It is possible to get help to naturally:- lower your cholesterol and high blood pressure, regain your energy, sort out why you get headaches or aches and pains, and help your reduce your weight for life. We have helped people over the years with various conditions. One of our more recent is a guy who had 20% kidney function (according to two specialists) and was taking 15 medications a day – legs hugely swollen with oedema, feeling pretty terrible and pretty frightened. His wife forced him to see us. Six months later with intensive naturopathic therapy and acupuncture his kidney function is up just under 50%, his legs are not swollen and he has gone from 15 a day to 2 medications a day. He has lost a lot of excess weight, has more energy and is not in a constant state of anxiety about his condition any more.

You might say that this case is an extreme situation and that this doesn’t apply to you. The point to this is most people wait until their health deteriorates to a level where they have to do something about it. Don’t be one of those people. Don’t wait until you have to do something.

You know deep down as well as we do that your lifestyle has contributed to your high cholesterol or high blood pressure or low energy levels or constipation or weight gain and more. From our experience people know it and would like to do something about it. The questions people often ask ‘how and what can they do’, ‘how and where do they begin’? Information is confusing and misleading.

The food industry feeds the public half-truths. Many people have become addicted to certain foods and drinks. Do I really mean to use the words addicted? Yes I do. If this was not the case it would be easy, for instance losing weight or eating healthier, the world would be full of slim people and far less diet related chronic diseases, which are all on the increase.

Even when people eat what they consider to be a relatively healthy diet, in fact it isn’t.

In reality people worry more about losing weight than they do about their health or how wise their diet choices are  to their health.  In other words people will undertake all sort of hazardous behaviour hoping to lose weight. They often do lose the weight they were hoping to. Here is the bad news as the research has revealed, the losing weight is the relatively easy bit compared to keeping the weight off over the longer term?  The evidence has shown over and over again that 90 to 95% of people who have lost weight will put their weight back on within 2 to 5 years. It’s a depressing thought. All that effect.

At the Haven we see people who tell us the same story, they lose weight often to the detriment of their health only to end up back to ‘square one’ putting their weight back on, or worse some people weigh more than before. So why is this? A couple of main issues, one people jump to devour the latest “quick fix” solution, lotion, potion, pill, drink, diet etc. A lot of people want to lose their weight very fast. Here lies the first problem. This approach does absolutely nothing to address any problems and 99% of quick fix gimmicks are not sustainable. In the mean time the food and diet industry have made yet more money but people still remain over weight and still have health issues.

Secondly, this one-size fits all also doesn’t work. This is where The Haven team differs, they take an in-depth case study of each individual noting all their signs and symptoms (they all mean something like a set of clues). A plan of action is worked out set a round this case study as well as any relevant urine tests and blood test the client brings with them. It is then the job of the team to educate and empower the individual on lifestyles changes, here is where the negotiation with the client begins working together to come up with a do-able plan that incorporates short term and healthy long term lifestyle changes.

As these changes are geared a round health strategies, over time signs and symptoms gradually improve. What do I mean by this? In the case of high blood pressure that begins to gradually drop and/or cholesterol levels start to drop. People find they sleep better or they have more energy and of course lose weight. Other people’s skin condition improves or their aches and pains get less troublesome. It is different for different people and as already mentioned the course of action is different for different people’s set of clues.

You will learn how to maintain your weight loss and your health gain beyond the 2 to 5 years. A lot of people have told us, it doesn’t even take that long for them to regain their weight and lose their energy again or for their aches and pains to return.  One of the advisors is a published author of three books internationally and now has compiled a 4^th book that goes with the individual lifestyle plan that enhances the experience, giving you a helping hand with advice and recipes.

We have programs at The Haven Health Spa that are 3, 7 or 12 days. These consist of a “kick (not quick) start”, this kick start helps to educate the taste buds and to prepare the body for a new healthier start, case study, education, and use of all the facilities – infrared sauna (known to help detox and weight loss), Jacuzzi, steam, gym, vibration trainer (known to help weight loss), exercise pool, racket ball and more.

The healthy lifestyle losing weight gaining health for the long term is not about counting calories, it is not about artificial sweetener, it is not about a high protein diet, or meal replacements, and it is not about any extremes or fads.

