Overview
Program Benefits
Detox is a great maintenance measure one can use on an annual or semi-annual basis, to increase energy, motivation, and zest for life, as well as to minimize the occurrence of colds and flues, slow down aging and to prevent degenerative diseases. Everyone who does regular cleanses knows it’s worth it. Regular detoxification helps you to enjoy abundant energy, clear skin, fresh breath, and the ability to take on any challenge that comes your way.
In addition to regular maintenance, our Detox and Recharge Program may be especially beneficial for people with the following issues:
- Weight Loss and Metabolic Reset
- Constipation, Indigestion, Bloating, and IBS
- Me-Time Getaway, De-stress and Work Burnout*
- Migraines and Headaches
- Joint Rejuvenation
- Eczema, Psoriasis, and Acne
- Hormonal Imbalances: Mood Swings, PMS and Menopause Symptoms
- Insomnia
- Immune Boost
- Candida Overgrowth and Parasites
*If this is the primary reason you are coming for the program, we recommend using the Recharge Program. For the rest of the issues listed, the Detox Program (with colonics), if you are open to them and want deeper results, would be optimum.
Is the Fresh Start Detox and Recharge Program right for you? The answer is YES , if:
- You are a natural health seeker looking for routine health maintenance.
- You want to simply get away to recharge your soul, de-stress and reboot.
- You are looking into the program to address minor body dysfunctions (e.g. digestive bloating, brain fog, mild anxiety due to high stress), and you do not intend to address more advanced health conditions (e.g. Diabetes, Colitis, Depression).
- You are physically capable of walking for an hour and participating in a moderate level of physical activity (yoga/fitness classes/guided nature hikes)
- You appreciate professional guidance and tried and advanced expertise on whole-body detoxification.
- You are excited about the idea of cleansing with the combo of fresh organic juices, quality supplementation and healthy food.
- You love top-quality body treatments and highly skilled and intuitive practitioners.
- You are okay with temporary detox symptoms (eg. headaches, nausea, low energy, etc.) in order to allow your body to get rid of unwanted toxins and start working optimally after.
- You can tolerate bitter herbs, taking multiple capsules throughout the day, acid-containing drinks (lemon, cranberry) and other stuff, some of which may not always taste great but “is good for you.”
- You are looking forward to enjoying a variety of yummy gourmet vegan meals (primarily raw and some cooked dishes).
- You want to return home feeling light, refreshed and energized.
- You are open to a variety of top-quality body treatments and highly skilled practitioners.
- You are excited about the idea of doing colonics and digestive flushes and have no contraindications.
- You are okay with temporary detox symptoms (eg. headaches, nausea, low energy, etc.) in order to allow your body to get rid of unwanted toxins and start working optimally after.
- You can tolerate bitter herbs, acidic drinks (lemon, cranberry) and other stuff, some of which may not taste good but “is good for you.”
- You are looking forward to enjoying a variety of gourmet vegan meals (primarily raw and some cooked dishes).
- You want to go back home feeling better and stronger.
Is the Fresh Start Detox and Recharge Program right for you? The answer is NO , if:
- You suffer from moderate to advanced Depression or Anxiety (cleansing meds flush your meds and destabilize your emotions).
- You are Obese 70+ Lbs (if you have joint issues/HBP/elevated cholesterol levels, the program maybe too intensive).
- You are on 5+ Prescription Medications such as blood thinners, anti-psychotics, pain killers etc.
- You had Abdominal Surgery in the last 6 months (it’s just NOT safe).
If your situation fits 85% of the requirements but not 100%, or if you are not sure whether you qualify for the Detox and Recharge Program or not, please do not hesitate to talk to our program consultant. We will be happy to review your individual case.
If you know that Detox and Recharge Program is not well suited for you for any of the reasons listed above, please check the List of Contraindications below and look into our GO-DEEPER™ Programs at Fresh Start.
