We encourage you to find the right balance between scheduled activities (e.g. classes, exercise, demonstrations) and free-time (optional treatments, journaling, relaxation, and rest).
The Gerson Retreat offers a long term nutritional program used successfully for years in the treatment and prevention of chronic degenerative disease. The nutritional program consists of fresh organic vegetable juices, 3 meals per day made of raw and cooked food and supplemental vitamins, minerals and enzymes. The therapy is based on detoxification and nourishment of the body and restoration of the immune system.
Gerson Retreat’s 2 to 12 week introduction is designed to maximize your chances of successfully continue the therapy at home. If you need minor assistance in your daily activities please let us know and we will do what we can to support your individual needs.
Typical Day: Along with providing sufficient fluid intake on our program, the fresh juices will give your body nearly all of the nutrients (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytonutrients, phytochemicals, herbals, proteins, and other vital food substances) required for your body to heal itself. Juice drinking can be even more important than eating whole foods when healing your body with degenerative diseases. Juices are foods in a more assimilable form for use by your digestive system. Drinking the juice allows for better digestion and absorption. By drinking 8 to 13 glasses of juice daily, this large amount of liquids plus 3 vegetarian meals offers the equivalent of 15-20 pounds of food a day. Drinking the juices allows you to ingest massive amounts of nourishment in a short time. The doctors will customize the program based on your health goals and needs. Other fasting options are available as well.
Companions Meals and Juices
Companions will enjoy a modified program (3 meals & 3 Juices), as well as learn and participate in the program, activities and workshops.
Juices
Organic Juices are made throughout the day by the kitchen staff. Your doctor will make recommendations with the juice and times during your stay. Juices are served on the hour every hour from 8am to 7pm. Types of juices provided are: Carrot, Carrot/Apple, Greens Juice, Citrus (if available).
YOGA CLASSES
We offer a restorative yoga class generally twice weekly during your stay.
Music – Entertainment
We often have live music and entertainment once to twice weekly during your stay. Enjoy your evening dinner to some live music with the other guests at the retreat.
Meditation/Relaxation Time
Daily peaceful meditation in the morning after breakfast to get your body and mind ready for health and rejuvination. There are many quiet and enjoyable locations on the property to escape and get away for a peaceful break.
Coffee Enemas
Coffee enemas are self administered in the privacy of your own room and bathroom. Coffee enemas are done from once to six times per day depending on the doctors recommendation.
Art Therapy
There is generally a weekly art therapy class, the helps to bring your artistic abilities into you heart and health.
Education – Kitchen Demonstrations – Health Talks
These classes are offered over a 4 week rotation of classes. Over a 4 week stay, you will learn how to prepare the juices. You will learn how to make the special soup and you will get practice on recipes that you like. You will become familiar enough with the program so that it will be easy for you to manage it on your own.
You will have many conversations and discussions on the dangers of processed food, salt, meat and dairy and the benefits of organic vegetables or on life style changes. You may chose to be supported the first week and observe from a distance. The second week, you may want to take a more active part into your therapy and help with the food preparation classes.
Medical Supervision
Medically Supervised by Naturopathic Doctors and Medical Support Staff. Medical staff will meet with you daily as needed to support you with your health goals. They will work with you on getting through the tough times on the program. They will order standard blood tests for you when you arrive as well as during your stay to make sure that everything internally is moving in the right direction.
Prior to your admission we will recommend specific lab tests, and a health questionnaire and forms. This information will be used to make sure you will benefit from the program and to individualize your treatment. The Doctor and medical staff will supervise your program, do regular visits, and assist you in any challenges that may arise in the course of the therapy. After the 2 or 12 week-program, a follow up phone consult will be scheduled.
Supplements, Supplies and Medications
These are optional and will be recommended during your stay. The doctor will review your medical records and questionnaire and create a program and plan specific for you and your health goals. This would include supplements and medications that are not included in the regular rate. Since these are customized and used by the guest they are additional costs. Average charges for 1 month are $500-1200.
Many patients when getting ready to leave will order 3 months supply to make sure that they continue with the program and plan that they started and to make sure that the transition is easier when they get home.
Blood and Lab Testing
Your retreat doctor will order standard blood tests and other labs as needed when you arrive at the retreat. Lab services are offsite and within walking distance to the 1-2 labs locally (labcorp, Sonoran Quest). Lab services are additional costs and insurance does not cover these costs.
We also offer specialty testing services as well for additional costs. Please check with the medicals staff on these services.
Support
Group activities in the center or outside the center are available when time permits. Small group discussions, nature walks may be available during your stay.
Motivation
The success of the therapy depends on your desire to heal and on your personal commitment to change your lifestyle habits and nutritional patterns. In order to achieve these changes the mind must cooperate. We will help you with many classes and group work to examine your belief system about food, health and life in general. We can examine how you handle stress and losses. We will do our best to guide you and support you in the necessary changes through individual intervention or through a supportive environment. We make a conscious effort to create an environment conducive to more awareness and an enhanced will to live. Private counseling sessions are available. Please inquire for availability and pricing.
Spiritual
We will support your spiritual beliefs and put them at work in your healing process.
Rest, Sleep and Recovery
As well as learning how to detoxify – is the main purpose for your stay. There is a balance with attending the classes offered and making sure that you get enough time to rest and allow your body to heal.
Supplements
The program also recommends supplements and medication. Each person is recommended to get a 1-3 month supply or longer that they use while they are here at the clinic and take home with them to continue the therapy at home. These vary individually, are not included in the price, and will cost between $1200 and $3400 for a 1-3 month supply.
Advanced IV Therapies
The program may also recommends certain advanced nutritional IV therapies that can support and enhance the overall experience and effectiveness. Many therapies have a number of clinical data to back up the therapeutic value. For more information and availability, please contact us about what additional therapies might be right for you. Pricing ranges between $175 to $350 per treatment. Most treatments are administered 3-5+ times weekly.
Companion
If you are not able to take care of yourself and need more care and attention, it is recommended and will be required to bring a companion or caregiver during your stay. See Price sheet for Companion Rates, and they will also participate in a modified program, and be able to learn the program so that it will be easier to administer at home.
Housekeeping-Laundry
Daily Housekeeping Service is available in your room. Housekeeper will also help with basic laundry needs once per week. Other Laundry Services (Fees apply) are off premises, across the street at Laundromat or pick up service.
We Look Forward To Working With You Towards A Healthier Tomorrow!
