Since I posted last week that I’ll be in Koh Pha Ngan to detox, a friend asked me about the difference between fasting and detoxing.
Fasting is a form of detoxification for the body. It involves voluntarily abstaining from food and drink for a certain period, during which you consume only water. The benefits of fasting are numerous, ranging from increased weight loss to improved brain function. It can help regulate blood sugar, enhance blood pressure and cholesterol levels, delay aging and prolong longevity. In fact, research shows that fasting can help slow the progression of cancer and could increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments and limit adverse events.
Detoxification refers to dietary and lifestyle practices that actively remove toxins and impurities from the body. A detox program typically involves a short-term dietary plan that aims to eliminate toxins through methods like fasting, juicing, and supplements. The primary goal is to rid the body of accumulated toxins and restore balance to its systems. Colonics, or colonic irrigation, are often part of a detox program, where water is gently infused into the rectum to flush out the colon.
Detox program at Sanctuary Thailand
Here in Koh Pha Ngan, the detox experience comes with psyllium and clay shakes, pre and probiotics, lymphatic drinks, green juice and broth, elixir, alkalizer, sleep support (magnesium) yoga, spa treatments, infra-red sauna and herbal steam sessions, and colonics.
In the video, Nan Tawunrat, the Wellness Center manager and detox program coordinator, walks us through our program. Note that her background is impressive. She holds a degree from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and further pursued postgraduate studies in Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine, specializing in Metabolic Syndrome. Her expertise in traditional Chinese medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine ensures a holistic approach.
The beach setting adds a significant bonus to the whole process. Here’s why:
1. The high magnesium levels in seawater help regulate muscles and nerve functionality, moderate blood sugar levels, and improve sleep.
2. Vitamin D from the sun helps prevent autoimmune diseases.
3. The waves contain iodine, which is beneficial for the thyroid and has anti-carcinogenic properties.
4. Walking barefoot on the sand stimulates around 7,000 nerve endings in each foot and can help to reduce stress.
5. The air on the beach is charged with negative ions, which increase oxygen absorption in the lungs.
With Christmas coming up, I highly recommend considering a fasting or detox program to cleanse and rejuvenate your body. This may be something you want to do before or after the holidays.
Busier days are ahead of us! Echoing advice that often comes up, “If you don’t pick a day to rest, your body will pick one for you.”
In loving service,
Rosan
