The Power of Transformation Through Retreats

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught in a cycle of constant activity, leaving little room for reflection, rest, or renewal. Many of us feel the need for a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us, but we struggle to find the time or space to make that happen. This is where the power of a retreat comes in, offering the perfect environment for transformation on every level: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.

The Sacred Space of Retreat

A retreat is more than just a break from everyday life; it's an intentional withdrawal from the external world to focus inward. Stepping out of the routines that define your day-to-day existence gives you the space to reconnect with your true self. It’s a sacred pause where distractions fade, and clarity emerges. In this stillness, transformation can begin to unfold naturally.

When you enter the retreat space, you’re entering an environment designed to nurture growth. Whether it’s a juice detox retreat aimed at cleansing the body, a holistic nature retreat for emotional healing, or a spiritual journey to a place like India, the intention is always the same: to foster inner transformation. Every aspect of the retreat, from the setting to the schedule, is curated to support this journey.

Physical Transformation: Healing the Body

At many retreats, physical transformation is often the most immediate. Whether through juice fasting, yoga, nature walks, or other healing practices, your body begins to release toxins, tension, and built-up stress. For example, a juice detox retreat helps to cleanse your organs, improve digestion, and boost energy levels, leaving you feeling lighter and more vibrant. Your body begins to realign with its natural rhythm, free from the distractions and indulgences of modern life.

Physical transformation is powerful because it serves as a gateway to deeper changes. As you feel more energetic and revitalized, you open the door to emotional and spiritual healing.

Emotional Transformation: Releasing What No Longer Serves You

On retreat, there is time to truly feel. Away from the noise of everyday life, emotions that may have been suppressed or ignored rise to the surface. Whether through guided meditations, group sharing sessions, or journaling, retreats provide safe spaces to process these emotions and begin to heal.

Emotional transformation often involves releasing old wounds, limiting beliefs, and patterns of behavior that no longer serve you. As you let go of these emotional burdens, you create space for new possibilities and a greater sense of inner peace. The community aspect of many retreats also helps in this process, as shared experiences foster connection and a sense of belonging, which can be deeply healing.

Mental Transformation: Gaining Clarity and Insight

A retreat offers you the time and quiet to reflect on the bigger questions in life: Who am I? What do I truly want? What is my purpose? This reflection can lead to profound mental shifts. As your mind becomes clearer through meditation, contemplation, and being present in nature, you begin to see things differently.

Mental transformation often comes in the form of new insights, realizations, or even a shift in perspective. You may find clarity on issues that have been troubling you or discover a new direction in life. This renewed sense of purpose and alignment with your true self is a powerful outcome of retreat.

Spiritual Transformation: Connecting to Your Inner Truth

Perhaps the most profound transformation that can happen on a retreat is spiritual. Whether you’re engaging in deep meditation, practicing yoga, or immersing yourself in nature, the retreat environment often encourages a reconnection with your spirit - your highest, truest self.

This spiritual awakening might come in the form of subtle shifts: a feeling of peace, a deep sense of gratitude, or a renewed connection with something greater than yourself. For some, it can be a life-changing realisation, a moment where they feel more aligned with their life’s purpose than ever before.

Spiritual transformation doesn't necessarily mean adopting a new belief system. It’s about reconnecting to your inner truth, finding your own sense of meaning and purpose, and cultivating a deeper relationship with the divine, whatever that may mean for you.

Returning Home: The Integration Process

The transformation experienced on retreat doesn’t end when you leave. In fact, returning home is where the real work begins. You are now tasked with integrating the lessons, insights, and healing you’ve experienced into your everyday life. This can be challenging, as the noise and demands of the outside world return. But with intention and practice, the changes you’ve experienced can continue to unfold long after the retreat ends.

Transformation is a journey, not a destination. Every retreat adds a new layer of growth and understanding, guiding you ever closer to your true self. Whether you’re called to cleanse your body, heal your heart, or awaken your spirit, the retreat experience offers a powerful container for the transformation you seek.

Final Thoughts

Retreats hold a unique power to transform our lives. They offer us the time, space, and tools to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Whether it's through physical detoxing, emotional release, mental clarity, or spiritual awakening, the transformation that unfolds during a retreat can be life-changing. If you're feeling called to reset and reconnect, trust that the retreat experience will guide you to where you need to be - often far beyond what you could have imagined.

If you’ve been considering a retreat, this might be your sign. Step into the sacred space, and allow yourself to experience the profound transformation that awaits.

Check out our latest retreats!