Why is This Program Contraindicated for People with Advanced Health Conditions?
The Fresh Start Detox and Recharge program is intentionally and thoughtfully built for predominantly natural health seekers and people with mild health conditions looking to give themselves a chance to detox and recharge in a safe and inspiring way. This program is not optimum for people with major health challenges because it is too fast-paced and rigorous. While healthy people go through such an intensive detox program with only mild discomfort and minimal stress, people with advanced health conditions may experience on this program severe detox and healing symptoms. If you suffer from various health challenges, please look into our Physical GO-DEEPER™ Program.
The program is also not well suited for those with moderate to advanced depression because the detox process will intensify emotions and flush out anti-depressants and other mood-lifting drugs. As a result, the person may become very unstable, emotionally vulnerable and even suicidal. If you are in need of more advanced emotional support, please consider our Emotional GO-DEEPER™ Program.
If you currently smoke or recently quit, we recommend you consider the Quit Smoking™ GO-DEEPER™ Program. Since your lungs and liver may need advanced support, your body may require a slightly different approach.
IMPORTANT! Please ensure that you provide accurate information about the condition of your health on the intake form so you can ensure that your program is safe and best suited for your situation.
Cleanses, Nutrition and Supplements included into Your Detox and Recharge Program
Note: If you sign-up for a 5-Day program, you will get the detoxes of the first 5 days.
Your cleansing program consists of the following main components:
1. Herbal Cleanses
Cleanses include herbal shots and capsules, as well as a few other ingredients, such as charcoal and lemon juice. During your stay, we focus on cleanses of the entire digestive tract, liver, lungs and kidney. Additionally, the program is effective for both parasite and Candida cleanses.
2. Green Drinks
When you cleanse, you need a lot of nourishment to support your system. Consuming leafy greens is one of the most beautiful ways to do it. On a daily basis, in addition to abundant salads, we serve Green Smoothies and either a Dandelion Greens shot or a glass of green juice (from leafy greens, cucumber, celery and apple), depending on the day.
2. Green Drinks
When you cleanse, you need a lot of nourishment to support your system. Consuming leafy greens is one of the most beautiful ways to do it. On a daily basis, in addition to abundant salads, we serve Green Smoothies and either a Dandelion Greens shot or a glass of green juice (from leafy greens, cucumber, celery and apple), depending on the day.
3. Rebuilding Supplements
Because our goal is not only to detox but also to recharge, we include in your program a variety of organ-supporting and organ-restoring supplements, such as immune boosting protocol and two formulas for adrenal support. Additionally, we offer top-quality probiotics and digestive enzymes by Avena Originals, as well as Digestive Tune-up™ Shot and Liver Activation™ Shot, to enhance your digestion. Sleep Enhancing Tea and Magnesium are provided to support your nervous system and sleep.
4. Detoxifying Foods
Our meals are organic, gluten-, dairy-, meat- and sugar-free. They contain a large percentage of raw foods, including beautifully prepared dishes made with love from various fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and grains. Our suppers are very light and consist of a hot soup and crackers.
3. Rebuilding Supplements
Because our goal is not only to detox but also to recharge, we include in your program a variety of organ-supporting and organ-restoring supplements, such as immune boosting protocol and two formulas for adrenal support. Additionally, we offer top-quality probiotics and digestive enzymes by Avena Originals, as well as Digestive Tune-up™ Shot and Liver Activation™ Shot, to enhance your digestion. Sleep Enhancing Tea and Magnesium are provided to support your nervous system and sleep.
4. Detoxifying Foods
Our meals are organic, gluten-, dairy-, meat- and sugar-free. They contain a large percentage of raw foods, including beautifully prepared dishes made with love from various fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and grains. Our suppers are very light and consist of a hot soup and crackers.
5. Cellular Hydration
Hydration with three litres of fluid is a part of your essential detoxification routine. Enjoy Hexahedron 999 water and unlimited access to the organic herbal tea bar throughout your stay. Hexahedron 999 unit not only purifies your water but also donates to it biophotons, which enhances water absorption, assimilation and flavour.
