ACSH Testimonials

Deborah Garcia, producer and director of 'The Future of Food' film,

enjoying Annapurna's OrganicAlive foods! Posted April 21, 2005

Robin, Connie and Helma,

I am so thankful for the privilege of getting to know you and participate
in
a five-day cleanse at the Annapurna. I came in feeling good and left
feeling great! I felt so cared for and nurtured by all of you during the
process. We really appreciated the late night delivery of ginger tea to
our
room, was that ever good.

It has been a week since Rob and I completed the program and we have no
desire to eat anything but raw foods. I think we will continue with the
live food regimen for several weeks to give our bodies the resources to
continue to get better.

As you know, I came to the Center to support Rob who has been having foot
problems. I consider myself to a very healthy 54-year-old woman. Little
did I know the benefits I would reap from this cleanse. I am noticing a
difference in my skin, many of the brown spots on my upper lip have
disappeared. There used to be a dull pain in my stomach area when I would
massage it, I figured everyone felt that. I have no ache in that area
now.
When I run or do my workout, I feel very strong and light (got to love
that!). I feel like I've had a real tune up.

I feel so fortunate that Rob and I did this program as a team because
through your guidance and encouragement, we are both changing the way we
eat
and are able to inspire each other.

Robin, I especially appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge of
healing so fluidly, I believe this process will change our lives forever.

Love,
Anne

P.S. Robin, thanks for the Transformation Breathing CD, that is amazing!
I
will tell you all about it next time we play Scrabble...

February 7, 2005
Dear Robin:
Last spring, 2004, I did a gallbladder cleanse under your guidance at the Annapurna Center for Self-Healing, and I send a grand Thank You. It stunningly improved some chronic health conditions, and provided added beneficial effects for me.
My relevant medical issues are these: despite leading a fairly healthy lifestyle, for all of my life I have had severe allergies and parched, dehydrated skin prone to infections and painful rashes. I occasionally get mild migraines. For the last several years, I had been extremely ill from the accumulated effects of chronic and acute exposures to toxic chemicals in the environment. And, although doctors could find no basis for it, I was increasingly plagued with a sugar craving that was proving embarrassing. While people laugh about being "addicted" to chocolate, I literally was. While I don't prefer sugary desserts and beverages, when presented with them, I would eat all that were available, and sometimes casually (and guiltily) would munch down a half cup of plain sugar. Aside from all of that, last year I was planning an extended overseas trip into very hot climates. Because of my skin condition, my skin does not sweat, so I was very concerned about my ability to handle the heat.
In recent years, I had been trying various system cleanses with good but gradual results. I first heard of colonics years ago in (of all places) Steve Martin's movie "L.A. Story." It sounded valuable, but not aesthetically appealing. When an acquaintance did a gallbladder cleanse with you at the Annapurna, I learned much more about it; still it took a couple years to work up the courage to try it myself. I needn't have worried.
The gallbladder cleanse is somewhat involved, so it was good to have guidance, with support from you and other guests at the Center who were also doing it. As you know, I did the preparatory juice "fast" and castor oil packs for four weeks instead of two because of a situation at home. Upon doing the gallbladder cleanse, I eliminated a stunning quantity of marble-sized green gallstones and was surprised to feel better immediately. I felt more alert, more clearheaded, and my sense of smell was greatly enhanced: I was able to smell an orange from across a room; going into a vegetable market was a delightful new experience. My allergic reactions have been greatly reduced. I've had neither sneezing attacks nor migraines since the cleanse.
The best immediate effect was that I instantly found my long-term chocolate and sugar addictions gone. I no longer feel desperate needs for sugar or chocolate. I didn't have any chocolate for months afterwards, and when offered some, it was pleasant to try, but I didn't require it. Sugar was tough to dodge, because so much of it is pushed on you in social and foreign situations. But it is wonderful to be free of addictive cravings.
On the trip, another surprise awaited me. With temperatures reaching a balmy 40°C (104°F) by as early as 9:00 a.m, and later as high as 45°C (113°F), I was delighted to watch sweat bead up and pour from my forearms and the backs of my hands. Finally my skin works. As long as I kept stoked with lots of water and electrolytes, I felt great!
Of course traveling entails health stresses, and some of my conditions are quite deeply seated, so it will take further cleanses to completely root them out. I'm quite jazzed to undertake additional cleanses, and to continue with the healing that you've taught me. Thank you so much!
Good wishes,
G.B.

January 16, 2005
Dear Robin –
Thank you so much for your hospitality here at Annapurna Inn, and for the delicious food, wonderful massage and good conversation. Thank you also for your support for my film, "The Future of Food." It's been a very positive experience here in Port Townsend.
Deborah Koons Garcia,
Director and Producer of "The Future of Food,"
(a film on the effects of genetically modified
organisms on people, the planet and what we can
do to turn the corporate tide of insanity).

January 13, 2005
To Robin & The Annapurna Inn Staff and other Workers –
Thank you for a very splendid week. All kinds of portals are open! I came here with diagnosed gallbladder problems and recommended surgery, and chose to try your flush before submitting to the knife. Your process met and exceeded my expectations – to dump my stones, do good for other organs, and participate in a health-inducing experience rather than surrender to unconsciously handing over body parts.
Thank you for much more than this – to learn about and experience live food, vastly enjoy my fellow guests, delight in the wisdom and humor of Robin, and benefit from all your expertise and kindness.
Much gratitude,
J.A.

November 30, 2004
Dear Robin –
Thanksgiving has passed and I am preparing to do another gallbladder cleanse before company begins to arrive again.
I want to express my sincere thanks to you and your staff for the great kindness, encouragement and expertise you showed me during my first cleanse. You have a loving heart, Robin, and it was very easy to see that fame and fortune is not your primary motivation.
Thank you for working me into your schedule and being willing to give me a chance long distance. You should have seen those beautiful gallstones!
May you be blessed by God for your passion for others.
Most sincerely,
R.B.