• Deep Cleansing Juice Detox Retreat

• Women’s Journey to India Transformational Detox Retreat

• Holistic Mountain Meander Retreat in the Cederberg

The Benefits of Cleansing with Freshly Squeezed Juices: A Scientific Perspective

In an age where processed foods dominate our diets, many people are turning to natural methods to rejuvenate their health. One increasingly popular method is cleansing with freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables. This practice involves consuming juices extracted from fresh produce over a certain period, providing the body with a concentrated source of nutrients. Scientifically backed, juice cleansing offers a variety of health benefits, including detoxification, improved digestion, enhanced energy levels, and better skin health. This article explores the scientifically supported benefits of juice cleansing and why it might be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

Detoxification and Antioxidant Support

Freshly squeezed juices are rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage, contributing to aging and various diseases. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, found abundantly in fruits and vegetables like berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, neutralize free radicals and support the body’s natural detoxification processes. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry highlights the high antioxidant content in freshly squeezed juices, emphasizing their role in reducing oxidative stress and promoting detoxification.

Improved Digestion and Gut Health

Juicing can benefit the digestive system and gut health because it provides a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes without requiring significant digestive effort. The nutrients in juice are more readily absorbed into the bloodstream, allowing the digestive system to rest and recover. This can be especially helpful for individuals with compromised digestion or gastrointestinal conditions, as it reduces the workload on the gut while still delivering essential nutrients. Additionally, hydration from fresh juice supports healthy bowel movements and helps flush out toxins, contributing to overall gut health. According to research published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, juices provide a form of "predigested" nutrition, making nutrients more accessible.

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption

Juicing breaks down the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, making it easier for the body to absorb essential nutrients. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with compromised digestion. A study in the Journal of Food Science found that the bioavailability of certain nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, is significantly higher in juice form compared to whole fruits and vegetables, suggesting that removing the pulp can enhance nutrient absorption.

Weight Management and Satiety

Juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables are generally low in calories but high in volume and nutrient density, making them an effective tool for weight management. The fiber in these juices promotes feelings of fullness and satiety, helping to control appetite and reduce overall calorie intake. A review in Obesity Reviews found that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, including in juice form, is associated with lower body weight and a reduced risk of obesity due to their low energy density and high nutrient content.

Improved Skin Health

The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in freshly squeezed juices significantly impact skin health. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and many vegetables, is essential for collagen production, which maintains skin elasticity and firmness. Antioxidants like beta-carotene in carrots and leafy greens protect the skin from UV damage and promote a healthy glow. Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology indicates that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly in juice form, can improve skin health and slow the signs of aging.

Enhanced Energy Levels

The natural sugars in fresh juices provide a quick and sustained source of energy without the crash associated with refined sugars. Fresh juices also supply essential vitamins and minerals that support metabolic processes and energy production. A study in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism links the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetable juices to increased energy levels and overall vitality, largely due to their high nutrient density and the presence of natural sugars.

Boosted Immune System

Juices from fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that support the immune system. Vitamin C is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, but other nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, and various phytonutrients also play critical roles in enhancing immune function. A study in Nutrients confirms that regular consumption of freshly squeezed juices, due to their high nutrient density, supports a stronger immune response and reduces the risk of infections.

Mental Clarity and Mood Enhancement

The nutrients in fresh juices can positively impact brain health and cognitive function. Natural sugars provide a steady supply of glucose to the brain, enhancing mental clarity and focus. Additionally, the reduction in processed foods and sugars during a juice cleanse can lead to more stable blood sugar levels, which helps regulate mood and reduce stress. Research in the Journal of Psychopharmacology highlights the cognitive and mood-enhancing effects of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, noting improvements in mental clarity and overall mood.

Conclusion

Cleansing with freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables offers a multitude of scientifically supported health benefits. From detoxification and improved digestion to enhanced nutrient absorption and better skin health, the positive impacts of this natural dietary practice are extensive. While it is essential to approach a juice cleanse with balance and mindfulness, ensuring a variety of fruits and vegetables to obtain a broad spectrum of nutrients, the evidence suggests that incorporating fresh juices into your diet can lead to significant improvements in overall health and well-being. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Embrace the natural power of freshly squeezed juices and experience the scientifically backed benefits of juice cleansing for a healthier, more vibrant you.

References

1. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. (Antioxidant properties of freshly squeezed juices).

2. Journal of Food Science. (Nutrient bioavailability in juice form).

3. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (Predigested nutrition and nutrient accessibility).

4. Obesity Reviews. (Fruit and vegetable consumption and weight management).

5. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. (Diet and skin health).

6. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. (Fresh juices and energy levels).

7. Nutrients. (Juices and immune function).

8. Journal of Psychopharmacology. (Cognitive and mood effects of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables).

Embrace Transformation: A Women's Detox Retreat in India

Imagine a place where the ancient wisdom of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda come together to offer a sanctuary for profound transformation. Picture yourself immersed in the magical surroundings of Rishikesh, India, where the Himalayan foothills and the sacred Ganges River create a setting of unparalleled spiritual energy. This is not just a retreat; it's a journey to the very heart of your being. Join us for a Women's Transformational Detox Retreat, where juice fasting, dynamic meditation, yoga, Yoga Nidra, and emotional release converge to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.

Why India?

India is a land steeped in spirituality and ancient traditions. It's a place where the rhythms of daily life are intertwined with practices that have been honed over millennia. Here's why making the journey to India for this retreat is a decision that promises to be transformative:

1. Spiritual Epicenter

India is the birthplace of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda. The country’s spiritual heritage is rich and diverse, offering a deep well of wisdom and practice that you can draw from. Rishikesh, in particular, is known as the "Yoga Capital of the World," attracting spiritual seekers from across the globe. The energy here is palpable, and the environment is conducive to introspection and growth.

2. Historical and Cultural Significance

India's spiritual traditions have been preserved and practiced for thousands of years. The rituals, the chants, the daily practices of yoga and meditation are not just activities but a way of life. Participating in a retreat in India allows you to connect with these ancient traditions in their authentic form, providing a deeper and more enriching experience.

3. Natural Beauty and Tranquility

Rishikesh is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas and is graced by the holy Ganges River. The natural beauty and spiritual environment are perfect for a retreat focused on detoxification and inner healing. The breathtaking landscapes provide a calming backdrop that enhances the meditative and transformative experience.

4. Community of Like-Minded Seekers

India attracts individuals who are on a quest for deeper meaning and self-discovery. Joining a retreat in this vibrant spiritual hub means you will be surrounded by like-minded women who share your aspirations for growth and transformation. The sense of community and shared journey amplifies the power of the retreat.

The Retreat Experience

Our Women's Transformational Detox Retreat is designed to cleanse, heal, and rejuvenate every aspect of your being. Here's a closer look at what you can expect:

1. Juice Fasting

Juice fasting is a powerful way to detoxify your body. Over the course of five days, you will consume nutrient-rich juices made from fresh local fruits and vegetables. This process helps to flush out toxins, improve digestion, and reset your system. The retreat begins and ends with healthy vegan meals, ensuring a gentle transition in and out of the fasting period.

2. Dynamic Meditation

Dynamic meditation is a vibrant, energetic practice that helps to release old patterns of behavior and unconscious blocks. It involves movement, breath, and sound to shake off the shackles of past traumas and conditioned responses. This practice is transformative, allowing you to see yourself with clarity and honesty, and to make lasting changes in your life.

3. Yoga and Yoga Nidra

Our yoga sessions are designed to support both your physical and mental detoxification. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you will benefit from classical Indian yoga practices that focus on breath, movement, and mindfulness. Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a guided meditation that promotes deep relaxation and healing. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and increase self-awareness.

4. Emotional Release

Our bodies hold onto memories of all our experiences, including traumas. Through guided emotional release techniques, you will learn how to let go of these stored emotions, freeing yourself from the physical and psychological burdens they impose. This process is powerful, leading to new neural pathways that foster self-love and a renewed zest for life.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

The decision to join this retreat in India is a commitment to your own well-being and growth. It is an opportunity to step away from the distractions and demands of daily life and to reconnect with your true self. In the magical and spiritually charged environment of Rishikesh, you will find the clarity and tools you need to transform your life.

So, why India? Because it is a place where the ancient meets the modern, where spirituality is woven into the fabric of everyday life, and where the journey to self-discovery is both profound and fulfilling. This retreat is more than just a getaway; it is a journey to the very heart of who you are, in a land that has inspired countless seekers for centuries.

Answer the call to India. Answer the call to your own transformation. Join us in Rishikesh and embark on a journey that promises to change your life in ways you never imagined.

See our Women’s Journey to India Transformational Detox Retreat in Rishikesh.

Cleansing, fasting and detoxing: But what does it mean?

