- Why Detox?
- What happens during a detox?
- How can I prepare for a retreat?
- What is a typical day at a retreat like?
- What is CHRYSALIS HEALTH'S detox philosophy?
Why Detox?
Your body is designed to protect you from any kind of danger, internal or external. However, it doesn't always work so beautifully. Our bodies have evolved over millions of years to cope with a whole host of threats; yet, our recent history has changed the landscape of our lives completely. Man-made chemicals make their way into the eco-system of the planet 24/7 and we absorb a multitude of chemicals every day. These chemicals are found in food, drugs (both social and medical), water, air, cosmetics, the soil, household goods and gardening products to name but a few. According to recent research published by The Guardian newspaper, some 20,000 new chemicals enter our environment each year.
The Chrysalis Health detox involves a scientifically developed and proven programme of juices, supplements, complementary therapies and toxin elimination techniques. Detox refers to the process of mobilising and eliminating toxins in our bodies. It is important to note that most detox systems help to mobilise toxins but do not help your body to eliminate them. This is a fundamental difference in the system we use at Chrysalis.
Your toxic load
Leading scientists around the world now identify toxic stress as a key cause of 21st century illnesses. Toxic build-up causes our systems to be sluggish, which is reflected in body shape, skin lustre, energy and immunity. Toxic stress placed on our organs further impedes the natural detox process.
The most common symptoms of toxic overload are:
IBS or other digestive complaints; weight gain; candida; cystitis; headaches; mood swings; fatigue; allergies; hormone imbalances; infertility or recurring miscarriages; chronic fatigue; high blood pressure; Type II diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar); skin problems; high cholesterol; emotional eating; stress; addictions (to sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol); insomnia; painful joints; lack of energy/vitality.
Some health benefits of the Chrysalis detox
- Dramatic improvements in chronic health conditions
- Easy long term weight loss - lose up to 10lbs in one week
- Enhanced energy levels and an overall feeling of vitality
- Clearer skin
- Sharpened senses and mental clarity/ reduced stress and anxiety levels
- Reduced blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels
- Improved fertility in both men and women
- Freedom from the past and renewed optimism about the future
What are toxins?
A toxin is anything that has a detrimental effect on cell function or structure. Toxins are materials that our bodies cannot process efficiently and over time they build up and as a result, our systems function below par, leaving us drained, tired and frequently ill.
Chemicals are used in producing our food. Pesticides are sprayed on many fruit and vegetables; preservatives are used in many baked goods; and hormones are commonly found in poultry. Even items such as smoked salmon have a level of toxicity that is accrued by the smoking process!
The level at which we consume heavy foods is beyond that which our bodies can cope with. The Western diet (and particularly the British diet!) tends to include vast quantities of red meat, 'bad fats', processed carbohydrates, refined sugars, caffeine and alcohol. All of these things cause our digestive system to gradually weaken, thereby becoming less and less effective. This has two consequences: food may not be fully digested and therefore all nutrients in the food will not be absorbed; and secondly, as digestion consumes so much of the body's internal energy it is left with none to naturally cleanse itself, further contributing to a vicious cycle of toxic build-up.
Beauty products also contain chemicals that are absorbed through our skin and into our blood stream. We suggest not putting anything on your body that you wouldn't eat!
The air in your home can contain various dangerous toxins. These may come from sources such as common cleaning products, and outdoor air pollution getting trapped in your home. These are absorbed through the skin and also through the lungs when breathing.
How your body copes with toxins
The liver is the main organ for expelling toxins in the body, as well as metabolizing fat. If toxins get into the liver or into the bile used by the liver in fat metabolism, its function is diminished. As such, chemicals can contribute to weight gain, as well as to headaches and similar complaints that are symptomatic of a toxic system!
Toxins accumulate in our colon and form a lining around the colon wall. If these are not removed then they can build up to vast enough quantities, which can then leak through the gut wall and into the blood stream, thus disrupting the digestive system and preventing it from functioning properly. Digestive complaints are often a result of an inability to absorb all the nutrients from our meals. To put it another way, you are not what you eat, rather you are what you absorb!
What happens during a detox?
At Chrysalis we have taken the art and science of detoxing to a higher level. We have combined the best of in-clinic experience and cutting edge biochemistry to assist in the development of our supplement regime. We draw upon mind-body science and the collective wisdom of ancient fasting techniques. Most of all, we have a dedicated staff of highly trained Nutritionists and supportive therapists that have chosen to make detox their focus due to its extraordinary results.
How will I feel during detox?
Clients often express an element of fear at the prospect of not eating solids for five to seven days! There is no need for concern. A type of pure fibre is added to the juices to sustain and regulate your energy during detox, and to take the edge off of any hunger sensations! Supplements are also provided to support your organs during detoxification. Our nutritionists cater for all body types and ailments and will tailor your juice intake accordingly. In addition we have homeopathic and other natural remedies if anyone requires 'fine tuning' due to their specific needs and responses to the detox process.
What about the long term?
A detox programme clears out toxic build up in your system. However, nutritional habits must be formed in order to reduce your level of toxicity for the long term. On our retreats we give nutritional talks and workshops on attitudes to food and healthy eating. A nutritional consultation service is also available to clients before and post-retreat, in the event that extra support is wanted. Please see the clinics for more information.
The detox process
The detox process can seem complicated for those who are new to the field. The reality is, a good detox regime supports the body's own healing systems and it is nothing to be scared of. Here is how detox impacts on your body.