October 30, 2004
I have spent four weeks at the Annapurna with a conscious mission to cleanse through colonics and gallbladder flushes.
I began my first week to wash the insides of my body with the filtered water from God (each session had a profound clear experience). I felt after two weeks my body completely clear from the top of my head to my knees. A lifting occurred each week from the 7^th chakra down to the feet. I began to eat less and less, and my intestines cleared and relaxed after the third session. My 4^th week was on a different level all together. It tapped into bloodline DNA memory and began to touch the deepest present memory I am working with now in present time. A root cause of a cancer condition I am carrying toward the release I am driven to achieve.
The Annapurna Center is a one-of-a-kind experience. The highest integrity and light essence flows here. The constant attention heals. The systematic way the sessions are produced work in the highest good for all.
I also believe in the process of cleansing the liver as the one and only way to achieve one's health goals. It's a start to a bigger and new way to live with ultimate respect for all living creatures inside and outside our bodies and the human world we walk in.
Four stars and five for the divine star dust the people who work here produce with their beings and intentions. I shall return for three more sessions in the coming month.
J.O.

October 29, 2004
Today has been the tenth day without back pain. Last Saturday I cut, split, and stored a half chord of wood. Yesterday I finished building the walls for the workshop, and today I dug up the water piping and installed freeze protection. All that work and no back pain.
The arrhythmia, which started after last year's mercury-preserved flu shot has finally subsided, and my heart seems to be pumping normally. The lung congestion that has been hanging on for a few weeks has also vanished. The pain in my knees is just a bad memory.
Now I feel strong enough to survive another winter here on the Olympic Peninsula. I am regaining my strength and ability. With a little luck, I will finish installing my Solar Assisted Heat Pump Heating System, before the winter really sets in.
With all my heart, I thank you Robin.
D.E.K.

October 19, 2004
I came here to Annapurna to avoid surgery for gallstones. I was told by my health care provider that surgery was essential or a gallstone could very likely lodge in a bile duct and I could die. I felt a lot of fear when I was told this, but nevertheless decided to move forward with a safer, non-invasive alternative.
I went through the first stage of the protocol here, even though I had some reservations about the efficacy of this treatment. Some of the aspects of the procedures were uncomfortable, but Robin was fairly supportive and I felt like I was in a safe and nurturing space.
After the first session I feel better, lighter and more optimistic about being much healthier now and in the future. I have an attitude of gratitude and that is not just a platitude (seriously).
Namaste,
C.J.

October 19, 2004
I came to Annapurna in support of my partner and went through the gallbladder flush. I feel good – the flush is hard work for a positive result. Thank you for your kindness and support.
M.

October 16, 2004
I wanted to write and explain the progress I have seen since I first saw you. First, to recap, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis approximately one year ago. The symptoms I have kept growing, a little in intensity and in number. Specialists then determined my MS to be secondary progressive. I have a constant numbness in some fingers. I have a "drop foot" condition in my right foot. I had a numbness in both legs which was transitioning to a burning sensation. I also had slightly grainy vision in one eye and terribly grainy, blurry vision in the other eye. I have also been dealing with considerable fatigue and lack of stamina.
I first came to the Annapurna a couple weeks ago and had some colonics and have just finished my second gallbladder flush. In between visits here, I have been eating nothing but organic, raw, live food. I have been physically feeling totally satisfied with my diet, like my body is getting everything it needs.
I have been totally amazed at the improvement in my symptoms. My fatigue issues have greatly reduced. The numbness in my legs has totally gone away. The vision in my left eye is a little better – but amazingly the vision in my right eye is tremendously improved. I can almost read with it. It is almost as if layers are being removed from the eye that previously blocked my sight.
I need no more encouragement than this to continue the cleansing process at Annapurna. I can also see no reason to go back to eating cooked food. Not only do I feel it has no nourishment, but it is toxic to my body.
Thank you all at Annapurna for helping me to improve the quality of my life.
R.L.

October 12, 2004
Dear Robin –
Thanks for reminding me that perfection is in many moments of every day and not something that is never reached or found!
And thanks for sharing with me that our bodies are perfect machines to be carefully looked after with lots of love, live food, purified water, and fresh air.
I will take your lessons and spread them. I will see you in Cypress.
With much love.
M.C.

October 2, 2004
I wanted to write last night but was very tired and feeling a little bummed that I wasn't really energized after releasing so much yesterday and the rest of the days that I stayed here. It wasn't until this morning that I really felt great.
I came here wanting to do a lot of physical releases and I got so much more than that. I have done so much these six days here that I feel like I am a new person. I got my power back from an abuser from years ago. I claimed so much of myself back that I feel completely whole. Now that is something I haven't felt for many, many years and it is great to have it now. I moved through some childhood (before birth) things that were holding me back and let me be able to love the child inside of me. I, for the first time that I can remember, felt beautiful completely. I've always known I've had a beautiful soul, but I was always unsure about the outside. . .not anymore. My mind can no longer play tricks on me. Peoples' words, beliefs and actions no longer hold power over me.
So in short, what did I get out of this? Completion of myself. I am leaving here feeling the best I have since entering this plane. I have more energy, more belief of my inner self, more trust, more respect, more love.
And four more great wonderful people to share my life with. Thanks to all four of you – for the great food, great talks, walks and all the time and energy that all contributed to my journey of healing.
Lots of love,
L.B.

September 19, 2004
To the Gang of Annapurna –
I came as my last resort to chronic pain in the liver area and other places, a compromised digestion system. I could go on about skin, color, medications and frustrations. Robin was able to find the problem and go to work on them all. I now leave two weeks later with lowered blood pressure and pulse, 24 lbs. lighter, a feeling of hope, and a calm rarely felt. A gift of life and a hope for the future was given to me (with lots of work). How can I thank Robin and the wonderful staff at Annapurna? I find it hard, but thank them I do.
M.A.S.

August 27, 2004
My Adventure with the Annapurna
My life has had great challenges. I needed and desired physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
I have just completed the gallbladder flush and I feel more alive and more present. Through my week-long stay I had reflexology, a massage, colonics, practiced yoga, participated in a breathwork session and had beautiful morning walks. I also saw a counselor to help me through the emotional detox.
I feel very thankful for the help that I received from the counselor. I believe that working through some very hard emotions during the first few days helped my liver and gallbladder release some of the stored toxic emotions.
After the coffee enema, I felt the very physical detox. My body was feeling very ill, and I kept my thoughts on allowing my body to let go and release. I had a successful flush.
To everyone that is the Annapurna – Thank you for your dedication and love for what you do (including Sofina).
With much love and gratitude,
J.