Cleansing, Fasting and Detoxing

Our entire digestive system processes solid wastes from the foods we ingest. Overall health is largely about having a fully functioning digestive system which is complex and needs to be finely tuned. A lifetime of improper eating habits, environmental pollution, medicinal drugs and various other lifestyle factors have contributed to an accumulation of poisons in the organs and tissues of the body. In most people the intestines and colon have become clogged with compacted dried mucus, undigested food and inorganic chemicals. This inhibits digestion and normal bowel movements but also causes a toxic bloodstream. This toxic nature of the blood is the primary cause of disease and degeneration of every organ in the body and in particular the liver because the liver is the organ that looks after us. It becomes overworked, sluggish and unable to do it’s job. This is when we feel unwell and seem to have mystery illnesses such as headaches (headaches are not normal), low grade nausea, lethargy, digestive problems, brain fog, skin diseases and so much more.

Your body is your temple. Cleansing, fasting and detoxing not only works on the physical aspects, but they also work on the emotional and mental aspects of our person. These practices help us to awaken our consciousness and transform our relationship with our body, mind and heart. Essentially we bring awareness to our nutritional needs. The food we eat plays an important role in loving and respecting ourselves by nourishing our cells and allowing our organs to function properly. The nutrients in the food that we eat are literally the fuel for a properly working system. We must also take into account our emotional landscape. When our bodies are functioning at their peak because we are feeding them properly, our emotional lives are also clearer and easier to navigate. The environment also plays an important role in the proper functioning of our body - think perfumes, cleaning products, chemicals, petrol, gas etc. So, if we have been eating a diet laden with heavily processed foods, it might be time to cleanse.

Fasting to access the deeper self

Fasting is an ancient practice. People fast as a tool to cleanse their bodies and purify their minds and it is this purified mind that allows us to connect more deeply with our own inner selves.

We can fast with water for one day or many days depending on our level of experience with water fasting. When we water fast, our bodies heal themselves through a process called autophagy where our body literally eats the diseased cells. This is the hardest type of fasting because we don’t have any fuel in the form of nutrients to support our healing and we rely on the body’s own ability to heal and repair itself. It is also the most powerful type of fasting. It’s not something that I would recommend you do on your own and with no support unless you are an experienced faster.

Juice fasting is by far the easiest form of fasting because while our body is cleansing and healing, it is also taking in nutrients which gives the organs the fuel they need to heal and recover from overfeeding our bodies with the wrong foods. When I talk about wrong foods, I don’t mean a particular diet, I mean heavily processed foods that our bodies are unable to process themselves. There really is not a disease that we cannot recover from as long as we give the body the fuel it needs to heal itself.

We can also cleanse the body by eating specific cleansing and healing foods. Typically a cleanse would include for a period of time, depending on the type of cleanse we do, specific healing foods and eliminating particular troublemakers. For example, it could be a cleanse to support the liver, a particular cleanse to heal a chronic gut problem or a cleanse to remove heavy metals which invariably we all have.

PURIFY AND STIMULATE

Cleansing, fasting and detoxing is our body’s natural way of removing poisons. It purifies the blood, regenerates and rebalances all vital functions in the body. Digestive functions use a lot of energy and enzymes in our daily life and fasting or cleansing diverts this energy to detoxification and healing. During fasting all the internal organs detoxify themselves. Digestive enzymes travel throughout the system digesting damaged cells, tumours, deeply compacted mucus, crystallised spurs on the joints and inflammation. Cleansing, fasting and detoxing also stimulates growth hormone secretion from the pituitary gland. This is the most powerful healing and regeneration hormone for the specific purpose of repairing damage to the organs and tissues as part of the healing process.  

Periodically one needs to cleanse in order to protect health, promote vitality and prolong life. Cleansing is nature’s method to cure disease at the root source which always involves toxicity. Fasting, yogic cleansing practices, breathing, bodywork, massage and exercise all assist the process of deep tissue detoxification. Every drug, preservative and artificial additive we ingest tiggers a secretion of mucus in the body which becomes compacted on the walls of the intestines. One has to rehydrate and loosen the solid waste from the colon and bowel lining.

Our own body will naturally do the rest of the detox work through your blood, lymph, hormones and enzymes.  But we do need to allow sufficient time for the natural system to take over. Three to seven days is usually enough to kick start you on your own journey of healing.  If you are suffering from a chronic illness, you may need specific support with your cleanse.

Gain clarity, balance and healing

Many people come on our retreats thinking that they will lose weight and get some rest and get strong but the effects are far reaching. They do lose weight, they do get strong and fit but mostly they find a clarity that they had not thought was possible.  They connect with a part of themselves that in some cases, they didn’t know existed and in other cases, is a reconnection. One can’t really know what real clarity, balance and health is while the body is full of toxins as our organs are not functioning at their peak and we need every ounce of energy we have to keep the body alive.  Once the body is clean and clear, the mind follows, one then begins to develop a taste for healthful whole foods and our life will change for the better.

