Wednesday 14 August 2013

The Mayr Cure at home

This is going to be a post telling you how to do the Mayr Cure without having to go to Austria.  For those not interested in this subject, I apologize and I will get to my other various topics soon so please do excuse the rest of us.  Last one I promise!
( Please remember highlighted words will have links to related points.)

Remember that this is me just being the messenger and sharing the knowledge I have learned over time with you.  I just know I feel better when doing the method.  I have been to many spas and done many detoxes but this one was the most effective - for me.
Via
The philosophy of the cure is a very Teutonic principle; 
that health begins in the gut.  Digestive health or lack thereof is the source or the cause of many issues according to the cure.

The aim is to cleanse the intestines, reduce any inflammations, and reduce acidity and lower the pH level in the body.

But one must also oxygenate the body with walks or swims in clean air and water. One must also remember not to overdo it as strenuous exercise can also increase acidity.


Doing exercises like yoga, tai chi, and qi gong are also encouraged to increase the flow of chi or energy.
Rest is also a huge component of the cure.  They believe in the different nervous systems and how it affects the mechanism of detoxing and repairing the body.


The diet is dependent on your food allergies and tolerances so I would get tested through blood test or applied kinesiology to avoid any inflammation from ingesting food that you are intolerant to.
If you can, why don't you get all those tests that one doesn't normally bother with such as the following.

This might help you ask for tests you didn't know exist or the names.

Most of these tests can be done at the GP or you might have to find a doctor or clinic near you who can do this.  It is a process of elimination sometimes.  I am not saying get everyone of these ( I didn't) but sometimes just the basic ones like blood count, iron levels, inflammation markers, liver and kidney function should be available near you.



The one Mayr treatment not even available in London was the blood oxygenation treatment.  It's the fabled method that the members of the Rolling Stones get on a regular basis to keep them looking feeling young.  I think Mick might be the only member who doesn't go to the Mayr.  I was told to get the treatment by my doctor as I had very low hemoglobin levels due to prolonged anemia.  Some people swear by this treatment and they come purely to do this one procedure and leave the next day!

They take out 100 ml of blood and put it into a machine that kills all the bacteria and viruses and then put it in a centrifugal machine that oxygenates it and then they put it back in.  
I felt like a very polite vampire.
I did take pictures but I will spare you...

Remember to either have Epsom salts first thing in the morning to flush the intestines of any leftover residue stuck inside. 
An alkaline base powder once or twice a day is also important to lower your pH.  I find that although I get tired unlike other detoxes I don't have headaches which is probably thanks to this powder. 
It is also important to drink anywhere from 2 to 4 liters of still mineral water a day.

Obviously, I can't prescribe a menu plan but you can have a look at what I ate as a general guide and remember the following:

1) Stop eating when you are satisfied but not stuffed.

2) Chew your food around 30 to 50 times because digestion starts in the mouth and not the stomach.

3) Try and have warming soup as it is not only filling but according to Chinese medicine the nature of a warm liquid nourishes and calms the body.

4) If possible just have soup or a cup of broth or tea for dinner and try not to eat after 7 pm.  They say the reason for the light dinner is that the body produces the bulk of hormones during the evening and nighttime. If the body is busy digesting a heavy meal then it detracts and decreases the production of serotoninmelatonin and human growth hormone.

I hate this bit the most as it is really anti-social but during a detox I think it is nice to be rather introspective anyway. 

5) Eat only three times a day with no snacking between meals.   Colon and stomach cancer patients in remission are told that it is important to be properly hungry before meals and that one must not eat according to the clock but to listen to the body.

6)  Don't eat raw foods during the detox period as they are hard to digest.  Even in Chinese medicine, it says that digesting raw foods involve more chi so if someone is frail then raw food is not given. But even after the detox one of the main rules of the Mayr is not to eat any raw foods after 4 pm as they say the body stops producing enzymes needed to break down raw food.  It turns out the adage eat like a king for breakfast and a pauper for dinner is valid.

If in doubt which oil to use, then use linseed / flaxseed oil.  
It seems to be the superstar of oils!

Now this bit of information I am sharing with you now isn't in their official handbooks and only came up in their twice weekly lectures given.  The doctors who go on conferences and update their knowledge and keep abreast of latest findings shared the following.

Nuts are good for you providing you don't have allergies but they strongly suggest that you roast or toast all nuts before you eat them.  There have been recent studies that showed raw nuts release  varying amounts of antibiotics in the system.  In ancient times, this may have been healing but now the problem is that it is causing antibiotic resistance.

