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 and Low-Level Joint/ Body Inflammation
- Eczema/ Psoriasis (mild) and Acne
- High Cholesterol and Slightly Elevated Blood Pressure
- Hormonal Imbalances: Mood Swings, PMS and Menopause Symptoms
- Insomnia
- Immune Boost/ Frequent Colds/ Post-COVID Recovery
- Sinus Issues
- Initial Stages of Fatty Liver Disease
- Liver Detox due to Overconsumption of Alcohol (mild and self-controlled)
- Candida Overgrowth and Parasites
- Mild Depression/ Anxiety and Nervous System Dysregulation
- Time Away from Current Life Challenges
- Anti-aging, Regular Health Maintenance and Prevention of Degenerative Conditions
- Increased Energy Levels, General Feeling of Well-being and Lightness
Disclaimer: No specific health results are guaranteed.
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 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.
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 (the program may be too intensive for you).
- You are on 5+ Prescription Medications such as blood thinners, anti-psychotics, painkillers etc.
- You had Abdominal Surgery, Stroke or Heart Attack in the last 6 months (it’s just NOT safe).
- Major Diagnosed Conditions and Health Issues, especially of the digestive system, liver, heart and kidneys (see the detailed list below).
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
Additional Cleanses for Longer stay Programs
View What’s Included for details of all wholebody cleanses included for your desired program length.
12 Day
14 Day
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 week 1, we focus on cleanses of the entire digestive tract/ parasite cleanse, liver, lungs and kidneys. During week 2, the main focus is on blood and joint cleansing, plus a lot of cleanses from week 1 are continued. Week 3, includes cellular and lymph detoxes, Candida detox, as well advanced weight loss support. Such sequence is determined by natural elimination cycles and processes.
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 (week 1) and 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 is 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 (week 1) and 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 is 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.
DISCLAIMER: This drink is subject to no contraindications. If your Program Director determines you have one, the flush will be omitted, for your safety.
Optional: Colon Hydrotherapy
While this service is not included in the base package, you may purchase it as an add-on package. Colonics work complementary with the digestive flush and greatly enhance its benefits. Colonics deepen the detoxification process, optimize your digestion and may be very beneficial if your main focus is mild joint inflammation, weight loss, sinus issues or lung rejuvenation.
Optional: Colon Hydrotherapy
While this service is not included in the base package, you may purchase it as an add-on package. Colonics work complementary with the digestive flush and greatly enhance its benefits. Colonics deepen the detoxification process, optimize your digestion and may be very beneficial if your main focus is mild joint inflammation, weight loss, sinus issues or lung rejuvenation.
Optional: Colon Hydrotherapy
While this service is not included in the base package, you may purchase it as an add-on package. Colonics work complementary with the digestive flush and greatly enhance its benefits. Colonics deepen the detoxification process, optimize your digestion and may be very beneficial if your main focus is mild joint inflammation, weight loss, sinus issues or lung rejuvenation.
8. Fitness and Yoga
Movement is essential for proper detoxification. Throughout your stay, we included some yoga and fitness classes. You also have a gym available for your personal workouts. Additionally, if you need more advanced classes or would like to learn an individual fitness routine, you can pre-purchase add-on private fitness classes.
8. Fitness and Yoga
Movement is essential for proper detoxification. Throughout your stay, we included some yoga and fitness classes. You also have a gym available for your personal workouts. Additionally, if you need more advanced classes or would like to learn an individual fitness routine, you can pre-purchase add-on private fitness classes.
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 and on Sunday we organize offsite nature excursions, 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.
Twice during the week and on Sunday we organize offsite nature excursions, 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 length of your program, there may be also other treatments enhancing your detox and well-being, such as infrared sauna, foot detox and energy work.
If you want to enhance your program with additional therapies, make sure you check out and pre-purchase Add-on Packages. This is not mandatory by any means, but availability upon arrival may be limited.
IMPORTANT! Please note that Sunday is a non-spa day. By a few rare exceptions, there are not therapies available that day.
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 length of your program, there may be also other treatments enhancing your detox and well-being, such as infrared sauna, foot detox and energy work.
If you want to enhance your program with additional therapies, make sure you check out and pre-purchase Add-on Packages. This is not mandatory by any means, but availability upon arrival may be limited.
IMPORTANT! Please note that Sunday is a non-spa day. By a few rare exceptions, there are not therapies available that day.
What to Expect from Your Retreat?
On the arrival Sunday, we’ll start with an orientation to the program and a tour of the Fresh Start facilities and amenities. If you arrive on Friday, you also will receive the facilities tour and will be introduced to the group, but your orientation will be done in advance in the online format. If you need a more hands-on approach, you are welcome to join the in-person orientation on Sunday.
On Monday, the guests will have a chance to connect 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 may give you various supplements to assist with these (this is what the “incidental budget” included in your package is for). In addition to the daily guidance and morning group 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. Also please note that Herbal Cleanses, Green Drinks and other cleansing supplements are not served on Sundays at 11:45 a.m., due to the group being away for a nature excursion.
Why Choose Fresh Start 5-14 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 greatly enhance the therapeutic effect. 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 programs are run from 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, some are sourced from local farms and all are 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, increased moodiness and elevated negative emotions (due to release)
- 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
- Temporal aggravation of current or past physical and emotional health symptoms, including structural injuries (=healing process)
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 advanced health conditions/ depression may experience more severe symptoms related to the malfunction of various organs and the intensification of emotional dysregulation. This program is not optimum for them and they need to look into our Go-Deeper Programs™ as those are customized to individual needs.
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.