August 25, 2004
Robin –
Here is a summary of all the wonderful changes that have come to me since beginning my first gallbladder flush on 6/24/04.
Total weight loss – 20 lbs.
Eyesight improvement – 20/70 to 20/40 with improvement in astigmatism in left eye (astigmatism rarely if ever changes).
Those are the things I can quantify. The intangibles are improvement in my general sense of well-being, energy level, and ability to move.
The day of the second gallbladder flush, my eyesight improved dramatically, and although I didn't retain 100% of that improvement, I am certain that I will eventually with continued attention to my diet and some eye exercises.
The Annapurna is truly one of the best experiences of my life and a shining beacon in a sometimes very dark world.
N.M.L.

June 19, 2004
I arrived at the Annapurna on a Sunday afternoon - exhausted and emotionally drained. I did not really know what to expect, since my schedule leading up to this moment had been so frenetic and stressful that I did not even have the time to research and schedule my own healing retreat! The arrangements were made by my husband, John, who found the Annapurna on the internet and talked with Robin on the phone. "She is going to help you," he said. "Let her."
After six consecutive days of healing, embraced in the loving and kind arms of Robin and Ciela, and with the camaraderie and support of the other residents of the household - some of whom were going through the same process - I now feel like the self I used to be before the stress of the past year. The colon hydrotherapy and the gallbladder flush were difficult, but worth it. My body feels younger, stronger and healthier, and my mind infinitely clearer. Exposure to a week of live, organic, fresh food was a reminder of why we put food in our body in the first place - to nourish and heal us.
I cannot promise that I will remain on a raw food diet exclusively, but I will forever be more aware of the foods I put into my body and the impact they have on my health. Robin teaches you to heal yourself first - and then have the strength and peace of mind to help others engage in self healing, and the passion to join others in healing the planet. This is a lofty goal, for sure, but after a week at The Annapurna, there is a glimmer of hope in my mind that it is indeed possible.
KM

August 19, 2003
Dear Robin –
This morning I had my gallbladder flush and colonic and I feel absolutely wonderful. I had started my period yesterday and have extreme cramps (I have endometriosis) and now my cramps are gone with no Advil and no wine. The swelling in my hands is gone. The stiffness and soreness in the joints of my arms and legs is gone. I have been sprinting up the stairs in our home not holding onto the hand rail one foot at a time. My energy is through the roof. On Sunday my husband told me I looked beautiful. This is my third week of juicing and eating soups. After the first week and two colonics, my husband told me I have more color in my face, that I wasn't so pasty.
During my colonic today I passed a worm and think I passed two more this week. I have lost ten pounds and the cellulite on my thighs is significantly less. My sinuses are very clear. I feel terrific!!!
Thank you,
C.

September 27, 2004
Dear Dr. Cory,
During your recent Cleanse Class, which I attended, you suggested class members might find considerable benefit from obtaining colon hydrotherapy (colonics) at the Annapurna Center for Self Healing located in Port Townsend.
As you know, I had four colonics, all of which I felt were amazing, profound, and highly beneficial experiences. I'm grateful for your suggestion and encouragement in sending me to the Annapurna to obtain them.
You pointed out that the Annapurna also provides gallbladder flushes which many people seem to find beneficial. You yourself had undergone one.
You asked me to write, letting you know my impressions of the gallbladder flush after I'd completed it.
I felt it was wonderful, painless and highly beneficial. Not only was the Annapurna staff attentive, caring and helpful, from beginning to end, they provided the highest quality food I have ever eaten, especially because it was uncooked, entirely organic, creatively prepared, beautifully presented and in many cases scrumptiously delicious. I had not known raw food could be so delicious.
The gallbladder flush itself was far easier, and far less mysterious, than I'd imagined. Yes, drinking a large glass of organic olive oil, with a side glass of just-squeezed organic lemon juice, is not a common experience. However, the Annapurna must use a high grade of olive oil because it tasted surprisingly good, and it all went down easily.
The next morning I drank the gallon of distilled water with a touch of Celtic sea salt and the stones began to pass. Wow! I had quite a few and some were large. Many were green, perhaps because I'd been eating a lot of super greens in recent months.
I crushed some stones with my fingers but did not keep any for lab testing. I decided it was not important to know what was in them; the mere fact that they were in there, inside my body, serving no good purpose, was reason enough for me to want them out.
My experience at the Annapurna was excellent, or as Robin would say, with her flourish: "Excel. . .lente." I can do nothing other than recommend the experience to everyone without reservation.
Yes, the food was great. You said there might have been too much of it, but I ate all they gave me and lost weight.
I hope you'll continue to send class members to the Annapurna for colon hydrotherapy and inform them of the possible benefits of the gallbladder flush.
I enjoyed your informative and well-presented cleanse class a great deal. I've already recommended you and your class to many friends. I plan to do your cleanse again. I'm looking forward to your advanced cleanses too.
Your classes, and the Annapurna offerings, are both great benefits to the community. You and Robin are to be commended.
Sincerely,
John A. Wood, Attorney at Law
PO Box 742
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Tel: 360-385-3622
Fax: 360-385-0350

Dear Ms. Sharan:
I was a guest at the Annapurna Retreat Center the week of March 3, 2003. I went there for a week of relaxation and raw-food diet and chose the optional detoxification diet of predominately juices, smoothies and sorbets. I also chose to do the optional "gall-bladder flush," in the second half of my week there.
I found my stay there healing and, indeed, detoxifying. The food was fabulous, the staff solicitous and the additional treatments (massage, colonics, sauna) were helpful in assisting my system to carry out the natural cleansing that occurs with a raw-food liquid diet.
The gall-bladder flush was so simple (it involved drinking more lemon juice and olive oil than one would normally want), but it was profoundly healing. As you may recall, I got a severe headache for about a day, but my system did obviously release itself of toxins.
As you know, I have suffered from various chronic health complaints for many years. After I visited your facility, my physician told me that my health had improved "like night and day." I have felt full of energy and vitality ever since. I have recommended the Annapurna to many people I know and will continue to do so. I wish you the best of luck.
Very truly yours,
DKF

