What Health Professionals say about TheAnnapurna Center For Self Healing

Annapurna is featured in this edition of The Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients
A Skeptic Ventures into the Mysteries of Self-Healing
by Betty Shafer R.N.

Although I consider myself open minded, when it comes to unconventional treatments I definitely have a “prove it to me” attitude. As a Registered Nurse, I know that I can easily access medical care and get a shot or pill or surgery to treat almost any ailment. And the concept of self-healing and the use of natural remedies, common to our grandparents and great-grandparents, are foreign to many of us today.

Alternative treatment methods are usually not researched by the medical or pharmaceutical companies: empirical data is rarely gathered. Pharmaceutical companies have a vested interest in marketing their patented pills, so they invest heavily in that kind of research instead. There’s just no money to be made in methods they cannot patent.

So what if the pill or shot or surgery of conventional Western medicine doesn’t work? This was my dilemma when I was led to Robin Sharan and the Annapurna Center for Self-Healing in Port Townsend, Washington.

I met Robin when I was visiting friends in Port Townsend. As we spoke, she asked if I had been having any medical problems. I knew my face was drawn, there were dark circles under my eyes, and I think that I looked as exhausted as I felt. I told her about stomach pain, bloating, and the protruding stomach that was so bad I couldn’t fit into my clothes, heartburn, belching, and nausea. I mentioned difficulty breathing, especially on exertion, chronic back pain, an 18 pound weight gain the past 2 years, and constant fatigue.

“It’s gallbladder and liver stones,” she said. Well, my gallbladder came out two years ago, I replied.

“Your liver,” she said, “it’s all the same. The stones come from the same place. Our diet today is terrible, full of sugar and animal fat, and the food we eat is contaminated by pesticides, antibiotics, and poor soil. Add to that, the stress of daily life, and you have a toxic liver full of stones. The liver gets congested and cannot do its job of cleansing the toxins from the body. Have you been under a lot of stress the last 6 months?”

I didn’t really think so. I did have gallbladder surgery two years ago, which can cause stress and disruption of normal digestion. I realized that I hadn’t felt “back to normal” since the surgery even though it had cured the intense pain of a gallbladder attack My job as an emergency nurse could be considered stressful at times, but I had done this for 20 years. A year and a half ago I moved from Los Angeles to the small mountain town of Packwood, Washington, moving close to a son and daughter in law but leaving behind two of my grown children, grandchildren, and many friends. But still, nothing unusual I thought.

Robin then asked, “Don’t you consider the pain and shortness of breath you have to be stressful?” I had to admit that it was.

But I consider my diet to be pretty good. I buy organic when I can, I don’t eat meat, but do eat fish occasionally. I drink lots of water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Sure, there’s a bag of potato chips or a brownie occasionally but not too often. I do have a weakness for coffee, but don’t drink sodas or concentrated fruit juices.

Robin showed me the anatomy of stone formation in the liver from a book, “The Amazing Liver Cleanse” by Andreas Moritz (available at 1st Books.com or any book store). She described how the stones are formed in the liver and gallbladder, referring to medical anatomy posters.

Perhaps “stones” are not the best way to describe these soft round bits of mostly cholesterol and bile that gather in the liver. They are encased in a harder shell, thus difficult to pass under normal circumstances. They drop into the gallbladder (when there is one) and eventually become the hardened stones the surgeon removes when they become painful. It seems that almost everyone has stones. The purpose of the liver/gallbladder is to take the pressure off the heart, the lungs, the liver, the eyes, the tissues and the joints of the body. The cleansing that is done at The Annapurna, and other healing centers, is to remove these “stones” in a natural manner, before they require the surgeon’s scalpel.

This I didn’t learn in my medical training, but gallbladder/liver cleansing is part of Aryurvedic medicine, an ancient Eastern Indian discipline which has been around millenia before modern Western medicine. It has also been part of every ancient culture. But it was difficult for me to accept, so I drove home to Packwood intending to see my physician for more testing. I had already had blood testing, chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, and an abdominal cat scan. Soft liver stones do not show up on imaging until the liver is inundated with stones, then the patient is told by his doctor that he has a “fatty liver” and that nothing can be done.

All my tests were negative, except the pulmonary function test which showed only 70% function. Also, I had learned that part of the treatment at Annapurna was colonics (the washing out of the large intestine and the hydration of the entire body), something I have never done and have always resisted as unnecessary.

At home, my symptoms increased, so I went to Robin’s web site, (theannapurna.com) seeking answers. I read about this amazing woman who has practiced reflexology for 28 years, is expert at healing massage, yoga, hands on healing, meditation, and cranio-sacral therapy, as well as various deep cleansing techniques; colon hydrotherapy and liver/gallbladder flushes. She also studied live food preparation in Jamaica, Israel, West Palm Beach and Puerto Rico.

