Beauty All Around

Pond at Front Entrance

Hippocrates' 40+ acre campus is nothing short of spectacular.  Beauty abounds in every twisting path through the "jungle" as well as in every building on the property.  There are so many water sculptures, waterfalls, and beautiful swimming pools, each adding to the healing magic of this place.  After walking a path at least 10 times this week, I found myself gazing at a stunning waterfall outside of the Oasis Therapy Center. Suddenly aware that I had been walking around in a fog most of the week, I stopped and meditated on it for about five minutes, resolved that I must slow down and be more conscious of my surroundings.
  

Water Fall at Front Entrance

View From My Villa 

Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of Hippocrates are the testimonies of the guests.  Several of them, dealing with late stage cancers and courageously determined to heal themselves without conventional treatment.  There are so many stories of healing from disease here; Cancer, diabetes, autoimmune, any health crisis you can imagine.  What blows me away the most is that it seems to be essentially the same prescription for all, with slightly different variations depending on individual needs.
  
Hippocrates is big on supplementation and NOT the kind we have been buying in the health food stores. In addition to their nutritional recommendations of green juice, wheatgrass and living sprouts and beans, their supplements are the highest grade, real food supplements that are highly absorbable and work in harmony with the body.  One of the seven that I am taking is the E3 Live, blue green algae that I have been drinking as a substitute to wheatgrass.  It is live algae, and fairly disgusting to drink.  It stores for 7 days in the fridge.  They can be purchased online at Hippocrates Supplements.  A supplement that is recommended for almost everyone is the HHI-Zyme which help aid in digestion. You take 5 on an empty stomach before eating ...  


Now, back to the amazing stories of healing ...
There is a staff member here who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer last year.  She went through the 3 week Life Change program, fell in love with the program and campus, then returned to stay, as an employee.  She was offered a position in guest services and is such a joyous and radiantly healthy woman. The greatest part is this: she is now cancer free and healed, without chemo or radiation.


She is one of many that I have met with this same experience.  These miracles preside here and with the right attitude, desire and willingness to follow the program, there is virtually no disease that cannot be halted or reversed.  They focus on the body with a strong emphasis on mind and spirit.  Many of the guests here are repeat visitors.  They heal and return year after year to stay connected.  Some for the support and some for the experience.  They bring back their families and friends.  


A man that I met today had stage 4 prostate cancer and spoke about how he knew that he had to do this regime, once he was hit on the head with the "death hammer".   His hope is that in a few months he will have both normal PSA and be cancer free. He has returned here with his daughter and niece although, he would have gladly brought his entire family along if they had been willing.  He is deeply passionate about Hippocrates and wants to share his experience with the world.  


I felt fortunate to meet the new group that arrived today and learn of their challenges, to share my fantastic experience thus far, and to watch as they muddled through the first day, bewildered.  I am so grateful to be here and am excited to see what this week holds in store for me.

It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has. 
Hippocrates 

Detox Sucks

After my interesting venture to the emergency room Tuesday for anaphylaxis, I have been faced with enduring a few truly challenging days.  It is hard to feel lousy here because there are so many possibilities to explore throughout the day, none of which I wish to miss.  The morning (Tuesday) that I had the reaction, I awoke refreshed, vibrant and ready to take on the day and perhaps, the rest of my life. That changed in an instant but what it made me realize is this:  I now remember what it feels like to feel ALIVE, full of energy and balanced.  I have not felt that way since, due to a shock to my system and intense DETOX.  Detox sucks.  There is no other or more glamourous way to put it.  For three days, I have cycled between feeling barely ok to feeling incredibly badly.  At my best I am somewhat coherent and attentive to the various lectures and conversations around me.  At my worst, I am sitting in a ball on a couch or lying down with abdominal cramps, headache, body aches and downright confusion.  As I stated in a previous blog, they keep you busy here.  My schedule is both written down and printed out for me and yet, I missed three scheduled appointments yesterday, simply because my brain checked out.  Thankfully, they are accustomed to people losing their faculties during detox and the appointments had already been rescheduled for me for this morning, once again speaking to the amazing support and service here.  Today was spent focusing on feeling better.  I attended no lectures but rather 3 rounds of oxygen therapy, lymphatic drainage therapy, soft laser therapy and had an amazing facial.  Worked like a charm!  I feel alive again and ready to take on the world.  This is good as I have been invited by two of my lovely, shiny, new playmates to go into town and dine at Christopher's, a 4 star living foods restaurant in West Palm Beach.  This is my first venture off campus, other than the emergency room which was a bit of a blur.  This atmosphere is so safe, nurturing and healing that it would be easy to go the entire 3 weeks without leaving.  Fridays through Sundays are slow.  There are a few therapies but largely there are few people on campus and many leave on schedule field trips such as Sunday to the beach.