Dear Robin:
Thank you for a most amazing and healing week.
When I left the Inn, I felt like a new and greatly improved version of the person who arrived seven days earlier. Your program of combining a live food diet, reflexology, massage, and daily yoga with colon hydrotherapy and a gall bladder flush really worked for me, both on a physical and spiritual level. Indeed, such an integrated approach to healing is the medicine of the future.
I very much enjoyed working with you and the other wonderful talented individuals on your team. You all are not only quite skilled at the various healing modalities you practice, but you really care, which is a great gift you give to your guests.
Applying my own cost/benefit analysis, I can say without reservation that the cost for my one-week stay was minimal in comparison to the enormous physical and spiritual benefit I received.
Wishing you and your team continued success and excellent health in the future.
Yours truly,
John Kenneth Hautman
Attorney at Law ( Intellectual Property Counsel)
McLean, Virginia

I am not a writer and English is my second language so this will not be complete as I usually need time to write things up.
I was somewhat skeptical, not about the colonic itself, but being a registered nurse, I was more concerned with sanitary practices than I was with the procedure. I must say that Robin displayed a great deal of knowledge with infection prevention and sanitation.
As far as how I feel today, I really feel great, not just physically but mentally (psychologically). I feel energized and do not feel the inertia which I have been feeling for awhile. I do not have the constant anger which I seem to harbor and for the last week, I have not fought with my husband. Everything he says or does usually aggravates the living hell out of me and he is the same towards me – now he is most agreeable and more tolerable – that is what all that poison removed from our bodies did. Removed the poison from our heads also.
As far as the procedure – Robin makes it pleasant so it is not as bad as having an enema. The olive oil and lemon juice is an experience that I would not want to repeat – Yuk! However, the cleansing effect was indescribably mind and body lifting.
The food – even the liquid ones were delicious. The solid food I tasted today – I can learn to eat forever.
Thank you, Robin, and all your staff. I feel great but I know I have many other body problems to treat and I will soon return. With more time – I can say or write more.
M.H.

Dear Robin,
I am now coming to the end of my second week staying here. I thank you so much for offering me the opportunity to stay here and study, learn and work. It was simply an amazing experience to remain in this beautiful energizing environment. Being in the kitchen all week allowed me the opportunity to learn so many things about raw food preparation…and, of course, to eat all raw food. I will miss being here, but every part of my experience here will be carried with me throughout the rest of my journey.
I look forward to always being close with you, Ciela and this place. . .whether I am far or near.
All my love,
N.

Having arrived here at Annapurna I was informed that the very girl, Mariah, who spoke so eloquently in Santa Cruz – had been here before, had the same healthy experience and came away with the same excitement as I now have.
As the Archaic Womb of Consciousness resonates loud enough to wake up a guy who in retrospect was comatose, I gain hope, where there once was none. I have dreams that before I couldn't sleep long enough to enjoy. And I have wonderful people who can lead the forgotten troops to a physically and mentally safe place. With 500,000 homeless veterans – and thousands of returning soldiers; supporting the troops means supporting the truth – the Truth is that this is the right way – for everyone to regain what a toxic environment takes away. It is clear to me how the throngs need you more than ever. There really is a way home – and long and strenuous as it is, it feels real and great when you get here.
Peace,
DJK

Annapurna Staff -
Forging a new life pattern is simple – though not easy. Very well worth all efforts put forth. Am taking just some of the gallstones home as testimony to clients, guests and patients.
Don't hesitate! Do not pass go! Do not collect $200. Go to Annapurna.
Bowen Academy of Australia.
www.bowtech.com

I was in a motorcycle accident years ago – I am always working to get my leg more mobile. I came to Annapurna for other reasons – to cleanse my body of toxins. I was very amazed by the live gourmet food, ultimately out of this world.
The group support was awesome – it made doing the cleanse easy. By the end of the week I had not only gotten rid of years of emotional and mental debris, I was also walking better than I had for years. For anyone thinking about doing this cleanse, JUST DO IT!
L.J.
Olympia, WA

On 10/14/04 we were conferring in the Community Economic Development Conference, and a few people were getting involved in doing something about our Economic Crisis by fixing the Energy Crisis. Robin Sharan was very impressed with what we were doing and invited me to come and talk at her place, Annapurna, the Port Townsend Self-Healing Center.
Due to my age and her perception, Robin offered me a treatment that would alleviate some of my major physical problems. Her explanations were scientifically correct, but it was the first time I heard of such treatment. Then I realized that what she was doing with self-healing was the same thing I am doing with my Solar Powered Hydrogen Electric Renewable Energy (SPHERE) System.
Well I knew it would work, but I had no idea it would work that well. She spent an hour or more on what she calls Reflexology with my feet. She made a believer out of me in the first few minutes.
She asked me if I ever fell off a wagon or a horse? How did you hurt your neck? How did she know that from massaging my feet? I had my neck broken in a 3-car collision in 1966. Then she asked me about my knees and my back where my vertebrae are fusing together. She found every problem by just massaging my feet!
Then she gave me the Detoxification treatment and a box full of prepared food. I was to eat nothing else. Today I had a very busy morning, then took a shower and went to put lotion on some of my Lupus wounds, but they were not there anymore. Some were not completely healed, but they were just little marks on my body.
I have been fighting Lupus since I was a teenager, and was told then that I would not see my 19^th birthday. It has been a long hard battle, keeping myself going. I got a lot done this morning, but until the evening I had not realized that my back did not hurt all day. I had my first painless day in many years.
I asked her at the Reflexology session why she was sweating? She said it was my pain. She wanted to know how I could stand such pain. I just learned to live with it. What else could I do? Disc replacement surgery is not practiced here yet. But she was confident that my own body could rebuild the worn out cartilage. She is determined to keep me well, so that I could continue working on my SPHERE System.

Someone once said to me that God wouldn't let you die until you finish your work. He must have sent that Angel Robin to take good care of me.

Robin –
I am not sure where to begin the remarks of praise that I have for my experience at the Annapurna. I could simply state that it was profound and life changing. The staff was wonderful and very supportive of my process. I have no doubt that I will continue to benefit from those changes and the new insights that I gained as a result of my stay.
Anyone who is really serious about cleaning up their body, restoring a sense of balance, and recovering control and awareness of their fundamental nutrition would do well to spend two weeks at the Annapurna.
I would be happy to talk with anyone who is interested and give them my unqualified recommendation and urge them to go through the process at least two times.
It is my intention to return perhaps in March to do another tune-up. Thanks so much.
G.L.