She seems totally dedicated to helping people heal themselves through a raw food diet and self healing treatments. I read testimonials from her clients, many of which were written on their professional stationery. There were doctors, attorneys, business people, women up to age 82, and people from all walks of life represented. She later told me her dream is that everyone, regardless of ability to pay, would have access to this care, but the reality today is that she has a mortgage to pay so must charge for it. Prices are more than reasonable, compared to similar centers.

Meantime, my abdominal pain was becoming intolerable. It seemed that I had no other answer so I called Robin and arranged to return to Port Townsend that same day. I was still skeptical that colonics and a liver flush would help me but felt desperate enough to try anything.

The Annapurna Center for Self Healing is located in a beautiful old Victorian house in the heart of Port Townsend, Washington. The name ‘Annapurna’ comes from Sanskrit, “Goddess of Plenitude Full of Real Nutritional Healing.” It is also the name of a mountain range in the Himalayas that is said to be the home and support of the gods.

Day One: When I walked through the garden and into the front door, after removing my shoes, I was struck by the homey feeling of the house: the parlor with Victorian furniture, a large bookshelf, a fireplace and the resident cat, Sophina (goddess of wisdom) curled contentedly on a chair.

I was greeted by Ciela, one of Robin’s assistants, who exuded the same health and beauty and energy as Robin and her other assistants that I would meet later. She showed me to the Rose Room where I would stay the next 5 days. The Rose Room, as well as all the other rooms, was beautifully decorated in dried flowers, lace curtains, and a brass bed with rose patterned spread, antique carved armoire, a lounge by the bay window, live plants, and antique rocking chair.

Ciela fixed me some blended soup and a delicious smoothie and chatted for awhile. The next 4 days, she said, would be preparation for the cleansing, and I would be eating only blended raw foods. I was surprised to find my hunger totally satisfied with a small amount of food, for I was ravenous when I sat down to eat. It’s because it’s concentrated nutrition, and the fact that it’s easily digested when it’s blended, Ciela tells me. I had no hunger pangs during the stay and ate very little. I was then introduced to two other women who were staying at the Inn: Grace, who was due for a gallbladder cleanse the day before me, and Mary, who was nearing the end of her three day stay of raw food diet and colonics.

Soon Robin appeared and gave me a quick rundown on the process and some handouts explaining the gallbladder/liver cleanse. In addition to a raw food blended diet, I would also take 3 tablespoons of organic raw vinegar in apple juice 3 times a day, and retire at night with a flannel pack of castor oil and a hot water bottle over my liver, to soften the “stones”. I would have a colonic for the first three days of the flush, and could use the Turkish steam bath whenever I wished. The Far Infrared Sauna could not be used until I had completed the cleanse. This sauna is said to purify the body on a cellular level through Quantum Wave technology. Benefits include the elimination of toxins, pain relief, improved immune system, weight reduction, and improved skin. I’m looking forward to this one.

Robin made it clear that she was not here to heal me, that I would be healing myself with her support. The day of the cleanse there would be a water enema followed by a coffee enema to dilate the bile ducts and allow passage of the biliary plugs (stones). Then I would drink lemon juice and olive oil. All this turned out to be much easier than it sounds.

Reading through “The Amazing Liver Cleanse” by Andreas Moritz, I learned that I could expect a return to good health through liver cleansing as it allows the body to return to a condition of homeostasis. When the liver, which is the main factory and detoxification center of the body, becomes congested with gallstones, disease is a likely outcome.

But for now, on the first day, there would be a reflexology and evaluation time, then a colonic. I found the reflexology treatment relaxing. It seems there are points on the foot that can be massaged to treat nausea and pain, and points on the feet and hands that can reveal problem areas. Reflexology also increases circulation, nerve supply and relaxation. Research has shown it to be especially helpful for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

My first colonic was not relaxing. It seemed to increase the discomfort in my abdomen at first. Robin talked me through it and helped me to relax, explaining that the discomfort meant that toxins were being eliminated. Eventually the discomfort went away. Robin also explained that in Chinese medicine, the liver and gallbladder are considered to be the repository for anger, and that disease may be either the cause or the result of frustration and repressed anger.

During the treatment, I asked how colonics could help my breathing difficulty. I had spent more than 20 years doing weight lifting, aerobics, hiking, and strenuous work. In fact, at 72, I considered myself very healthy, and shortness of breath was cramping my life style. Robin explained that both the colon and the lungs are governed by the adrenal glands, so one can affect the other. Also, Moritz says that congestion in the liver deprives the lymph system of clean oxygenated blood, thus causing shortness of breath. He shows how most diseases are actually caused by a liver congested by stones, because it fails to adequately cleanse the blood.

My first day ended at 10 PM (lights out, we needed rest for this process) when I retired with a flannel castor oil pack held in place with plastic wrap, and topped with a hot water bottle. I slept well.

Day Two: We started the morning with a brisk walk to the waterfront. Grace, Mary and I struggled to keep up with Robin and Connie. Connie is Robin’s live-in assistant and helps with massage, yoga classes, food preparation, errands, and it seems, anything else that needs to be done. I was winded as we climbed a hill, and Robin came to my side and massaged a place on my hand, which quickly relieved the lack of air I was feeling.

