Detox Testimonials from 2008

Dec 2008 - Brenda I. - Bedforshire

"It's been a good month since the retreat. Since returning from the Retreat, I've maintained a ratio of about 80% raw! I was probably about 50% raw previously. I gained 2 lb (of the 9 lb I lost at the retreat) in the first couple of days back (to be expected) and that has stayed the same. Although I didn't come for weight loss particularly, it is a nice bonus.

I've bought a spiralizer, which certainly makes the raw veg more interesting and easier to eat. I love making raw sauces. I have increased the number of fruit and veg smoothies I eat and enjoy including the cacao nibs, mesquite and Lucuma. More challenging is adding the Spirulina, because it has such a strong taste! I usually add some Hemp Oil, to supplement the Flaxseed Oil I take with my Cottage Cheese. My next task is to continue checking websites, as I have yet to find one that says you can swap Cottage Cheese for Almond Milk.

I've just ordered a sprouter, so that I can make even better use of recipes, tastes and combinations. I've got a food combining book and a raw food recipe book - so I'm set!

All in all, I would say it has been a very successful 're-entry' and my lifestyle is increasingly healthy. I am very optimistic about persisting with my new regime and have definitely raised my game in terms of feeding myself good, nutritious, raw food.

I hope all is well with you and the team and that you are each continuing to enjoy making a positive difference to people's lives. Attending the Retreat remains a high spot of my year, providing many excellent and enduring benefits." *

Nov 2008 - Hannah M. - Devon

"I felt really supported by the whole team, and really appreciated of different people's roles and how well you compliment one another.

The talks were fantastic and inspiring, and I feel really excited about getting home to a new way of doing things. Though I also really appreciate the non-obsessive "starting from where you are" approach.

It had come recommended, and I had a good chat with Dao when thinking of coming. The ethical/environmental stance was important to me, and the fact that it wasn't a "luxury" thing.

Thank you so much Dao, Kate, Amida and Benita for being such skilled, supportive and insightful midwives to a whole set of new possibilities for me and my new healthy state ! It's been a hard, fascinating, deeply supported and revelatory week.

Nov 2008 - Louise

"Hi Dao,

For years I had suffered from mild but persistent acne, lethargy, congestion, headaches and a short attention span. I put these symptoms down to my alcohol consumption and once I stopped drinking expected them to disappear.

When I went on the Sura Detox retreat I was amazed to discover from Kate, the homeopath, that I was allergic to wheat oats and yeast. Along with my symptoms, my sensitivity to these foods indicated that I was prone to Candida. Once I'd completed the detox process I looked (and felt) better than I had in years and was very motivated to avoid the trigger foods as well as reduce sugar in my diet.

One year later I'm still totally symptom free, have increased energy, and a more stable, optimistic mood. My experience has taught me never to underestimate the effect of what I eat on my well being. My whole outlook and attitude to life has change. I feel empowered to make better choices." *

July 2008 - Irene & Manu - Devon

"I thought it would be nice to write you an email stating all the improvements we are experiencing.

My constipation problem seems to have gone. i still can't believe it... But I'm still scared that at some point all this well being will suddenly disappear...

I bought from the Sura Detox shop online some stuff which a friend of mine brought over few weeks ago. I bought hemp seeds, raw chocolate nibs, goji berry and psyllium. I keep doing my morning smoothie, with fruit and nuts.

My raw consumption is still high. I think 70-80%. And my junk food consumption is now almost nil.

Emanuele took different blood and allergic test to check on his gluten and wheat intolerance. None of the test confirmed the results that Kate gave us, however he feels so much better now off the gluten and we don't really care anymore what the doctor say about it. We'll do it our own way... just listen to our bodies.

I'm regularly brewing kombucha now. We really like and we drink a full glass every day. Our energy has dramatically improved and we both feel more focused in general.

The only problem is that we keep loosing weight. Before I came to the detox I was 64kg and I'm now 57kg. Emanuele was 93 kg and he's now a skinny 80kg. We've also bought a gym machine to exercise. Do you think you can suggest some food or supplement to improve his muscle mass? (a raw or natural alternative to creating... LOL)

Again I would like to thank you for all your support and help! We really would like to repeat the experience maybe next year.