Hi Robin –
Well, this week has been harder for me than anticipated. I had expected the actual night before the flush to be painful, but the rest of the week more rejuvenating for me. The flush was not at all painful and my week most rejuvenating. My toxins started moving right away, so lots of dizziness and nausea. I had done a lot of juicing and raw before and knew at this time I was eating too much cooked and was very mucousy, so I had anticipated to eat raw, eat less and thrive. Also my stomach had been paying the price for an emotional year. So a very hard week for me, emotionally also. What I loved was the time to heal how I need to. Allowing myself time to rest is very hard.
The "crew" here, the girls were great. I appreciate your dedication and passion. And my quiet time alone was perfect for me. I know I came here to rest and let my body do as it needed. I am leaving with a little mucous and dizziness, but I suppose I am still in the middle of detoxing. The flush was easy and it is a program I can follow at home.
Thank you for being here, and thank you for the opportunity!
Sincerely,
S.

To my friends at The Annapurna Center for Self Healing:
I'm so grateful for the care and attention I received here during the week of my cleanse. I feel FANTASTIC!!!
There are so many wonderful things here: The center is beautiful...the food was amazing...and the cleansing process was so Revitalizing...
But my favorite part of all was experiencing the loving dedication of Robin and her entire team.
...that's why I'll be coming back!
Your pal,
David P.
Author of a plethora of children's books

I came to Annapurna for two days just to get away and indulge in a reflexology session. I found out that my gallbladder area was seriously sore on my right foot. Before I knew it I was in the gallbladder flush treatment and ended up staying six days.
If you'd ask me if I had gallbladder stones I would have sworn "no" – I don't drink, smoke, not even coffee, been on raw foods for almost three years, never have a headache, allergies, backache or any of that stuff, and wow I had loads of them coming out. Feel like I've been through a "super" car wash, all squeaky clean and shiny inside and then of course outside.
H.G.

When I first walked thorough the front door of the Annapurna, I considered myself a healthy person--very conscious of what I put into my body. But now, a week later, after being exposed to eating a diet of truly "live" food, my beliefs of what I consider to be "healthy" have changed dramatically.
My goal in coming here was to clean my gallbladder and liver. I had read that cleansing your gallbladder/liver was one of the best things you can do for your body. What I didn't expect was that I would be cleansing my heart, my soul, my spirit.
After my first colonic I got off the table and by the time I made it back to the house I felt as though I was beaming, like a bright light was radiating from inside, and although throughout the week I went through my fair share of feeling lousy, predominantly my beam of light that started shining on my first day grew stronger and stronger.
The hardest part of the week was definitely the actual flush, which started Thursday and carried on until midday Friday. But after it was all over, I had successfully passed approximately 200-400 gallstones. Today, Saturday, the day I am leaving, I feel more aware, my skin looks clear, my complexion brighter. Basically I feel more alive. And I want to remind you that when I originally walked through the front door for the first time I considered myself to be healthy. For any weight-loss conscious people who may be reading this, I came weighing 178 lbs and six days later I felt weighing 165. I highly recommend this experience to ANYONE! Your body desires it, your liver deserves it, and your life deserves it. You deserve it.

I came to the Annapurna hoping to feel a little bit better. I was at a point in my life I felt old and achy at 37. I knew something had to change. I didn't really have any expectations because this was all new to me. I was living in a mainstream world, falling for all the things this big world expected from me. This was literally making me sick. I came to a point where something had to give and I felt like it was going to be me. Robin and Ciela have been like angels. With their love and devotion to a perfect stranger I felt I was in a home that belongs to my family. In fact, they are like family. That's one of the amazing experiences at the Annapurna. What's funny is that I left my friends and my family with the impression I was going to a "spa," when in fact I came to a place where I got my life back. My head is clear. My body is lighter and my eyes are brighter. I am leaving knowing I'll be back. This truly has been an education. I have made new friends for life and will cherish that forever!
Thank you, Robin and Ciela, for guiding me in a direction that will forever impact who I am!
I love you both!
Kristin Costa

Before I arrived, my life was falling apart. I have two small children and I couldn't even take care of them properly. I was always tired and literally lifeless. I was READY to be here! My husband and I decided to bring our children because I wanted them to experience raw food eating and our cleansing process. We knew it meant that not all thoughts could be directed internally and completely toward the cleanse, but it was worth it for us, so we brought them.
The experience has been life changing. Our diet will from now on consist of mostly raw, live food. The children have even more energy, are more healthy and vibrant. My husband passed loads of stones and lost 14 lbs. this week. His eyes and face are clear of stress. And me, well, that could be a book in itself. I started to cry when my husband said to a table full of people, "Look at my wife! Look at her smile, her eyes, and her face--I haven't seen her looking like that for years! Thank you, Robin, and thank goodness we decided to come here." I'm staying on another week alone because although I've come a long way, there is still a path ahead of me to travel.
The education, the support, the individualization of each program makes this week a success for each person. FABULUOUS! SUPERB! ALIVE!

Dear Robin:
I am so proud of you for all that you are doing and I am extremely grateful to have been here this past week. The energy at the Annapurna is comforting, warm, and inviting. It felt like home from the moment I walked in the door. Before coming here we were searching on the internet for a raw food retreat. I believe very much in eating an all raw food diet and for a long time had been looking forward to being in a place for a week eating only raw, live foods with others doing the same. We found your website and it sounded wonderful. I didn't know much about what a gall bladder flush entailed, and so experiencing that was a wonderful learning experience, on top of eating all the raw food. All week long I felt so much love and support from both you and Ciela. I really did feel like I was at home and among family.
I hope that many, many people can find your place and experience time here. You have created a beautiful space and carry with you a wonderful energy. I immensely appreciated and enjoyed every moment I was here and am so excited to spend another week here with you.
Lots of Love
Nadia