Here are a couple of interesting tidbits that I picked up from lectures yesterday ...

Use sea kelp, instead of salt ...  it has the same effect on open up taste buds to taste the essence of the food without the sodium.  Additionally, it is very healthy and full of vitamins and minerals. Check out
Maine Coast Sea Vegetables also, their Dulse is great and is a great substitute for potato chips if dipped in hummus or salad dressing.
Also, Frontier Spices has an amazing pizza blend that is a bit part of many Hippocrates dishes.
Jaffe Brothers - Organics is a great site to buy nuts, seeds and fruits in bulk.

And my final thought for the day ... when eating nuts, do not eat peanuts an cashews as they are TOXIC. Cashews are like poison ivy to the system unless properly roasted and peanuts are susceptible to molds and fungal invasions. Of particular concern is aflatoxin, a poison produced by a fungus called Aspergillus Flavus. Substitute macadamia nuts, brazil nuts or pine nuts for richness in sauces in recipes that call for cashews or peanuts, as many raw food recipes do.

More to follow ...

Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.
Hippocrates 

Healing the Body, Mind and Spirit

Healing the body obviously requires more than high-tech laser and oxygen therapies and proper nutrition, it requires a perfect balance with the mind and spirit.  This is highly recognized at Hippocrates and they have the most beautiful meditation spaces, classes, and lectures which address these important components.  All classes are optional and they offer Chinese exercise classes, meditation, yoga, pilates, tai chi, and chi gong throughout the day. The classes are wonderful and very spiritually rooted. They also have this amazing psychotherapist, Antony, who is a former priest.  He is the most lovely, caring and compassionate person who prefers to refer to himself as a "wellness coach".  I have two consultations with him during the first week and will likely do some additional sessions with him.  He specializes in regression and EMDR therapy and creates CD's with guided meditations, around your specific needs.  I feel completely enmeshed in all aspects of the program and am so excited to see how well I feel over the course of the next few weeks.  They offer so many therapies, classes and spa services that one day feels like two. 

This is what today looked like:

6:45am - Woke up and "cleansed" ... you get the picture.

7-8am - Chinese exercises

8-9am - Meditation

9am - Green Juice #1 (Today was fasting day)

9:15-10:15 - Pool Exercises

11:15 -11:45 - Doctor Appointment

11:45 - Green Juice #2

12:00 - 12:15 - Soft Laser Treatment (Cell restoration)

12:30-1pm - Consultation with Antony, psychotherapist

1:20pm - Fresh coconut juice.  (Guy with a machete chops off the top and hands you a straw)

2pm - 4:30pm Oxygen Therapy with Laser Therapy, lymphatic drainage and aqua-chi.

Green Juice #3

5:30pm - "Save Your Life" open house, lecture. (Steve was a guest speaker and shared his phenomenal experience)

5:45pm - Almost ate avocado soup but quickly thought to ask about the ingredients. (anaphylactic reaction round two narrowly averted)  They are so amazing here that they quickly whipped me up my own avocado-free soup.

6:15pm 7:15pm- Lymphatic drainage table (feels like you are going to get dumped on your head ... I could not stop laughing) Turbo-sonic and far infra red massage table.

7:30pm - 8:30pm Mineral Pool and far infra red sauna.