Pork has never been served at the clinic and they ask that we refrain from pork for a week when we go back home and avoid even in normal life.  This time some of the repeat guests pressed them for the reason. Apparently there are studies that are finding that pork might exacerbate auto-immune conditions.  Pigs and humans have similar DNA that heart research and medication are tested on pigs.  The problem is that most of us have varying degrees of leaky gut syndrome and the body creates antibodies to any particle released in the bloodstream.  This is also the reason why if you eat one particular item too much or in excess you are highly likely to develop an allergy to it.  But pork is so similar to human DNA that it starts creating antibodies against its own human body.  People with auto-immune issues and arthritis were told to stay away from pork.  
Once again, I must stress these are studies and findings that they learned about at medical conferences that they were sharing with us verbally and is not in any formal handbooks.  But this hasn't stopped me from eating a daily schnitzel over the long weekend. 

Try and get a massage every other day, preferably lymphatic drainage over traditional Swedish   During the detox the lymph system will need a little help pumping away the increased toxins.

Before lunch or just before you go to sleep, put a hot water bottle over the liver to increase bile production to help with the detox but also aid digestion as a whole.

Try and sauna or go to a special infrared sauna to help sweat the toxins out alleviating the load from your liver and kidneys.




Try and aim to sleep at 9 p.m. or at least before midnight.

Try and take a detox bath with Epsom or Himalayan salts to clean the skin.  ( I don't normally get skin rashes but I always tend to get them during the detox.)

This detox part won't be fun.  
I am not going to sugarcoat it.  That is partly why doing it at home may not be the wisest idea because it is too easy to grab a coffee or the bar of chocolate.  

I only manage to stick to it because I am in a compound 30 minute bike ride away from the nearest shops.  I find that swimming in the beautiful lake and the beautiful countryside distracts me from any discomfort.  

Here are some more links for further reading about the cure.

http://www.mayrtherapy.com/

http://www.mayrandmore.com/the-basic-principles.html

http://www.viva-mayr.com/en/hotel.html

http://www.parkhotel-igls.at/index.php?id=2&L=1

http://howtospendit.ft.com/health-grooming/4805-spa-junkie-at-the-mayr-clinic

http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/destination-detox-austrias-viva-mayr-clinic/#1


I have three Mayr handbooks to giveaway so if you would like one then please let me know and email me your address. Sorry I don't have more to give out...If you have any questions, please let me know or email the Mayr association. 

33 comments:

  1. Hi Naomi, this is fascinating indeed! I'm especially interested in the pork thing, and the advice to toast nuts.
    I'm not sure how successful I'll be trying to do this, as I usually eat every 2 to 3 hours (6 small meals a day), but I'm certainly going to look into some of the tests for my awful gut!
    I'd love a copy of the book.
    Will email you my address x

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    1. I was told I am intolerant to nuts except for cashews and the interesting thing is cashews are the only nuts I like so my body was naturally selecting what was good for me! But yes I will send you the book - they are releasing a new edition next year but I think this will sufficiently explain the cure in the meantime I hope this helps you feel better! xx

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    2. It's fascinating that the body can naturally select good foods for us, although I think some people don't listen to their bodies enough (myself included).
      Thanks so much for the book. I'm determined to sort out my gut issues before I hit 50. I've had a fair few test (colonoscopy, endoscopy etc) but the gastroenterologist's advice was to take codeine for the pain and to slow my gut. This doesn't seem like a great long-term plan, so I really need to get a few more opinions on how to manage it!
      Of course, when I'm symptom-free, I forget about it! Then it comes back, as it has now, and I'm motivated to do something.
      Must stop rambling. Thanks SO much again!

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    3. Codeine is definitely not a long term strategy especially as that would burden the liver...But it's true that one only remembers to do good when in discomfort! I think your aim to get better before 50 is a sage one and I hope this helps you! x

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  2. Hi Naomi, I am a new reader to your blog. My husband has medical issues, allergies and vitamin deficiencies and I would love to read the Mayr book. I have emailed my address, in case I am successful in winning a copy. Keep up the good work. Jo xx

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    1. Hi Jobeth, I would be happy to send you a book. I hope this helps your husband and improve your own well being as it explains some principles differently than I have. Thanks for your comment x