My Withdrawal
Annapurna experience:
I stayed at the Annapurna for two weeks and did two gallbladder flushes. I'd been on Paxil for 7 years, originally put on it for postpartum depression after my 4th child. I tried several times to stop taking it but became very emotional and had some odd physical symptoms associated with it. Last year I learned that GSK, the company who makes Paxil, was being sued because they failed to notify doctors and patients about the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms. At that point I realized that the symptoms I had when I tried to stop the drug were not my depression returning but withdrawal symptoms. I withdrew from the drug 8 months ago. It was a very long hard ordeal, and I had many symptoms including physical, emotional and neurological. Even being off the drug for 8 months, I was still having many problems including fatigue, neurological symptoms, muscle aches, mood swings, and sleep problems. All the symptoms were severe enough to make everyday tasks very difficult. I've gone to numerous doctors and was told the Paxil did not cause this, however, my body was telling me different. Through the Paxilprogress.org website, I met a woman who came to the Annapurna with her son. Her son had also had a severe reaction to stopping the Paxil and a few weeks after receiving the gallbladder/liver flushes, was feeling much back to normal. Hence, I came here.
The first flush was very difficult as I released a lot of toxins. One night I woke up with severe shaking, which I'd had in the early Paxil withdrawal stages. Robin put me on the colonic table at 3:00 a.m. and the shaking stopped. It wasn't until after the second flush that I really noticed changes. In total I probably released around 100 or so stones. I plan to return home and do a 3rd flush.
My stay at the Annapurna was very relaxing. Although the gallbladder flush was more work than I had imagined, I am feeling the benefits. The organic food, which mostly consisted of soups and smoothies during the flushes, was made every day and delivered nutrients to enhance the healing process. Throughout the process, Robin provided information as to what was being done and why, and as a result, I know more about how to help my body continue to heal.
The people working here are absolutely wonderful. Ciela, the chef and hydrotherapist, made great food. She catered to the body, mind and spirit in a gentle and kind way. She was very patient during difficult moments and was available to answer questions or just to have a conversation with.
Sheila, who did all types of necessary tasks around the Annapurna, was very helpful and caring to guests as well. If you needed anything, she was happy to do it for you, whether it was doing laundry, finding the caster oil, or finding a place to rent a good video.
The Annapurna treats the whole person. I came here for treatments for symptoms, and left with tools to continue my way to healing.

Subject: love and white light health insurance
Dearest Robyn,
John and I can't thank you enough for the amazing healing which you helped us discover within ourselves. Of course we all are our inner "doctors," but with the amount of damage which our bodies carried we could not have found this path of health and personal harmony without your help.....we had tried.....with no luck.....and now we sure feel lucky to have you in our lives.
I truly feel better than I have felt since I was a young strong child and the world seemed so much simpler. The Annapurna helped me experience a miracle. Although deep in my heart I knew I had the potential for perfect health, I was so far from it that I thought it impossible......NOT ANY MORE!
I feel great....truly great and I thank you from the top of my heart.
In Peace and Love and Hope....
Moriah-Melin Whoolilurie

I wanted to write this testimonial for the Annapurna Center for Self Healing because I believe it will give hope to people suffering from similar conditions to mine.
I was diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities and fibromyalgia. For ten years I traveled great distances and spent a lot of money trying to get help. I've been to the Mayo Clinic, Virginia Mason Hospital, University of Washington Hospital and Oregon Health Sciences, all to no avail.
I am so grateful I heard about the Annapurna. I initially came for a colonic but I was open to the idea of a gall bladder flush when Robin mentioned it. I had read about these flushes before but I was reluctant to try it alone at home. Doing it at the Annapurna, where I would be monitored, seemed like a much better idea. I'm so glad I did it this way as I did encounter a problem with the flush. My body released so many stones (3 pounds!) that they created a wall of stones in my lower large intestine. Nothing could come through! Fortunately, Robin knew that doing a colonic would dislodge this wall of stones (no emergency room could have solved this problem.) I released so many stones that Robin said it was the equivalent of three gall bladder flushes and that I had to be releasing stones from my liver as well. It was truly amazing to watch all these stones go by in the clear plastic tube. It was like a meteor shower! After the gall bladder flush, I felt tremendous! I felt much stronger and my pain from fibromyalgia was greatly reduced. Before this flush, I could only sleep about three hours before waking up in pain. I now began to sleep for a blissful nine hours and wake up feeling well rested.
Previously, I was also having a lot of difficulty with my eyes. I was diagnosed with blephoritis (a chronic inflammation of the eyelids) and very dry eyes. Each night I put ointment on my eyelids but each morning my eyes would be stinging, dry and irritated. After the gall bladder flush, I now wake up and my eyes feel fine. I now have an adequate supply of tears and my eyes are fine throughout the day. I can even "tear up" occasionally now.
A great side benefit to doing the gall bladder flush was the people began to tell me I looked better. I think this is because the colonic hydrates your whole body. I previously had a "sunken eyed" look but now the area around my eyes looks hydrated and normal again. I also have a healthier color to my face.
I strongly believe that many of the illnesses people suffer from today are caused by the many chemicals and toxins in our environment. I've learned too that these toxins are stored in our body and impair its functioning. I firmly believe that the way to health is to flush these toxins (contained in the stones mentioned above) out so that the gall bladder, liver and intestines can function normally again. Then the body can heal itself!
Martha M.

Thank you Robin for all of your valuable information that you shared with me this week. After this week, and my prep week at home, I have a new appreciation for food and the role it has in my life. As a size 24, I never thought I could say this, but after this entire experience, I feel like I can have a healthy relationship with food. That belief is invaluable to me. My husband and I have been vegetarians for the last five years. He grew up in a military household as a third generation Marine. War was glorified in his home. I have witnessed his transformation to a peacemaker since giving up meat. I, too, have left the "fire" of my anger with the animal products. Raw foods was a new approach for me. (How sad that food in its natural state is "novel.") I learned different ways of cooking--oops, creating--that I know I will take home. I also learned to find my voice this week, both from the breathing class, and listening to my body's needs. Usually my body is so full of sugar, dairy, etc. that the wants of my body have been like a distant voice in a crowd. This week has brought me back "home" to my body. Thanks for everything!
Camille Urueta, LMP
Seattle, Washington

Finding the Annapurna Center for Self Healing was a blessing and an amazing resource. Robin, the proprietress, creates a healing environment that embraces the "one who is ready." I was ready. Thirty-six hours later, I was well rested, deeply cleansed and satiated by the delicious organic live foods. I was pampered in the marble mosaic steam room and detoxified in the far-infrared sauna. I have three words---thank you, Robin!
P.S. This is where healers heal.
Tracey P. Stover, Facilitator
Transformational Breathing

