By Terrence Loh
After years of eating what we know as ‘food’ and processed food, I thought it was about time I gave my body an overhaul. In my opinion, detox was the way to go – and numerous materials I’d read on the internet seemed to concur.
Therefore, I embarked on a journey to research detox programmes and was introduced to Tanya Samui Holistic Healthcare Institute by a close friend during a trip to Thailand for a trade show. He told me about his experience at the institute and I was both extremely curious and fascinated at the same time by what he’d shared. It was also a little daunting as one would need to “fast” for the duration of the programme with no solid food!
Three months later, I arrived in Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts, posh spas and parties. However, I was there to experience a holistic and unconventional eight-day detox programme at Tanya Samui.
This would be my first detox experience ever; I kept an open mind about not eating for eight days and was keen on finding out more about the supposedly unconventional programme.
I arrived at Tanya Samui at noon after a 35-minute drive from the airport and was greeted by a big golden Buddha statue at the entrance. Every participant of the programme was requested to make payment and complete a registration form at the registration counter. There were two lodging centres, a main one and another across the street. Rustic by feel and design, the accommodation was decent, equipped with a comfy bed, bathroom and air-conditioning. Around the area, there’s a swimming pool and massage areas. I had the opportunity to stay at the new section of Tanya Samui which included additional amenities, namely a TV and wifi.
It would all begin with a herbal tea/juice, to be consumed on a daily basis throughout the duration of the programme. Each of us was handed a booklet that breaks down the daily schedule and, most importantly the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ for the benefit of all participants.
Before heading to my room, I proceeded to the common area of the centre and was briefed about the daily routine. We were given a bottle of alkaline water and were advised to drink it every day during the course of the programme; refill areas were located at specific locations. We were also informed NOT to consume any solid foods – no cheating – as the ‘Teacher’ would know if you had consumed anything other than what’s served during the programme. Participants with illnesses or on medication, or those feeling ill during the programme, would also need to inform the staff.
Day 1 of the programme begun the day we arrived. The daily routine for Day 2 till Day 7 would start at 5am (depending on your schedule prepared by the institute), and included getting your pH levels checked in the morning, a spoonful of coconut oil for gargling, an enema, drinking herbal tea, a foot spa, ‘checking of the bucket’ (more on this later), drinking detoxification supplements such as olive oil, herbal juice and enzyme drinks, soups and more olive oil before day end. Walks and hikes were allowed, but participants were told to return to the institute in time for the aforementioned scheduled activities.
Now, here’s the unconventional aspect of the programme, the ‘checking of the bucket’. It’s a procedure that requires each participant to self-perform an enema, which is an injection of fluid into the lower bowel by way of the rectum to expel its contents. You will have to unload the excrement into a bucket, which you would carry and line up to meet with the ‘Teacher’, Khun Kob (more on her in a bit), who will then assess your health by merely looking at your waste. Yes, not exactly a pleasant experience, and definitely bizarre.
As mind boggling as it sounds, Khun Kob has managed to cure people with chronic illnesses, even informing them of any impending illness, and also what needs to be addressed to improve your current health.
Khun Kob, who is called ‘Teacher’, is the owner and founder of Tanya Samui Holistic Healthcare Institute. She employs a hands-on approach in relation to the programme and would have daily meetings with all participants, enlightening them about the origins of the institute and objective of her programme. A true believer of Buddha, she founded the institute following her ordeal with chronic illnesses that eventually led to a journey of spiritual self-awakening. Having cured herself off cancer after modern medicine failed to help, she believes it’s her ‘karma’ – a cosmic calling if you will – to educate people on the benefits of adopting a healthier, more natural lifestyle, through which one could self-heal simply by eating correctly.
During a meeting, she stressed that we are the product of what we consume, and therefore the food we eat today – from preservatives-laden frozen and canned/bottled foods to ‘instant’ and fast foods – determines your health tomorrow. She further spoke on the importance of respecting the body, letting go of all negativity, and flushing out toxins naturally. Her ultimate goal is to help, and she hopes that one day everyone will be able to detox themselves at home and change their eating habits for the better.
The presentation during the meeting was highly graphic – certainly not for the weak bellied. However, it was all incredibly enlightening, especially the Teacher’s story of perseverance and self-healing.
For the next seven days, we stuck to the same regimen of herbal tea, enzyme drinks, enema and oil, with a hike or walk by the beach to relax and exercise. Days 1 and 2 were particularly difficult as the “fasting” came as a rude shock to the system, but soon the body adjusted.
Overall, I would say my experience at Tanya Samui has been more than just about detox; it’s taught me that we truly are what we eat, and I’m certainly a lot more mindful now of what I choose to consume on a daily basis. If you’re interested, I have just one tip for you – go into it with an open mind.
To know more, visit www.tanyasamui.com.
