Spa myths and legends, part 1: “toxins”

Mar 20 2014

Stylish Spy

Musings

2 min read

It's important to remember that, whilst spa-ing is fantastic, it is not fantastical. The Good Spa Spies have decided that there are some monsters under the treatment bed that need to be hauled out and exposed for exactly what they are -- myths and legends. We believe you should have all the information, from a source you can trust, before you go spending your hard-earned money on treatments or products.

Part 1: "toxins"

Here at The Good Spa Guide, we have come to the conclusion that the word "toxin" is more than a little misleading. Lots of literature, spa-related and otherwise, talk about "toxins" in your body. However, these toxins are rarely named and shamed, and can be a scary prospect to the uninitiated.

Auto-intoxication is the theory that food gets stuck whilst moving through your intestine, rots, becomes "toxic" or poisonous, somehow seeps into your bloodstream and causes disease. This theory, whilst popular in the early part of this century, has been widely disparaged by medical professionals and, whilst it remains popular with a small segment of the holistic community, it is generally considered outdated.

When we discuss "detoxing" in our spa features, we are talking specifically about encouraging and stimulating your body to eliminate cellular waste and other naturally occurring waste products as part of your natural metabolic system. Essentially, we're talking about ways to help your body do its job better. We don't support the theory of autointoxication or the need to actively eliminate "toxins" from your system. We do believe that certain spa therapies can give your body a boost when you're feeling below par.

massage

Colonic irrigation probably won't make a huge difference to your body, but a good massage will. Massage stimulates blood and lymph circulation, so it actively helps your body to circulate vital nutrients and lose waste matter and excess water. It also encourages your body to produce endorphins, the natural chemicals that make you feel happy. In fact, massage can be good for your bones, your muscles, your heart, your skin, your breathing, digestion, and your mental health!

Spy92

Stylish Spy

20th March 2014

Spy Likes:

Minimalist lines; organic products; facial massage; tranquillity; interesting people-watching.

Spy Dislikes:

Discarded towels on loungers; steam rooms that aren't steamy; mobile phones.

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