Detox Massage

Detox Massage With Ripple – Sunshine Coast Daily

THE ONLY thing better than treating yourself to a massage is not having to leave the comfort of your own home to do so.

Ripple Massage is based throughout Australia and has an extensive  menu of massages and body treatments available, all of which can be provided at your convenience.

My treatment of choice was the two-hour Detox massage package, something Ripple Massage managing director Ali Saoirse says every woman should treat herself to.

Claire, my massage therapist, arrived right on time, massage table and iPod in hand. After she had set up, Claire instructed me to make myself comfortable on my lounge and then produced a hot foot soak with peppermint and lime to rejuvenate my tired feet.

After they’d soaked, she patted them dry and got me to lie on the massage table where she began the second part of my detox, treatment a full body aromatherapy massage with essential oils that Allison makes herself.

As Claire’s expert hands worked their magic, finding my tender spots and releasing the knots, my mind began to drift as my body fully relaxed.

Then, while I was still lying on my front, Claire began to exfoliate my body with a walnut, tangerine and lime scrub designed to polish the skin and get rid of dead cells. This was then wiped off with a steaming hot towel and dried before being covered back over.

I then rolled over on to my back and the massage/exfoliation/detox bliss continued.

Claire applied an organic green clay and cucumber mask to my face before working her way down to my feet for a reflexology massage, thumbing away at the hours spent walking, standing and running.

By the time she was finished with my feet, the face mask was dry and Claire set to work removing it with hot towels before using a natural honey moisturiser on my skin, which I then got to keep.

Claire then massaged my neck, shoulders and head, which was, in my opinion, the very best part of the treatment. When she was finished I practically rolled off the table, every muscle in my body relaxed and with the added bonus of soft, shiny skin.

It’s something I will definitely be doing again… and again… and again.

Detox Massage Tips

1. Detox works best when you do it with both the inside and the outside. The first couple of days of these sort of diets aren’t usually much fun – lots of water, no wheat or dairy, none of your favourite cakes or alchohol. But they are a great way to reset your body and your mind into a healthier way of living. You could try some of the shorter ones that are quite as extreme. I figure its better to do a shorter easier one and complete than try for the Everest of Detox Diets and come away feeling disheartened. More tips on why your massage therapist will encourage you to drink more water are here
2. You can add in other nice treatments to your diet to make it more fun like the detox massage. This works on several body systems like the lymphatic system and the digestive system. Ripple also uses essential oils such as lime and tangerine to further eliminate toxins from your body.
3. Detoxing can help you get rid of toxins from your body that can lead to diseases and other health problems. The first couple of days you can feel tired and have headaches, so schedule in some rest time. Yep, maybe a day of just lying around, being kind to your body
4. If you eat an unhealthy diet then detoxing can help you feel better. As most people don’t usually drink enough water, a detox diet can help change this habit. I usually add some lemon or orange juice into mine, ice and put it in a wine glass to make it easier to drink.
5. It usually only takes a day or two to start to notice a difference in your skin and eyes. And after the first couple of days you usually feel better too. A side benefit is if you don’t load up on calories (to make up for the lack of alcohol and caffeine) then you often will lose some weight too.

Detox Massage Diet

1. To begin, start to wean yourself off caffeine and alcohol. This can cause headaches so start gradually until they are totally eliminated.
2. Stock up on herbal detox teas and healthy fresh food. Remove any sugar, sweets, junk food or other unhealthy foods from you cupboards.
3. Foods to avoid – anything with caffeine or sugar in it. Diary and wheat products. Salt, margarine, butter, proteins such as beef and pork, fast foods such as hot chips, and beverages like coffee, wine and soft drinks.
4. As part of the detox diet, drink a minimum of two liters of water each day.
5. Choose organic foods wherever possible. Here are some great tips on super foods to turbo charge your detox diet
6. Exercise daily as part of your detox programme.
7. During your first week you may experience tiredness, headaches, stiffness, muscle and joint pain, cramps in the stomach, pimples and wind. This is just your body adjusting to the new diet.
8. If you really want something sweet try some frozen grapes.
9. If you are craving coffee, dandelion tea is a great substitute.
10. If you are craving carbohydrates, cinnamon tea is a good way to dampen the craving.
11. And as a snack, try some baked potato chips with no oil.
12. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables. More info on super foods are here.
13. Eat less salt as this is what can cause you to retain fluids, giving you that puffy look that you are trying to avoid.
14. Use herbs and spices to flavour your meals instead of fats and sauces.
15. Herbal teas are a great in a detox, flavorsome way to up your water intake
16. Gets lots of sleep, so that your body is able to recharge itself.
17. Book in regular massages. Massaging the muscles speeds up the release of toxins from the body.

Detox Juices

Click here for more info on juicing, how it affects your body and some super easy recipes

A great way for you to support your detox is with vitamin packed juices. Don’t go overboard, but one fresh squeezed juice each day can help your body with extra nutrients and extra energy.

 Here Are Some Of Our Favourite Juices

Apple, orange, blueberries and carrot: packed with vitamin C to energize and give you a lift. Click here for more on how Vitamin C helps your body

Papaya, melon and grapes: papaya is soothing on the stomach, this juice is also fab for your liver and kidneys

Carrot, beetroot and celery: a good kick-start morning juice. I was never a great fan of beetroot but fresh beetroot in a vegetable juice gives it a lovely light but sweet twist and is also great for you

Cabbage, fennel and apple: this is an ideal cleansing juice. Be sure to add a couple of apples, half a small cabbage and half a fennel bulb and maybe even a spoonful of lemon or lime juice

Cheats Guide to Detox

So here is the cheaters guide to cleansing your body after hammering it over the holidays .. a gentle way to ease into something that is healthier and won’t shock your body into rebellion.