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TESTIMONIAL: Chronic Back Pain - My 10 day detoxification in November 2003 
I was feeling like a low energy slug, overweight and burdened with chronic back pain. I spent thousands of dollars on treatments and supplements which gave me partial and temporary relief over years of efforts. I fasted for 10 days with Maya's guidance, wisdom and care. My pain steadily decreased. I broke my fast on fresh juices and raw organic living foods. Both juices and raw foods are still the main stream of my diet and I love it! I feel so good that I have become a true believer in the power of living nutrition. My tastes have adjusted to enjoy raw simple foods more than other junk. I have more energy and enthusiasm for exercise and have kept my weight off. I am now 10 pounds lighter, pain free, happier in my body and brimming with vitality. I no longer have body odor and my vision has improved. I am so thankful to Maya for her care and expertise and I strongly recommend fasting with her as it will surely be a very powerful, insightful and rewarding experience for you too. Ari Vandershoot TESTIMONIAL: Infertility - Three week detoxification - Got pregnant, gave birth and now (2004) has a 1 year old child I have been diagnosed as possibly suffering from the Primary Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome (production of antibodies, anti-cardiolipins, that clot the blood) after two successive miscarriages late 2001. I consulted different specialists who could not offer me anything than anti-clotting medication whenever needed ranging from aspirin, to heparin and wasparin. As I did not want to resource to medication I turned to the alternative medicine as I wanted to find a way to reverse this autoimmune disorder and regain a normal immune system in order to lead a normal and healthy life. I got in touch with doctors more open to a natural approach. Listening to their advice, I changed my diet to an almost vegetarian diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (no diary, no vegetable oils, no animal protein, except for some salmon). I also started to think about fasting to help my body with a fresh start. Within those three months my weight dropped from around 53 kg to 50 kg (I measure around 1m66cm). After following this diet for three months, I traveled to a private fasting clinic in January 2002. 
Upon arrival at the clinic, I had a thorough medical examination conducted by Dr. Baylac: weight, height, blood pressure, previous medical history, etc. During that first check up, we decided upon the length of the fast and its starting date. As the anti-phospholipid syndrome is part of the family of auto-immune disorders, I was advised on a 21 days fast. The length of the fast was to depend on the ability of my body to cope with it over this three weeks period. I started the fast the very next day of my arrival at the clinic.After having followed an already very light diet for three months, the transition to fasting was easy. I developed none of the usual so common withdrawal symptoms of headaches, nausea, and general aches and pains usually experienced in the first five to seven days upon beginning of fasting. Every morning, my blood pressure and my temperature were checked and until these measurements were taken I was not allowed to get out of bed. I had to hand over a urine sample for further examinations. Dr. Baylac always took the time to assess my moral and discuss with me how I felt emotionally and physically which I found really important as it helped me throughout the fast to feel at peace with myself and supported. For the first couple of days, I still felt quite energetic even though my overall strength and stamina was changing: I noticed how I had to be slow in my movements because of the adjustments my body had to go through being deprived of food (especially light headedness when getting up or walking quickly). I had to learn to take more time to go about my daily routine (washing, dressing, etc.), and come to terms with the fact that the only sensitive thing to do was to rest most of the days! I had a bowel motion during the first couple of days after starting the fast, and then the bowel movement stopped. I started to rest more and more during the day even though I still carried on walking on a daily basis for around two hundred meters: at first twice a day and towards the end of the fast only once a day. The withdrawal from food, as such, did not bother me (I had decided not to eat voluntarily) even though I noticed an increased interest towards food and cooking as the fast went on, although I am not an obsessed food person (!). This attraction to food (smells, colors), very subtle at first, became stronger while nearing the end of the fast (I tended to watch all the cooking shows available on television with my other fellow fasters (!)). The most obvious consequence of a fast is of course the loss of weight. I did never really notice it as no head to toes mirrors were available at the clinic. It is through the weekly medical assessments that I saw my weight plummeting: it was the first week of the fast where I lost most kilograms, than the weight dwindled only slowly. On the 22nd day, when I stopped fasting, I weighted around 41kgs 300grs. Around the 12th day of the fast, I had some mucus in the throat for around four days in a row. This was not a very pleasant feeling but as I was told that it would subside in due time, I had no choice but to be patient! On the 14th day of the fast, my periods started. I have to admit that this is what struck me most while fasting. Used to quite a light monthly discharge, I did not expect such a heavy flow. I had been worn that while having ones' period during fasting the body will use that time to clean out the uterus (and as I had undergone two successive D&Cs after the miscarriages, it was to be expected). I had my periods for around five days instead of two to three at the most usually, followed by a week of spotting, although I had stopped