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44 DAYSPA | JULY 2014 | The Detox Discussion | D AYSPA: What does 'detoxing' really mean? Kerpen: It's allowing our body to cleanse unwanted materials. When our organs have to work overtime to process toxins, they're not as well equipped to function properly, nor to make us feel optimally en- ergetic, nor to leave us looking as healthy and vibrant as we could. So, when we detoxify at the spa, we promote and optimize our body's ability to improve and cleanse itself. Gast: It's the process by which the body eliminates a number of things—via the skin, liver, intestines, lym- phatic system, colon, lungs and kidneys—that it isn't equipped to fully process. For instance, if you've recently been taking antibiotics, they're lingering in your system. Or, when you have surgery, that general anesthesia stays in your body for a full year. Our bodies aren't equipped to process a lot of today's food sources, either. Lindemuth: It's also the mindset wherein we're conscious of what we put into our bodies. After all, the environment we live in has changed signifi cantly in recent decades—there's more pollution, hormone additives and MSG, not to mention nonstop lifestyles. Figueroa: It's deep-cleansing the body at the cellular level, from the inside out. There are many different types of detoxes, but I rely on a program designed to purify the blood. Blood is such a crucial component of our body—so everything starts functioning better. De- tox is second-to-none for improving existing ailments and reinforcing the immune system. Scott: At our holistic spa, we treat mind, body and spirit. So the word 'detox' means letting go of environ- mental, physical, mental and emotional toxins. On a physical level, detox equips our bodies to better elimi- nate impurities and, on an emotional level, it helps us manage stress—a huge component of self-care. H ow would you describe the benefi ts of detoxing that you've personally witnessed? Figueroa: From fi bromyalgia to common joint pain to gastrointestinal issues—so many conditions are im- proved through detox. Three years ago, I underwent a 30-day M'lis (mlis.com) program and lost 14 pounds of toxic waste. Also, a mole on my back disappeared. When your immune system gets rebuilt like it does when you detox, it's much harder for unhealthy cells to survive. Scott: In addition to weight loss, cellulite reduction, clearer skin, boosted energy and better immune func- tion, detox is our most powerful antiaging ally: It al- lows the body's energy to be spent in a more effi cient way—putting less stress on our skin, metabolism, etc. After all, stress is a major cause of accelerated aging. And when the body is functioning in top form, the mind is in a better place to manage stress. Gast: Detoxing promotes a more regular elimination schedule. Ideally, we'd empty our bowels as often as we eat. But our goal is just to get clients to have a bowel movement at least once a day. Often when people don't feel well, it's because what should be stored in a sewer is sit- ting in their bodies. TOP: © BRIGITTE SPORRER/GETTY; BOTTOM: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM D e t o x F e a t u r e . i n d d 4 4 Detox Feature.indd 44 6 / 3 / 1 4 1 1 : 3 2 A M 6/3/14 11:32 AM