Health begins at the cellular level. The body's cells are fully capable of healing themselves if toxic accumulations are stopped and proper nutrients are provided. Toxic waste products interfere with the functioning of the cell. It is a core function of the detox to ensure that toxins are eliminated from the system as efficiently as possible. Current estimates suggest we have approximately 50-100 trillion cells. As cells die or are destroyed, new ones are formed, so the numbers of cells within each body are constantly changing. A cause of disease is toxin saturation at the cellular level. Every cellular function produces toxic waste products, but when dietary deficiencies, sluggish metabolism, sedentary lifestyle, lack of fresh air and water, overeating, and poor digestion deprive the cells of key nutrients, they start a process of degeneration and decay.
Love your liver. Your liver is your primary organ of detoxification and fat metabolism. If it is not working optimally, side effects include weight gain and autointoxication. Various nutrients are required in order for liver detoxification to be carried out successfully, yet most often people lack these. During a detox your liver is supported with nutrient-rich juices and supplements. We also use specific cleansing procedures to assist in the removal of toxic waste.
The organic coffee enema is used to detoxify the liver. It is a low-volume enema that remains only in the sigmoid colon. There is a duct between the sigmoid colon and the liver called the "entero-hepatic circulation system". When the stool reaches this point, it contains many toxins, which are sent to the liver for detoxification. The caffeine that is absorbed into the entero-hepatic system causes the liver ducts, including the bile ducts, to empty into the sigmoid colon. Releasing the toxins in the liver ducts, makes room for toxins from the body to enter the liver for detoxification. The alkaloids in the caffeine stimulate the production of an enzyme called "glutathione-S-transferase", which is an enzyme that facilitates the liver detoxification pathways. The coffee enema is safe even for people who are sensitive to caffeine because the coffee remains in the sigmoid colon, where it will not be absorbed.
Boost your immunity. Detoxing gives your immune system a boost. The detox increases nutrients, decreases toxins, frees up digestive energy and alleviates inflammation due to food intolerances / allergic reactions. The serum fats in the blood are reduced and more oxygen gets to the tissues.
Cleanse your colon. Most people are not expelling waste optimally. Ideally, one should have 2-3 complete bowel movements a day! When 'transit' time slows (the time it takes waste to be eliminated), putrefied material stays in the colon longer and toxins can enter the bloodstream through the intestinal wall. The removal of impacted waste material, often called 'colon plaque' can amount to a loss of 7lbs in one week alone!
Breathe deeply. Your lungs expel toxins from the body. The Chrysalis detox teaches you the art of deep breathing during yoga which helps to move lymph and blood through the body, thus assisting in the elimination of toxins.
Sweat it out. The skin is the body's largest organ that eliminates waste through sweat glands and mucous membranes. The condition of the skin reflects the condition of all that lies beneath it. All Chrysalis retreats contain an element of sweat therapy to promote the elimination of toxins. You will also be taught about the impact of chemicals on the skin and how to reduce your toxic load.
Water- balance. The kidneys determine which chemicals are filtered out of the body and are in charge of maintaining water balance. Specific herbs and hydration treatments work to promote the removal of water-soluble toxins and to boost the functioning of your kidneys during your Chrysalis detox.
Ease congestion. The lymphatic system is network of vessels that extends through the body, following the path of the veins. Congested lymph is a common problem when toxic waste backs up in the body and a crucial part of the detox is to get your lymph flowing well. This is done through exercises and specialised equipment provided as part of your detox package. Manual Lymph Drainage massage, a specialist treatment to significantly improve the flow of lymph, is included as part of most Chrysalis detox weeks.
How can I prepare for a retreat?
Upon receiving payment for your retreat we will post out a pre-retreat pack that contains, among other things, a recommended pre-cleanse diet. In case you would like a taster of the diet before signing up, you can download a list of the do's and don't's of a pre-cleanse!
- Download the Pre-cleanse Diet Do's and Don't's (PDF, 196KB)
What is a typical day at a retreat like?
"I felt wonderfully relaxed; the pace of the detox is so well thought out. It allowed me to catch up on 'me' time as well as feeling my every need was catered for."
Download our "Typical Detox Day" Programme below to learn more about what a typical detox programme is like. However, it is important to remember that it is a flexible programme and you are able take things at a pace suited to you - our detox team will ensure you get everything you need! There is plenty of time for you to read the book you've been wanting to for ages, to relax with wonderful massage treatments or just enjoy peace of mind and body. Nutritionists are on hand at all time should you need extra assistance or information.
- Download the Typical Detox Day Programme (PDF, 335KB)
What is CHRYSALIS HEALTH'S detox philosophy?
Your body is designed to protect you from any kind of danger, internal or external. However, it doesn't always work so beautifully. Our bodies have evolved over millions of years to cope with a whole host of threats; yet, our recent history has changed the landscape of our lives completely. Man-made chemicals make their way into the eco-system of the planet 24/7; we absorb a multitude of chemicals every day. These chemicals are found in food, drugs (both social and medical), water, air, cosmetics, the soil, household goods and gardening products to name but a few. According to recent research published by The Guardian newspaper, some 20,000 new chemicals enter our environment each year.
The Chrysalis Health detox involves a scientifically developed and proven programme of juices, supplements, complementary therapies and toxin elimination techniques. Detox refers to the process of mobilising and eliminating toxins in our bodies. It is important to note that most detox systems help to mobilise toxins but do not help your body to eliminate them. This is a fundamental difference in the system we use at Chrysalis.
To learn more about our detox philosophy download The CHRYSALIS HEALTH Detox Philosophy below.
- Download the CHRYSALIS HEALTH Detox Philosophy (PDF, 421KB)