For support check out our Deep Cleansing Juice Detox Retreat or contact Annie for for help with a personal one to one cleanse.

Healing Celery Juice - So what is all the fuss about?

If you are into juicing, then no doubt you have heard of the celery juice movement. I myself knew that celery juice would be healthy, but did not give it much credence. That was before I had some health issues of my own. It is very easy to ignore important health information when you are healthy, because when you are healthy, you have no need to heal from any illness. You are healthy. So even if you begin drinking celery juice as a healthy person, you may never really know the amazing benefits it offers. It is only when mystery illness come along and the medical fraternity can’t help you, that you may turn to alternative ways of healing and look to celery juice for help.

Without knowing it, I had picked up a parasite (liver flukes) at some point during my early twenties (I’m 50 now), possibly when I spent 6 months on a beautiful paradise island in Thailand. The reason that I think it was in Thailand, is because liver fluke infestation is very common in Thailand. The liver flukes are picked up most commonly through eating fish and or foods that grow in water like watercress as would have been my case.. The flukes enter through the mouth, into the stomach and makes their way into the liver eventually settling into the bile ducts where they lodge and begin their 30 year life. Adults lay about 4000 - 12000 eggs a day which as you can imagine, over time is extremely taxing on the liver and eventually the liver won’t be able to do its work. Many of us have a variety of viruses, bad bacterias and other pathogens living in our livers, and the liver will keep them under control until it literally cannot. This is why we can feel 100% well for many years, and then all of a sudden, something goes wrong. It could be due to something like the stress of the pandemic, a divorce, moving home or contracting another virus that pushes our livers into a state of emergency and it is then that we begin to experience chronic and mystery illnesses.

Over the years, my liver became sluggish due to these flukes lodged in my bile ducts. My liver was unable to properly produce bile which then had a knock on effect on my stomach and digestion as a whole. During the pandemic which was a high stress time for all of us, I began to feel constant nausea with a low grade fever, unexplained headaches and fatigue. I had extreme acidity in my gut and began developing serious problems with my digestion. The colouring in my face, was grey and I had dark circles and bags around my eyes. All this while eating very clean and healthy diet for the most part (I’m human). I ran monthly juice detox retreats, helping so many people to cleanse and heal their bodies, release emotions, connect with their own inner being and move forward in their lives. And yet, here I was actually quite sick. I did intuit through that I may have a parasite and spoke with my doctor, but we couldn’t find a thing.

To cut a very long and difficult story short, doctors, acupuncturists, healers and naturopaths couldn’t help me, the endless tests showed nothing. Until a friend of mine suggested that I may have a virus and that I should drink celery juice. I began to fervently research any material I could find on celery juice and came across the work of Anthony William, The Medical Medium. I devoured his first book as I do all nutritional information and then another and another, and immediately began applying some of his protocols. A friend said that she thought that I may have parasites because of my colouring and suggested a course of colloidal silver. 5ml three times a day for 14 days. Along with begin a program of drinking nothing by pure celery juice everyday on an empty stomach. Low and behold, the colloidal silver killed the flukes and the celery juice began the process of healing my liver, my gut and intestines.

In the almost two years since I discovered I had the flukes, I have learned so much about the benefits of celery juice from the knowledge I have gained about it and through personal experience that it has come time to share this information with those of you who need it. I have discovered that celery juice is a powerhouse healing plant that we can ill afford to leave out of our day to day lives.

Celery juice is rich in mineral salts that are critical for our bodies to function optimally. These mineral salts keep our kidneys and adrenals functioning properly to raise our gut’s hydrochloric acid. This is important because this is how our bodies break down and assimilate what we eat. Celery juice balances our PH as well as cleanses and repairs our stomach and our whole digestive tract and most importantly our liver along with many health issues.

These particular mineral salts, are the building blocks for neurotransmitter chemicals, they ignite electrical impulse activity, and they support neuron function.

Celery salts are extremely healing for

• depression

• anxiety

• brain fog

• confusion

• bipolar disorder

• memory loss

• Alzheimer’s disease

• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as people who have difficulty with focus and concentration.

Celery juice enhances the absorption of critical nutrients including zinc and B12 (we are all deficient of  these critical nutrients because of the depletion of our soil no matter how organic our food is).  Celery has electrolytes that hydrate at a deeper level, stabilising and supporting our adrenal glands and repairing damaged cells in the liver.  They also kill bad bacteria in the gut while encouraging a healthy environment for good bacteria making it one of the most powerful foods and medicines of our times.  Never mind probiotics (they do have a place), think Celery juice. 

