January 9th to January 12th
We flew from Bermuda to Heathrow, landing the morning of the 10th, then on to a flight to Munich, which landed early in the afternoon. Off to our hotel to drop our bags then off to do some shopping to get some last-minute essentials. On the evening of the 10th, we had an early supper of ramen (but not as light as we intended) and then an early start with breakfast and then a 4-hour train to Villach, Austria.
We spent the evening of the 11th at the Voco Hotel in Villach (another early supper) - we tried to be light again but didn't really succeed - then in the morning got in a cab for the ½ hour drive to the Mayr Original Clinic – by before noon, we were here.
Some background on the Mayr Clinic from the website:
Dr Franz Xaver Mayr (1875–1965) is the founder of the Mayr cure. The diagnostics and therapy named after him as well as his medical concepts were already revolutionary at the turn of the century and are still an integral part of the medical treatment plan in the company today.
Through years of medical studies and targeted observation, Dr Mayr came to the realisation that a healthy bowel is the key to health and beauty.
When treating his patients, he concentrated on their digestive system and in around 1901, he created the Mayr cure. Since then, it has developed into a recognised holistic method that ideally complements conventional medicine.
Dr Erich Rauch (1922–2003) was one of the most notable students of Franz Xaver Mayr. Born in Graz, he met Dr. Mayr during his training as a general practitioner. Dr. Rauch went on to improve and expand the Mayr diagnostics and associated regeneration therapies. He is consequently known as the founder of modern Mayr medicine.
Mayr Med Gut Health & Detox focuses on the targeted regeneration of the digestive system and the restoration of a balanced gut microbiome – as the key to a strong immune system and lasting health.
Through carefully targeted treatments, including gentle detoxification, the restoration of a balanced gut microbiome, and personalized nutrition plans, we lay the foundation for a resilient immune system and enduring vitality.
Mayr Med Diagnostic & Prevention combines modern diagnostics with sustainable preventive care, creating a holistic approach to your health. The aim is to precisely assess your individual health parameters, identify potential risks at an early stage, and develop tailored therapies according to the results.
With medical expertise, a deep understanding of the gut as the foundation of wellbeing, and a philosophy that brings body and mind into harmony, we create space for lasting health. This is where a new way of listening to yourself begins – mindful, intentional and guided by a genuine commitment to living well.
We rely on personalised care, state-of-the-art diagnostics and an interdisciplinary team of physicians and therapists.
A comprehensive medical diagnosis, personalised nutrition and targeted therapies lead the way to intestinal health and a strong immune system – based on Original Mayr methods.
So, that’s what we knew before we came – and this is how our days have looked so far – Nick and I have both signed up for lots of tests, health and beauty consultations along with massages and detox wraps, etc.
We also knew that the menu here would be gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, caffeine-free and largely vegetarian, although they serve meat or fish a couple of times a week. As the diet here is focused on the body’s acid-alkaline balance, we also are taking a few potions, pills and powders to help us along.
Monday, January 12
We were very warmly welcomed upon our arrival where our luggage was collected and delivered to our room. We were then taken on a quick tour of the house and then shown to our lovely room – downstairs with garden access on both sides. We were then introduced to the first Mayr ritual – the coconut swishing oil. A small shot glass of this is to be swished around in your mouth for 5-10 minutes first thing in the morning before brushing your teeth. It’s apparently good for ridding your mouth of bacteria. Who knew?
Had lunch with their standard buckwheat biscuits and a vegetable tower with spreads. The buckwheat biscuits are surprisingly good! But they also have a purpose as we are encouraged to chew our food at least 40 times before swallowing (the more you chew, the more enzymes will start breaking down your food beforehand) and the biscuits act as “chewing trainers”. We knew this before we came so we had been practicing! This is good for your gut!
Our appointments have been separate but we both had all of these today and Tuesday –
A fitness test that measured weight, BMI and body/muscle percentages
An initial medical assessment with Dr. Georg (we love him!)
Blood taken for testing of various things
Various consultations regarding exercise, diet, emotional and mental health, etc.
Massages
Evening meal around here is soup or broth – this is because Mayr’s philosophy includes intermittent fasting and keeping the evening meal light to encourage the most restful sleep. By this time, Nick had been put on a 400 calorie a day regime (for at least three days) but the kitchen hadn’t received anything for me yet so I was allowed to have the soup, which is really just a puree of some kind of veggie. My 400 calorie regime started the next day.
