Pre 2005 information on this page.



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The Detox and Holistic Health weekend was given by Sorcha Molloy and Dave Brocklebank.

The next course will be held Feb 20th - 22nd 2004. Details at Detox and Holistic Health weekend Feb 2004

Modern living
The idea that the modern diet is designed more for convenience than optimum health is not news to us. In our busy world with pace of life increasing it can be difficult to nourish our bodies on wholesome foods without the intrusion of chemically laden toxins.

Detox course
Using all Organic produce and concentrating on the importance of correct food combining the information and the depth of knowledge imparted over the weekend was extensive.

The emphasis of this course was on Raw Food Power, combined with Breath-work, gentle Yoga postures, an introduction to meditation. The course attendants unwound in the natural surroundings taking in breath taking walks in the Burren, some crystal clear stargazing and a full body massage.

Raw food power
The phrase Raw Food Power may be new to many of us.

However Sorcha lead us through an introduction to Sprouted seeds and nuts, presoaked grains and chlorophyll rich Wheat grass. These foods while easily assimilated by the body are enzyme rich placing no stress on the digestive system, and carry much needed oxygen and nutrients into the blood stream. On the contrary to what many of us believe health food can be fast food and Sorcha demonstrated some simple techniques in producing nourishing and invigorating meals that could find a place in our busy lifes.

Natural enzymes
Our bodies use digestive enzymes to process all food. These enzymes are present in all natural raw foods. However enzymes can be altered or destroyed during the cooking process leaving the body to draw from its finite supply, Taxing the digestive system and increasing the strain on vital organs.

Seeds, nuts, beans and soups
So a lot of the food on the weekend was raw. The natural enzymes of the food are preserved, and a combination of freshly sprouted seeds, nuts and beans were included which have the natural life force still available for our own bodies to utilize.

The soups, which consisted of sprouted beans and seeds, freshly shredded organic vegetables and herbs were heated carefully with great care to a temperature of 50 degrees (celcius). Protecting enzyme life.

Yoga for detoxing and energising
As Sorcha prepared the food, the rest of the group practiced yoga with Dave.

The classes consisted of gentle postures to help remove toxins from the system, and loosen the joints, increase flexibility to the spine, improve posture and improve correct breathing practices.

These classes helped refresh and invigourate the body and left one feeling very much alive and ready for more excellent healthy eating and also learning how to prepare the food.

Wheatgrass juicing
An opportunity was taken to demonstrate some recipes and the group took notes on how Sorcha prepared the foods, or lent a hand to prepare the soups, shred the organic vegetables or to extract the juice from Wheatgrass in order to make up out shots of natural chlorophyll heath drinks.

Learning about food preparation
The group listened attentively and added notes to their handouts which contained much useful information such as receipes to prepare and use hummus (chick peas), seaweed, nutrient sourse chart (showing which vitamins and minerals are stored in which foods), which foods are suitable to be eaten together and how to prepare Nori Rolls, Dulse Sauce, Delectable Daikon, Sprouted salad, information on germinating seeds and beans and much much more.

All of the Wheatgrass was used including the froth which was rubbed on the face and produced a natural face mask. There was also a natural skincare program for the weekend, and everyone received a natural body brush for exfoliation.

Sorcha worked away preparing the food and giving us ‘pearls of wisdom’ on producing juices using the juicer, or using the Wheatgrass juice extractor. While Dave lead the group in yoga and gave a talk on stress management and daily practice.

Outdoor walks in nature
The outdoor walks included a walk along the ‘green road’ at Abbey hill (know locally as Corker hill), a late evening 9:00 – 10:30 PM walk in the starlight along the Flaggy Shore at New Quay looking across the bay at the lights of Galway City and also a walk on Sunday morning around the area of Mulloughmore hill.

On the walk along the green road at Abbey Hill we discovered an ancient face carved into one of the rock beside an old ruin.

There was also some carved writing alongside the picture but we could not make out the language of the writing.

Most of the Yoga classes were quite gentle and suitable for beginners although one of the classes was a fair bit stronger and gave more of a challenge to those more experienced with Yoga on the course.

The course participants left the burren truly beaming with new life and energy.