The pace, temptations and distractions of city living can make health and weight maintenance almost impossible. The constant bombardment of marketing ploys and social pressures to consume and work more, but relax and reflect less, can wreak havoc on the mind and body, leading to possible health conditions and weight issues. Many people enlist the aid of certified caretakers away from the noise of modernity in an effort to lose weight.
Detox Retreats at a Glance
Detox retreats provide accommodations, meals and usually activities. They are designed for not only rebuilding the body, but also for relaxing your mind and restoring your spirit. A retreat is intended to de-stress, to replace the hectic bustle of city life by supporting a slower pace and simplicity of both lifestyle and diet. During your stay, your body may have strong reactions to the change in diet, but initial discomfort is not uncommon when detoxing.
Benefits of Detox
Detoxing can help eliminate toxin exposure from "food additives, alcohol, drugs, environmental pollution, smoke, heavy metals, and pesticides to ever day household cleansers," according to "New Times Naturally!" contributor Melissa Gallagher. Moreover, detoxing begins with cleansing the colon, which clears a pathway for other organs to detoxify and rebuild themselves, says Brenda Watson, a naturopathic doctor. However, consult your doctor before embarking on a detox program to discuss individual benefits and possible risks.
Complementary Aids Provided by Retreats
Detox and weight loss retreat programs vary depending on areas of focus. Most centers offer more than just meals and accommodations. Some implement meditation, yoga, lifestyle and spirituality discussions. Most often, programs include colonics and saunas to aid the detox. Massages are also available at most centers and some are included in the package, according to "New Times Naturally!" Alternative forms of psychotherapy may also be offered to help you relax and get the most out your cleanse.
Types of Retreats and Environment
Most detox retreats are set in serene settings surrounded by nature and tranquility. To meet varying preferences, centers are located both near the coast or centers nestled in the woods or country. Some facilities, like Cedar Springs in Washington, serve strictly raw foods and fresh juices, while others incorporate cooked meals. There are also detox retreats, like the Hope Center in Ireland, that center around acupuncture as the core of the cleanse and weight loss regimen.
Costs and Duration
Retreats can be as short as three days or as long as three weeks. Costs range from $600 to $3,000, depending on the length of stay, accommodation or room type and location of facility. For instance, a week-long stay at Optimum Health Institute in San Diego, California, costs $995. This includes accommodations, meals, classes, materials, and choice of a free colonic or an $80 credit.
References
- "New Times Naturally!"; Cleanse, Reboot and Nourish Mind & Body with a New Year's Detox Program; Melissa Gallagher; January 2008
- "Guidepoints: News from NADA"; Acu Detox by the Sea; Tricia Cartwright; January 2010
- "Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition"; Relax, Renew and Eat Raw at Raw Food Retreats; Laurel Wilkinson House; August 2003
- We Care Spa: 3 Day Tune-Up Detoxification Spa Plan
- Optimum Health Institute: OHI SAn Diego Rates
- "Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition"; Rejuvenate with Detox; Brenda Watson, ND, CT; March 2004
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