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    2. Thank you so much Naomi. Interesting that you can only eat cashews, whereas my 17 year old son can eat most nuts, except cashews!! My husband has been through all sorts of regimes with an allergist and gastroenterologist and the results always come back inconclusive. The three month elimination diet (mostly white food) he was on a few years ago almost killed me from stress!! The best he has felt in 10 years was doing consulting work in Nauru for 7 weeks (rice based diet and loads of Vitamin D from being in a warm, sunny climate). Will let you know how we get on. Thanks again. Jobeth xx

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    3. Most welcome Jobeth, I think one's man cure is another man's poison right? I was severely Vitamin D deficient as well this time around as the UK had the longest winter ever and now I feel so much better and it reminded me I need to take Vitamin D all year round. Please do let me know of any progress xx

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  3. So interesting... are activated nuts equal to toasted nuts in their books? Activated nuts are The Big Thing around the health traps, so I'm interested to know. The pork thing is also interesting... new research is showing that the Blue Zones (as I think they're called - the 7 places in the world where people commonly live to 100 or over in perfect health) have one thing in common, and it is pork consumption - large quantities of it.
    Totally fascinating... please put me down for a copy of the book! You know where to find me!
    Heidi x

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    1. Yes soaking nuts also counts in making them unraw so to speak. But I think it has to be 24 hours minimum if I am not mistaken? Funny you mention that statistic because there were people who were contesting that fact. Austrians live around 87 years on average apparently and they have one of the highest consumption levels of pork and beer but then the doctor said that Austrians are also one of the most active people in the western world. Also it is something to be wary of with certain biological proclivities. But she also said that auto-immune cases have spiked all over the world and it is definitely a modern phenomenon. But she says there are current studies looking at the difference between auto-immune cases in developed Muslim countries and the "West" to look at comparable lifestyle factors but minus the pork. But they still say that pork inhibits the detox regardless of other factors so it is never served at the clinic! But email me your address - you have got the third book! :) xx

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  4. I would love to do this kind of programme, Naomi. You've described it so well - I think a full year would be good! Interesting about the pork and nuts. Alas, I have zero willpower and would probably be found lying in the pantry surrounded by Mars Bar wrappers and Jaffa Cakes. I really like the idea of having some of those tests done though. Great write-up on the system.

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    1. Thanks Sulky! I tell you that it is a full time job this detox... But I did do a version of this when I got back to normal life last year for about a month. The thing is I have zero will power for food but it does strange things to your brain chemistry. You could just go and do the tests as that is always a good way to find out if you are on track! PS they recommended red wine over white wine by the way bc too many sulfates in white wine and they said that brandy is a good thing to carry on travels bc it kills any stomach bugs! :)

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  5. Thanks so much Naomi - this is very intriguing stuff. I actually started a food diary yesterday as a bit of an ease in - what made me feel like what. Yesterday morning I ate the loveliest tea biscuit - home made by me - but felt awful for about 3 hours afterwards. I generally eat well but there is much room for improvement and this kind of detox sounds like it might be just the ticket. I think my nightly glass of red wine would be hardest to give up!

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    1. Not at all! But do you think you might be gluten intolerant? Tea biscuits are a fairly easy recipe and the only thing is the flour might not suit you. Why don't you try a gluten free flour biscuit and see if that helps? They say that red wine is good for you but just not during the detox and the alcohol kills any fat burning amino acids and that is why you can easily gain weight if you drink too much - good luck with your food diary!

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  6. Thanks again Naomi... I have been waiting patiently for your report on this whole process, which has been excellent. I am convinced that I would like to go... it is exactly what I would enjoy and provided one takes reading material, etc... not too lonely? I guess one is kept pretty busy each day? Thanks again.. very informative! xx

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    1. Glad you found it useful but I think you would love it as it would be part holiday and part useful. That area is sooooo beautiful and the lake is so clean that it is drinkable as you swim! The clientele is split half german and english speaking. I have met many lovely people there and it is a bit like boarding school and can be a real hoot. Not lonely at all because you are normally pretty busy for at least half the day with your specific appointments plus there are group classes and lectures to attend plus you need to rest as well! There are also excursions on Sundays to visit local attractions etc. Believe me I never got bored but then I can be a bit of a goldfish at times hehe xx

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  7. Hi Naomi, thank you so much for this post! I have really been looking forward to your review and comments on how to carry on the Mayr philosophy at home. I don't know if I have the discipline to do it, but I have been more careful bout what I eat s I have noticed since entering my late 30s that there are many foods which make me feel terrible afterwards. I have seriously cut down on beef and pork consumption as they often make me feel terrible afterwards (and this is a big deal, as I do love a good cheeseburger!).