In the meanwhile take care." *

Jun 2008 - Nick H. - Bath

"The level of care, dedication, expertise, understanding, support and education was way beyond my expectations.

Set in wonderful countryside and with all the luxuries of a holiday week away (swimming pool, sauna, walks, big screen movies in the evenings etc) you couldn’t be better placed to undergo what, at times, can be quite a daunting experience for some.

But fret not... the staff are open, honest, friendly and most importantly...really genuine.

And the detox itself is so worth it, as at the end of the week a refreshing surge of revitalising energy sweeps through your body and leaves you rejuvenated and invigorated - and determined to put into place some nutritional changes that will leave you feeling this good for a lot longer.

Oh...and I forgot to mention (whilst we’re on the subject of nutrition)... the talks were the most unexpected thrill of the whole week." *

Jun 2008 - Brenda

"The whole team has provided so much to us. I feel honoured & privileged to have spent a wonderful week here. I have been educated by Dao's nutritional talks, mentally cleared by Kate; given hope & love & support & insight by Benita's astrological reading, and found inner peace and calm by Amida's meditation.

I feel very cleansed ! My hayfever has gone. My skin allergies have gone. My IBS has gone ! I feel refreshed physically, mentally &apm; emotionally ! (The fog is clearing slowly but surely)

You guys are perfect in every way, no improvement necessary !

The most amazing experience I have ever had in my life. You guys are fantastic !

I was inspired by the information on the website, and my gut instinct told me I would not be disappointed.

I would urge every single person to experience a Sura Detox Retreat. it has changed my life on a physical, mental amp; emotional level. I promise that you will not be disappointed too ." *

May 2008 - Susanna H. - Bristol

"The special aspect of my retreat was the information from Dao's talks which has helped me understand IBS - there was none of that when I was diagnosed. I feel empowered by my new ability to understand the causes and the paths to recovery.

The morning meditation sessions helped me enormously. Amida's words were more comforting and life-affirming - just the way to start the day!

My session with Kate really benefitted my detox process. I needed that side of things and was very relieved to be given space to talk.

My symptoms of IBS and Candida have gone. I know the test will be to keep them at bay back in the world, but I finally feel well equipped! The information on this was the most comprehensive and enlightening that I have come across.

I found the whole retreat very well run. I felt in safe hands at all times & admire all of your levels of comittment." *

May 2008 - Alex

"I seem to have gone raw! I didn't really intend to, but a lot of what you said made a lot of sense, and I came home and spent a lot of time on the internet, and it just sort-of happened, and now I've pretty much eaten only raw vegan things since leaving Sura, apart from 3 cooked meals in restaurants in the past 4 weeks but I have to eat out for work a lot, so I am trying not to be too hard on myself - I'm not quite ready to order off-menu salads just yet. I've been brewing kombucha, making hemp seed smoothies, bought a spiralizer, and I feel a little bit like I'm on drugs, but I'm sure I'll calm down at some point....or I will have to start swallowing bricks. I also booked a telephone consultation with Kate Wood, to iron out a few bits and pieces, and she said she knew you, which was nice.

I have still got a few things to get sorted - I have consumed a worryingly large amount of tahini in the past month, had to ditch the dates pretty quickly, and having just discovered that they sell raw chocolate just round the corner from work, have just eaten three bars in less than 24 hours, so am feeling a bit speedy right now, which probably serves me right.

My stomach was a bit vocal for the first couple of weeks, even though I took my pills religiously, but that seems to be ok now. Apart from that, everything seems to be super. I have masses of energy, and people keep asking me if I've been away, because I look so healthy and happy. I feel like a different person - a much better, calmer, steadier, lighter and brighter version of myself. It's a bit like living in a musical. I think you might have changed my life.

Jan 2008 - Emma

"The treatments with Benita were absolutely fantastic. She is so easy to talk to and helped me so much and made me feel incredibly relaxed and alive.

The chats with Dao were very inspiring and have made me want to go home to rearrange my entire kitchen, and accommodate this new way of eating.

My time here was extremely enlightening, as it dealt with the body and spirit also. The location is superb, and detached from the hectic cities. The colonics are fantastic and I really feel much better and more enlightened and lifted." *