Connie fixed a refreshing cup of sweet almond milk for us when we returned. It was then I learned that this cleansing would be the first of three or four, that usually one would not be enough, especially when there were severe symptoms like mine. So the hope of a quick fix was dashed. I made a mental note that I may not return for another. Still, I was encouraged with less bloating and less pain in the stomach. I thought of my withdrawal from coffee: the only coffee I would get here would be in the form of an enema on the fourth day. As a 4-6 cup a day coffee drinker, I knew that I could have a headache from withdrawal, even though I had not had a headache for more than 30 years. I was pleased when that headache never appeared, and I didn’t miss the coffee at all. But I will admit to a trip through a drive-in coffee house on my way back to Packwood 5 days later.

The second colonic was easier, possibly because I was more familiar with the routine and more cleaned out. The tube is self inserted with the help of lots of coconut oil and castor oil, and I’m well covered by a towel while the warm water is inserted, then, from my own peristalsis drawn out by a large clear plastic tube. I could see for myself the large amounts of debris and mucous coming out. During the hour Robin explained that we need to, “cleanse the liver so it can De-liver the nutrients the body needs. The liver is an alchemist that takes the detritus from the blood and turns it into a digestive juice.”

Robin is everywhere, teaching, instructing her helpers, Silvie, Connie, and Ciela, doing colonics, fixing take home foods for the doctor who is doing the cleanse on her own at home, massages, yoga class, writing shopping lists, and working at the computer. She stops to do a cranio-sacral treatment for Mary who has developed a headache. Cranio-sacral therapy facilitates the movement of cerebro-spinal fluid and brings relief from headaches, back pain, otitis media, head trauma injuries, and emotional stress.

Then she sends Connie to the Co-op to buy more organic foods, throws ingredients into the ever-running Vita Mix, stopping to hug a volunteer who is doing yard work in exchange for a colonic. Later, as Grace, Robin and I sat and talked for a few minutes in the parlor, Sophina jumped onto Robin’s lap, and she commented that she hadn’t done that for a long time. Grace and I in unison said, “how could she, you never sit down”, which brought a laugh from us all.

I’m pretty much pain free now, but still tired and bloated. Rings don’t fit and my legs feel like I’m walking through mud up to my waist. But I force myself to attend the yoga session, I really need the flexibility. After some soup, Robin fixes our castor oil pack and hot water bottle and we all say goodnight at 10 PM.

Day Three. It stormed last night. I awoke once to the sound of rain and wind, but went back to sleep. I get up, have some Electrolyte Lemonade, and go for my third colonic. It’s easier now; I don’t really mind it, though I still can’t seem to do the whole hour. Robin massages my stomach to encourage drainage. Today there’s a lot of mucous coming out in the tube.

Back in my room, I notice the bloating has gone down and my stomach is not sore. My legs aren’t puffy and they’ve lost that heavy feeling. I can wear my rings. My breathing is easy, and Grace comments on how clear my eyes and skin look compared to when I arrived. But I am exhausted. I lie in the lounge most of the day, reading books from the extensive library. Robin says, it’s okay, detoxifying is hard work. I won’t say it’s hard, but it isn’t easy, either. My mind feels foggy: it’s hard to concentrate.

I leave my room to take supper with the others, including a young couple traveling from Santa Monica, California. Mary has gone home, so Connie, Robin, Grace, me and the young couple sit at the table and chat over a large vegetable salad and cilantro soup. The couple stopped for the night because of the raw food diet and the use of the Turkish steam bath and sauna. They rave about the food, comparing it favorably to other gourmet raw food restaurants where they have eaten, including one where the meals cost up to $150. Grace and I have blended soup and are allowed only a few bites of salad. No matter, I’m not at all hungry.

Before the nightly pack, Robin gives me another reflexology treatment and tops it off with some cranio-sacral massage, then brings me a warm ginger tea. Sophina takes up her nightly watch on my lounge by the window, and I sleep really well until morning.

Day Four. This is the big day. Grace had her cleansing yesterday afternoon and is now drinking a gallon of water, salted to the taste of tears, to have the same osmotic pressure of blood so that the water passes through the alimentary canal. We all do four specified asanas (yoga postures) to move the stones that are in the small intestine out. She’s passed some stones during the night, and feels a bit nauseated and her stomach is rumbling. Soon she gets up and goes to her bathroom where she passes more stones.

I, the skeptic, ask, “how do we know these are stones?” Robin says, they float, because of their cholesterol content, and are mostly green and tan. Connie says she took one once and tried to open it. It was rather hard on the outside with mucous around it. How do we know it isn’t olive oil and lemon, I ask. I’m told, olive oil is sometimes seen, but it’s a bright iridescent green as opposed to the dull greenish brown of the stones. I decide I’ll save some of mine to analyze.

