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This is a series of posts looking at how you can cleanse your body through a yoga detox programme.
If you are thinking about going on a yoga detox retreat or holiday today’s post is just for you. With so many detox programmes on offer how do you know which one really works and is the right one for you?
In today’s post, we look at five key questions you need to ask yourself before choosing your destination. Later posts in this series will look at different yoga poses to support your detox and tips to help you set up your own DIY home detox experience:)
Generally, most people make the initial search for a detox programme retreat online.
This can be a bewildering experience, especially if you are not sure what to look for or what to expect on your detox retreat. Wjith so many yoga holidays and detox retreats on offer, how do you decide what one works for you? If you do a quick Google search, hundreds of detox programmes, spa holidays and yoga detox retreats will come up. Unless you know what you are looking for it can be overwhelming to choose the “right” programme for you. Nothing is worse than spending your money and time stuck in some far-off place surrounded by people you don’t connect with and eating foods which you dislike. To avoid this make sure you follow these five steps.
Why Go On A Yoga Detox Retreat/Holiday
Looking after yourself and doing what you can to feel healthier, happier and more productive is important to you yet with so many demands on your time, making time to care for yourself is often last on your to-do list. If you are still feeling sluggish, overweight and bloated from overeating over Christmas then a yoga detox programme may be just the thing you need to feel lighter and have more energy at the end of the day.
A detox holiday gives you a chance to switch-off, rest and reconnect as you take a step back from your usual eating habits and give your system a chance to cleanse and embrace a more meaningful relationship with food.
What Is A Detox?
If you have never gone on a detox or mini cleanse you are probably wondering what all the fuss is about. You might even think of a detox as some sort of “punishment” or even as a quick-fix lose weight solution.
Although you do lose weight when you detox, from a yogic perspective, the true purpose of detox or a fast is to rest and cleanse the body of the build up of toxins which accumulate in the body; which then brings a sense of balance and harmony to your system. Most of my yoga students experience the fullness of a detox when on a yoga retreat or yoga holiday. As a yogi you see your body as a temple and the foods you eat and the way you eat as part of your food sadhana (spiritual practice) to nurture and nourish your spirit.
If you feel going on a yoga detox retreat is something you would like to experience, here are five steps to help you choose the right programme for you. Different yoga detox holidays, offer different packages depending on what you are looking for.
Five Steps To Help You Choose The Right Programme For You
1. How Healthy Are You?
This has to be your starting point in deciding what sort of detox programme is most suitable for you. Look at your body, how healthy are you? Do you know how healthy you are? Do you know all the theory about healthy living, yet don’t have the time or energy for self care? Are you stressed, exhausted, looking for a complete body MOT? Or are you looking for a few days peace and quiet away from the demands of your family and work to rest and chill-out with your girls-friends? Maybe you want a bit of both? Do you have any underlying or current medical/health conditions which need addressing?
If you are seriously overweight, regularly eat highly processed, refined fatty foods, smoke and drink alcohol, then you may find the rigors and structure of a Yoga Detox Retreat difficult to manage; whereas a Yoga Spa Holiday offers you a gentler introduction into yoga and detoxing.
Tip:
Take time to read about the different types of yoga detox/spa holidays available.
Choose a detox holiday or retreat programme which offers you individualised health assessments, nutritional advice and lifestyle consultations as part of their package. Find out what follow-up support the organisers offer and whether they give you take-away tips and suggestions to maintain your health once you leave the programme.
Remember a Yoga Detox Retreat offers you a chance to go deeper into your yoga and meditation practice or explore new yogic practices, whereas a Yoga Detox/Spa Holiday generally caters for beginners or people looking to find out more about yoga as part of a healthier lifestyle. Whether you go for a yoga detox retreat or yoga spa holiday check what other therapies and treatments are available and whether they are included as part of the overall costs.
2. What Treatments Are On Offer?
Ideally, a detox holiday offers you the opportunity to experience a wide range of healthy living and therapeutic treatments to nurture your mind, body and soul. Most will include a range of other complementary therapies and treatments as part of the programme.
Tip:
Find out what treatment and therapies are included in the programme. Some retreats offer you a complementary treatment and then you have to pay for any other treatments you have. If it’s all inclusive, find out how flexible the programme is and whether you can choose to participate in, for example, early morning yoga and meditation classes. Some places “insist” you take part in all group programmes whereas others allow you to pick and choose what you want to do and when to do it.
Always ask what qualifications and experience the therapists have. All therapists should have appropriate professional insurance cover.
