We weren’t the best of friends. We weren’t in tune with each other either. Out of sync, unsuited and definitely not in rhythm. Who knows what triggered the rift between us but it was hurtful and painful – a stabbing, nervous feeling. I’m speaking about my relationship with my gut. My gut health seems to have deteriorated, affecting my mood, energy levels and general wellness. And now it’s time for a healthier relationship, to make changes for the better, to reconcile our differences. And to do the job is VIVAMAYR.
“Island of Good Health”
The VIVAMAYR Medical Health Resort sits on the shore of Lake Wörthersee in Maria Wörth in Austria. It’s a scene of tranquillity with two jetties extending out into the water: serene and peaceful, cradled in nature, forming the perfect setting to embark on a serious detox programme to revitalise body and mind. Here amidst this quietude, there is time to listen to your body’s needs, hear its complaints and feel its malfunctions. And, based on analytical evidence from personal programme consultations, it’s the ideal time to integrate new lifestyle practices. It’s hard work, one that requires a determined mindset but one which results in a cleansed system, a lighter healthier feeling, a re-evaluation of food, nutrition and lifestyle habits which result in a new respectful friendship with your gut.
The VIVAMAYR Health Concept
This is based on the theory of Dr F X Mayr (1875- 1965) who developed a diagnostic and treatment concept which focused on the digestive system. With modern practises, innovative scientific methods and advanced technologies, this medicinal concept has developed and evolved. VIVAMAYR is centred around the Modern Mayr Medicine, the blend of ancient knowledge and state of the art medicine. It practises Functional Myodiagnostics (muscle testing to determine disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and Orthomolecular Medicine, (alternative medicine that aims to maintain health through nutritional supplementation), This is supplemented with scientific insights from complementary medicine. The main focus of this medical therapy is on nutrition, movement and achieving mental strength to prevent disease and maintain health.
VIVAMAYR offers a number of programmes ranging from Weight Care, Post Covid, Immune Boost, Diabetes, Active Detox to Inflammatory Skin, but the Classic Program forms the basis for every stay. As we are all unique, each programme is flexible and customised and includes the necessary medical care together with a variety of tests and treatments as prescribed following the initial examination with your physician.
The Classic Programme – A Precise Diagnosis
The initial consultation with your physician includes a comprehensive initial examination with blood analyses and check-ups. This then sets the schedule and the pace of your stay. And so your new lifestyle routine commences with a precisely defined, individualised path of treatments, therapies, movement, and nutritional concepts. The minimum stay is seven days to experience the full effect of the programme, although there were a number of three weekers. Your daily schedule is itemised with prescribed treatments, therapies, and your daily check-up. Appointments are punctual, staff friendly and professional. It can be tiring, with personal training sessions tailored to target your body’s needs. There is a wide variety from oxygen therapy to boost your energy, nasal reflex therapy to target the respiratory tract and any sinus problems. An electrolysis footbath eliminates unhealthy acids, toxins and pollutants from ionised water, cryotherapy for a chillier experience while an opera singer orchestrates breathwork. The fitness centre is on standby while the lake beckons those who enjoy natural swimming. Other group activities include an early morning activity class. painting workshops, Nordic walks in the forest, hikes to the Pyramid, (the highest wooden observation tower in the world) and excursions to Lake Bled. There are health talks on some evenings followed by organic teas in the lounge before an early nights’ slumber.
Food For Purpose
The preparation of foods, timings, how and what you eat can affect the health of your gut. The VIVAMAYR food culture forms a key part of the programme. Intolerances and stress factors are medically analysed on an individual basis which result in a personal nutrition plan to balance the acid-alkaline ratio in the body. Meals become a highlight with special instructions for your dietary health labelled on your assigned table. Breakfast is a choice of spreads and protein supplements with bread or porridge of oat, millet, buckwheat or gluten free. Lunch, a more substantial affair, includes soup, (for some) and a choice of main courses such as a cheese soufflé, or praline of rouge salmon with trout caviar served with a portion of oil. And for the select few, dessert – a carrot muffin or chocolate soufflé. Dinner is smaller: bread (referred to as a chewing trainer) of spelt, soya or buckwheat bread or vegetable chips with a choice of spreads such as avocado and sesame (with sheep shark), almond mousse (almond and walnut oil) All courses are beautifully presented and tempting, served in a stress-free jovial atmosphere with friendly sympathetic staff. The restaurant setting overlooks the lake and gardens with seating inside and out, a distraction itself. Twice a week there is a cooking class which helps the transition of this “Mayr Cure” into everyday life sprinkled with tips and tricks for healthy food preparation and ingredient choice.