I feel much better today, still a bit exhausted though. My mind is clear and sharp. My stomach doesn’t hurt and I’m breathing easy. I gather more books from the library shelves and lie down again.

Later, Grace has gone home, Robin is preparing for a guest, an oncologist and his wife, due to arrive that evening. I’m rested and restless, so go for a walk to test my breathing on the same hill I tried the first day I arrived. That day, I had to stop half way up and was short of breath almost all of the way. Today I’m able to do the hill without stopping and am only slightly winded. Great; now I’m looking forward to the cleanse to see if my health will improve even more.

I realize now that I’ve been without my maintenance dose of Acyclovir (an anti-viral medication) for more than five days. I’ve taken Acyclovir for more than 20 years since the first big outbreak of herpes on my lower back, and normally if a miss a day or two, I’ll have an immediate outbreak. That outbreak has not happened. Later, Robin explains that 80% of immune function tissue is in the lower bowel. I can’t prove it, but it seems that the colon hydration helped my system suppress the virus.

It’s 3:30 PM, and I’ve completed the coffee enema. At 4:15 I drink lemon juice and olive oil (not nearly as bad as it sounds) and Robin fixes a castor oil pack and hot water bottle, then sends me to bed to lie on my right side for the rest of the evening and night. Soon some nausea hits. Robin initiates some reflexology and brings me warm ginger tea, and the nausea is gone in a half hour. I sleep through the night.

Day Five: In the morning I was joined by the doctor who had taken her lemon juice and olive oil at home. Robin had encouraged her to stay at Annapurna the night before so she could support her, but she wanted to stay at home since she lived in Port Townsend. She said that she experienced nausea all night, and had not slept much at all. Robin points out that this is why it is important to be guided and to be at The Center where she is available for support. It certainly made my cleansing much more comfortable when the reflexology relieved my nausea.

The doctor had brought a jar with about 10 stones in it which she had passed during the night. (She still has her gallbladder.) She joined me in the salt water drinking and we did asanas together on the living room floor with Robin leading us. Soon we were both making runs to our respective bathrooms and passing more stones.

A fourth colonic followed where more stones and mucous appeared in the clear tube, including a large one that Robin saved and gave to me in a plastic bag.

I showered and, feeling great and full of energy, went for a walk. I had some lunch, then packed, gave Sophina a last pet, hugged Robin and the others, and headed home. I felt so good that I forgot all about the Far Infrared Sauna that I had been looking forward to. My stomach was not bloated, I had no pain, I had energy that I hadn’t felt for a very long time, and didn’t have any shortness of breath as I carried my bags to the car. Later, at home, I weighed and saw that I had lost five pounds. On the way home, I munched on the “care package” Robin had packed; a large bunch of huge purple grapes (eat the seeds, she said, they’re full of antioxidants), cilantro soup, dehydrated tomatoes with pesto, and flax seed crackers, all very tasty.

The “stone” that Robin retrieved for me was about ¾ inch and I observed it to be solid but pliable. As it deteriorated, it showed itself to have a soft fatty substance and oozed a thin green substance that appeared to be bile. I noticed that it was not stool. While I cannot say for sure what it was, it obviously wasn’t a product of the colon. Where else but the liver, then?

The important thing is this: three weeks later, I’m still pain free; experiencing no bloating or heartburn, have plenty of energy and enough breath to be comfortable though it still hasn’t been tested on a hike. My clothes are fitting better, there’s no swelling of the hands or lower legs, and the lost weight has stayed off. I have not gone back on Acyclovir and still have not had an outbreak of herpes on my lower back.

It’s said that personal experience is the most credible teacher, and if this is true, I have learned. The skeptic has become a believer. That doesn’t mean that there’s no more questions and that there’s not a lot more to learn, but it does mean that even if the results are “psychological” as my medical doctor says, well then, this mentally stable, level headed, logical, grounded, educated, experienced nurse says hooray, who cares, it works and I’m better.

I’ll join the millions of people who have experienced benefits in the past from cleansing and a nurturing diet, and everyone else can do what they want. As for me, I’ll surely return to Annapurna.

For those who want to know more, call The Annapurna Center for Self Healing for a brochure or consultation. The staff is more than willing to answer any of your questions, without obligation. If you would like to follow my progress, email me at bettyshafer@lewiscounty.com. Here’s to your good health!

Annapurna Center for Self Healing
538 Adams Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-385-2909 or
800-868-ANNA
www.theannapurna.com

Lifefood Recipe Book
by Annie Padden Jubb
David Jubb, PH.D.

The Amazing Liver Cleanse
by Andreas Moritz

Detoxify or Die
by Sherry Rogers, M. D.

Angel Foods, Healthy Recipes for Heavenly Bodies
by Cherie Soria

October 13, 2004
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 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 made it pleasant, so it is not as bad as having an enema. However, the cleansing effect was indescribably mind and body lifting.
The food, even the liquid ones were delicious, and the solid food today, I can learn to eat forever.
Thank you Robin and all your staff. I feel great but know I have many other body problems to treat and I will soon return. With more time—I can say or write more.

