Spring Clean
Didn’t get round to the post Christmas detox? Good. The best time to purge your body is actually spring. “In winter the body gets very sluggish as the organs of elimination slow down so toxins accumulate,” explains Emma. “In spring our energy levels naturally pick up and it is the time for fresh starts so it is a much better time to shed them.”
It is a fact that sits well in the belly of many different traditions. “Many different cultures perform cleansing rituals around the Spring equinox so it is a powerful time to purify both the body and spirit,” confirms naturopathic nutritionist Anja Liebe (www.anjaliebe.com).
There are different types and levels of detox but most theories agree that it means reducing or eliminating caffeine, sugar, red meat, alcohol and dairy and upping your intake of fresh vegetables. It is about taking the load off your internal organs, lowering your intake of new toxins and allowing the body to focus its energy on purging those that are already there. Make it easy on your body by sticking to foods that are easy to digest. “I would recommend eating organic short grain brown rice because, when chewed, it becomes neutral in pH, which is best for the digestive system,” says Liebe. “The most challenging grain is wheat, then rye, oats, barley, rice and finally millet. With proteins, the most challenging is pork, followed by beef, lamb, chicken, fish, then pulses, nuts and seeds. Dairy produce is very challenging so is best avoided as it creates mucus, adding to the internal toxic load.”
For anyone following a typical western diet, it can seem tricky to navigate but the payoffs (glowing skin, soothed mind and renewed vitality) are worth it – provided you face up to the side effects first. Blemishes are a common detoxing pitfall. “When there are toxins in the bloodstream, they want to exit the body and as skin is the largest organ of elimination, it starts to squirt out everything it doesn’t need,” explains Emma.
A few simple naturopathic techniques can minimize unpleasant reactions. The key is to stimulate the flow of blood and lymph (the body’s waste disposal system) so that toxins are drained more quickly into the colon from where they can be excreted from the body. “Skin brush every morning before you shower to prevent stagnation and thickening of the lymph,” advises Liebe. “Use a long-handled natural bristle brush on dry skin and try to cover the whole body (except the face), brushing in long strokes towards the heart.” And try hot and cold showers. “At the end of your morning shower, alternate between hot and cold water at least three times, making sure you end on cold.”
This is also a great time to practice your facial massage techniques. “It helps keep the skin supple so that the fluid can move around easily and drain toxins,” explains Emma. “Just make sure your hands and face are clean before you begin to avoid cross contamination of existing outbreaks.” A purifying cleanser such as the Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Balm, with moringa seeds that are so detoxifying they were traditionally used to purify drinking water in Africa, will clear the canvas.
Skin Clinic
I have lost a lot of weight and, although I am happy with my svelter self, I am worried my newly slim face looks gaunt. Is there any way to recapture the youthful plumpness? “When we age the muscle naturally thins and we lose skin cells and water. The collagen binds together, making the flesh on the face look flat,” says Emma. If we also lose a lot of weight, the volume of fat on the face diminishes and the natural juicy plumpness of youthful skin withers further. Applying Emma’s skin-plumping traction techniques to the entire face (and especially the cheekbones where we seek volume most) will help to rebuild the facial contours. “Place your fingertips in the centre of the area you want to tone, then stretch the fingertips apart in opposite directions until there is a deep stretch in the facial tissue which will cause it to tone,” advises Emma. This triggers the connective tissue to soften and relax which frees up the collagen and enables it to get a better supply of the moisture and nutrients it needs to stay cushioned.
What we’re loving
Giving spring cleaning a spiritual dimension, rather than just dusting every physical nook and crannie, by using a sage smudge stick to cut through any airs of negativity in our home (£5.88; www.holisticshop.co.uk). The Aman Experiences at the swanky new Aman Spa at The Connaught Hotel in London. Inspired by Chinese, Indian, Thai and Navajo healing arts, the two and a half hour rituals keep your soul grounded, while helping your heart to open and sing (£280; www.the-connaught.co.uk/Aman). The Manuka Prana Yoga Mat (£45;
www.manukalife.com) - the raised trigger points on it stimulate the 6000 acupressure points in the body, it gives you a shiatsu-like energy boost while you practice your asanas. Circulation, toxin removal, relieve tension
Seasonal product focus
Make sure you have a Professional Cleansing Cloth in your bathroom arsenal for busting grime this spring. Remember to use the muslin side to whisk away traces of make-up and cleanser before massaging the skin with the fluffier microfibre side which has a suction effect on the pores, purging them of every last trace of dirt.