6. Daily Steam Bath with Aromatherapy and Cold Water Treatments
Every day there is a 45-minute steam session, which consists of an alternation of hot steam and cold water showers, which provides a fantastic boost to your lymph and immune systems, as well as profoundly cleanses your lungs and hydrates your skin
5. Cellular Hydration
Hydration with three litres of fluid is a part of your essential detoxification routine. Enjoy Hexahedron 999 water and unlimited access to the organic herbal tea bar throughout your stay. Hexahedron 999 unit not only purifies your water but also donates to it biophotons, which enhances water absorption, assimilation and flavour.
6. Daily Steam Bath with Aromatherapy and Cold Water Treatments
Every day there is a 45-minute steam session, which consists of an alternation of hot steam and cold water showers, which provides a fantastic boost to your lymph and immune systems, as well as profoundly cleanses your lungs and hydrates your skin
7. Digestive Flushes
Twice per week, we offer Isotonics – entire digestive tract and lymph Celtic Sea Salt Flushes. These give you a very thorough cleanse. A big advantage of this type of process is that you cleanse not just the colon but also simultaneously the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and entire lymph system. The flush is followed by an absorbent drink called Poultice to ensure the elimination of the released toxins and to decrease detox symptoms.
Optional: Colon Hydrotherapy
If you book for Detox Package, you will have one or two colon hydrotherapy sessions included in your program. Colonics work complementary with the digestive flush and greatly enhance its benefits. Colonics are an essential part of the deep detoxification and health reboot process.
The Recharge Packages do not contain colonics, and they are best for people who simply want to focus on Me-Time and De-Stress.
7. Colonic/ Colonics and Digestive Flushes
You will have one or two colon hydrotherapy sessions during the week. Colonics are an essential part of the detoxification process and work very well in combination with the other cleansing components of our program.
Twice per week, we also have entire digestive tract and lymph cleanses, consisting of Celtic Sea Salt Flushes (Isotonics), which work in a complementary way with colonics. This, combined with eating raw foods that act as a “brush,” gives you a very thorough cleanse. A big advantage of this type of process is that you cleanse not just the colon but also simultaneously the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and entire lymph system. The flush is followed by absorbent drinks to ensure the elimination of the released toxins and to decrease detox symptoms.
Optional: Colon Hydrotherapy
If you book for Detox Package, you will have one or two colon hydrotherapy sessions included in your program. Colonics work complementary with the digestive flush and greatly enhance its benefits. Colonics are an essential part of the deep detoxification and health reboot process.
The Recharge Packages do not contain colonics, and they are best for people who simply want to focus on Me-Time and De-Stress.
8. Fitness and Yoga
Movement is essential for proper detoxification. Throughout your stay, we included some yoga and fitness classes. Additionally, if you need more advanced classes or would like to learn an individual fitness routine, you’ll be able to book a semi-private or private fitness or yoga class at an additional fee. You also have a gym available for your personal workouts.
8. Fitness and Yoga
Movement is essential for proper detoxification. Throughout your stay, we included some yoga and fitness classes. Additionally, if you need more advanced classes or would like to learn an individual fitness routine, you’ll be able to book a semi-private or private fitness or yoga class at an additional fee. You also have a gym available for your personal workouts.
9. Guided Meditation
Meditation is a wonderful way to start your day. It calms your mind and re-energizes your body for the day ahead. Three times a week, learn various meditation techniques during a guided morning meditation class and connect with your soul on a deeper level.
10. Excursions
Twice during the week, we organize an offsite nature walk or excursion, so you can see more of the beauty of Vancouver Island while breathing in the cleansing ocean air. There is also a breathtaking view right from the property and a wonderful trail going from the Resort through the beach, mountain view, riverside and park.