9pm - lying in bed, writing this entry, exhausted and ready to sleep.  Tomorrow, more of the same.

A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses.
- Hippocrates 

Let go and Let it Flow

Day 2 and 3

Hippocrates may be the only place on earth where common lunch and dinner conversations contain happy chatter about colonics, enemas and implants. Our first class of the day was largely about the entire digestive system and how to properly clean and maintain it!  I was a light and cheery lecture with power points  comics and graphic pictures of both clean and unhealthy colons and intestines.  The root of most disease, though one may have a genetic predisposition to it, stems in the digestive tract.  

Hydration of course is a big part of the digestive tracy functioning optimally.  If we are not taking in enough water, over and above what is consumed in our diet, we will become unable to eliminate properly.  Additionally, we then depend on drawing water from our other systems such as, the lymphatic system (eliminates toxins), and the blood stream (carries oxygen). Both are made up of 90% water and do not function ideally if robbed of their water resources.  If water is drawn from the colon to support the body, we become constipated. The recommendation is to consume half of your body weight in water each day, more if it is hot and more if you are exercising.  You get the point ... few of us are drinking enough water.

Chewing your food is also kind of a big deal and one I have to be very conscious of.  Being on the run we often do not slow down to truly masticate our food.  Chewing well allows the saliva, which produces enzymes, to begin liquifying the food in out mouth, thus making the digestion in our stomach that much easier.  This is where the drinking with water at meals comes in ... it dilutes the enzymes and stomach acid and impedes digestion. Digestive enzyme capsules are highly recommended at Hippocrates and are taken a half hour before lunch and dinner.  

So our food goes down the shoot (esophagus) and into the stomach, which is highly acidic (PH 1.3). it then passes the duodenum where it is then re-alkalized to a PH of around 6.  Then the food enters the small intestine (PH 7.8), where all the absorption takes place.  

A dehydrated colon can lead to poor elimination and "Leaky Gut Syndrom". Too much waste in the colon and a high level of toxicity =  "10lbs of crap in a 5lb bag".  Additionally, through poor diet and nutrition, one can develop mucoid plaque.  Dairy and animal protein may be responsible for this condition over time.  It creates hardening of the Villi, tiny, finger-like projections that enable the small intestine to absorb nutrients from food. When covered, they decrease absorption in the small intestine.  What to do?

Colonics, enemas and implants!  I bet you were wondering when I was going to get to that!  

Cleaning the digestive tract and removing dry, impacted fecal matter helps return it to a healthy environment for absorption and elimination.  At Hippocrates, it is as much a part of healing as is the food and juice which is consumed.  One is included in the program and additional colonics can be purchased.  They are considered a "high enema".

Enemas are done daily, usually in the morning, to remove toxins.  This is where they passed around the little enema bag packets and began some rather humorous visual strategies on how to use them.  It is a simple process and uses nothing more that warm water, a little lubricant, and a toilet.  After 3 weeks of daily enemas, they recommend a weekly follow-up maintenance program at home.  Guess what, it worked!  

Implants are done 20 minutes later with 4oz of wheatgrass juice.  The juice is then retained, at least as long as possible, and acts as a great probiotic, toxin eliminator and healer. It also gets up into the liver and purges the toxins out.  One small issue ... I will be the one person at Hippocrates NOT doing the implant.

One of the issues discovered on my live blood cell analysis is that I have a fairly generous candida overgrowth stemming from 45 years of poor digestion and loads of sugar, etc.  This is likely what is accountable for my severe food allergies (and most of, if not all of my other health issues).  After doing my wheatgrass implant this morning, which by the way, I woke up feeling better this morning than I can remember feeling in YEARS, I developed a severe anaphylactic reaction and had to be taken to the hospital where I was pumped full of epinephrin, benedryl and steroids which I tried to refuse until they told me it was potentially life threatening. (my face, tongue, throat, airway were closing up) ... do NOT let this discourage you ... this was my issue and one they had never seen in 50 years.  Additionally, there is always mold in wheatgrass and it is possible that it is NOT the wheatgrass but a mold that triggered the reaction.  So, for now, no wheatgrass for me.   :(  Blue algae to the rescue.