MH

Floating Ghosts and Rolling Stones
Written by Rob Lowell, M.D.

He awoke aware of that ringing in his ears again. After recently reading a book on natural health and spontaneous healing, this man immediately felt the need to cleanse, to wash. It needed to be something radical, something to reach really deep. Although his mind is open to newer things, he had no idea that the day ahead would offer a profound answer to his need.

On the northeast shore of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula lies Port Townsend. A place where floors creak, doors squeak and the people are meek. The ferry’s announcing horn can be heard throughout the town. The channel buoy’s random bell may softly announce a passing boater. A two-block walk from the weekly farmer’s market is Adams Street. Number 538 is the subtle presence of The Annapurna Center for Self-Healing (ACSH). A garden yard frames, almost dwarfs, the single story house escutcheoned by a ten foot dancing fish. A modest paper sign on the glass front door reads “please remove shoes before entering”.

Inside, the atmosphere is like a B & B turned local. The themed bedrooms, a woodstove living room and library, adjacent dining room and bountiful kitchen complete a space with lovely energy. The garage, remodeled into a spa with massage, steam, sauna and hydrotherapy rooms, has sidelined the Subaru to the street.

Intuition led him to experience his first colonic. Sunny blue sky shone through the skylight. Hanging plants and Native American flute music were comforting. He could smell a hint of mint, coconut. The space heater on his feet and legs buffeted fears of this new place.
Warm filtered water softly entered his rear through a gently self-introduced tube. In cycles, water was passed in and out over an hour. He recognized the familiar appearance of his waste leaving through the clear tube but there was no smell or cold commode seat. One hour later he felt incredibly energetic. Enthralled! Excited!

Robin, the ACSH owner, experienced therapist and enlightened woman could be the world’s greatest mother or, dare I say, grandmother. She loves playing Scrabble; without keeping score. She, along with two other staff, love to prepare and share live, organic whole foods that delight all the senses. Such food is rich in life-restoring enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, naturally balanced fats, carbohydrates and proteins. No, there is no soda fountain, no ice cream, no roast beef, mashed potatoes or pepperoni pizza. Nope, no beer, no wine. And only the olive from the martini is available. There are fruit smoothies, virgin daiquiris if you will. There are cookies and crackers not from the oven but from the dehydrator. Milk made from nuts and creamy ice non-cream are great fill-ins for health-challenging dairy products. Then there is Sofina. She is the feline house warmer. She is attentive, affectionate, enigmatic or ephemeral depending on the ambient energy. What else is a cat?

The freshness of a September morning awoke my friend from a restful sleep. Sofina is at the bed’s edge, emanating warmth, protection, acceptance, love. Residual hidden sadness over his father’s death ten years ago and an intense yearning for complete health had tearfully emerged after his first colonic treatment the day before. Sad feelings dissolved rapidly yielding to a subsequent lightness and serenity just as candlelight dissipates darkness. And he knew a deeper sense of release. Three days later after as many colonics, a mostly pureed diet and nightly warm packs over the liver, my friend drank pure, organic juiced lemon and olive oil and bedded down early. By morning he could sense a gut full of dis-ease waiting to be discharged. Ingesting a Celtic salt solution and performing simple yoga postures produced nothing short of miraculous results for him. He noted tremendous relief from the gut feeling while passing over fifty bile-colored stones and lumps along with foul smelling stool. Clumps of dark green thick stringy material resembling overly cooked spinach emerged. Although he could not completely understand where all this stuff had been, this man felt an intuitive shift in his life energy. He sensed some renewal of youthful vigor. He is confident that what he is experiencing is so right. So vital.

The ACSH program seems aptly named. Perhaps one could also add “Assisted” to Self Healing. Or also refer to it as spontaneous spiritual healing. It is so much more than the physical location, the food or the personalities. It is about believing and receiving the innate power and energy that exists in the universe. It is about knowing and trusting in the purity of Nature, Earth and Heaven. The ACSH is clearly a unique place among a myriad of paths where one may begin or continue their path of cleansing, healing from any illness.

My friend stayed for a second cycle. He witnessed an even more fantastic voyage. More release, more vigor, less heaviness. Years of toxic emotions, ingested drugs, environmental pollutants absorbed by impure food, water, air, vibrations, cosmetics and clothing somehow was congealing into these spinach-looking strands, rubbery green stones and tissue-paper floating clouds of mucus moving out. At the completion of his second round, my friend was exhausted. A few hours of rest delivered him into a feeling of incredible inner glow and peace. It was as if a candle was re-lit that had been choked out from long ago. A freshness settled in perhaps similar to how fall air feels to the lungs after a humid, hot summer; a freshness like the taste of a peppermint patty, or the sight of a newly cut floral bouquet, or a lazy palm-bordered oasis to a weary desert nomad.