11. Educational Classes
During your stay, you will have an opportunity to enjoy food demo classes and health lectures. The topics may include such topics as Colon Health, Healthy Shopping, Menu Planning and many others. You will also take home our recipe book featuring some of the incredible dishes you’ll have during your stay.
10. Excursions
Twice during the week, we organize an offsite nature walk or excursion, so you can see more of the beauty of Vancouver Island while breathing in the cleansing ocean air. There is also a breathtaking view right from the property and a wonderful trail going from the Resort through the beach, mountain view, riverside and park.
11. Educational Classes
During your stay, you will have an opportunity to enjoy food demo classes and health lectures. The topics may include such topics as Colon Health, Healthy Shopping, Menu Planning and many others. You will also take home our recipe book featuring some of the incredible dishes you’ll have during your stay.
12. Body Treatments
Skin is our largest organ of elimination. This is why we include a body salt scrub as part of your program. Massage is also very important, as it ensures your muscles and joints are relaxed, which is essential for proper blood and lymph circulation. Depending on the package, there may be other treatments included, such as energy work. Additionally, you may book infrared saunas or salt cocoons (to help cleanse the lungs). All of these treatments will help your body detoxify.
12. Body Treatments
Skin is our largest organ of elimination. This is why we include a body salt scrub as part of your program. Massage is also very important, as it ensures your muscles and joints are relaxed, which is essential for proper blood and lymph circulation. Depending on the package, there may be other treatments included, such as energy work. Additionally, you may book infrared saunas or salt cocoons (to help cleanse the lungs). All of these treatments will help your body detoxify.
What to Expect from Your Retreat?
On the arrival Sunday, we’ll start with a guided orientation to the program and a tour of the Fresh Start facilities and amenities by the Program Director.
The next morning, the guests will have a chance to connect with one another and enjoy an organized group bonding time.
Mornings are more structured and include various detoxification drinks, supplements, breakfast, yoga, fitness, meditation and educational classes.
Afternoons and evenings are more laid-back and busy with one-on-one treatments, along with lunch, supper, steam baths and other optional activities. Please be aware that some of your treatments may be scheduled in the morning, and in a way, they could conflict with other activities on the schedule. While you may have to miss a fitness class or a health lecture, please keep in mind that detoxing treatments need to take priority.
There are plenty of rest periods throughout the day, so you can slow down, unwind and recharge.
On the Digestive Flush days (Wednesday and Thursday), our experienced staff member will guide you through the process. You may want to nap or rest a bit more during those days.
If you need additional help throughout the program, your Program Director will be happy to provide it. If you’re experiencing some common detox symptoms such as headache, nausea, hypoglycemia or sleep issues, he/ she will give you various supplements to assist with these. In addition to the daily guidance and morning health check-ins with the Program Director, you will have support throughout the program from our insightful practitioners and helpful Program Coordinator.
Disclaimer: Program supplements, schedule and other components may slightly vary from the description above, due to ongoing program development and other reasons.
Why Choose Fresh Start 7 Day Detox and Recharge Program versus Other Detox Programs?
1. Advanced Expertise in Guided Whole Body Detox since 2005: Our Fresh Start team has successfully led thousands of people through hundreds of detox retreats and fine-tuned the process. We’ve done it for a long time, and it is one of our key areas of expertise.
2. Highly Skilled Practitioners: Based on our experience, therapies and treatments enhance the therapeutic effect of the detox by up to 90%. We hand-pick our practitioners for their unique skills, healing touch and ability to create connections with our guests.
3. Optimal Detox Sequence: Over the years, we have specialized in working with people with various health conditions and creating individual supplementation and detox plans for them. As a result, we have learned first-hand the proper sequence of organ cleansing for maximum healing and recharging.
4. Comprehensive Package: We use multiple components in the detox and recharge experience, including nutrition, supplementation, yoga, meditation, educational classes, guided nature walks, steam baths, one-on-one treatments and fitness. All components enhance each other and create an accumulative positive effect for our guests.