The Annapurna is a refuge of tranquility and inspiration of simple living, in tune with nature. The atmosphere is delightful, the food heavenly, and the massage, reflexology treatments deeply healing. I'm amazed by the persistent commitment to spreading the message of healing and having fun!
Judith Reichenberg-Ullman, M.D.
The Northwest Center for Homeopathic Medicine
Edmonds, Washington

Robin has had training in numerous healing techniques and is good at all of them. She really takes on a patient--I felt she carried me thru the whole experience-made excellent suggestions the way-made the healing results more profound.
Dr. Catherin Maxwell
Seattle, Washington

Robin's reflexology matches her colonic expertise, and I've had plenty of foot work. I highly recommend including it with the colonic protocol because I believe it encouraged better release. The Annapurna Center for Self Healing is a cocoon of healing and renewal. It heads the TOP OF THE LIST!
Lemoine Redford
Seattle, Washington

The attention to detail really sets The Annapurna apart; it provides a unique atmosphere dedicated to health and well-being.
Townsend Letter for Doctors

My stay here at Annapurna was nurturing, healing, informative, and I'm looking forward to returning for the gall bladder flush. The food and juices were absolutely delicious and so nourishing! The colonics were beyond my wildest dreams--Robin's intuitiveness, skills, patience, communication, respect and understanding facilitated most relaxing and thorough I've ever had. Thank you!

An excellent cleansing experience. The personal supervision and care far exceeded the experience I had at O.H.I.(several visits). As a result, the healing effects are profound here...The best detox experience I've ever had! I'll be back.

Thanks so much for everything. I appreciate your wisdom and knowledge. Thank you so much for all that you have shared with me. I learned so much about raw foods, the body, reflexology, breathing, water, the list goes on and on. I appreciate and thank you for holding space with the emphasis being on self-healing. I feel as though I have learned so much about the importance of colonics and gall bladder and liver flushes. Thank you for all of your time and effort.
Tavona Givens
Federal Way, Washington
March 2004

My stay at the Annapurna Center for Self Healing was undoubtedly the most healing experience of my life. Robin and Antares displayed the right balance of care, support, enthusiasm and professionalism. The facilities are state-of-the-art, yet the center retains an air of coziness. The live-food they prepare is infused with love, as is the whole place. After five colonics, a gall bladder flush and vara sar dhauti, I can truly say that my life (and digestion) has improved immeasurably. The programs offered at the Annapurna are worth more than their cost in dollars and cents: they make sense. The only way to achieve truly optimal health and healing is by thorough deep cleansing, detox and lifestyle adjustment. That is what these treatments and the educational materials and advice available at the Annapurna facilitate. Thank Annapurna Center for Self Healing!!! Go Kucinich!!!!!
Bruce Horowitz
Master raw food chef and owner-executive of Sun Kitchen; founder of Raw Source, LLC
January 2004

Coming to the Annapurna was like coming home--upon entering I was part of the family. A wise family who gently shared their wisdom and then respected me enough to allow me time to process it. All the services were deep-long and thorough. I had never had colon hydrotherapy before. Robin made me completely relaxed and immediately I felt the benefits flowing into me (excuse the pun).
I already know this will become my seasonal retreat for rest and rejuvenation. I take home lots of tips to bring healing into my life, and I know because of my stay here my life will be a healthier one.
Thank you, Robin, Judy and Claire--the food, environment, services and fun here have been a wonderful experience all around.
>Kathi Marin Bemm
Yoga Teacher
Snoqualmie, Washington
April 2003

I was a guest at the Annapurna Retreat Center the week of March 3, 2003. I went there for a week of relaxation and raw-food diet and chose the optional detoxification diet of predominately juices, smoothies and sorbets. I also chose to do the optional "gallbladder flush" in the second half of my week there.
I found my stay there healing and, indeed, detoxifying. The food was fabulous, the staff solicitous and the additional treatments (massage, colonics, sauna) were helpful in assisting my system to carry out the natural cleansing that occurs with a raw-food liquid diet.
The gallbladder flush was so simple (it involved drinking more lemon juice and olive oil than one would normally want), but it was profoundly healing. As you may recall, I got a severe headache for about a day, but my system did obviously release itself of toxins.
As you know, I have suffered from chronic health complaints for many years. After I visited your facility, my physicians told me that my health had improved "like night and day." I have felt full of energy and vitality ever since. I have recommended the Annapurna to many people I know and will continue to do so. I wish you the best of luck.
DF, Attorney
March 2003

We are very fortunate to have Robin Sharan with us today, doing the very real, essential and practical healing work and education that she does.
Robin truly devotes herself to the health of those who come to her sessions and retreats and is offering therapies and education which benefit folks long after they return home.
I discovered her Annapurna Center through a friend and came for some colonics with an eye towards a possible gall bladder flush. Whooooooee! The colonics alone are worth the price of admission. What a joy it is to watch years and years of accumulated and toxic buildup and parasites get washed out of your life for good. I decided to make changes in my travel plans and stay the full week and try the gall bladder flush. It was the best decision I've made in a long time. A person doing this therapy needs to have a certain amount of dedication, because the process can be a little uncomfortable and tiring as things get loosened up inside. I stuck with Robin, though, as she ushered me through the ins and outs of it rather like a mother hen. And what a success it was. We watched as stones, stones, stones and more stones traveled down the pipe and out. The actual release brought this dry eyed guy to tears as I realized the sorrow of having carried them for so long with all their harmful effects, and the joy of release and cleanliness inside.
It is a precious thing and already so beneficial even one day afterwards. This morning my eyes were bright and clean and well lubricated, with none of their usual puffiness, or dry, scratchy stinging feelings. Yay! And I'm so light and limber. Even yesterday right after the flush I was skipping and jumping like a frisky boy. My body is free of the stiffness and heaviness I've become accustomed to. In addition, semi-arthritic joint pains are gone.
I'm so thankful I did this flush, and plan to return to it as often as necessary to get every last toxic stone out of there. It's my prayer that more and more of use discover the benefits of this deep cleanse, and restore our gall bladders to the full functioning state they were designed for.
From what I understand, gall bladder removal surgery is the second most common of all surgeries, so chances are pretty good that nearly all of us have some troubles with our own gall bladder. I certainly did, despite six or seven years of intense health consciousness in diet. So why cut it out, or live with a clogged and barely functioning one, when in a week's time and with some kind and gentle therapy you can have a healthy one??
Hooray for Robin and her peaceful and pleasant home, gardens and spa in beautiful Port Townsend, Washington. I know I'll be returning.
Sincerely and Gratefully,
Dan Trail
Wrangell, Alaska
March 2003