Ended the day with group breathing meditation. Afterwards I did a few laps in the indoor pool, then we spent some time together in the sauna.
The days start early – so we were up at 6:30 on Tuesday….
Tuesday, January 13
First thing – swish that coconut oil!
Part of the regime is drinking Epsom salts in water first thing in the morning. You can imagine what that’s for. I’ll leave it at that.
7 am – light exercises to start the day
Then breakfast – which is the largest meal so that was an egg, goat’s milk yogurt, and as always, the buckwheat biscuit.
I was then sent for bloodwork – I have some unresolved tummy issues so that was testing for a few things that might be able to identify some allergies or intolerances.
More consultations for both of us for most of the day, then lunch, which was buckwheat biscuits (more chewing!) with various veggie bits, some spreads and a small “smoothie” in a shot glass.
In the afternoon, we went on a gentle guided one-hour hike through and next to a nearby golf course. They had snow last weekend which has not melted yet so it was very pretty.
After that was winter tea in the garden. That’s sitting around getting to know other guests drinking some of the Mayr special teas (they have several varieties)
Dinner – broth for both of us!
Then group meditation again, a few pool laps for me and more sauna time before an early night.
The staff members here are incredible. They are all so helpful, friendly and enthusiastic – the hotel is referred to as a house and the woman who took us around on our first day told us that once she got here she knew she had found “her place”. Most are German/Austrian but are quite fluent in English so there isn’t a language barrier at all. The dedication the employees have here is obvious and it comes across as genuine. The “house” is not only guest rooms and treatment areas, it also has many areas to relax including a comfortable library and a couple of cozy living/sitting rooms all with big comfy chairs and throw pillows, the indoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs, saunas and lovely-looking outside areas that I’m sure are beautiful in the warmer months.
Wednesday, January 14
Swish!
7 am light exercise and then breakfast – had some delicious smoked arctic char with breakfast this morning instead of the egg. I’m not usually a fan of smoked fish but this was amazing.
Nick had a massage and I had a herbal detox wrap – a wrap that just goes around the abdomen to primarily focus on liver detox. Nick had one of his own later in the day.
We had a group lecture – this from the resident psychotherapist, Claudia, on psychosomatic issues and the relationship between physical, mental and emotional health. Very good.
I then had an abdominal massage – interesting sensation but felt nice!
We had another hike, met for tea in the winter garden, went off for supper (broth!) and then after I did a few more laps in the pool, we attended a cooking class where we learned how to make some of the dishes they serve here. We sampled a bit of those dishes so kind of went off the plan a bit but nothing is very high in calories so I don’t think we did much damage.
During the day there are a few little extra things that they offer to help us through the transition to such a reduction in volume and calories. We are encouraged to drink a lot of fluids, so the aforementioned tea is always on offer, along with a warm drink made with fresh ginger, some hot raw cacao drinks and mid-morning broths. Interestingly, they don’t allow you to drink liquids during meals as well as a half hour before or after meals as it adversely affects the digestive process.
Our lunchtime meal is also meant to be mostly silent so that we can concentrate on the meal.
We have the same table for all meals in the dining room and after a meeting with the doctor or a consultant you might arrive to find a new supplement sitting on your table, or an envelope with your name on it giving you details of a test or appointment.
Thursday, January 15
We got a lie-in today! The alarm didn’t go off until 7 am!
We headed to our morning exercises and then I headed to the lab for a fructose intolerance test. That was drinking a glass of very sweet liquid and waiting for about an hour and 20 minutes with tests with a little breathing machine every 20 minutes to half an hour. And lo and behold - I scored very high on fructose intolerance. This does explain a few things with the tummy issues. I will be meeting with the dietician in a few days to discuss managing this.
Another herbal detox wrap for me, a catch up with the doctor to discuss more test results (definitely in ketosis now so burning fat, not muscle) and then our mindful, quiet lunch.
Then…..
Ice bathing. We are next to a lake and it is January in Austria. The water is between 3 and 4 Celsius.
We went down to the lake in our swimsuits and robes, next to which is a sauna, but we were encouraged to stay out of the sauna prior to the “dip”. It would just make it harder. We were given hats and neoprene gloves and shoes to wear. One by one, down a ladder and into the water up to just below your shoulders. One to two minutes each time – up to three times per person.