the fast by then. On the 17th day, and I guess partially due to the length of my periods, I just broke down (…). By then, I suddenly could not take the sight and the taste of plain water any longer… I had enough of feeling weak and slow… In short, I started to have mixed feelings about the fast altogether! I wanted to carry on fasting but at the same time I just wished it to stop! Now! After a long discussion with Dr. Baylac on the long term benefits of carrying on until the 22nd day, on the fact that I had done so well so far, (etc.), we agreed upon the fact that I would be given a slice of lime that I could squeeze into my water whenever I felt like it! This was a real treat! And I have to admit that it enabled me to hold on until the 22nd day, day when I stopped fasting. For the following two weeks after the fast where I stayed at the clinic, I started with four days of fruits and vegetable juices before resuming an exclusive vegetarian diet with lots of fresh fruits and raw vegetables (no dairy, no oil). My bowel movements returned on the 5th day after having resumed drinking, as I still was only on juices then. To my surprise, my energy came back very quickly and I had to be careful not to overdo things. I started on an exercise program after resuming eating around the 5th day: one minute on a stationary bike before and after each meal that was increased to three minutes afterwards. I also resumed walking around the clinic on the 7th day. I felt full of life and energy, rejuvenated by the fast. When I left the clinic after five weeks (three weeks of fasting, two of "re-feeding"), I felt great even though my weight was only around 43kg!!! Looking back, I remember the fast as having been a great experience. I intend to fast again for a shorter period of time in around two years time. Being under such good care as I have been, I would recommend it to any person suffering from any ailment or disease that can be successfully treated through a fast. I have myself benefited greatly from the fast in many ways: even though my anti-bodies have not totally disappeared yet, their level is very low if not normal; I feel much better physically (my Yoga practice as greatly improved - especially my flexibility) and I am 7 months pregnant!. Looking back, I remember the fast as having been a great experience. I intend to fast again for a shorter period of time in around two years time. Being under such good care as I have been, I would recommend it to any person suffering from any ailment or disease that can be successfully treated through a fast. Christine |
TESTIMONIAL: Diabetes, MS, Raynaud's syndrome, Candida - fasting & healthy eatingFaith: Since 1989 I had been dealing with physical symptoms that sent me on a wild goose chase of MD's, acupuncturists, naturopaths, psychic healers, and specialized clinics. I was diagnosed with diabetes, MS, Raynaud's syndrome, Candida, heavy metal poisoning and silicone poisoning. Although, in some ways, having my condition labeled by these different medical experts gave me some hope and comfort, there were no treatments that really addressed the underlying problem. Many times I got close to giving up, but something deep inside me knew there was an answer, and to be truthful my heart and soul knew what that answer was all along. I just didn't want to face the fact that I needed to go on an extended water fast to get to the bottom of my disease. My patterns with food were strong. After meeting Dr. Baylac I realized there could be no more excuses not to do the fast. She was well trained, experienced, strong in her beliefs, and happened to be running a fasting clinic 3 minutes from my home in Hawaii. What I didn't know was that she would care for me like a sister as well as a patient, and that she would empower me to become my own best medicine. In my opinion, these two gifts that Maya gave me made all the difference in my capacity to heal. I have never been so loved and respected by a doctor. Also Maya's clarity and good nature actually made the ordeal fun. We laughed together and talked about life - not just bodies and illness. Maya was able to help me deeply because she got to know me deeply. It has been 3 months since I completed the fast and I am continuing a healthy eating regime, and basically have changed my entire relationship with food. I am more committed than ever to living in optimum health and well-being, and when I get a little slippery with myself, I think of Maya and happily get right back on track. She is a living example of self responsibility and honoring of the body temple - an inspiring person and doctor. I strongly recommend her clinic for anyone with any kind of ailment; physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. It's a great gift only you can give to yourself. (p.s. approximately 70% of my long standing symptoms were gone by the end of the fast.) Faith Callier 
FOLLOWUP - October 2005:It has been ten months since I did my fasting program with Dr. Baylac. My health has continued to improve because my relationship with my body, with food and with life in general has changed permanently as a result of that profoundly healing experience almost a year ago. My initial intention was to do a follow-up fasting program under Dr. Baylac's care, but the great news is that it's not even necessary. I've learned through her generous guidance how to take care of myself. That is the best medicine. Faith Callier |
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TESTIMONIAL: Depression - raw food, juices & fasting When I came to Mind Your Body I wasn't sure what program I would be following. I had no expectations, just a couple goals to start living healthier. I started on raw foods for 2 days and moved into green juice for 3 days and then to a complete water fast for 7 more. At the time I did my fast I was overweight and depressed. I was using a low dose of 75 mg of Zoloft for depression. Dr Baylac insisted I not be taking medication during a water fast. So we made an agreement to stop the medication. 