How do I know so much about my friend’s experience? About his feelings ? About his thoughts in so much detail? How do I know about Port Townsend, The Annapurna Center for Self Healing? Because I am my friend. Because being friendly to myself is allowing me to grow through past toxins and into more true serenity. It is how healthier things are coming without me trying so hard.

And so with a slower step, clearer vision and renewed spirit, I prepared to leave. I am struck at how little indigestion, burping and stinky gas there is now. Impressed how cravings for coffee, cheeseburgers, chocolate and pastries are gone. GONE! I am impressed at how much my body craves organic food, clothes, simplicity and a massage. And as for ice cream and veggie pizza, well, I’ll have to continue this work in progress.

A Phamacist's View of The Annapurna Program

I read with great interest an article in the May issue of the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients by Betty Shafer RN., who described her personal visit to Annapurna Center for Self Healing. I found this article intriguing because it shed some light onto the present situation I was in. But I waited 2 weeks or so after contemplating what I read before I called Director Robin Sharan at Annapurna Center.

As a Pharmacist for 10 years now I’ve always had a liking for alternative routes towards better health, in addition to conventional ways of thinking. I’ve taken vitamin supplements, drank plenty of water, exercised, ate organic fruits and vegetables, chicken, and fish, and taken good essential fatty acids to support a healthy lifestyle. But for the last 5 years this healthy way of living wasn’t providing me with the energy that I needed to make it through my busy life. I knew it was time to look to other avenues towards better health.

I listed my symptoms for Robin: sinus troubles and nasal congestion, some ear fullness and ear pain, jaw and neck tightness, low and middle back pain and tightness, stomach bloating, swelling feet with itchy, dry rash, after-meal fatigue and nausea, weight loss problems, facial acne, and moodiness. I also noted that I was on Accutane for persistent acne and still experiencing breakouts at the age of 35. I’ve tried many methods of natural healing so far, including acupuncture, low force chiropractic work, enzymatic therapy, deep tissue massage, and whole food supplements. I still do some of these things today with good results. However, they weren’t the magic bullet that I was looking for.

I was determined I would not resort to taking medications prescribed by my doctor for any ailment, not just yet anyway. Not only do I consider myself too young, being I’m in my mid-30’s, but I didn’t want to be dependent on any drug for any condition I could have handled on my own. I wanted a more natural way to feel better with more productive, long lasting and dependable results. I wasn’t interested in becoming like the many people I come in contact with every day who get prescriptions for drugs that they have no idea why they are prescribed.

I never gave up on the belief that there was something else out there for me. I discovered colon hydrotherapy and liver/gallbladder flushes as an option and later a great benefit. I found out about these detoxifying techniques from Robin.
She seemed to understand and attributed my ailments to poor food choices, particularly dairy and meat. After reviewing my symptoms she seemed convinced that the Annapurna Center would help me achieve a happier and healthier lifestyle. I felt interested in the program from what I learned so I scheduled some time off from work to try it.

I prepared for my cleansing experience by browsing through her web site, theannapurna.com. I read that Robin prepared only live organic vegan food at the Annapurna Center and practiced cranio-sacral therapy, reflexology, deep tissue massage and yoga, as well as colon hydrotherapy and liver/gallbladder cleanses. In addition the usage of a Turkish bath and a Far Infrared sauna would also be included in this 5 day detoxification retreat. I then learned more about the actual process of cleansing.
The Annapurna process includes softening the gallstones and biliary plugs with the apple cider vinegar and castor oil pack daily, and colonics. Then the bile ducts are widened with coffee enemas. Stones and other debris are then released with the consumption of olive oil and lemon juice into the small intestine. Then the remaining cleansing with the Aryuvedic method called vari sar dhanti where you drink salted water that has the same osmotic pressure as your body’s fluids. The stones will move out through the body. The last process also will clean out any remaining toxins, debris, or mucous left in your colon.
Colon hydrotherapy is considered a very important part of this detoxification technique because the colon, as we know it, fine tunes the absorption of salt and water in our body. Parasites can make their way down the GI tract to settle into the colon. The colon consists of 80% of one’s immune function tissue. Good colon health is important, so as to avoid Irritable Bowel Disease.

The colon irrigation process used at the Annapurna Center is very efficiently done. The client inserts the speculum rectally and the administration of filtered, near body temperature water enters the colon through one tube for hydration and leaves it as waste product through another tube, for a one hour session. One treatment can make one feel lighter, breathe easier, think clearer, feel less bloated, and feel more relaxed. Three treatments will prepare you for the gallbladder/liver flush to detoxify efficiently.

The gallbladder is connected to the liver by the cystic bile duct. Some bile is stored in the gallbladder and used by the body as needed for fat digestion. Some cholesterol crystallizes and combines with the bile to form gallstones that reside in the gallbladder. Cholesterol gallstones are usually yellow, green, tan, or brown. They are usually round and range from 1 mm to 3-4 cm and are 50-100% cholesterol by weight. Interestingly, only 15% of gallstones show up on X-ray. By age 75, 20% of men and 35% of women will have gallstones. Nearly everyone has some gallstones. Eating processed foods seems to be a major culprit in their formation.

