Stressed and burnt out, Wellbeing Escapes MD Stella Photi headed to one of the world's top wellness sanctuaries, Kamalaya in Thailand, for some much needed rest and recuperation. What she found was a life-changing experience that has enhanced her life ever since...
Arriving in Koh Samui airport, I was greeted by Kamalaya staff. After 40 minutes drive in an air-conditioned car I arrived to Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary which is located in the quiet southern coastline.
Here there are no cheap drinking joints or 7/11 stores (typical for over-developed Thailand) but a feeling of peace and purity. Perched on a lush jungle like hillside that overlooks the sparkling ocean it is obvious that the owners have the utmost respect for nature. When Kamalaya was built, 150 trees were carefully removed and then replanted once building was complete.
I started my stay with the scary sounding "bioimpedance analysis". This is standard practice at the beginning of your programme where electrodes are attached to your fingertips and a machine prints out results on important health indicators such as how healthy your cells are, how hydrated you are, the proportion of fat to muscle and the dreaded bmi (body mass index). The cellular information was fantastic as it serves the purpose of being diagnostic and preventative.
This was followed by a Wellness Consultation with one of the resident naturopaths who quickly established that I was experiencing adrenal burn out from too much stress and work. I debated over changing my programme to a detox (I felt that will be better for me) but the naturopath got me over my guilt. She suggested, "You can choose food from the detox menu, cut out coffee, alcohol and sugar. Really it's best than a full detox for you right now." I kept my Balance & Revitalise programme but added a couple of acupuncture sessions in order to deal with a long standing arm/shoulder problem and to release energy blockages. All packages are designed by Karina Stewart, the co-founder and creative director of Kamalaya who has a vast holistic and medical knowledge.
I spent the next couple of days walking around in a daze feeling very tired and falling asleep at any opportunity. I planned to attend as many group activites as possible but even my alarm was not able to wake me up for the morning yoga class. I continued to crash and burn as I struggled through meditation class where I could hear myself snoring!
Joanne, my naturopath, caught me sleepwalking after a fantastic vital essence oil massage. After hearing my whining about my lack of energy she advised me to "just stop trying to do stuff and let your body rest, it needs it". It was then it dawned on me that I didn't have to fill every moment of the day being productive. So I rested and slept, lay around on the beach, wallowed in the swimming pool without trying to swim 20 laps and had more fantastic treatments. For a couple of nights I chose not to sit on the communal table at dinner as I really didn't have the energy to chat, so I sat on my own without feeling conspicuous. There were some couples there but 60% of Kamalaya's visitors go on their own.
The turning point came on day 3 after I had my acupuncture session with Dr Song, the resident straight talking Chinese Doctor. After some acupuncture to help clear my stagnated energy channels and a vigorous Tui Na Chinese medical massage I felt great. I also did Chi Nei Tsang - The Chinese believe that the gut is the body's second brain- as digestive problem can lead to disease. This massage can stimulate sluggish bowels or help IBS for example but it also releases negative emotions and stress. Not really a pleasant treament (I winced with a pain when therapist was giving my organs a good knead).
The next morning I woke up in tears and pain. Emotional issues that I had filed away in the "to deal with later" tray had surfaced with a vengeance. My shoulder pain had turned into a full blown lower back problem. I felt like packing my stuff and leaving. I sought help from my naturopath. This is where Kamalaya really comes into its own - they know how to hold and support you on an emotional as well as physical level. My "Anti Stress Techniques" session was modified by Isabella, to help me get through my emotional turmoil and instead she used her healing touch to help my lower back relax from the spasm.
I kept wondering about my back and what had happened.Dr. Song set me straight. He told me that I had a trapped sciatic nerve explaining the pains in my legs. He put me on his table and worked his magic again with his needles and massage. When I asked him why, he told me that I had most likely had a chronic problem that I had hidden with stimulants such as coffee, sugar, alcohol and adrenalin. The problem had been released and made visible to deal with after the stimulants had been removed and the energy blockages had been unblocked.
Within 48 hours my back was fixed and my emotional issues addressed with without a pain killer or anti depressant in sight. Some lifestyle recommendations were typed up and printed by my naturopath and slid under my door. Some were achievable - vitamins to take, food to eat, recipes to make. Others made me smile - work no longer than 8 - 9 hours a day, be in bed by 10pm and eat your evening meal by 7pm. But the message hit home. Work less and look after yourself more!
My last few days at Kamalaya were bliss! I enjoyed some more stress busting treatments, Ayurvedic treatments and a brilliant cranio sacral treatment. I sat up and took notice of the views, the food, and the people and grasped how magical this place really is. The views are amazing, as you curse the steps taking you up to the treatment rooms, just stop and look across at the mountains and sea: it's worth it.
The food is mainly organic, very tasty and the fresh vegetable and fruit juices and mocktails are heavenly, each one with its own therapeutic properties. I alternated between the detox menu and the regular also very healthy menu and my pot belly went down after not having any wheat, sugar or red meat for a week. I could have easily just had the detox food as it was so tasty but couldn't resist the fresh fish.
The staff permeates the warmth and support you would expect from a Wellness Sanctuary. It's not just that special Thai gentleness but the whole philosophy of Kamalaya that has been so seamlessly passed across to those who deliver the experience by those who put it together. If you want ultimate luxury or super slickness Kamalaya is not your place. Kamalaya is authentic and beautiful. It's like the perfect mother - supportive, non judgemental, nurturing and guiding. Kamalaya is a place that you will leave feeling genuinely renewed and replenished."
Inspired by Stella's journey? Book Kamalaya now on 0203 735 7555.
Why Wellbeing Escapes?