The fast was very liberating and I feel it kick started the changes I wanted to make in my life. I still have further to go mentally and physically, but the fast was much like what the literature said it would be: the mind clears, sight and sound are more acute and afterwards one is much more aware of what goes into one's body. In that sense it's still helping me because I don't want to counteract all the good done during the fast so I pause before eating. Since the fast I have reduced my salt intake and while coffee, alcohol and sweets were never a large part of my diet they have been reduced to almost nothing. I still struggle with some depression and eating for comfort, but that's improving with the use of cognitive behavioral techniques and as the exercise and diet improves.One of my goals for the future is a longer fast, taken to its conclusion: "the return of natural hunger." Be it 10 days or 40 I have confidence that my body will tell me when to stop -- safely and effectively. I have also come to realize how helpful the body can be on any sort of spiritual journey. Normally, I viewed the body as a hindrance, a burden, possibly a trap etc., but through the fast I saw my body with compassion. It opened up the possibility that in terms of spiritual development the body could be an ally. It's hard explain. Let it suffice to say that not ingesting food was a wonderful experience of simplification. Remember, Jesus fasted and it was after the fast he began his ministry. The Buddha too was said to have fasted many days before the the final step of enlightenment. Ghandi fasted not just to heal his own body and soul, but to heal the body and soul of a nation! D. B. TESTIMONIAL: Digestive Issues - fasting When I came to Mind Your Body, I had pure, sincere intentions to fast for physical health and spiritual growth. I experienced significant digestive issues. I do not feel I was prepared for what would happen. In a short time, the fast brought to attention emotional issues I had avoided that needed healing. The emotional issues were very much linked to the physical symptoms. Dr. Baylac, I want to thank you for your patience and your willingness to give me several chances. It really means a lot and speaks highly of your patience and compassion. You certainly went out of your way to help me. I still feel much gratitude for that! I do wish I were in a stronger place to truly receive the full benefit of the opportunity you presented. It was definitely a learning experience I have not soon forgotten. The experience motivated me to dig deeper into where I was and what it would take to get where I wanted to be. I feel the running I engaged in for a long time was the result of emotional issues I tried to escape rather than face head on. It took a lot to get me to finally stop running. My stay at Mind Your Body is one experience that contributed to still developing courage to stop avoiding and really face what I must in order to grow. My life since I left has been one of siginificant work toward emotional and spiritual growth and development. That work continues. I remain on the path of spiritual growth. I thank you for what you did to help. I feel very grateful for my experience. (I thought it best to leave out the personal, somewhat crazy adventures of it all...) Jennifer H., Summer 2006 |
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TESTIMONIAL: Arthritis, swollen knees, spinal cord injury - green juices & water fasting In 2006, I was overweight and also had arthritis in my knees. My knees were swollen, kept swelling and I was in such pain that I could not walk. I am a health care professional, but didn't know much about proper foods for health. I was always a conventional eater. When I met Dr. Baylac, I asked if I could work at her retreat to learn about healthy living. While I was there, I developed an arthritic condition of both knees. I asked Dr. Baylac to help me. First I went on a green juice fast for 25 days. The juice fast went fine. Except for the first 3 days, when I had headaches, due to detoxifying from smoking, eating chocolate, sweets and conventional foods. I was very grumpy those first days. But on the 4th day I was feeling fine. 