The liver is seated directly above the gallbladder and is the largest gland in the body. It has a large variety of functions. Primarily it is the blood’s filtering system. It often becomes congested, however, along with the gallbladder, when the biliary ducts are plugged and gallstones are formed. Drugs, environmental toxins, such as pesticides and synthetic hormones, and poor dietary habits can negatively affect the liver’s health and slow it down. The liver also produces and secretes bile, and regulates blood sugar levels, protein and fat metabolism, and blood clotting. It also metabolizes drugs and toxins. Many drugs undergo the liver, cytochrome P450, enzyme system to be processed through reduction, oxidation, conjugation, and other reactions. If the liver isn’t in a healthy state, many toxins remain in the body and get deposited into the fatty tissue. These substances cause cells to begin degeneration and the aging process is encouraged. Keeping the liver working efficiently enables the liver to keep tissues and cells oxygenated, remove waste products efficiently and produce digestive enzymes and hormones needed by the body. This is the goal of the gallbladder/liver cleanse. The cleanse is enabled by eating raw enzyme rich food, drinking filtered water, and breathing cleaner fresher air.
The time had come to begin the cleansing program. I prepared a few days before my arrival by eating raw, steamed or baked vegetable, soups and cultured foods like soy yogurt and unpasteurized sauerkraut. I also ate fruits separate from other foods. I drank 2 liters of water a day which I would continue doing throughout my stay. I refrained from coffee and alcohol during this time in order for the cleansing process to run smoothly.

I drove 50 miles from Seattle airport and took a half hour ferry ride. Port Townsend is a beautiful picturesque seaport with plenty to do and see during your stay. I found walking an enjoyable pastime while there.
After arriving my day began with a presentation of the program with Robin and the other clients. We went over the functions of the liver and gallbladder and the techniques needed to keep them functioning properly. I then met Robin’s assistants, Connie and Helma. Both seemed very helpful yet busy, preparing all the delicious foods we would be having the next 5 days. The food consisted of blended soups, such as cilantro and avocado-yam soup, Brazilian nut or almond milk, smoothies, and electrolyte lemonade made with either lemons or a variation with organic strawberries. I was then shown to my room which was Victorian style and very cozy.

I had my first colonic that day. I found it to be somewhat uncomfortable, bile and mucous were eliminated from my colon. I spent some time in the steam room which I was told to use as much as possible. I then prepared for bed by drinking my apple cider vinegar and preparing a castor oil pack to be placed over my liver with a hot water bottle over that. The warm castor oil pack helped me sleep well which was unusual since I had pain still from an oral surgery procedure done three weeks prior.
The second day I awoke feeling hungry. I removed my castor oil pack and showered, I did a yoga session at 8:00 AM. It felt wonderful to stretch and loosen my muscles. I noticed my back wasn’t as tense as the day before and I felt lighter. I looked through some raw food recipes which all seemed very delicious. Helma later gave me a very relaxing and thorough reflexology session that almost put me to sleep.

My second colonic session seemed to produce more toxins than the first. Much more bile and mucous, possibly even parasites came out than my first colonic. Robin explained that the liver is the center for physical toxicity as well as emotions such as anger. Cleansing the liver and gallbladder can help one make clearer decisions and solver problems more easily.
I did my first coffee enema which could help dilate my bile ducts to help eliminate toxins. I then watched the video “What the Bleep Do We Know” and noticed that there was a very interesting and educational selection of videos upstairs to enjoy anytime. I dressed and went to a traditional Eastern Indian sitar concert. Later I came home for some Brazil nut milk and prepared for bed.

I slept uneasily the second night. Apparently some fecal matter became stuck in my colon and caused me terrible pain in my left leg. Robin showed a chart created by a Dr. Bernard Jensen which cast a light on the connection between the hologram of the colon which refers sensation to other parts of the body, specifically to the left leg.
I took a yoga class to revive me. I started the morning with apple cider vinegar and later, electrolyte lemonade to help soften my stones and increase bile flow.
Again, with my third colonic I eliminated more bile, mucous, and parasites. My mood was much better and I felt lighter. My skin, although still broken out, appeared to be clearer.
For lunch I had cilantro soup with tomatoes and avocados. Surprisingly I haven’t been very hungry during my stay. All the food I’ve eaten seems to be sustaining me well and providing me all the nutrients I need. I haven’t had any cravings for coffee, green tea, or anything. I typically have a cup of coffee a day and some green tea in the afternoon. My digestion seemed to be doing well. I had no stomach pain or nausea.
I did another coffee enema and showered. I went for a walk with Robin and Connie and a woman chiropractor from Sausalito, California, who was also participating in the program. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. I knew it was just what I needed. I tried to walk every day during my stay. I took my third apple cider vinegar drink, waiting 30 minutes, and consumed 2 teaspoons of Colosan, a magnesium oxide laxative, followed with another glass of water with one juiced lemon. I prepared for bed.