    I had a question - with taking the Epsom salts and the resultant diarrhea, how does that affect digestion afterwards? Are you advised to take a probiotic or yogurt afterwards to repopulate the intestine with bacteria? I just remember that one time, several years ago, when I had to do a course of antibiotics, that my doctor advised that I eat yogurt to repopulate the intestine and prevent the digestion problems that come with taking a long course of antibiotics.

    Thanks again for all of this information!!

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    1. Great question actually! Normally, they say that the flora through the cleanse restarts and kickstarts itself almost ( for most healthy people ) but there are people if they have intestinal candida or have taken lots of antibiotics before then they according to the doctor are on a less mild cure salt or take magnesium citrate instead. Also afterwards, you may be prescribed once again to your condition probiotics but they have a gentler version as some probiotics can be too strong. That is probably why for certain people it might be better to see a doctor to tailor it to your needs. I myself found no issues on all my time there. Plus for breakfast most people eat sheeps yoghurt and that seems to keep the flora in check. I hope this kind of answered your question?

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  8. I love the idea of having a massage regularly, if only ha ha. It's something I always promised myself I would do at least once a month, but never really followed through with it. I think I'll get myself booked in after my holiday. I never know which is the best to have though as some experts suggest they can do more harm than good eeek!! Xx

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    1. Funny you say that because if you have had certain types of cancers then you are not allowed certain types of massages! I find lymph massages so boring but very effective and shiatsu is a safe all around option. But I have to admit that I am a bit massaged out! xx

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  9. Interestingly Rudolph Hess was very much into a lot of these principles, I once said I thought I'd get on we'll with him in company because of his extra mural interests, hubs still hasn't forgiven me for that one, you're right it's a very Teutonic principle. All so fascinating, it's really gracious of you to share this. I too worried about the loneliness but I guess it's just like going on a retreat.

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    1. For some reason it doesn't surprise me that they would have done this...I am thankful there were people interested in this detox. I think you would love it. I look forward to my time there as it is a perfect balance of solitude and socializing bc you only socialize when you feel like it plus you have plenty to do and never get bored but have plenty of time to rest. I absolutely adore the place plus there are so many repeating guests like me that this time around I knew about 10 people there. Plus they get some interesting guests indeed - apparently prince edward was there before all the jubilee celebrations last year!

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  10. Well. It's is fair to say, after reading this, we are on a "no more pork" diet! I've read about that before,and buried it. Now it's resurfaced....bye bye pork! Very interesting post.

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    1. I now have it in the back of my mind but I do still eat it but there is some arthritis in my family so I have to be aware of these studies...I suppose it should be considered a treat bc I love pork belly!!

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  11. Thank you again, Naomi for all of this--it really is generous of you to share so much of what you have learned. It is fascinating too! It makes a lot of sense to me--although I would probably have to go to a different type of detox clinic beforehand so some actual good could be done--ah hem! Ah yes, red wine...

    Two random travel memories: I know from talking to people in Mali they swore by two things to stay healthy (and this was far from any town so they were own their own, no doctors)--Coca-Cola and hot sauce. I was told that the second one burned out the germs and the first kept the pipes clean--interesting that it was about keeping the gut healthy, no? And the second--Remi and I both fell crazily ill with a stomach bug in Samarkand, one that no medecine could help (we travelled with a medecine kit in those days). It was the ONLY time that Remi couldn't work from being too sick. Finally our driver showed up and said, "time for Uzbek cure." We were to drink a bottle of vodka with salt in it (!) and you know what? It did the trick! I have a photo of us loopily smiling to prove it. ;)

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    1. Yep there is that universal tie, Funny they like Coke bc I know some plumbers who use that as a friendly eco friendly way of unblocking the pipes!! I stop drinking caffeine before I go because caffeine withdrawal is so tough that I am sure Betty Ford has its own section there...But veering off topic - I want to go to Samarkand!!! x

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  12. Love this post- so interesting! Love Chi Gung/ Qi Gong and epsom salt baths too x

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    1. Thanks Fifi - I am glad it is of interest and of help to certain people! Sometimes I am afraid of sounding all quacky :) x

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  13. What is an alkaline based powder and where can you find it?

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    1. Don't know exactly but it makes your body less acidic to cope with detox effects. Google it and I'm sure you'll find

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  14. Love this post!!, how can I have a copy of the book?

    Can you please email me batth@chellaramsplc.com

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  15. Hi! Am I way too late to request a copy of the book? I’d LOVE one! I’d be happy to send you my info if still available!

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