To me the word “spa” conjures up a masseuse working out the kinks, a steamy bath and a synergy of essential oils wafting through a hushed sacred space devoted to feeling good.

Vichy water baths, essential oil massages, sugar exfoliation rubs and flower facials are a divine way to spend a day away from the outside world. But what about rejuvenating the inside of your body?
That is a whole different type of spa, requiring re-setting your mind, goals and digestive workings. And you have to jump in with both pedicured feet.

An offer to experience the Fresh Start Retreat Program crossed my desk a few weeks ago. Based at tranquil Ocean Resort Retreat Center in Oyster Bay, Vancouver Island, Canada, a ten and fourteen day Advanced Whole Body Detox and a Five Day Juice Fast are offered. Hitting the downside of my fifth decade recently, I decided that no matter the obligations and deadlines I had, not one was more important that giving myself the gift of renewed vitality.

I went to Fresh Start’s website at www.healthretreat.ca and read this claim:

“We specialize in advanced whole body detoxification and self-care for individuals with mild to moderate health conditions. We help people improve their digestive health, weight, back problems, arthritis, diabetes, blood pressure and other conditions, resulting in increased their energy and vitality.”

Pretty heady stuff. So I signed on for the five day Juice Fast program which includes their proprietary pre-cleanse guidelines,organic juices, colon cleanse, blood cleansing tea, pro-biotic supplements, daily steam bath with aromatherapy, yoga classes, health lectures, Qi Gong and art class, massage and facial classes, facilitated group time, and either a private courtyard or an ocean view room. The information makes it clear that this is not a solitary experience. You are required to attend classes and share your experience with other guests along on this “journey.” There is plenty of support staff including a Naturopathic Doctor and yes, there are some relaxing spa services offered during your program. The Kelp Wrap, Salt Scrub, Reiki, Hot stone massage are all on my list .

The process has begun. I received a call from Vasili Kastashchuk, program coordinator to review my health questionnaire. He was thorough in describing the benefits I might expect and in delving beneath the surface to uncover some of the basic problems I was having. Waking up tired, a hard time falling asleep, tired eyes, leathery skin, craving sweets and salty nuts, stress, lack of energy by two o’clock in the afternoon, etc, etc, etc. you get it. You
most likely share some of these symptoms with me. He also cautioned me to adhere to the two week preparation program they would send me . It is important,” he said, “to prepare for the retreat. “Success would be greatest if you did the preparation.”

So I’m going. I thought I’d be overjoyed that I still have an entire month to eat what I wanted. All of the cake, sweets, salt, wine, processed cheese, chips, pork, steak, oysters, fried green tomatoes and whipped coffee drinks that I could stuff into my face. But after reading some of the literature provided in the Fresh Start Pre- cleanse Preparation file, I am not too excited about these things any more. I might even give up my late-night cookie.