After 25 days on green juices, my knees were still swollen. Dr. Baylac put me on a water fast. I was very fearful of the water fast and did not really want to do it because I did not want to lose more weight. The weight loss was the side effect of the green juice fast. Anyway, upon Dr. Baylac's insistence, I started the water fast and was on it for 12 days. During the water fast, I felt good, energetic, the swelling disappeared 90%, and my knees returned to normal.
Except for the first few days, I went through the 37 days of first juice fasting and then water fasting without any problem.
After the fast I went on a raw diet. But since Dr. Baylac suspected food allergies, I had to start with one food at a time. The first day I had lettuce, and I broke my fast on lettuce leaves. All went fine. The next day I had lettuce and tomatoes - and this time my legs started swelling, almost immediately after the meal. So, I had a sensitivity to tomatoes, and had to avoid them. In this way, we went through one food after another, all raw, to weed out the foods I couldn't eat. Carrots were OK. But one day someone squeezed orange juice on my grated carrots - and my knees started swelling, immediately. I was sensitive to orange. I was OK with lime, lemon and grapefruit. But I had many other food sensitivities. After one year on vegetarian mostly raw foods, my health is so improved that I do not have any food sensitivities any longer. Today I can eat both tomatoes and citrus, and any other food I earlier was sensitive to. I also have an old spinal cord injury, which has made my balance unsteady. I often lost my balance and fell, while walking, and I had broken my nose from these falls, on several occasions. Due to my lack of balance I couldn't climb trees. Would this improve as well? Yes, it improved - especially during the year after the fast. Right after the fast I started exercising. Dr. Baylac gave me simple exercise tasks for my balance and gait that I performed 3 times a day. I also added some exercises that I knew from my professional experience as a rehabilitation specialist. At this point, I had lost more than 40 pounds and it was easier for me to get around. I could start practicing going up and downhill without fear of falling. One year later - my balance has improved so much that I can climb trees. (I climbed a tree last week to pick fruits, a sour sap), and hike without falling. Today, I went on a 4.5 miles hike in the Volcano Park at a fast pace with other experienced hikers. My last fall was about 7 months ago. Not only did I get well, I also lost 40 lbs during my first month at the retreat. I now feel fantastic, and I do athletic sports, like paddling Hawaiian canoe, a popular team sport here. Without Dr. Baylac's knowledge I would have been following the conventional way of treating arthritis with steroid injections and bed rest and gotten worse. Instead, today I am very happy and satisfied with my health. I am so grateful that I was lucky enough to be on her path, that I continue to help her today in her beautiful magical and compassionate work. Margo, summer 2007 |
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TESTIMONIAL: Hot Flashes - 2 week green juice fast My 2 week visit was divided into a 6 days green juice fast and 8 days on raw foods. I didn't come to the retreat to loose weight. I came to detox and hopefully finish 12 years of hot flashes. My age is 61. After the stay I am hardly having any hot flashes any more. When I do, they are warm, not hot. So I am very pleased. I also enjoyed the breath work I did with Dr Baylac. And I can see a difference in my low back and neck - there is less tension. During my stay I learned a lot about raw foods which we are incorporating into our lives. I also learned how I need to have more down time to pay attention to what I am doing with my body. I would recommend Hawaii Naturopatic Retreat Center to others. In fact I already have, to a few people. I feel it is a safe place to change life patterns. I was impressed by Dr Baylac's ability to support us all without an agenda. She just wanted to know what we wanted and how she could assist us. The highlights of my stay was seeing Chris get into his water fast, decide that he didn't need coffee, and watch him choose to simplify his pallet. I also loved the warm ponds. Plus, I loved the staff: Margo, Rachelle, Tanya, Jon and Kathy. Just a little more sun would have made my stay better. Jeanette Phelps, October 2007 |