Celery juice is a powerful medicine for

• urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• chronic sinus infections

• acne

• IBS

• small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

• acid reflux or GERD

• gastritis

• non alcoholic fatty liver

• tooth decay

• headaches

If you suffer from a thyroid condition, celery has the ability to cleanse the thyroid of toxins and bolster production of the thyroid hormone T3. Therefore helps to heal

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

• Graves’ disease

• thyroid nodules

• cysts and tumors

• enlarged thyroid

• parathyroid diseaseand much more

If you are suffering from any of the above problems and want to heal quickly or you have some other disease not mentioned above, start by drinking 500ml of celery juice every morning on an empty stomach. Do it at least 15 - 20 minutes before breakfast. If you can’t stomach the taste, remind yourself that this is for your healing. Try to make it fresh each day, that is when the nutrients have the biggest impact on your health.

The celery doesn’t have to be organic - obviously we drink organic when we can get it, but if you can’t, don’t worry, just wash it well. If you can’t stomach it, then add cucumber and or apple to it. Slowly overtime increasing the amount of celery until you become accustomed to the taste. Don’t mix it with water. It must be plain celery juice.

If you would like to heal your liver and improve your gut health, you are welcome to contact me for a consultation. I offer private online juice cleanses and liver cleanses along with lifestyle suggestions to support your health and a way forward in your life.

Movement therapy - through dance

What is dance therapy?

I have invariably included dance in my methods of meditation, because there is nothing more miraculous for meditation than dancing.

- Osho

Dance movement therapy is a psychotherapeutic activity that involves dancing or shaking and is a tool that improves physical wellness and mental / emotional wellbeing. The body and mind interconnect, meaning that anything that affects the body will also affect the mind. At the same time, the body releases endorphins and oxytocin. Endorphins help relieve pain, reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being and oxytocin, the birth hormone, release love hormones. Essentially dancing makes us happy while it relaxes us.

How does it work?

Because of the relaxed state of mind that is achieved in dancing, the body is able to let go of stress. If you have ever had any tension headaches or stress related sore muscles, you well understand the benefits of deep relaxation and massage where the therapist helps to coax out the tension using their hands.. When we are under stress, the body tightens and our emotions become stuck in various parts of our body. Especially if we do not face and deal with our emotions, and all of us at some point in our lives have had the experience of not facing emotions that have been too traumatic to feel. The result is that they become pent up and over time begin causing discomfort in our bodies and ultimately if left unchecked, disease. The movement of dancing helps to release these emotions in a very gentle way and helps us to move forward in our lives as a result. Dancing is like active or dynamic meditation. We can call it meditation because in the moment, the mind releases it’s control and finds a quiet centre.

Dance therapy promotes health and wellbeing through coordinating and unifying all aspects of a person, including:

• physical

• mental

• emotional

• social

• spiritual

The mind and body (and emotions) and indeed the soul cannot be separated. Changes in the body effect the mind and changes in the mind effect the body. Dancing is a very easy, joyful and pleasurable way to focus the mind.

Dance benefits on the mental level

• Helps with mental clarity

• Promotes self-esteem

• Develops self-love

• Develops compassion for self and others

• Increases endorphins

• Bonding with others

• Improves our mood

• Releases emotions

• Reduces loneliness

• Eases depression

• Reduces sadness

• Lowers anxiety

• Helps memory

• May prevent dementia

• Increases pain threshold

• Helps with pain management

Dance benefits on the physical level

• Increases muscle strength

• Improves cardiovascular health

• Improves lung function

• Increases circulation

• Boosts fitness

• Improves posture

• Strengthens bones

• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis

• Helps to lose weight

• Improves flexibility

• Better coordination and agility

• Increased endurance

• Improves lymph drainage

Our Deep Cleansing Juice Detox Retreat is designed not only to help you cleanse your physical body, but to work to cleanse your mind / emotional complex too. In fact, our retreat is holistic and works at the level of the whole being.

But what actually happens on retreat?

Retreats of all kinds have become increasingly popular in the last years, as people have been learning to navigate an ever-changing world.  If we think about what we were doing ten years ago, we can see how much we have grown and changed as individuals and as a collective. Among many of the changes that we have undergone, is the shift in focus from just wanting to be thin to wanting something more and to be truly healthy.  We understand that when we are healthy and permanently live a healthy lifestyle that we can have a natural, consistent body weight, which is correct for each of us as individuals as we are learning that the one-size-fits-all approach is no longer relevant. 