So the "bottom" line is this ... what goes in, must come out ... 

Here is to a clean and healthy colon and to vibrant health.

Day Uno

Day One:

What an amazingly beautiful place.  If ever there was an optimum place to heal, the Hippocrates Health Institute is it.  The grounds are a lush, tropical landscape with aesthetically stunning meditation spaces, artwork, sculptures and gathering areas.  The staff is absolutely phenomenal and I was greeted as though I was family.  They were friendly, open, helpful and ready to meet my every need.  The guests are warm, grateful to be here, and ready to be healthy.  Each person that I have encountered is healing from some form of disease, each ranging in severity and duration.

I have been kept busy from the moment I arrived with orientations, tours, juices, meals, and of course, camaraderie. Thus far, I have met five of the most astonishingly brave women, each with whom I have created a new friendship, in less than 5 hours.  The guests have travelled from numerous countries (quite a few Canadians here I might add, eh?) and consist of families, mother and daughters, friends, singles, and married couples, all with one common interest ... to get healthy.

Note ... this is not my plate with avocado on it! 

We learned about the proper way to eat meals here.  SPROUTS.  Your meals should include large portions of sunflower, pea, and barley sprouts with additional sprouts such as fenugreek, radish, broccoli sprouts and a tablespoon of the various sprouted beans, and some lettuce greens.  Everything else is considered a condiment or side dish.  The food is remarkably hearty and delicious and I can honestly say that I am not only fulfilled, but also rather full.  There are few nuts served and the proteins are coming largely from the wheatgrass and the sunflower sprouts, which are a complete protein.  Fruit is not served ...

I was also informed that water should not be consumed while eating, in fact, not a half hour before meals and an hour and a half after as it interferes with the digestion of food.  Alas, my favorite Apple Cider Vinegar is contraband in salad dressing and should only be consumed on an empty stomach with water. Hmmm ... the things I have discovered today, and it is only the first day.

A group of us ladies headed to the pools after dinner where we sat and detoxed in the mineral pool, then went back and forth 7 times between the jacuzzi and the plunge pool.  Crazy!  It felt great though and was so much fun.

Mineral Pool, Jacuzzi and Plunge Pool

The environment here is entirely conducive to complete healing.  It is an educational journey like no other I have ever embarked on.  I am completely grateful to have the opportunity to be in such a supportive, nurturing and healing environment while I heal.

I must add, the accommodations are absolutely gorgeous and comfortable.  I somehow managed to be in a villa which is about 2000sf with luxurious appointments and a lovely patio on the lake.  There is a chance I will have a roommate move in and take the other bedroom but the only shared areas are the living/dining/kitchen and the rooms and bathrooms are very private, cozy and serene.

Awake after only 3 hours of sleep and hoping to fall back to sleep soon on my soft but overly poofy pillow, (that is going to be the first thing guest services can help me with) I now reflect on Eric travelling with his pillow and I must commend him for being rather brilliant! So goodnight, friends, and I am excited to share more as this adventure unfolds.

"Extreme remedies are very appropriate for extreme diseases." 
— Hippocrates

Why Raw?

There is a phenominal amount of information available on the internet regarding the benefits of consuming a raw-vegan diet.  It is clear to me why living foods are so healthy, but what is the harm in cooking our food?  Here is a simplified explanation about what happens to food when we cook it.

Heating food above 115 degrees F (45 Celsius) kills the enzymes which assists food digestion and nutrient absorbtion. The body can create enzymes but the process requires a great deal of energy, leaving you to feel tired and lethargic after a meal. Further, the enzymes your body creates are less efficient than those which were destroyed by cooking the food. Consequently, food is not broken down and is therefore harder to digest. 

Additionally, cooking food also changes the pH of the food making food acidic. Eating acidic food creates a welcome feeding ground for disease and produces toxins which accumulate in the organs and fat cells. Most vitamins and nutrients are destroyed by cooking food so consuming cooked food leaves the body depleted and craving nutrients.