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Pedometer can be purchased from electrical or sports stores, or off the internet.

It is thought that most people do an average of 4000 steps a day going about their daily business – the goal would be to add anything from 2000 to 3000 more steps a day.

Here are some basics –

Under 5000 = sedentary

5000 to 7000 = low activity

7000 to 10000 = medium activity

Over 10000 = active

Over 13000 = very active

If you are worried about your children’s activity levels and their health, get them to wear a pedometer for a day. From the age of 6 to 12 they need about 12000 to 15000 steps a day.

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You might get a massage at a country hotel, a holiday resort complex, a day spa in town, health club or in our case a spa/clinic/health club combination.

Of course a massage is not a cure all, nothing is but it can certainly be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. A massage will make you feel relaxed, and then there is deep tissue massage that can be a little uncomfortable, while your tight muscles are worked on. A therapist will always check if the pressure is too much or too little. Personally I like a deep massage which is too deep for most people; some people love a relaxation massage so it is important you are clear about what you want.

Massage as we all know relieves tension in muscles, encouraging relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. Massage can also encourage your body to release natural painkillers, helping with aches and pains. There is evidence that massage can help boost the immune system.

The various types of massage we offer at the Spa and Clinic

Swedish Massage Muscle Melt is a classic style massage, a relaxation massage

Hot Stone Massage Therapy What could be more wonderful than the feel of smooth hot stones glide over your muscles melting away the stress, tension, tiredness, aches and pains?

Aromatherapy Massage Using a blend of therapeutic ‘essential oils’ chosen for your particular problem plus the precious carrier oil, with a relaxation massage technique

Remedial Massage trained hands to treat muscular and joint related pains and injuries.

Havenly Body and Sole -combination of back massage and foot massage will have you totally relaxed.

Sport/Deep Tissue Massage this massage uses more pressure to work deeper into the muscles

Lymphatic Drainage Massage – specialised type of therapy, detoxify the system, by stimulating the lymph, reducing fluid retention

Which one is best? It would be impossible to answer this question. It depends on your particular symptoms and your likes and dislikes. All have huge health benefits.

Reports of regular massage benefits -

Less anxiety – for people in general, for people with depression, for anorexic women, reduced withdrawal symptom from things like giving up smoking or alcohol

Less pain – for after surgery, for fibromyalgia sufferers, for migraine suffers, for back sufferers, during labour

Better circulation – for people in general

Immune enhanced – for people in general, for people with HIV showed an increased number of natural killer cells, the same cell that are thought to defend the body from viral and cancer cells.

Less pain, fatigue and anxiety for cancer patients

Improved quality of sleep – for people in general

Lowers blood pressure – partly to do with improved circulation and reduction in stress.

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September 9, 2009 by Cate from Caffeinated Traveller

It was not the first time I’d been on a farm. But it was the first time on a farm 1400 metres above sea level in a cool temperate climate, unbroken mountain panorama softened by a cloudy mist rolling in as the afternoon lengthened. What made it extra special were the trees, laden with slow ripening berries each containing a small green bean known by many as — coffee.  Coffee school in Panama’s popular Boquete region had just opened for the afternoon and I was the only student in attendance.

“The geisha is what gave Boquete, Panama its reputation in specialty coffee”– meet Rich Lipner owner of Finca Dos Jefres boutique coffee farm, and a dog named Lucky. He was my teacher for the afternoon. Passionate about coffee, Rich looked every part the modern day coffee grower from khaki cap to bright orange T-shirt to Croc’s foot protection.

His farm is small by local standards at around seven acres, but who could have guessed, with its abundant trees both coffee and fruits, stretching beyond the line of sight. While Rich showed me around, he spoke of the various species grown on the farm and his agricultural methods. His Cafes De La Luna blend is one hundred percent organic, planted in line with the moon.

Unlike other coffee growers in the Boquete region, Rich doesn’t discriminate — “I don’t separate my geishas” he told me.

