Weekend spa detox

A new breed of life-shaping detox experiences are on the menu at reputable spas and resort destinations. Forget sterile white clinics. From five-star luxury hotels to eco-chic and ashram-style, detox is increasingly luxurious — after all, pleasure is integral to the cure. But one doesn’t need to leave home to experience the good things in life. Why not transform your home into a detox health spa for the weekend and start the week afresh?

If you find yourself feeling a little impatient and sluggish or suffering from low energy, resentment or even a slight dose of depression, maybe it’s time to treat your liver with some loving kindness and rid it of accumulated toxins. Once you do this, you will return your body to its natural state of wellbeing.

You can start your detox on a Friday evening by forgoing a night out with friends and, instead, booking a massage followed by an early bedtime. Massage releases stress hormones from the body and increases endorphins, which are happiness hormones. You are sure to wake up on Saturday morning feeling sensational.

Start the day with a liver-cleansing drink made from freshly squeezed lemon, warm water and a dash of extra virgin olive oil. After this, a dry loofah brush massage will stimulate the lymphatic system to expel toxins through the skin. Blood circulation is increased to the internal organs, which in turn promotes oxygenation and healing. A body salt scrub made from sea salt, oil and purifying essential oils such as juniper, fennel and lemon will further exfoliate and leave your skin feeling very smooth.

Check in for a gentle yoga class. Twisting your body helps to squeeze out toxins from various parts of the body while deep, full breaths oxygenate the brain. Together, blood circulation is improved and rejuvenation kicks in. Come Saturday night, it’s time for an aromatherapy bath. Put on some soulful music, light a candle or aromatherapy burner and get into the groove. A soak in a tub filled with cleansing essential oils such as grapefruit and juniper will enliven, while ylang ylang and lavender work to restore and relax.

Why not continue the yoga path on Sunday morning or, even better, take a long, languid walk through the botanic gardens or by the beach. Walking is one of the most spirit-lifting exercises and works on the whole body to energise and inspire.

If you have the time and money, book in for a reflexology foot massage at a Thai or Chinese massage house. Reflexology encompasses the gentle yet firm pressing and massage of acupressure points that, in turn, helps detoxify corresponding organs in the body. This ancient healing modality works to improve circulation and energy flow throughout the body. Alternatively, fill a bowl with warm water and place pebbles in the bottom to create your own little reflexology session.

Finally, surround yourself with pure thoughts and experiences over the weekend. Buy or borrow some meaningful books that will enlighten and expand your brain. Watch feel-good movies to expand your happiness or practise creative visualisation techniques, gratitude and action plan lists. Spend time massaging your partner’s feet and making them feel good — after all, giving is a way to send good vibes throughout your home.