Dear Robin,
I wanted to let you know that things have been going well since my visits to the Annapurna. Some of the many benefits noticed since enjoying your highly skilled and individualized attention include improved clarity of vision, relief from dry eyes, a more supple and flexible lower back region, more open and relaxed breathing, and greater energy level.
Experiencing your ability to restore the body to its natural, healthful state where self-healing is able to occur was invaluable. I have also incorporated excellent new dietary habits and greater self awareness into my daily routines as a result of my stay.
Best of luck to you and your team.
Sincerely,
Eric Mager
Oak Harbor, Washington
December 2003

Dear Robin,
I am writing to thank you for the rejuvenated health I have experienced from the therapies I received at The Annapurna Center for Self Healing.
Looking for relief from intestinal problems and hemorrhoids, I gingerly walked into the center. My first visit was to hear Dr. William Wolf talk on the value of Colonic Hydrotherapy. I felt comfortable talking with other people about topics that can be rather embarrassing. Everyone I met was very welcoming and caring.
Convinced that I should give it a try, I made appointments for three sessions of the cleansing therapy. After completing 3 visits, what I can say is "Wow! Why didn't I do that years ago?"
After the first session I began to see and feel the benefits right away. After the third session I felt like a new person. More energy. Lost weight. Better blood circulation and softer skin. And most importantly, improvement to my digestion and intestinal health with decreased obstruction and irritation of my hemorrhoids. The subsequent massage session and reflexology therapy increased the benefits of the cleansing even more.
From your holistic approach to health I was able to see the relationship between the processed foods I had been eating and the problems I came in with. Such dramatic improvement to my health in such as short time has motivated me to change my diet. Eat live foods. Drop the meat, dairy, sugar and wheat. I had followed a better diet 30 years ago, but I fell off the wagon. My visits to your center helped me to reawaken those more enlightened habits.
With a few simple cooking instructions and a stack of new books from the center, I headed off to the Food Co-op to start my Renewed Life. Now, one week since my first cleansing session, I can honestly say that I am a convert to your self healing program. I'll be back at the turn of each season to keep my new life humming. See you then.
Yours truly,
Dan Youra
Port Hadlock, Washington
Publisher of Ferry Travel Guide Magazine, Official Olympic Peninsula Guide Magazine, Ferry Travel Map, Olympic Gateway Visitor Map, Olympic Peninsula Map, Olympic National Park Map
December 2002

I want to thank you for encouraging my husband and me to do the two week "Life Foods" fast. Within the first three days on the fast our bodies started cleansing. The food was delicious and satisfying. We enjoyed learning and doing the yoga asanas you taught us.
We both feel better and more confident about our self care to prevent colds and flu in the future. I love the new feeling of soundness. Thanks for all your help and encouragement.
Cindy Parsons
January 2002

For anyone truly interested in their quality of life and excellent health, and in contributing this wonderful energy to the rest of the world, this is the place to be.
Robin, thank you so very much for these wonderful two days. I feel great and am excited that I now have a real sanctuary to return to for re-vitalization, re-awakening.
We could not have found a better place to regain our complete sense of our health, romance (our goal), and surprising companionship with you and your talented staff.
December 27-29, 2001 RETREAT TESTIMONIAL

Everyone benefits from living a healthy lifestyle! I especially enjoyed talking with Robin, sharing life experiences and plans for the future.
This weekend was wonderful for me! I realize now more than ever that I had the power to choose my path through this lifetime. The next step (the hardest step) is making a decision for change and setting my body in motion. I'll keep you posted Robin! Until next time, may your life be full of happiness and well-being.
December 22-24, 2001 RETREAT TESTIMONIAL

During the mid-1990s I was plagued with multiple health problems. I'd had full-blown asthma since 1994, high blood pressure (174/114), allergies and abnormal blood sugar levels. During my struggle with these conditions, I believed I ate fairly well and always exercised. I chose not to do conventional medical treatments for these challenges; I knew there had to be a better way.
A friend introduced me to the Living Foods Lifestyle. On March 18, 2000, I went to the Annapurna Retreat in Port Townsend, Washington, on a full-time quest. I stayed for a full week, and during that time I experienced many profound changes. After three days on the Lifestyle, my blood pressure went down to 117/77. Along with the program, I received three colonics and my weight dropped 23 pounds. After 90 days on the program, my weight went from 210 pounds to 150 pounds, where it has now stabilized. My asthma was completely gone in 90 days, and my allergies cleared up.
After leaving the retreat, I returned to Olympia, Washington, where I lived. I looked for a raw foods community for support, but I was unable to find one. Traveling on Easter holiday to Atlanta, Georgia, I was shocked and pleased to find an article written by Brenda Cobb in Aquarius magazine about the raw and Living Foods Lifestyle. They may have been Brenda's words, but they were my sentiments. After contacting her, I was soon enrolled in the program. After five days I knew I was here to help her spread the word, and I'm a part of the Center today.
The real test for me came in July 2001. I broke my femur in a serious fall, requiring extensive surgery and nearly two weeks' hospitalization. At the end of those two weeks, I left the hospital on crutches and resumed my teaching responsibilities at the Living Foods Institute.
Much to my doctors' surprise, by four weeks postoperative my break was nearly healed. Through this entire hospitalization and recovery, I remained 100 percent faithful to the program with Living Foods, colonics and enemas, massage and a positive attitude. I am convinced I owe my recovery to the dramatic changes I've embraced in my life.
I've been convinced for the last 20 years that all human misery is the result of ignorance, and nothing but knowledge will free us from this ignorance and its effects. The knowledge I am talking about is knowledge of self--especially the knowledge of what to feed oneself.
Reed Evans-Wright
March 2000