By Caroline Eden, Spa Writer

A safe and effective cleanse is one where you don’t starve yourself or take pills, potions or consume expensive, specially made drinks. It is also one that encourages you to think about the kind of exercise that will best complement your end goal.

Periods of cleansing and detox are incredibly beneficial to health as they allow the body to rest and reset. However, a healthy body must move regularly, which is why even during detoxes it is essential to engage in some light exercise and activity.

Any activity aids detoxification but as your body adjusts you may feel lethargic so light exercise is best.

Trampolining and yoga are believed by many experts to be the optimum detoxifying exercises. By jumping up-and-down, the motion squeezes and expands tissues and fluids. The movement actively encourages toxins to be coaxed out as lymph fluid is pushed throughout the body. The activity also increases digestion and boosts the elimination of toxic waste through the colon.

One of the best things about trampolining is that it only requires a little balance and agility. Bouncing can be altered to match fitness levels. Even just a few minutes can reap the rewards described above.

Yogic deep breathing is also highly recommended. Strong exhalations can empty the lungs of unwanted carbon dioxide and permit space for fresh breath and more oxygenated air. This nourishes cells and leads to improved circulation.

Walking, cycling, swimming, tennis, Pilates and even roller skating are all good too. Tai chi can be suitable for detoxing your mind and attitude. For all exercise during detox, think: gentle and low-impact.

Other activities to embrace are brushing and bathing. By brushing skin with a loofah, or a natural fibre body brush, skin detoxification is stimulated. The key is ‘dry brushing’ which is much more effective than wet. Using a loofah, brush the skin with steady, firm circular strokes. Start from your feet, then move up over the body to the hands. Avoid delicate areas, including the throat and face. Once you have finished in the shower, try to withstand a blast of cold water for a minute or so which helps blood circulation.

Bathing with Epsom salts or clay also helps to cleanse the body.

Bentonite clay is known for its highly absorptive properties and its ability to draw out and bind heavy metals, drugs and other toxins from the body.

Epsom salts help pull a variety of toxins from the body while replenishing magnesium levels. Detox bathing can make you tired, so it’s best to indulge just before bed. This is a simple, easy and inexpensive way to add detoxing into your daily routine and boost your health.

Detoxification also requires you to slow down. Make sure you fit time for deep relaxation into your plan.

Many of the guests on in:spa retreats come every year for what they call their ‘annual MOT’ and enjoy the tried and tested benefits of the 3 key components of an in:spa retreat, namely:

  • diet & nutrition
  • fitness & yoga
  • massage & relaxation

If you think an in:spa retreat may just be what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to call our team on 0845 458 0723 to find out more.