My mind switched to genteel Japanese women tightly wrapped in priceless kimonos teetering in wooden shoes while carrying trays of fresh espressos — in groups. Japanese women and coffee was to me, a combination that didn’t seem natural. Green tea perhaps but not coffee — yes I was puzzled with the comment.

Quickly Rich put an end to my confusion.”That’s g-e-s-h-a, some spell it with an i but it’s incorrect. The gesha originated from Ethiopia. Have you heard the story about the origins of coffee?” he asked.

A light went on and the gesha with an i vanished. Of course we’re talking about beans and high altitude what else would it be?  And so our conversation continued with more stories and information freely handed out.

From bean variety, to the picking and drying process, Rich happily took me, a novice, on a  journey into the world of coffee — cupping, aromas and roasting. A full afternoon of caffeine lingo, talking and testing.  All done without opening a scientific book. Rich’s use of language and explanations were fully comprehensible. This school differed to the typical school because it was fun.

Walking around the farm and being introduced to his workers and dalmatian Lucky, it was how a good coffee tour should be. Relaxing, laid back but educational. Rich’s tours are fully interactive with lessons on defining aromas and taste, sampling  for flavour and — the best part — roasting beans.

The prize at the end was not only a bag of freshly roasted beans but also gained knowledge in coffee production and a newly developed sense for quality. Why suffer another instant when there is just so much better coffee out there?

Tour information  Rich does private tours only for individuals and small groups @ $30 a person (may have changed). The tour takes between 2.5 to 3 hours and you get a pound of roasted beans. I highly recommend visiting Rich’s farm.

Rich is contactable by email: dosjefes@gmail.com and pretty fast with responding. Let us know if you are interested in the private tour.

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The surveys revealed -
a) people make too many resolutions to keep – too much to change – forget their goals

b) that people make unrealistic resolutions – almost setting themselves up for failure

c) most people have an all or nothing approach

Researched revealed the top ten resolutions for the over 50s in 2010

1) EXERCISE MORE as it means more agility, mobility and freedom later in life.

2) TONE DOWN ONE’S LIFESTYLE less smoking, less alcohol, less late nights.

3) PLAN FOR RETIREMENT, different thing for different people.

4) LEARN SOMETHING NEW – ALZHEIMER’S becomes a worry – learn something new like a language or hobby or play the piano?

5) PAY THE BILLS – take a long hard look at financial matters.

6) CHANGE ONE’S IMAGE in some way

7) GET A COMPLETE CHECK UP

8) MAKE AMENDS with friends and family members one fell-out with in the past

9) GET BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP quality of sleep is not as good as when we were younger

10) PLAN MORE VACATIONS be more adventurous

What are the top ten resolutions in general for 2010

1) GET OUT OF DEPT

2) GO ON A DIET TO LOSE WEIGHT OR GET FIT

3) ORGANIZE LIFE BETTER – for more time

4) LEARN SOMETHING NEW

5) READ MORE BOOKS (not electronic!)

6) SPEND MORE TIME WITH THE FAMILY

7) GET HEALTHIER

8) CUT DOWN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

9) BE NICER TO PEOPLE

10) QUIT SMOKING

Top ten tips for keeping your resolutions

1) SET OBTAINABLE GOALS – be kind to yourself, set yourself up for success

2) LOSE THE ALL OR NOTHING MENTALITY – you eat that piece of cake, so you now you tell yourself you have failed – so no point going on, you give up. You have had a small hiccup that’s all.

3) ANY TIME RESOLUTIONS – they don’t have to be New Year

4) MEDITATION, REFLECTION or for some people pray helps enormously to stay focused

5) LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES

6) REPLACE OLD HABITS with better new habits

7) GET SUPPORT – a friend or family member

8) GET HELP FROM A PROFESSIONAL i.e. to get fitter get help from a personal trainer or getting healthier get help from a naturopath, reflexologist or masseur etc

9) KEEP A JOURNAL OR DIARY – proven to be very helpful on your journey to reaching your goal/s

10) DON’T GIVE UP

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Good digestion starts in the mouth – when we chew our food. Many people have
over the years got into the habit of not chewing well, for many different
reasons. You are not going to chew your food properly if you have painful or
sensitive teeth, sore gums or indeed if you have broken or missing teeth. You
could be making poor food choices because of the state of your teeth.

