Wellness on the Rise

Wellness is on the Rise, but it means different things to different people. Think: emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. There’s not a “one size fits all” wellness plan when it comes to healing and there is no overnight shortcut to better health. “The gut-brain connection is no joke; it can link anxiety to stomach problems and vice versa. Have you ever had a "gut-wrenching" experience? Do certain situations make you "feel nauseous"? Have you ever felt "butterflies" in your stomach? We use these expressions for a reason. The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to emotion.”

Cleaning out our systems can come in waves, but with Spring around the corner - lets deep clean the gut while we Spring clean our homes.

We Care Spa

Wellness retreats / cleanses / detoxes aren’t for everyone. I started deep diving into cleanses and detoxes in 2007 after I started having multiple gut issues. In the past 10+ years I’ve been diagnosed with SIBO, IBS, candida and certain parasites (the pesky cons of travel). “It has been estimated that 90 percent of the U.S. population has parasites'' (Susana Belen, founder of We Care). You don’t have to have gut issues to want to reset your health. I enjoy mixing western and eastern practices to try to live an overall healthy and balanced life. I'm fortunate enough to have worked with gastro, hormonal, and parasite doctors, multiple natural/homeopathic specialists, acupuncturists, yogis, nutrionists, personal trainers and therapists. I’m not “healed.” I’m a work in progress - constantly learning and trying to adopt practices for my mind and body.

Below are lists of my favorite wellness retreats, detoxes and healing modalities.

WELLNESS RETREATS:

We Care Spa

I’ve gone twice now and I would go multiple times a year if I could. It's my favorite!

1. PROS: the location (Palm Springs, which is close for me), the lack of distraction, the education, the treatments, the staff. You will see people of all ages. I’ve met people that have gone to We Care and after applying what they learned beat their diseases. It can truly be transformative.

2. CON: It is pricey. For a weekend, you’re looking at $1,500 for the hotel room, detox program, free classes, two colonics. I wish wellness retreats could be covered by health insurance.

3. I did the weekend program + 3 - 4 days prep. 4 days before you arrive you only eat vegetables, fruit and liquids (smoothies, juices, broths). While onsite, you take their full program of supplements, teas, juices and soups. Only liquids. You don’t have to opt into having the colonics, but I do!

4. You receive a holistic guide/book and you can attend nutrition classes throughout your stay.

5. Resort Fee Includes - yoga, pilates, their workout facility, infra-red sauna (I love), sound baths, drum circles, labyrinth, pool, hot tub, and walking trails. Depending on how long you stay, there are more communal classes.

6. EXTRA: healing treatments. My favorite treatments: System Recovery, Magnesium Detox, Endermology, and Biofeedback therapy. What is Biofeedback? It’s an advanced scan that examines the whole body by measuring the frequencies of the cells, tissues, and organs. It showed areas of my body that were “sick.” All the results are analyzed and discussed and you leave with a plan to take home.

7. A TARA TIP: You don't have to stay at We Care to enjoy the treatments - they offer day packages too. Rent an airbnb or stay at an affordable hotel in Palm Springs and call We Care to schedule a day package to check out the facility before you committ to a full retreat.

Civana

1. PROS: the location (Arizona). It is more affordable than We Care. They also have a plethora of free workout classes. The trampoline class was so much fun and the sound bath outside under the stars was magical.

2. CON: the hotel didn’t WOW me and this is not a detox facility. There is healthy food, but also alcohol. Your focus here would be fitness and spa treatments - not a full cleanse.

Rancho La Puerta

1. PROS: one of the original wellness resorts; located in (Mexico). The grounds are beautiful and they offer healthier food choices than Civana. It has more programs and activities and classes too.

2. CON: Again, this facility is not a full detox facility like We Care, but that might work better for you. Depending on your room - it could be considered equilvalent to We Care pricing.

*My family loves this location. I went when I was younger, but would like to return as an adult so I can appreciate it more.

OTHER:

*I haven’t visited the below wellness resorts, but they are on my bucket list.

1. Canyon Ranch, Woodside, Tucson, Las Vegas

2. Esalen, Big Sur

3. Miraval, Arizona

4. THE WELL at Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica

5. 20 Best Yoga Retreats in the World - for more ideas

6. 20 Best Wellness Retreats in the World - more options

AT HOME DETOXES:

1. My first 30 day detox was in 2007 using SP Complete. I loved it! If you’re new to cleansing, you can see dramatic results because it’s a shock to your system. In 21 days I lost 11 pounds. That wasn’t the goal, but I was hooked. My eyes were brighter, I slept better, I had more energy and felt sharper. It was a matter of removing inflammatory foods - gluten, dairy, beans, soy, and corn from my diet. I would recommend this program if you’re starting out. You don't have to do it forever, but it cleans out the system and then you re-introduce foods slowly back into your diet.

2. Monash FODMAP diet - this one is great because you can download an app that shows you what foods work within fodmap. This isn’t a cleanse or detox, but more of a lifestyle if you choose it. I tried it for a while, but didn't find it sustainable.