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TESTIMONIAL: Cancer - Gerson Therapy detoxification (after chemo) I came to the retreat to detoxify my body since I have had a 9 month course of chemotherapy after having a Glioblastoma Multiforme removed from my right temporal lobe on 11/19/07. My body felt toxic, and I also wanted to find a nutrition and lifestyle program that would help my body's own immune system become strong enough to create vibrant health and prevent any recurrence of cancer. I found during the retreat that I was very afraid, and a session with Doctor Baylac helped me to really deeply accept my fears without attaching to them, and she helped me to not overfocuse on the illness. Instead she reminded me in many ways of my own power to create health and joy, and supported me in doing that. I told her at the end of my stay that I felt that I had arrived full of fear and pain, and I was leaving full of joy, vibrant health, and love. I still feel the shift in perception that she helped me reach, and am pleased that I journaled while there. If I need a reminder, I re-read some of the journal entries and that puts me back in touch with the change. I also felt a huge change in my digestion and palate. The first two days, I missed salt, but after that didn't even think about salt. I started to be able to taste the range of flavors in foods. My digestive system began to function very well on its own. I did notice a larger output of urine. I have always drank a lot of water, but the Gerson program helps me not retain that water! That's quite a plus, and may be a big part of the weight loss. Some of it was water. Some was muscle, as I'm seeing, and now that I am feeling better, I'm able to excercise again so will put the muscle back where it belongs. I lost weight during the retreat, and have continued to loose weight. I want to find a way to get my weight to stabilize. I began at 128 lbs, and this morning I weighed 119. I'm eating, staying with the protocol, including the flax oil and lots of potatoes. I noticed large changes both physically and emotionally. It is the best thing I've done for myself in a long time, if not ever. It's had a positive impact on most areas of my life. 
I have to admit, I feel "homesick" for the center. I truly felt welcomed deeply from the moment I arrived, and felt very sad when I left. My body has always felt most relaxed and nurtured anytime I have been on Hawaiian soil. The combination of being in the paradisiacal Hawaiian setting along with the beautiful environment, wonderful food, strong nurturing, and feeling so well cared for really helped me relax and let the healing happen. I truly miss it, and hope very much that I create the opportunity to return, but next time will be difference, as I hope to maintain vibrant health , not attend due to a health crisis, but atttend due to a desire to maintain and gain even more health and joy. Dr Baylac encouraged a lot of reading, which I enjoyed. I learned the reason for coffee enemas, the detailed scientific reason Dr Gerson recommended them. I learned that my juicer was heating up too much and killing the enzymes in some of my juices, so am getting a Norwalk juicer in order to keep the juices vital. I learned how to cook Gerson approved food in a way that makes it varied, attractive, and delicious. I also learned how to retain an enema :-) as well as how to give myself a B-12 injection. I was not sure I'd be able to give myself an injection, but Margo and Dr Baylac taught me patiently and kindly. Highlights were group conversations at the dinner table, driving to see the Volcano and visit Pele, and the visits to the warm tidal pools, where the ocean current can be safely experienced in a way that brought tears and howls of joy through me. I had not felt pure unrestricted joy flow through me since the surgery I had on my brain. This joy is still with me, and tapping into helps me continue to know that this is a very good healing path for me. I feel deeply healed on many levels. Being able to stay longer would have been nice. Otherwise, the only thing I can think of that would have made the stay even better would be to have had structured, formal process or therapy groups in the morning after breakfast. I envision the group getting together with a facilitator (Dr B?) and going around discussing our goals, so we could really know what everyone was working on and wanting support with. I run groups, and love the power of groups to help each other reach their goals and transform. Also, I know the rooster is just doing what roosters do, but when it started crowing at the crack of dawn I woke up. I would recommend the retreat without reservation to anyone who wants to build health, get back in touch with their core, reach deep decisions about their life path. The staff are so friendly and open, as is Dr Baylac. Her style as a therapist is fabulous (and I'm a therapist, so I'm picky ... she is truly gifted.) The retreat encouraged interaction among all the clients there, and the group bonded very nicely. The group support around the dinner table with our spontaneous conversations was one of my favorite parts of the retreat. Tara Webster, California Sept. 2007 TESTIMONIAL: Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, eczema - water fasting & raw foods 
After I had asthma attacks that led to a serious case of bronchitis, I decided to register at the Hawai'i Naturopathic Retreat Center to undergo a supervised water fast. I had experienced an increase in frequency and severity of asthma symptoms in the months leading up to that point, even though I had been on prescribed medications during the few years since the asthma started. In addition, I had chronic sinusitis for many years that required me to always keep with me something with which I could blow my nose. I also had chronic eczema, which was especially bad on my heels.