IT WAS VERY COLD! Apparently quite good for you but considering we were outside and there were seven of us there was a lot of waiting in between dips. Nick and I will do something like this again at some point but with less waiting time in between and perhaps less time in the water. I managed 90 seconds each time, Nick increased by 15 seconds each time – his last dip lasted two minutes. We were encouraged to warm up naturally and not race into the sauna right away. Neither of us did as Nick went off for the guided hike and I did a Pilates class.
We met up for Winter Tea in the Garden, had our dinner broth and then a very good lecture about continuation of the Mayr therapy at home.
A swim (in the indoor pool – not in the lake!!) for me, then a sauna for us and off to bed.
Before you go, a little Mayr humour compliments of Michael McIntyre, a popular UK comedian who spent some time here somewhat recently. He is not correct when he says there is no food but it’s funnier that way!
Friday, January 16th
Another lie-in today. 7 am wakeup and then morning exercises.
I headed back to the lab for another intolerance test. This one was for lactose - same process as yesterday. This test didn't take long to reveal that this is another intolerance so I seem to have an answer to some of those tummy issues.
I then had another massage with Sophie, which was a pretty intense stress-relief massage along with another abdominal massage. After drinking a glass full of lactose my tummy was very much like Michael McIntyre's shouting one!
We had lunch then we did a training class with some very light weights - no excuse to not be doing this kind of thing at home.
Nick went on the hike and I treated myself to a pedicure in the beauty spa. I joined the hikers for winter tea in the garden, we then came back to the room to relax for a bit, then our light dinner, and meditation. An indoor swim for me, time in the sauna for both of us and then bedtime. Tomorrow and Sunday are light days. I intend to do some aqua fitness and we will both do a full-body workout. Possibility of a quick ice dip - we will see how courageous I feel!
Saturday, January 17th
We really started with quite a lazy day! Passed on the morning exercises and Nick decided to take it really easy and just have a quiet day reading and relaxing. So I was off in the morning to aqua fitness, then we had a lovely lunch with soup, our buckwheat bread and prawns with black risotto and wild broccoli. Yum!
I then did a "full-body workout" - really just a circuit class with one minute each of 8 different exercises X 2. Then a stretching class afterwards.
More relaxing, our dinner broth and then I did something I wasn't sure I'd be into but it really was quite exhilarating. The "guided sauna ritual". The word "ritual" made us a bit hesitant (a little too woo woo?) and Nick was still in relaxation mode so I went to check it out. It started in the Finnish sauna. This from Google:
A Finnish sauna is a wood-paneled room, heated to high temperatures (70–100°C or 160–210°F), where people sweat in dry heat, often using a stove with hot stones to create steam by throwing water on them; it's a deeply ingrained cultural ritual for relaxation, cleansing, and socialising, involving cycles of heating, sweating, and cooling down (e.g., with cold showers, snow, or lake dips).
It was run by Sasha, who added scented oils (lemon and orange) to the water that he poured on the hot stones, then he used a fan and a towel to wave the scented steam coming from the rocks around the sauna. We stayed in (it was me and just one other guest for the first round) for about 15 minutes then ran down to the lake for a 10-20 second dip. Then back in the robe and upstairs to a lounge for 15 minutes or so then a second round (with pine and cedar) - there were five of us this time. Off to the lake for a quick dip, to the lounge for a few minutes then a third round with vanilla and cherry scents and another dip. Very different from the ice bathing from a few days ago. Great for relaxation, detoxing and sleep.
Another slow start today with just breakfast and then "forest bathing". Not what it sounds like! The description from Mayr:
A natural healing method from Japan where you explore the forest and experience it with all your senses. It has a positive effect on our physical and mental well-being, lifts the mood and strengthens the immune system.
So we just went on a quiet guided walk where we were encouraged to immerse ourselves in everything around us - feel, smell, hear and even taste the surroundings. At the end our creative exercise was to use what we could find to make our initials in the snow.
Some pics from today's forest bath:
And here is photo of where we are staying from today's walk.
The rest of Sunday was a 2-hour casual hike followed by our winter tea where we got an additional goodie! We were treated to two small buckwheat biscuits each with our tea. I arrived late and there were none left so Nick went back inside to find more for me. The "biscuit lady" refused to give them to him and insisted on coming out and handing them to me personally - I guess my gentleman of a husband seemed rather dodgy to her. We think she thought he was trying to pull the wool over her eyes and trying to keep them for himself!
