Weyergans Detox at the High Care Center, Cape Town
The candidate Suzy Brokensha
Age 41
Exercise None
Detox novice or pro Absolute novice. Have trouble subscribing to deprivation of any kind
Biggest weakness Too much in general of: wine, cigarettes, food
Pre-detox trouble spots Occasional insomnia, painful neck and lower back, cellulite

What is it? A six-day-treatment programme spanning three weeks.
Where you can do it? It’s an international programme, but in SA you can do it at the High Care Center in the Lifestyle Centre, Kloof Street, Cape Town.

What the programme aims to do Stimulate the lymphatic system in order to improve digestion, reduce fluid retention and help reduce or eliminate cellulite – all through the use of specifically designed machines and creams, and specially qualified therapists. A typical session…Each session starts with stripping on arrival, slipping into a pair of those puzzling little disposable pink panties, being slathered with (usually divine-smelling) cream and being tightly wrapped in cellophane from the waist down. Then I’m attached to one of three different machines that are used during the course of the six sessions: the Slide Styler, a space-suit-like contraption that uses a gliding stroke massage to drain the lymphatic system and feels wonderful; the Vacustyler, which involves lying in a space-age capsule while having my lower half rhythmically squeezed and released (surprisingly pleasant and soothing); and the SPM Vacu-Press – more on that later.

The food
When it comes to diet, on the whole I’m left to my own (evil) devices, though the therapists recommend I drink herbal teas and at least eight glasses of water a day (which I do – the Center sells a few delicious detoxing herb teas I really enjoy), eat loads of fruit and veg, go easy on the carbs at night and try to avoid alcohol and caffeine completely.

Best bits
· I find being left alone in a quiet room while being gently kneaded and pressed very relaxing and goof for the soul
· The therapist, Nicole, persuades me that eating healthily doesn’t necessarily mean a life utterly devoid of pleasure and gives me some great recipes. Not so great
· The Spanish Inquisition must be kicking themselves for not thinking of the SPM Vacu-Press first. Based on the ancient principle of cupping, it has two suction cups, which are massaged briskly on your problem areas - in my case: bum and thighs. The idea is the vacuum massage will stimulate lymph flow, help break down fat cells and strengthen connective tissue. I’m sure it does all of these things, because I definitely looked and felt smoother afterwards, but let’s just say it’s not a pampering experience.
· The oxygen – administered via oxygen mask – certainly perked me up and gave me energy, but my sessions were in the late afternoon, and I battled to sleep at night. It’s recommended, though not essential, so I gave it up.

Symptoms and side effects
My digestive system improved, on the whole I slept better, had more energy and my skin did indeed become smoother and firmer.
Did it live up to its promise? Yes. I think I could have improved results substantially had I followed the healthy eating plan more strictly, but the fact that it worked for me in spite of my lifestyle has to be a good sign. I didn’t weigh myself, but I lost a few centimetres.
Cost R 2 500 for six sessions.
Contact Dr Norbert Rössel on 021 4224305 or visit www.highcareonkloof.co.za

HOW WE RATE IT
Convenience 5/5 You just make six appointments and show up – there’s loads of parking.
Value for money 3/5 It’s not cheap, and I imagine the treatments would need to be fairly regular in order to have a long-term effect.
Staying power 3/5 It did inspire some lifestyle changes, although how long they will last is debatable.

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