Vicky, you are the resident nutritionist at Shanti Som, can you tell us about your background, experience and what brought you to Shanti Som?

I was born in the Netherlands and ten years ago I decided to move to the South of Spain where I wanted to dedicate life more to what I really wanted to be, a Natural health practitioner. I have studied Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Holistic Kinesiology and Soul Coaching and a large variety of massages and other body treatments. This mix is perfect to help people who come to detox or lose weight and help them to create a healthy lifestyle! Shanti-Som is a perfect and beautiful location for this where all of the aspects of my training come together!

What is a “Detox” program?

Our detox program combines a juice fasting program with supplements, yoga and natural therapies. The purpose of any detox plan is to take the load off the organs that toxify the body – the liver, kidneys and bowel – while at the same time supporting and improving their performance. If you want to fast track your health, give your body a break, or just want to detox diet for a short time, follow our seven-day program.

What benefits would you have by doing a Detox?

In today’s world, especially in urban areas, our bodies are continually bombarded with toxins. There is pollution in the air we breathe – indoors and outdoors, there are chemicals in the clothes we buy, we tend to eat unhealthy food, the cleaning products we use may influence your health and you can find toxins in the cosmetics, body and hair care products that we use. Combine all of that with sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, high stress and maybe lack of sleep and the result is a body that can easily become overwhelmed by an ever increasing toxic load.

When our bodies are clean and strong, they are able to eliminate toxins efficiently, but when they become overloaded they can become sluggish, overweight (or underweight in some instances) and more susceptible to disease. By clearing away excess toxins on a regular basis, the entire body can become revitalised and rejuvenated.

Given we are not working miracles but rather harnessing the body’s own healing capacity, our detox program is essentially a system of techniques, supplements and therapies that are designed to optimise the functioning of the detoxification systems. It sounds simple but this is where the art and science of our detox program is combined.

People become ‘toxic’ in many ways, through diet and lifestyle and through harmful relationships and emotions. Some may say we also inherit toxins through our genetic lineage. Our comprehensive program of detoxification involves ensuring that the body’s systems are thoroughly supported. A true detoxification process works on all levels – something that may surprise first time clients. Stopping the daily grind, slowing down and emptying your mind can make the experience as much a ‘mental break’ as a physical cleanse – a chance to de-clutter thoughts and re-establish your place in the world.

Many clients appear to experience the resurfacing of old memories or feelings that have been repressed of forgotten about for years. Indeed, fasting and body cleansing has been used for centuries as a method of mental and spiritual purification. The feeling of ‘detox high’ that many people feel after a retreat is not just down to the physical rejuvenation but also the freedom from emotions that have been previously stuffed down (often with comfort foods) or covered up. Juice detox will make your eyes sparkle and your skin glow – it can boost energy levels, improve digestion and help shift a few unwanted kilos too.

How important is diet for effective detoxing?

Diet is one of the most important things during detox! To avoid  your liver becoming more toxic you should avoid processed food, alcohol, sugar and coffee. Buying organic fruits, vegetables and meat, which can be found in most supermarkets, is a good way to avoid loads of pesticides and antibiotics.

Another important thing is having a healthy mind! The way you think can also be very toxic to your body so try to meditate and do yoga which can help you with that! Last but not least think of what you put on your skin, if you can´t eat it, don´t put it on your skin is a very famous ayurvedic saying as our skin is our largest organ. Also try to avoid chemical cleaning products and chemical air refresher!

Can you tell us about the Shanti Som Detox program, what is involved and a typical day?

Morning ritual:

The day starts with a morning ritual, this means cleaning your tongue, brushing teeth, stimulate your lymphatic system by doing a gentle dry body brush and have a glass of warm water with lemon.

Yoga:

Then it is time to practice yoga. Yoga helps your body to detox and also releases emotional blockages that might come up during the detox.

Juices, broth and supplements:

After Yoga the first juice and its supplements are served! During the first juice there is time to exchange experiences and we will give talks related to detox and how to create a healthy lifestyle. During the day you will have 4 freshly made juices with supplements and in the evening you will have broth.

The enema:

The self administered enema cleans and flushes the digestive tract and colon without substantially disrupting the beneficial flora that populates a healthy gut. The first day the client arrives we will explain in private how to do the enema. For most of our clients it is the first time and they always comment that it is much easier than they had thought in advance!

Natural therapies:

During the day there is also time for some therapies or activities, You can choose between a range of natural therapies like lymphatic drainage, ayurvedic massage, healing therapies and slimming treatments.

You can join our daily activities or watch some inspiring detox movies!

For more information about the detox program at Shanti Som and prices, click: http://www.spa-in-spain.com/hotels-and-spas/hotel/shanti-som-wellbeing-retreat/6-night-detox-retreat/