Today is Uncle Lloyd's birthday. So, we went to the sauna and then had a lake dip. I wished him a happy birthday and then sent the video of me in the lake (still 3-4 Celsius) singing to him. Only one dip tonight - it's getting a bit colder here but I will try a few more times before we go. I've tried to put the video in here but it's not working - happy to pass along if you're interested. Note to self: Don't try to sing when you're freezing to death. It doesn't go well.
We did a crystal bowl meditation and then made it an early night - read and drank some tea - turned out the light for an early start tomorrow.
6:30 am wake up. Swish!
To the medical receptionist to change my regular massage at noon to a hot stone. Did the early morning exercises, had breakfast, a catch-up with Dr Georg and then to my massage before lunch. I think I had one of these many years ago but it would not have compared to today. Glorious.
Lunch was delicious - I had parsley soup and Nick had Indian Vegetable soup followed by chickpea tofu with courgette - that's zucchini to you North Americans - :-), amaranth, and sesame foam.
Will have dinner, do our breathing meditation and I'll go for a swim. Perhaps a sauna for the two of us and off to bed. Busy day for us tomorrow with consultations and appointments - my meeting with the dietician to talk about managing the intolerances is tomorrow amongst other things. More to come - can't believe we have been here over a week already - Thursday will come too soon.
BodyTalk System, a holistic therapy grounded in the belief that living organisms have the capability to heal themselves more effectively than any technology used today, combines elements of both Eastern and Western medicine to facilitate personal healing and growth.
By addressing the entire person rather than one specific issue, BodyTalk provides a “whole-healthcare” system that promotes emotional, physical and physiological well-being. Therapists who practice BodyTalk use a number of techniques, all of which are non-invasive, to help those in treatment tap into the body’s natural system of healing.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE BODYTALK SYSTEM
The BodyTalk System was developed in the 1990s by Dr. John Veltheim, an Australian chiropractor, acupuncturist, and teacher. Contributing factors to the development of this treatment method include Veltheim’s postgraduate studies in kinesiology, bioenergetic psychology, sports medicine, and counseling, among others, and his search to meet his own healthcare needs while dealing with a life-threatening illness. He traveled the world to find answers, exploring alternative remedies in both Eastern and Western medicine, and an osteopath in New Zealand introduced him to techniques that eventually became the foundation for the BodyTalk System.
In 1998, as his health began to improve, Veltheim moved to Sarasota, Florida to further establish his developing practice. In 2000, Dr. John Veltheim and his wife Esther Veltheim founded the International BodyTalk Association. Today, the BodyTalk System is practiced by over 200 instructors in over 50 countries around the world.In addition to the classic form of the BodyTalk System, BodyTalk professionals developed an adapted version called BodyTalk Access. The BodyTalk Access program teaches individuals, groups, and organizations a simple set of energy-based techniques to promote self-healing. These BodyTalk Access techniques, designed to help people manage daily challenges to well-being and maintain whole-body health, can be used at home, school, or work, by any individual.
BODYTALK SYSTEM THEORY
This approach, which is sometimes described as acupuncture without needles, purports to listen to the body, engage its ability to heal itself, and enhance communication between bodily systems.
Based in dynamic systems theory, BodyTalk considers emotional, physical, and environmental influences in order to address the underlying cause of conditions, and using various techniques to activate the brain, restructure the body’s energetic patterns, and promote healing from within.
Practitioners of the method, known as BodyTalkers, seek to discover which parts of the body’s “electrical system” are malfunctioning. They then make contact with specific points across the body, using their hands to “make repairs.” Tapping, breathing, and other forms of touch are used to stimulate the brain to employ natural healing procedures. The resulting effect is believed to improve the energy balance within the body.
The approach is based on the following principles:
- The body can heal itself: BodyTalk utilizes what is known as the “innate wisdom” of the body to heal itself in order to recover from any and all types of injury.
- Stress impacts overall health: Every experience a person goes through contributes to that person’s state of health. Lifestyle, genetics, history, and environment all impact the body’s functioning. Stresses produced by external factors can interfere with the natural communication systems within the body. This interference prevents the body from functioning at its best and can lead to emotional and physical health issues.
