A Heartfelt Testimonial
Prior to coming to Santosa I had spent the past 8 months adjusting to a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis at 37 years of age. Whilst I was as positive as I could be about the disease, my energy levels were very low, I had to adjust my working life and deal with almost continual pain in the joints of my hands, wrists, shoulders and jaw. During acute flare-ups the pain was akin to my joints being on fire and stiff to the point of my hands resembling a ‘claw’. The medication which I have relied upon has some severe side effects and long-term problems associated with them – including diarrhea, inability to get pregnant and me catching any illness that is doing the rounds.
I had made a number of simple lifestyle changes in my efforts to adjust and minimise the R.A. (Rheumatoid Arthritis) but I decided that a more intensive change and effort was required. A number of articles I had read on R.A. mentioned that fasting and dietary changes had made a significant difference in pain levels for some sufferers, so I researched online and decided upon Santosa for a Full Fast Cleanse Program.
People bandy around the phrase ‘life-changing’ frequently, but I would have to say that so far this is precisely what the detox experience at Santosa has been for me. On day 3 I experienced an exacerbation of my pain, I believe due to the level of toxins being released into my blood during the detoxification process (a commonly reported effect of fasting upon R.A. sufferers). The team were incredibly supportive and adaptive (for instance helping me open bottles), and the infrared dome sauna worked wonders! In tandem with the herbal steam room and ice bath my pain disappeared by the evening! Now on Day 6 I have had no pain at all for 2.5 days.
My energy levels have sky-rocketed and I wake up feeling awake, light, bright, positive and vital – better than I have since I was a teenager. I don’t believe I had ever allowed myself a full day to devote to me, relaxing or my health, and now I’m 6 days in and loving every moment of my stay, and learning so much more than I had anticipated about wellness in general!
My first chosen massage treatment the Ionised Foot Detox Bath showed toxins being released, and ions rebalancing my joint and muscles, (sounds like the R.A.) and that my blood was purifying (probably from all my meds).
The Center itself is beautifully designed, fresh and perfectly equipped. The pavilion is so light and open that I am choosing to spend a large chunk of time there between activities, the treatment rooms for massages are again beautiful, tranquil, tastefully decorated – small warm havens for your chosen treatment. The colema rooms are well appointed, comfortable, with excellent facilities, a personal TV to keep you occupied, a fan and a great shower.
The classes and activities on offer are amazing, varied and a highlight in my opinion – I had never tried yoga, zumba, aerial yoga, or pilates before and now I may be addicted to zumba!
Whilst I’m sure that many detox programs are successful it is for me the personal touches which make the difference and would make me return and recommend Santosa. The entire staff team is so welcoming, professional, fun, approachable yet not intrusive if you need time to yourself, and willing to share their passion and knowledge, and bring in outside additional professionals such as nutritionists if it will aid your progress. I will miss them all when I leave…
I believe years of illness prior to diagnosis and therefore 20+ years of medication, toxins and bacteria are removing themselves from my body during these last 6 days preparing my immune system to re-set. My overall goal would be to be able to come off the medication – I will let you all know if/when this happens.
Thank you Santosa for everything, but especially for allowing me HOPE again.
Kim