Raw foods are often alkaline foods that raise the amount of oxygen that your blood takes in. The most alkalizing foods are RAW green leafy vegetables, non-sweet fruits, and wheatgrass. 

Living food has life energy and enzymes that will give you energy. It's that simple. A raw seed will grow, raw fruit continues to ripen for weeks after it is picked, whereas, cooked fruit begins to decay within a day.

This is why most people on an organic raw-vegan food diet feel energetic and have a stronger immune system.  Makes perfect sense to me ... check out this excerpt from the movie Food Matters.

A raw food diet promotes:

• More energy
• Less sleep
• Weight loss
• Radiant skin and hair
• Clarity of mind and improved memory
• Improved immune system
• Improved fertility
• Prevention or even reversal of disease

Go green! Be healthy!

"Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity." 

— Hippocrates

Inspiration

This week, I have had numerous individuals tell me that my determination to heal my body through a raw-vegan diet, has inspired them to evaluate their day-to-day lifestyle choices.  I find it interesting to think that my motivation to feel well may be inspiring others to desire the same.  Each day I hear another friend or acquaintance tell me that they are not "sick" but that they feel completely depleted and exhausted.  The first thing they ask me about this crazy diet that I am on is, "how do you feel?".  The answer is this:  In 13 days, I feel better than I have in years.  Yes, my body is detoxing and I have waves of pain, fatigue and crankiness, but overall, I feel energetic and alive!  I feel an abundance of gratitude for the numerous resources and friendships, which are truly my inspiration.  

Food Matters  This was a huge source of inspiration to me, validating my desire to drastically change my diet, and therefore my life. I watched it on Netflix with my family and friend, Steve (Another huge source of inspiration ... see my first post).  My husband and daughter, who are fans of the SAD diet, (Standard American Diet) were both fascinated and open-minded about an organic raw-vegan diet, as a solution to many of life's physical and emotional issues.  This does not mean that they intend to adopt this lifestyle at this time, but simply that they heard it.  Incidentally, they have been infinitely more supportive of my choices since seeing this documentary.

Another movie that I enjoyed is Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.  Talk about a BIG inspiration and super uplifting documentary.  I was at the Tryst Cafe last Monday with my dear friend, April.  It is a cute little place, nothing fancy, but they serve all organic produce and try to buy from local farms whenever possible.  They have a fantastic happy hour from 3-6pm daily and the entire bill is 50% off.  There is no charge for substitutions and they will customize anything you wish.  One of the highlights of the afternoon was the server.  She was an adorable, tiny, 20 something woman who asked about my "custom order".  When I told her about my diet and reason for it, she shared with me that she was on a 10 day juice-fast and was hoping to reboot her system to start back on a raw-vegan diet.  I asked her if she has seen the movie "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" and she said that she had seen it 3 days prior and had loved it.  The movie was her inspiration for getting healthy again.  April referred to this interaction between us as a "God Kiss".  

After having a lovely "hang out" with my playmate Siri Chand yesterday, we decided to drive over and romp around one of our favorite playgrounds, Whole Foods.  Truth is, I was out of sprouts again and needed to pick up organic cucumbers. One would think that the cucumbers would be easily located in the organic section of any grocery chain.  Think again ... Albertson's, Fry's and Safeway were all out.  As we pulled up to the front to the store, I stopped to read the sandwich board.  It said there was a store tour, happening "NOW", by a Naturopathic doctor touting which foods were best to purchase for optimal health.  I could not stay through the tour because it made me want to eat something I should not, but I could not help but appreciate that this service was being offered.  

Overall, I know few people that are feeling in optimal health.  My hope it that more and more people can adopt this lifestyle and that my recovery will serve as an inspiration to them, the way others have been an inspiration to me.

One more "thank you" to Liz who is following the same path to healing and who helps keep me both motivated and excited about my choices.  

Kirk, thank you for your willingness to explore the sprouting business with me.  This will, I promise, be a fun journey.

Infinite Love and Gratitude to you all ... you know who you are. You are my inspiration.