3. Owl Reset - 4, 6, 8, 21 days. I’ve done 4 days of the liquid cleanse and it’s super easy. Trust me when I say you won't be hungry, the liquids truly fill you up.

4. We Care Cleanse - if you are unable to travel to the resort, you can try the cleanse in the comfort of your home! It's more challenging for me because of all the temptations, but just keep the eye on the prize - a revitalized body.

5. Kreation - We Care founder recommends that we all fast one day per week (I haven't done that, but I want to try). If you can't water fast, at least juice fast and Kreation is my go-to (though expensive) for delicious jucies and smoothies. I'm obsessed with their broths and overnight oats too.

OTHER:

1. Sakara - I want to try this cleanse because they provide real food for real results.

2. Kroma - I've heard people who like this cleanse, but personally I would suggest Owl over Kroma because to me Kroma feels more processed because of the packets. However, each cleanse from We Care to SP Complete includes super food powders and protein powders.

3. Prolon - Another cleanse option if you like packets and bars.

HYDRATE / BARS / SUPPLEMENTS & MORE:

Products and companies I use daily, most can be found on Amazon for your convenience. . .

1. Aloha Vanilla Protein Powder is my fave - "ALOHA's velvety smooth plant powders are simply made with 18g of protein, prebiotics for gut health, and 12 whole food ingredients for everything your body needs to do its best."

2. Bee Keepers Naturals Immune Support Spray - Support your immune system with your daily dose of bee propolis.

3. Cymbiotika Supplements- I have golden mind, activated charcoal for my gut, and elderberry for immunity.

4. Mind Right Bars - a good mood superfood for the mind. I'm worried about my memory so I try to consume products that will help my mind. I like the coconut flavor.

5. Organic India Psyllium Herbal Powder - in need of more fiber? I use this versus metamucil or other fiber enhancers.

6. Ryze Mushroom Coffee - I'm obsessed, this is a subscription, but try it once and you'll be hooked! Literally my favorite, no jitters, no crash. "Loaded with adaptogenic mushrooms, our coffee blend delivers calmer energy, sharper focus, and immune support for a balanced body and clear mind. Taste? Smooth, creamy, and delicious. All with less than half the caffeine of normal coffee. No jitters, no crash."

7. ELECTROLYTES:

   1. BIO SALT - reduce sodium. Our bodies need many different minerals, including sodium, but pure salt can actually have some negative effects on our health, especially when iodized and stripped of other trace minerals. Bio Salt mimics the salt balance of human plasma, to provide your body with the minerals you need and the taste you crave.

   2. NUUN - no sugar! Pop one of these supplements in your water and hit the gym. My favorite is Strawberry Lemonade Nuun Sport.

LOS ANGELES DAY RETREATS:

*For my LA friends - below are places I enjoy for a quick single day reset. I truly believe in experimenting with different healing modalities.

1. Remedy - the world's first Wellness Club is incredible. Enhancing your health and social life through human connection and self-care.

   1. Oxygen chamber - I’m obsessed!!! I went in with anxiety and after an hour I felt like a new woman. “Oxygen chambers help block the action of harmful bacteria and strengthens the body's immune system. It also increases oxygen concentration in the tissues. This helps them resist infection.”

   2. Gold ear seeds are great too (acupuncture points in your ears). It lasts about a week. Whenever you have a headache or cramps or feel anxious, you can rub the ear seed.

   3. They offer sound baths, ice baths, cryo-therapy, saunas and more.

2. Kosha Spa

   1. Face Massages - for the best in town, go to Kosha. The intra-oral massage relieves TMJ and their facial massages depuffs your face and helps with headaches.

3. Pause - an experiential wellness studio.

   1. Float your way to rest and recover, they offer saunas and cryotherapy too.

   2. There are a several physical benefits that floating has been shown to offer – including reduced pain, inflammation, reducing stress your body or immune system might be under. Floating promotes vasodilation, which means that your blood vessels dilate to allow better blood flow as well as ease high blood pressure.

4. Myodetox

   1. Stretching and MyoFascial Massage - hands on therapy and exercise to have you living pain free. I tried myofasscial massage to reduce pain by easing the tension and tightness in the trigger points.

5. Awaken Now

   1. A one stop shop for Acupuncture, Chiropractor, infra-red sauna, cupping, endospheres, massage and more.

6. Korean Spa

   1. Saunas and Scrubs. I love lounging in the different saunas from the cold room to the salt sauna. If you’re up for a scrub - get ready for an intimate experience.

   2. Riviera

   3. Wi Spa

6 Wellness Trends in 2023:

1. Lymphatic System Support

   1. Dry Brushing

   2. Gua Sha

   3. Body Scraping

2. Sound Healing

   1. Sound Baths

   2. Psychoacoustics

3. Spiritual Self Care

   1. Think Astrology, Tarot, Medium readings

4. Skin Microbiome

5. Hormonal Health

6. Product Transparency

   1. Focus on sustainable beauty

   2. Be it supplements, beauty products, or packaged foods, we are waking up to hidden toxins and chemicals.

We Care Spa

It's time to take in the desert air and escape for some self care. If you've been to a wellness center or have tried a different cleanse that you believe in - let me know!