How Do You Chew? What To Drink
Chew each bite thoroughly. Yes, around 50 times! This activates the enzymes in the saliva to help digestion (and to prevent eating too much!). Eating at set times, with no snacking between gives the body time to digest and reiterates the importance of the meal time and the period between to complete the digestion process. Drinks with additives such as juices, coffee and wines (not available here), count as food. Water is allowed outside mealtimes and should be sipped up to 30 minutes before and only after an hour after meals.
I meet many return visitors during my stay, each advocating the benefits of this seclusion from everyday habits and who have persuaded reticent partners to come along. They, like me suffer the nausea and headaches at the start but truly appreciate the positive effects at the end. Guests from around the UK make up 20% of the overall mix. Others are from Austria, Germany, and further afield from India, Arabia and Australia. VIVAMAYR is more than a holistic medical programme, according to the Manager. “The aim is to solve problems such as digestive, leaky gut, allergies and diabetes. But fatigue is currently a big problem. VIVAMAYR has Introduced a wide range of treatments over the last 10 years and is known as the Modern Mayr Cure but the focus is on gut and intestine cleansing. The gut, he stresses, is the brain of the body”
VIVAMAYR Medical Health Resort
VIVAYMAYR, which opened in 2005, is a contemporary medical resort, elegant and spacious with lounge areas dotted around. A tea station is on tap throughout the day to stem hunger pangs. The medical lounge and adjoining facilities are located on the first floor. The chillout zen area is a must, with a stylish multi-sauna area and relaxation lookout over the lake. There is an indoor pool edged with swinging chairs, sofas and loungers as well as an infrared cabin and relax chairs, soothed with caged candles along the passageways. There are 45 rooms in total with various categories from Comfort Rooms to a Villa. I stayed in a Deluxe Room which was airy with all the mod-cons and a breath-taking view out over the lake from the balcony. There is no air conditioning relying instead on the natural fresh Austrian air. A choice of pillows such as aloe vera, lavender, pine, spelt and a neck support add to the comfort and the Smart TV with access to Netflix helps to detract you from past memories of gourmet restaurants and wines lists. With 100 staff to around 50 guests, personal care and attention is high.
Buddies In Gut Health
After seven days, I’m balanced, focussed, energised and even a couple of kilos lighter. More so, my main objective has been achieved – I am now synchronised with my gut – we are now buddies. Together, I have the support to fight temptation as I head back into the world outside Lake Worthersee and its serenity and tranquillity. VIVAMAYR has a London clinic if I want to top up with an oxygen therapy session or a vitamin infusion. And I have made new friends on this wellness journey between chewing on meals, creative treatments and drinking organic tea in the lounge. As I close the guest book, I read one farewell comment, “Thank you for taking me by the hand and showing me how to heal myself.”
Transparent Pricing
There is no definitive package price, purely an estimated guideline of individual treatment costs. The final price is based on your individual therapy plan as defined by your physician. Supplements, medication and special laboratory tests are charged separately. Accommodation and travel are priced separately
Getting to VIVAMAYR:
By air: To Ljubljana (Slovenia) and drive just over one hour or to Vienna and then to Klagenfurt and a 30 min drive.
VIVAMAYR’s day clinic is located in Harley Street, London. It offers naturopathic treatments diagnostics and products for pre and post care
TIPS
- Dry brushing skin before showering
- Take magnesium powder in the morning for intestinal cleansing
- Use mouth oil to remove bacteria build up and toxins in mouth before eating in the morning.
- Keep regular meal times and smaller portions as the day progresses.
- Take time to chew with no distractions and give time for the body to digest
- Drink up to 2.5 litres per day between and not with meals. This should be pure still water or teas
- Before bed prepare liver pack wrap: Moisten a cotton cloth with cold water, place on right upper abdomen, position hot water bottle wrapped in a towel for 30-60 mins.
- Work hard to relax to prevent stress affecting the gut health.
