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Health and Beauty Detox at the Greenhouse

The Art and Science of Detoxification

By Madelyn Miller

When I read celebrity magazines (I admit it, I do) and hear about the detox programs stars and famous people are going through, I feel sorry for them.

But last summer I had a chance to stay at the Greenhouse and be pampered to death for a few days.

I wasn’t in the Detox program

But I asked about it

I wanted to know about all the programs at the Greenhouse, because the one I experienced on dance was so wonderful.

According to, Julia Trick, ND, Resident Nutritionist, “Detoxification is an integral part of many natural healing paradigms, including Ayurvedic medicine in India, naturopathic medicine in the United States and traditional European spa therapy.  Detoxification is the science of internal hygiene.  It is about caring for our insides as diligently as we care for our outsides. It involves minimizing the total toxic load on our bodies, opening the portals of elimination (bowels, kidneys, lymph, skin, lungs) all the while providing nourishment for the body to use wisely.   A comprehensive detoxification program not only emphasizes restoration and renewal on a physical level, but also on an emotional and spiritual level.  This is the art of detoxification.  At The Greenhouse we aim to help women gently coax their bodies and minds to rid themselves of waste, replacing this waste with nourishing and nurturing foods and thoughts.  This truly is beauty from the inside-out.”

I looked and felt so much better after a few days at the Greenhouse, that I wondered what would happen if I turned my whole body over to them.

Trick explained, “During your Health and Beauty Detox you will be served a hypoallergenic, alkalinizing diet consisting of organic, fresh and raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds; legumes; unrefined non-wheat grains; fish; free range eggs and lean poultry.  You will be served specially formulated teas, juices, drinks, nutritional and homeopathic detoxification aids throughout the day and you will be sent home with a customized nutrition program.  You will be scheduled to partake in our specialized detoxification body treatments- thalassotherapy, sauna therapy, reflexology, hydrotherapy, castor oil treatments and oxygenating facials.  Derive benefit from our newest European body treatments – Linfogei, Transion and Isogei – a trio of electronic treatments that encourage lymphatic drainage, stimulate digestion, and improve muscle tone and circulation.  You are encouraged to attend fitness classes, yoga classes, Pilates and water classes as they encourage circulation, sweating, deep breathing and flexibility – all important components during detox.  True to The Greenhouse style, prepare to be pampered.  Your daily esthetic services are all important components for fostering that sense of restoration and renewal.  At the end of the day, enjoy your tuck-in massage after luxuriating in The Greenhouse Signature Detox Bath.

The Health and Beauty Detox Program runs 10 days but accommodations can be made for 7-day programs also.  While most women will lose weight readily on this program, The Health and Beauty Detox Program is not just about looking great – it’s about feeling great too!”

I learned after about 24 hours at the Greenhouse, that I would do anything for a tuck-in massage. Imagine, having someone come to your room, give you a massage and then turn out the lights and close the door as you blissfully slumber off to sleep.

I can’t tell you where the Greenhouse is, because they guard the privacy of their guests rigorously.

But if you want to make a reservation

The 7-Day Detox Program Includes:

Hypoallergenic, alkalinizing diet

No wheat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, additives, preservatives. 

If guest has individual food allergies/intolerances/preferences these will also be accommodated.

Emphasis on alkalinizing foods – fruits, vegetables, herbal teas

100% organic, local, seasonal produce

100% organic/free range meats and eggs

30-40% of calories from raw foods (fruits, vegetables, sprouts, fresh vegetables juices, unroasted nuts and seeds).  This may be slightly modified in winter months to accommodate broths and lightly steamed vegetables.  Raw cabbage juice is especially applicable as it contains glutamine, an amino acid necessary in bowel repair.  Beets are choleretic, which means they increase the production of bile.  Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower), raw garlic, onions, shallots are all good sources of natural sulphur compounds to enhance phase two detoxification.  Bitter greens (radicchio and endive) stimulate the bile flow, which improves mobilization of waste products. 

10% of calories from whole, unrefined alternative grains (quinoa, millet, spelt, kamut, brown rice)

30% of calories from lean protein (chicken, fish, turkey, eggs)

30% of calories from fat; emphasis on essential fats (flax oil, cold water fish) and monounsaturated (olive) oil

Total calories stay around 1200 kcal, although food quality is more the issue than quantity.

Herbal detox teas to address all portals of elimination at every meal

Pure water.  Lemon and Magnesium plus added to water for variety and therapeutic effect.

Mag Water contains small amounts of magnesium sulfate to help with decreasing the achiness, which can be associated with detox.  Also promotes bowel elimination.  This will be served to them at every meal and snack.  It does not change the taste of pure water.  

Detox drink every afternoon (replaces the frappe) – includes supplemental fiber, UltraClear metabolic clearing powder, probiotics.

Digestive Aids

Spectra-zyme digestive enzyme with each meal

Probiotics (acidophilus/bifidus) daily

Silymarin (Milk Thistle) for liver support with each meal

Supplemental fiber

 2 tbsp ground flax meal with breakfast

 2 tbsp Herbabulk (psyllium and prune concentrate) in their detox drink 1x/day

Bodywork

1 thalassotherapy treatment (1 hr)

2 Swedish massage (with castor oil packs) – 1 hr each

3 Linfogei lymphatic drainage therapy – 1 hr each

2 Transion muscle toning sessions – 2 hr each

4 tuck-in massages

The Greenhouse Signature Detox Baths.  These baths include Epsom salts, Magnesium Plus, with a sachet of dried detox herbs (formulated in-house).  Essential oils, color, bubbles can be added to the bath upon request.  

2 body treatments that induce sweating – sauna, hot wrap – 1 hr each

Fitness

5-7 yoga classes/week

5-7 water classes/week

5-7 walk/stretch by the pool sessions

Other classes, as available, to encourage sweating

Beauty Treatments

7 detox facials – 1 hr each.  

1 manicure

1 pedicure

1 hair treatment

Nurturing Treatments

Each guest will have a notebook waiting for her in the room. They will be encouraged to journal throughout this experience, to put on to paper what they are thinking and feeling.  These are for their private thoughts and we expect them to take this home with them. 

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