5. Amazing Location and Facilities: Fresh Start is an ocean-side property, a few short steps away from the water and waves. You can enjoy the ocean breeze, mountain view and wild nature of beautiful Vancouver Island. The weather here is very mild, and temperatures are moderate most of the year. The buildings have lovely natural décor, stunning views and healing energy. The retreat is conveniently located only 30 minutes from Comox Airport, offering direct flights from many cities.
6. Established Operation: We are well-established and offer programs on specific dates throughout the year. Our permanent set-up and stable team of professionals translate into a high-quality, fine-tuned service model for our guests. We are the only retreat of this nature in Canada.
5. Amazing Location and Facilities: Fresh Start is an ocean-side property, a few short steps away from the water and waves. You can enjoy the ocean breeze, mountain view and wild nature of beautiful Vancouver Island. The weather here is very mild, and temperatures are moderate most of the year. The buildings have lovely natural décor, stunning views and healing energy. The retreat is conveniently located only 30 minutes from Comox Airport, offering direct flights from many cities.
6. Established Operation: We are well-established and offer programs on specific dates throughout the year. Our permanent set-up and stable team of professionals translate into a high-quality, fine-tuned service model for our guests. We are the only retreat of this nature in Canada.
7. Vegan Menu: To heighten the experience, we offer a clean vegan menu, which is gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free. Most food preparation is raw, with some dehydrated and lightly cooked and hot soups served for supper. The dishes are nutritionally dense and exquisitely prepared.
8. Quality Ingredients: Our foods and juices are organic, sourced from local farms and all made from scratch daily. We use the best brands of supplements, providing the highest levels of efficacy.
9. Hexahedron 999 Water: We offer purified, structured drinking water throughout the facility, which provides better hydration of our cells, facilitates greater absorption of nutrients and brings more life force energy into the water.
10. Wonderful Caring Team: We are a dedicated team focused on making your experience the best it can be. Many of our guests comment that they feel like part of our Fresh Start family – and they are.
We’re all on this detox and recharge journey together!
What Symptoms Can I Experience During the Whole Body Detox?
The whole body cleansing process here is well organized and structured, and because of this most people have very mild symptoms. On the Digestive Flushes days, you will go into a deeper detox. Symptoms that you may experience during your program (the list is not exhaustive):
- Headache (especially if you are withdrawing from caffeine)
- Sleep disturbances (due to liver detoxing and/or pre-existing sleep issues)
- Nausea, in rare cases, vomiting (due to liver detoxing)
- Feeling cold/lower body temperature
- Sugar shakes, especially if there is adrenal burnout
- Decreased energy
- Sleepiness
- Brain fog (due to the removal of toxins)
- Irritability
- Skin eruptions
- Increased sweating
- Nightmares
- Digestive bloating (due to toxic gases being eliminated)
- Diarrhea
- Constipation (due to the removal of caffeine and other stimulants)
- Going to the bathroom more often
- Abdominal cramping (if old impactions are moving)
- Bad breath
- Increased body fluids odour
- Mucous discharge from sinuses
- Metallic taste in the mouth (a sign of heavy metal and liver detoxing)
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Skin itchiness
The symptoms above are normal and usually pass within a few hours or days and typically are followed by a feeling of increased well-being and the lightness you crave. It may take time to get your energy levels fully back, especially if there was a previous burnout.
We emphasize that those with health conditions may experience more severe symptoms related to the malfunction of various organs. This program is contraindicated for them.
Fasting and Weight Loss Disclaimer
Fresh Start does not offer water or juice fasting retreats, and it is not a weight loss boot camp spa. While many people lose up to 0.5 lb. a day, if the body is dehydrated from high amounts of caffeine and poor drinking habits, a person may even gain weight while they’re here. We are not about numbers but about quality of life.
If you would like to know more about why we do not do fasting, please read this article.