What is becoming clearer is that we are a whole being made up of so much more than just our body and that each of us is unique on every level.  So, while a healthy diet supports our overall wellbeing, it is not enough in this fast paced world just to eat right.  We also need to exercise properly, get enough rest and relaxation, we need some form of contemplation or meditation practise leading to self development as well as time spent with loved ones and immersing ourselves in nature.  There is a lot of work to do on ourselves even before we step out into the world to offer our particular contribution that harnesses our deeper gifts, natural talents and abilities.  Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga, deals with the individual.  Instead of prescribing a diet, it works with the whole person as a unique expression of the universe.  We introduce our guests to the concepts held in this ancient science to give a deeper understanding how we are unique in the makeup of our body, mind and emotional life.

 We understand that we ultimately want to grow, evolve and move forward in our lives and it is clear that if we are not to become stagnant, aged, diseased, stuck in old habits and patterns, and that we must also move with the times.  And the times are demanding a deeper understanding of our ourselves, a greater clarity of mind and a robust person, with little or no emotional baggage, as well as a far grander picture of our individual and collective futures.  We have a lot of work to do. 

Our retreats focus is on the whole person.  The starting point is a deep cleansing detox which really is a fast.   This is a type of fast that uses nutrient dense plant based ingredients in freshly pressed vegetable and fruit juices as well as, Ayurvedic teas, plant based milks with Ayurvedic spices, super foods and nurturing vegan broths to supply the body with maximum vitamins and minerals.  The juices and nutrient dense drinks are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that boost the immune system and increase energy levels.  The process also flushes toxins from the body, cleanses the colon thereby improving digestion, introducing enzymes that balance gut health and rejuvenate every cell in the body.  All solid foods are removed in order to give the digestive system a rest.  When the digestive system is not using energy normally reserved for digestion, the energy is redirected to the healing of the body. The results are numerous and include weight loss, a healthy glowing skin, clear eyes, shining hair, vitality, emotional release and a clear and capable mind. 

Consider for a moment;  you want to start a new healthy eating program or you have been eating well for some time but find that you are not achieving the results that you had hoped for.  Perhaps you changed your diet and at first had wonderful results, you were losing weight and feeling better, only to plateau.  Although our diet goes a long way to assisting in our recovery after not taking the proper care of our bodies, it is not possible to achieve the deep level of healing that is required merely with a diet.  If one is to truly make a transformational change, one must first cleanse the entire organism to clear the pathway for the body, mind and emotional being to make the shift.  It would be like never changing the oil in your car and expecting it to run well on premium oil.  That simply cannot be.  So, first we cleanse, heal, work on ourselves, and then transformation happens.

To support the process during our retreats on every level; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, we practise Hatha yoga, which is the classic Indian style yoga and includes physical postures as well as pranayama or breathing practises.  Yoga and pranayama increase our general health by improving the function of our organs including the skin, digestion, circulatory system, endocrine system as well as balancing the nervous system.  It also improves our stamina, reduces stress, strengthens and tones the muscles, boosts the immune system, strengthens the lungs, improves the quality of sleep and balances all parts of the body whilst giving us a healthy glow and feelings of calm and peace.

Daily walking on our retreats increases heart and lung fitness.  It gets the body moving which is fantastic for the digestive system in helping to move compacted waist from the colon.  Walking, especially in nature, which is the most natural form of exercise and arguably the most beneficial for humans, is wonderful for oxygenating the blood, reducing hypertension, high cholesterol, improving stiffness, helps with diabetes, improves bone density and balances and reduces body fat. Walking is especially good in the environment of our retreats where we are approaching the detox holistically and from so many different parts of ourselves.

Having therapists on hand to help remove old emotions that no longer serve us, as well as bodywork therapies like Shiatsu, is a marvellous support for this whole process.  Often, as we begin the healing work, energies that are blocked in the body in the form of disease whether that illness is just beginning, is acute or chronic, and stuck energies at the emotional level that also cause disease, need a gentle supportive nudge.  Our society is busy and there are many things going on in our lives and often instead of dealing with emotion or the subtle messages from our body that tells us to stop, take notice, do some inner work…we push aside these feelings in order to cope.   I cannot stress the importance of dealing with and releasing these emotions enough in the context of our whole being.

