The accepted wisdom has always been that detoxes require 14 days to be effective, but scientific advances and the hyper-personalisation of detox programmes mean impressive results can now be achieved in just one week. Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland pioneered express detoxification with its Master Detox, launched in 2018 – the first to use genetic testing to detect an individual’s deficiencies and weaknesses. The clinic has recently upgraded this programme based on the latest nutrigenomics research, combining detox nutrition and natural therapies with exclusive supplements. With this potent formula, they are able to leverage the interactions between nutrients and genes, in order to detoxify the body, support the gut microbiome and reduce oxidative stress.
Image courtesy Clinique La Prairie
Fellow Swiss spa Grand Resort Bad Ragaz launched its evidence-based, seven-day detox in November 2020. For these medically supervised detoxes, the focus is as much on the mind as the body. “Mental and emotional detox have to be core elements for every successful detox. Therefore, we integrate mental training and nature experiences in every programme,” says Hans-Peter Veit, Bad Ragaz’s Director of Health and Spa.
Although the spa’s personalised detox diets exclude coffee, red meats and alcohol, unusually, they do not require periods of juice fasting. Instead, Bad Ragaz nutritionists focus on quality ingredients with a high content of antioxidants, as well as prioritising foods that have bitter compounds which boost digestive juices and liver function.
Another partner of The Arc Circle, SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain, suggests its seven-day detox is most effective for those already following moderately healthy lifestyles, and adds that innovative therapies also speed up the process. It offers blood-purifying ozone therapy, in addition to intravenous liver detoxing, a process that neutralises and expels toxins through an injection of specific nutrients that stimulate the body’s natural healing system. However, SHA highlights that traditional therapies such as acupuncture and shiatsu still play a significant role in clearing energetic blockages caused by stress and anxiety.
Image courtesy SHA Wellness Clinic
Timo Maier, Head of Spa at Villa Stéphanie in Germany, points to physical activity as an important factor in the success of shorter detoxes. Villa Stéphanie, therefore, places equal emphasis on personal training to increase fitness and positive health values, as it does on personalised, plant-based, anti-inflammatory nutrition, alongside medical support and targeted treatments such as algae wraps and lymphatic drainage.
All the spas agree that post-trip support is vital. Clinique La Prairie’s nutritionist will diarise an online follow-up dietary consultation with guests once they are back home, and Bad Ragaz guests leave armed with a 30-page booklet of nutrition plans and recommendations. SHA, meanwhile, has recently introduced SHA eHealth, an online telemedicine service that offers everything from advice on personal training and pranayama breathing techniques to consultations on immune system fortification and stress management.
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