On the fourth day I awoke for yoga at 8 AM and felt energized. Knowing I needed to have 4 bowel movements today, I had a psyllium pudding, made with psyllium, strawberries, almond milk, and coconut oil and Stevia, a natural herbal sweetener. Connie gave me a massage, which was very relaxing. I then had 2 teaspoons of Colosan in water followed by lemon water, and went for a walk.
Having returned from my walking I drank 1 ½ quarts of electrolyte lemonade. I went to the parlor area and began reading books from the large bookshelf in the parlor. At 3 PM I had 3 small bowel movements. By 5 PM I had my fourth bowel movement and did my water enema followed by a coffee enema.
At 5 PM I started the flush. I drank a cup of olive oil, alternating sips with 1 cup of lemon juice mixed with the powder of 8 Vitalzyme enzyme capsules.

I went to bed with my castor oil pack and ginger tea freshly made in a Vita Mix, and very tasty. Unfortunately I couldn’t sleep so I got up to drink water, but that made me extremely nauseated, so I made more ginger tea. I slept little.
The fifth day we started at 7 AM drinking 4 quarts of Celtic sea salt water. Joining me was the woman from Sausalito and a 79 year old Art Professor from the Netherlands. We did 4 yoga postures to facilitate the removal of stones. I enjoyed doing this procedure with others, as it was somewhat disturbing of a process. I had some indigestion from the oil I drank the night before. Fortunately I passed stones after drinking 1 liter. I felt better. I had a large amount of stones come out, mostly large ones, about three-fourths of an inch.

I received my last colonic. Many more stones came out, as well as debris, bile, and more mucous. It seemed difficult to get through this one hour session, but Robin coaxed me through it and massaged my stomach to increase drainage.
Today, lunch consisted of non-pureed foods: salads, pate, nut crackers, vegetables, and fruit pie. When I walked to the nearby Co-op store I felt less soreness in my joints, was more energetic, and breathed easier. I decided, even though my symptoms were better, I should stay for another 5 days cleansing, as Robin recommended. I ended the evening by seeing a movie with Helma in downtown Port Townsend and watched the sun set along the coast.
The first day of the second cleanse I noticed my gums were healing and actually pain free now. And my skin was considerably clearer. I think it’s because I hadn’t been eating dairy, gluten, or sugar. These things had to be something I was sensitive to in my diet. I had a hunch it was meat and possibly, corn. I also feel like I have more of a waist again and lost some weight.

I followed the same routine as in the first cleanse.
By the second day I was sleeping a full 8 hours and felt great. My ears felt clear and I seemed more in tune with my body. I had less muscle tension, back spasms, and my neck felt more fluid.
During the second colonic I had a lot of cramping this time, which corresponded to a lot of mucous coming out. Robin said that our emotions have a big impact on your body’s health. So we experienced me pounding my feet on the colonic table to release

some of my frustrations and tension. Talking during the colonic also helped.
She then made a wheat grass drink with a juice extractor. It had a strong yet sweet taste. Later I had a cranio-sacral treatment with Robin. It seemed to help lengthen my low back and release pressure in my neck and abs. I took a shower and watched a film on genetic engineering, “The Future of Food.” I went to sleep with my castor oil pack on my right side.
On the third day I had much more energy after my yoga session and enjoyed a strawberry-banana smoothie afterwards. I spent more time looking through books. So many interesting raw food books caught my eye. There were a few I wanted for myself. Some included “Living in the Raw” by Rose Lee Calabro; “12 Steps to Raw Foods” by Victoria Boutenk; ”Hooked on Raw” by Rhio, and “Eating for Beauty” by David Wolfe.

But by the fourth day, after the usual routine, I felt exhausted and bloated. And the fifth day, I was sorry I hadn’t made some ginger tea the night before. My stomach was quite upset. But after drinking the salted water I passed many more stones than before.. I was very surprised. My colonic was also rough and a lot more mucous was seen as well as stones. Robin said mucous sometimes was hard to come out because it gets stuck on the colon walls. I felt better soon with a cup of almond milk and coconut oil, a shower, and some rest.

I must say after 2 cleanses I feel the best I’ve ever felt. All the symptoms I had have been helped if not disappeared. Once you go through a flush like this and eliminate toxins and debris from your body it becomes easy to eat delicious raw foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouted seeds and nuts, and some fermented foods for proper digestion. Raw foods not only taste great but they are easier on the liver. I am much more content and happier with myself, physically and mentally.
The Annapurna Center for Self Healing is all about your good health and creating a simple lifestyle of conscious living. I want to thank everyone there for giving me the care and knowledge to achieve my goals.

Sabrina Stanziale, Registered Pharmacist