased mental focus, improved concentration as well as enhanced sleeping patterns.  In addition there is the physical bonus of weight-loss, glowing skin, shiny hair and bright eyes!

Do I need to Detox?

If the answer is yes to the majority of these questions then perhaps a detox is the answer!

1)      Do you feel tired even when you have had a long night’s sleep?

2)      Do you feel nauseous at the thought of breakfast?

3)      Do you have dark under-eye circles?

4)      Are you often bloated or constipated?

5)      Do you often feel lethargic and low in energy?

6)      Do you have food sensitivities?

7)      Do you suffer from dry skin, psoriasis or eczema?

8)      Do you experience headaches or mood swings?

9)      Do you rarely break into a sweat?

A proper cleanse can take time and is best started under the supervision of a health professional.

At Lifehouse we have recently launched ‘The Lifehouse Cleanse’.  A package that includes a daily regime of cleansing juices, smoothies, soups, broths and salads as well as a personal detox kit, wellness consultation, spa detox treatments, unlimited use of the spa thermal area, gym and group activity schedule. Subject to a minimum 2 night stay.

Let Lifehouse make it easy!

Consider a detox at Lifehouse so that you can feel all bright and shiny both inside and out.      

Robbie Williams uses yoga to battle his nerves ahead of Take That’s tour.

Robbie William  – who rejoined the band last year, 15 years after he first walked out on the group– has got himself hot, sweaty and all worked up about his Take That comeback gig  – doing yoga. The singer suffers from crippling stage fright but had taken up some calming hobbies to help with his nerves ahead of the stadium shows, which began in Sunderland, North East England(27.05.11).

A source close to the star told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Rob suffers from crippling anxiety and has been worried about the lads’ forthcoming concerts. A friend suggested Bikram yoga to refocus his pent up energy and handle stress more effectively.”

Robbie has reportedly been attending Bikram yoga sessions for the last three months, which see him strike a number of meditative poses in a room heated to 40 degrees centigrade.

The source added: “After a couple of sessions he was hooked – and sweating like a wildebeest. While the others have stuck to the gym or pool, Robbie’s been using meditation and yoga to help his stage fright and to keep sane on tour.”

He said: “I’m not the kind of person who can do nine months. I can do two months solid, not a problem. But nine months – I’m not built for it. I go loopy. “But mentally, all I’m projecting is very positive, all I can see is it being healthy and happy and an amazing show.”

Many spa holidays comprising yoga classes and pampering treats are now available to book with Sanctuary Spa Holidays.   Shreyas Wellness Retreat (Bangalore, India) is renowned as one of the world finest yoga venues, with group and personalised yoga programs available and an exclusive star hotel to relax in afterwards.  Absolute Sanctuary , Koh Samui opened in April 2008 and has become a popular destination not only for detox and yoga holidays in Thailand but also as a yoga teacher training & retreat center

Pilates

Pilates has recently enjoyed an explosion of popularity but its success is based not on a transient whim of fashion, but rather on a positive experiences of the people who have benefited from Pilates first – hand. Gone were their backaches, sore necks and strained muscles – Pilates had re-educated their mind and bodies to work in such a way that was sympathetic to their anatomy.

Modern world is constructed in order to maximise leisure time and minimise physical activity. Exercise that in the past was an integral part of life, such as walking and household tasks requiring exertion, has been supplanted by machines and cars. Since we do not walk as much or perform other physical strenuous tasks, we now need to take conscious steps to ensure that we exercise our bodies in our leisure time.

Pilates (pronounced pil -lah – teez) is a modern system of body maintenance named  after its inventor, Joseph H. Pilates. He defined it as a complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. What differentiates Pilates from other forms of exercise is its holistic approach and its combined training of mind and body to achieve correct postural alignment. Pilates considers the entire body, rather than targeting problem areas. When practising Pilates its also important to remember that the process is more important that the result – the aim is not to achieve a culturally accepted body but rather one which is naturally aligned.

The key elements of Pilates

• lengthening short muscles and strengthening weak muscles
• improving the quality of movement
• focusing on the core postural muscles to stabilize the body
• working to place the breath correctly
• controlling even the smallest movements
• understanding and improving good body mechanics
• mental relaxation

Many of the Spa Holidays we offer include Pilates classes. Have a look at the Aphrodite Hills Resort and Spa, Cyprus or  Como Shambhala Estate, Bali. These Luxury Spa Resorts provide an excellent opportunity to get inspired by experts and specialists to discover more about yourself and balanced living.