- The body communicates via energetic circuitry: Every aspect of our being—cells, atoms, and neurons—are in communication with each other constantly. Each bodily system communicates via energetic circuitry for optimal functioning. Stress can compromise the circuitry systems (the nervous system, for example) and create chronic breakdown of communication within the “bodymind complex.” Practitioners of BodyTalk strive to connect these broken lines and facilitate open communication between all of the elements of the body in order to promote healing from within.
BODYTALK PROCESSES AND TECHNIQUES
The process of BodyTalk can be broken down into these three steps, the "ABCs" of BodyTalk:
- Ask: Practitioners pay attention to what the body is doing in order to decipher information. They "ask" the body questions and get answers by observing how various muscles tense and relax. This natural biofeedback loop is used to identify and prioritize the healing needs of the body. Questions are also asked verbally so the BodyTalker can gather information about a person’s experience and begin to tailor treatment to that person’s specific needs.
- Balance: After gathering information about the needs of the body, BodyTalkers chart and prioritize several ways to bring balance to the body and mind. Techniques such as tapping of the head and chest are used to signal the brain and heart to prepare to heal and restructure.
- Communication: The final phase of the process attempts to re-link the systems in the body and repair any lines of communication that have been compromised. Tapping focuses on various points throughout the body, including what are known as the "energy circuits." More efficient and effective healing is believed to result when systems are restored and energy can flow between them.
One of the most important techniques used in the BodyTalk System is the cortices technique. This technique, which is based on the premise that the brain functions electromagnetically and can sometimes “blow fuses,” is designed to bring balance to both halves of the brain by repairing these fused. This process is believed to strengthen function in the brain and body and improve the “bodymind's” response to stress. In this technique, the practitioner places one hand over the back of the head and, with the other hand, begins to gently tap parts of the head, sending signals to both sides of the brain. This is followed by gentle tapping of the chest.
This process is repeated for each part of the head, always moving up along the center line of the brain. The tapping is believed to from a "bridge" between the hemispheres of the brain, creating a “standing wave" to allow the energy fields to interact with one another, reopening the electrical communication between both hemispheres. The goal of the process is improved brain efficiency and overall health.
ISSUES TREATED WITH BODYTALK
The BodyTalk System can treat a number of physical and mental health issues, but it is designed to improve the body and mind as a whole. Systemic treatment tailored individually to each individual seeking treatment is intended to promote balance and healing. BodyTalkers believe when the 36 surface energy points are balanced, people will experience improvement in all areas, including mood, energy level, muscle tension, and overall bodily function.
The approach can also be used to address systems of posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia.
BODYTALK SYSTEM TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
Mental health professionals wishing to become certified practitioners of the BodyTalk System must pursue training through the International BodyTalk Association. Training is typically completed in anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. The training involves taking two classes, completing and documenting 50 or more sessions with at least 15 different individuals, receiving at least five sessions from a certified practitioner, and passing both a written and oral examination. After achieving the first level of credentials, professionals may also pursue advanced certification, which involves advanced coursework and two written exams.
BodyTalk Access training is a short (one-day) introduction to the BodyTalk System. Though anyone can take the class to learn how to utilize BodyTalk in daily life, the IBA recommends professionals take this class before attending the required classes for certification.
CRITICISMS AND LIMITATIONS OF THE BODYTALK SYSTEM
BodyTalk practitioners advertise the safety of the BodyTalk System as one its main perks, and Veltheim himself has claimed that even if a person were to use BodyTalk techniques incorrectly, there would be no risk of harm. It has been deemed safe by BodyTalk professionals because it uses no pharmacological regimens and because the clinician performs all treatment through a non-invasive method. BodyTalk professionals also state BodyTalk can be safely used in conjunction with other methods of treatment. Potential participants can reduce risk by educating themselves about BodyTalk and by making sure their BodyTalk practitioner is a certified professional.
BodyTalk is a relatively new form of treatment and is not yet supported by evidence. Critics of BodyTalk believe the method has little to no basis in scientific fact and that more concepts from the established sciences of physiology and anatomy should be incorporated into its foundational principles. More scientific evidence is also needed to support the basis of the BodyTalk System.
Some critics point out the potentially dangerous use of the cortices technique, a tapping technique Veltheim claims can be used by paramedics and medical professionals to help trauma victims come out of shock "almost instantly" and to stop open bleeding, even an arterial bleed. Even were this technique to be scientifically validated, it could be harmful when used by those without proper training.