3. What Foods Will Be Served?
There are various ways to detox the body from complete 3-7 days fasting; juice only meals to more relax whole foods healthy eating plans. Some retreats offer you a choice of options, some serve only juices, vegan and raw foods, whereas a yoga spa holiday may offer you a range of other meal options and approaches to eating. Alcohol, meat and smoking are generally not allowed on a yoga detox retreat.
Tip:
Find out exactly what food options are on offer. Talk with the organisers; see how much flexibility they offer re foods served. Do they offer you a choice of menus or is there a strict program to follow. Also, find out what advice they offer to help you prepare your body for the detox and how to end the detox and reintroduce you to “regular eating habits.”
If, for example you are a diabetic check how they cater for special medical conditions, allergies and cultural food preferences.
Find out if the programme includes nutritional workshops and classes on how to prepare meals once you return home and maintain your healthier eating options.
4. How Inviting Is The Detox Retreat? Location Is Everything
If you are searching online for a yoga detox programme this gives you a chance to have a look at different options and facilities. Things to consider are your budget, do you wish to travel overseas and maybe combine the detox with a family holiday, or are you happy staying in your home country. Check out the location. Ideally, you want to be in a tranquil, natural and peaceful environment.
Accommodation is another important factor. Consider whether you want a luxurious 5 star resort hotel with everything laid on, or a more intimate cosy environment.
If you are searching for a more “spiritual environment”, then check out an ashram. The lifestyle of an ashram is ideal for reconnecting with your body, eating well and experiencing the fullness of yoga and meditation.
As you browse the websites, things to think about are easy is it for you to navigate the site, do they offer you the options discussed in this post? How simple is it for you to contact the organisers and when you do, are they professional, warm, responsive to your questions and preferences. Some websites offer you a virtual tour of the centre. Again, depending on what type of experience you are seeking, check what wifi/broadband options are available and how easy it is to get a signal and what amenities are available.
Tip:
Personal recommendation is always a good place to start; however, if none of your friends have gone on a yoga detox make sure you do your homework and trust your intuition. You can always forward your questions to me and I will be happy to share what I know.
5. Be Open
This may sound vague and wishy-washy yet at the end of the day, investing your time and energy on a yoga detox is a natural progression in your personal and spiritual journey. In yoga you are encouraged to trust the process, to surrender and allow goodness to flow. Taking time out of your busy schedule to nurture neglected parts of your being is essential to your sense of wellbeing and fulfillment. When you are well, you are able to be more and give more to your family and business.
Tip:
Deep down your body knows what it needs, so trust the process and know that everything you experience whilst choosing your yoga detox retreat is all good and part of your personal growth and desire to grow stronger and healthier.
To Recap.
In this mini series we have looked at the benefits of going on a detox and discussed three common mistakes you make when you detox. Today’s post highlighted five key factors to consider if you are looking to go on a detox retreat.
Further posts in this mini Yoga Detox series will cover specific yoga poses to support your detox and tips and suggestions how to organise your own DIY home detox, what foods to eat and what foods to avoid will also be covered. If you are a new visitor, kindly subscribe to my email list to instantly receive your copy of future posts as soon as it is published.
Final Thoughts
If you have been on a yoga detox holiday what tips can you share which made your experience memorable and enjoyable. I’d love to hear your thoughts and inspirations, share them in the comment box below.
I’d also love you too share the love and spread the healthy news by clicking the Twitter link below. Be well and remember how marvellous you are. Thank you.
Image-with thanks 05com via flickerr
Thanks Ntahu, for some useful information on choosing the right spa. There's so many to choose from and as they can be quite pricy, your tips can help avoid disappointment. You've also set my imagination going as I see myself being pampered and massaged – heaven.
Enjoy! A yoga spa is such a beautiful experience and delightful way to treat self.
Wow, Ntathu. An incredibly lengthy and informative blog post. Thank you, my dear. Sally
Thanks Sally, glad you find the info useful. Are you tempted to try the Liver Flush:)
What an informative post – I love that you give me a tip. I like tips – they are always the bits I read first – call me fickle – but tips do it for me. I shall bookmark this one and come back to it – thank you!
Thanks Kerry, I agree, tips do make life a bit easier. take care
Top tops, Ntathu, thank you. I've been thinking about a retreat on and off for some time now, and this has given me some much needed advice, I am feeling much more clear on the things I need to look for now.
Great information,Ntathu. This article has helped me to refine my needs for a detox and yoga retreat. Thanks again 🙂
Great to hear Yvonne..any idea when you might go on detox? all the best
Ntathu, you've made some interesting points here that I might never have thought about, I'm feeling much clearer now about the relevant factors of choosing the right spa / detox programme. Thanks!