Fasting, yoga and pranayama, meditation, Ayurveda, walking and bodywork are practises that are as ancient as the great mountains and have been used by many diverse groups as tools for spiritual development.  Because of the healing and cleansing effects on the body, an alignment takes place between our body, our emotional self, our psychological self, mental self and our own inner being, and it is here where clarity that begins to shine.  We begin to have a clearer picture of life where we are more able to observe the patterns of nature and how they relate to us as human beings.  We are better able to see our part in the great adventure.  In this way we are able to move forward, live the life we have always dreamed of or indeed begin a new dream.  Our Deep Cleansing Juice Detox Retreat has the potential to truly transform your life. 

Why you should give juice fasting a try

Over the past few years, juicing has rapidly gained popularity as a quick and relatively easy way to drop any extra weight as well as a brilliant way to take in more than enough nutrients to support your body’s nutritional needs.  All this in a simple glass of juice. 

 Juice fasting or cleansing has a unique ability to cleanse your organs and because of this, brings a radical shift to your overall appearance.  When your organs are functioning at their peak, your hair shines, your eyes are clear, your skin looks smooth and radiant and you are bounding with energy and vitality.  But what effects does juice fasting have on your body?

What is juicing?

Juicing is the method used to extract raw juice from fruits and vegetables using a juice extractor or juicer.  Our two favourite juicers depending on your budget are the Oscar Cold Press or the Breville Cold Fountain. Depending on the type of juicer you are using, either the juicer squeezes the fruit and vegetables and thus releases the juice – this is the cold press method – or the juicer uses blades to cut the fruit and vegetables into fine particles, releasing the juice from the fiber.  Both methods separate the liquid from the fruits and vegetables.

Juicing is different from blending. When you blend fruits or vegetables, you make a smoothie, the whole fruit gets blended and the fiber from the food remains inside the smoothy mix.  You can add liquid such as plant milks, water or coconut water to your blended smoothies.  Juicing is also different from store bought juices that may have added sugars, preservatives or are homogenised.

A juice fast typically lasts for a few days and while optimally you want to fast for at least 3 days, many people will fast for one day and still receive benefits.  There are different ways to approach a juice fast, some people only drink juice, while others will drink plant milks and broths.  The idea is not to take any solid food otherwise the hunger centres are stimulated and while one can detox very well drinking juice and eating super clean plant based foods, only drinking juice has a greater impact. 

Impact of Juice Fasting on your body

It may seem as though drinking nothing but juice for a few days at a time is an extreme approach to cleansing your body, but juicing comes with many benefits.  Fruits and vegetables are laden with essential nutrients for the correct functioning of your organs and they bring your body into a state of wellbeing. 

Freshly squeezed juice can improve your health as they contain antioxidants, they have antimicrobial properties that fight germs and offer tremendous immune system support. 

You will likely lose a few kilograms on a juice fast.  It depends on how much weight you need to lose, what your general diet is like and how you continue eating once the juice fast is over.  If for example, you eat a lot of processed foods after the fast, you will likely re-gain the weight as the body can only support you with the right foods.  The right foods are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables both in their whole form and in their juice form. 

It is important to understand that the body is designed to digest solid fruits and vegetables and so a juice cleanse is merely a cleanse.  In the old days before juice extractors were invented, people would fast with water for both physical health reasons as well as spiritual reasons.  One can juice many times in a year, we typically suggest two five day (or more) fasts a year along with two three day fasts a year and if you enjoy fasting, then one day a week will be highly beneficial

Benefits of Juice Fasting

Most of the benefits of juice fast happen at the microscopic level inside your body.  You receive a mega dose of nutrients as the juice itself carries most of the nutrients to your cells.  This helps the body repair, regenerate and protect itself and it is very easy to absorb these nutrients. 

Fresh pressed juice truly packs a nutritional punch. It contains plenty of antioxidants and immunity boosters that help your body regenerate and protect itself. Your body can also absorb vitamins and minerals better through juice. ‌

Juice fasting or juice cleansing, really improve your gut health. A proper balance of bacteria inside the gut is essential for good health and this can only be achieved when we eat foods that support this. When done well, a juice fast can leave you with more beneficial gut bacteria which ultimately allows for proper food processing internally. When your food is processed properly internally, this can lead to permanent weight loss. 

If you struggle with eating fruits and vegetables, juicing can really help you get into eating properly.  You begin to feel what a healthy body might feel like and you begin to crave that feeling.  This also helps you to make better choices.  The bottom line is that juicing helps you. 

Our Deep Cleansing Juice Detox Retreat will give you so much more than a juice cleanse. It will help you to learn how to balance yourself in an every fast moving world on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.