Enzymes in our saliva mix with our food and begin to work on it, particularly carbohydrates. Chewing increases the surface area of our food making it easier for our enzymes to do their job. Chewing also gets the pancreas and gall bladder ready. So if you chew your food well it gives your whole digestive system a better chance. Many people confess to gulping down their food, hardly stopping to chew. It is a difficult habit to break and will need a conscious effort.

However, for most people the problem is not their teeth, its bad habits. These are some of the things you need to consider when you eat in general.
Do not eat –
a) while standing
b) while reading
c) if you are angry
d) while watching television
e) while on the phone
f) while driving

Concentrate on what you are eating, chew well and savour it. In truth few people pay attention to how much they have eaten or to what they have eaten, as they are too busy doing something else, while they eat. The small amount of extra time needed is well worth the investment, it will make a big difference
to your digestion and ultimately your health. It really is only a little extra time and effort.

The other thing don’t drink much water with your meal – dilutes the digestive juices. Try to member to drink 30 to 40 minutes before your meal.

Practical advice –
Herb – Sage the herb found in your garden or supermarket can be made into a natural mouth wash. Take 1 tablespoon of sage per mug of boiled water – allow it to stand for 10 minutes then strain, do not swallow. This strong infusion can be used for bad breath, bleeding gums and mouth sores. Keep in the refrigerator for a couple of day only. The fresh leaves can be rubbed in to the gums for gingivitis.

Vitamins – take 1000mg of vitamin C each day, to prevent infection and bleeding gums, maintaining healthy blood vessels.

Foods – Buckwheat is a seed that is used like a grain. It contains a compound called rutin. Rutin is an antioxidant, vitamin-like substance that protects against capillary fragility and bruising, typical of many people with high blood pressure, as well as bleeding gums. Buckwheat flour can be used to
make great pancakes.

‘Crepes’ made in Brittany where traditionally made from buckwheat.

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Massage, as we know has been around for a very long time, used as a healing tool for thousands of years all around the worlds. You might think the treatment of massage with hot stones is a relatively new spa treatment, not so many cultures, including the native North Americans where using this therapy hundreds of years ago.

Touch of healing and health is instinctive – children hurt themselves, immediately feel better when their mother rubs the area better. When we want to comfort someone in distress we immediately touch or hug them, it’s a natural human reaction to pain and stress, and for conveying compassion and support.

We are now able to see scientific proof that massage has far reaching benefits ranging from – treating chronic diseases, injuries and reducing the affects of stress. Having a massage does more than just relax you – there some very specific and positive physiological and psychological changes that occur within the body.

Allow yourself to reap these benefits by having regular treatments, as there is much more than a feel good factor.

It has been reported that if you have regular massage the effectiveness is much more powerful. They have an accumulative affect. It is a wonderful thing when the therapist begins to melt away those stress-tightened muscles, and your day’s troubles begin to fade away. But it’s the icing on the cake to know the treatments are having real long-term health benefits.

How does massage benefit?

By increasing circulation, more oxygen and nutrients are sent to the tissues and vital organs.

This means very system in the body functions more efficiently.

By stimulating the flow of lymph, the body’s natural defences are enhanced.

Research shows it helps cancer patients, by increasing the cells that fight cancer. Moving the lymph encourages the body’s detoxification processes. This can ultimately help to reduce inflammation.

By relaxing and softening tight, injured and/or overused muscles

By reducing spasms and cramps

By increasing joint flexibility

By reducing recovery time from strenuous workouts

By releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller

By speeding up recovery from chronic illness, injury and recovery time from surgery

By reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred

By improving range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain

By relieving pain for migraine sufferers

By providing movement and stretching for atrophied muscles, reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion

By encouraging shorter labour for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays

There are several types of massage all are beneficial -

Hot Stone Massage

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Deep Tissue Massage

Swedish Massage

Remedial Massage

Relaxation Massage

Aromatherapy Massage

Our staff are all well trained, and be would happy to advice and explain the various treatments to you. Every member of staff receives on-going training here at the Haven Spa and Clinic.

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