In the five-month interval between the time that I registered and the time that I arrived at the center, the asthma continued to worsen, and I had more bronchitis. The prescribed oral steroid powder wasn't able to reduce my frequent need to use my nebulizer and portable inhalers. Those were required to quell the attacks, which occurred at least daily (except when on steroid pills), for weeks leading up to my arrival. In preparation for the water fast I followed the 8-Day Pre-Fast Regimen from the web site, and arrived at the center near the end of the 8th day. That night, as I began my fast, I had a typical asthma attack, but took no medications to quell it. It took more than two hours before I could breath well enough to go back to sleep. That is the last time that I had such an attack. My water fast lasted 14 days, most of which were spent resting at the center, as my energy levels were expectedly low. Rest was what I needed, so no conflict there. Like the asthma symptoms, the sinus congestion also disappeared, and the crusty, cracking eczema on my heels gradually improved 95% so that they are now close to normal. Today is my 19th day at the center, and I'm now back to feeling very close to my normal energy level, and feeling especially wonderful because I also have my health back. Over the past few days since ending my fast, I've been on fresh raw juices, fruits, and salads. While I somewhat surprisingly never felt any significant hunger during the entire fast, I am enjoying so much the food here since breaking my fast. In addition to the excellent naturopathic medical supervision that I received for my fast, Dr. Baylac took a holistic approach towards my healing. In addition to the dietary angle, she put much focus on breathing exercises, and on the spiritual and psychological issues that need to be resolved in my life which she felt were primary factors that exacerbated the asthma symptoms which led me here. This is such a beautiful, wonderful place to come to heal! With much Aloha, Kurt Lloyd, 49 yrs. old cell: (603) 320-5838 June, 2008 TESTIMONIAL: Depression, insomnia - juice fasting For years, I was dealing with a configuration of health and emotional issues that involve, but are not limited to, substance abuse. In addition, I was addressing toxic metal levels, a long term eating disorder, and insomnia. For the past year, I was prescribed various medications for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders, all which proved to have diminishing returns. The side effects exacerbated the problems, leaving me in a confused, frightened, and vulnerable state. I found that the stress of medical school, a recent breakup with my fiance, and a change in my environment reveal to me that I had been in denial. Two trips to the emergency room served as the catalyst that gave me the courage to get help in this matter. Without my health, all else is irrelevant. 
Dr Baylac's program is forward thinking in the field of treating addictions and demonstrates the budding growth and direction of naturopathic medicine. I stayed at Hawaii Naturopathic retreat center for a four-week residential program that addressed the issues that I have been struggling with. I went through an intensive schedule of naturopathic therapies, such as cleansing, juice fasting, constitutional and colonic hydrotherapy, and daily FIR saunas. I was also engaged in powerful Reichian breath-work sessions, acupuncture, yoga, exercises, and daily psychotherapy therapy sessions. I went on a complete regimen of dietary supplements that facilitate phase 1 and 2 detoxification and amino acids that serve as precursors of neurotransmitters that stabilize mood and sleep patterns. All of this combined made the detoxification process manageable and comfortable and finally after a long time, I am able to concentrate effectively and my energy levels have raised significantly. Before my treatment at the center, anxiety would cause debilitating bouts of shakiness and confusion. My main problem is addiction, but I found that anxiety and toxic overload as substantial contributing factors. I had also been exposed to chemicals and heavy metals when I worked as a chemist for a botanical perfume company. I went through a series of non-invasive chelation therapy treatments that also eased a lot of the anxiety that I was dealing with. It was encouraging to find out that factors, such as a gaba deficiency can be corrected by diet and supplementation. I am very fortunate to have had this opportunity to rid my body of toxins and it is relieving to be able to sleep naturally and relax without the aid of pharmaceuticals, such as benzodiazepenes. With diet and detoxification, I have been able to think with more clarity, to understand my emotional issues, and thus, begin to heal my body at a cellular level. Kristin Odegard Aug. 2008 |
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Diseases we have treated at Mind Your Body. Our medical approach and philosophy.
HAWAII NATUROPATHIC RETREAT CENTER INC. A center for health, longevity and happiness www.mindyourbody.info Contact information 
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