Whoever you are and whatever your health-related needs may be, Living Valley Springs is for you. The body if given the right conditions is often capable of healing itself - we are designed to win! The Living Valley Springs experience is different for everyone. However, some of our guests have shared what they experienced at this wonderful place. The following are extracts (shared with permission) from letters we've received.
Carmel Egan - Multiple Sclerosis
In March 2004 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a serious and potentially debilitating auto-immune disease for which western medicine believes there is currently no cure.
My doctor strongly recommended I immediately commence daily injections of an immuno-suppressive substance for the rest of my life, and told me to "hope for a cure".
In the weeks following the diagnosis a series of synchronistic events led me to Gary Martin ND and Living Valley Springs Health Retreat. Since I was fortunate enough to live in Kin Kin, not far from LVS, Gary willingly agreed to treat me on an outpatient basis.
Under his care I commenced a treatment protocol that offered the potential to arrest the progress of the disease, and facilitate a reversal of symptoms and return to health.
In line with my belief in my body's ability to heal itself, the protocol required an eighteen- month commitment to following an individualised program based on blood chemistry, hair analysis and dental examination. The safe removal of my amalgam fillings was a fundamental step in the treatment protocol.
The symptoms which included impaired vision, and loss of mobility, balance and co-ordination, began to subside within weeks of commencing the treatment.
Their reversal has been sustained, my recovery ongoing. I am the most healthy and energetic I have felt for many years.
At Living Valley Springs I was introduced to people with health issues similar to my own, and their assurances that I had come to the right place and was in good hands strengthened my resolve to follow the treatment protocol, and do whatever was required.
Gary Martin ND and the dedicated team members that make Living Valley Springs what it is, are truly remarkable. Their commitment and passion for what they do is inspirational.
I credit Gary with having been instrumental in saving my life. His enthusiasm and belief in my ability to recover gave me the confidence to embark on, what was for me, an adventure into the unknown.
The course my life has taken since my diagnosis has exposed me to many extraordinary and inspirational people, demonstrating to me on a very personal level just what can be achieved when like-minded people work together towards a common goal - in this case, my recovery from multiple sclerosis.
I acknowledge all at Living Valley Springs Health Retreat for their excellence in care, service and support.
Øivind Otto Hansen - Severe Allergies
My name is Øivind Otto Hansen and I’m from Norway. Gary Martin and his staff at Living Valley Springs have saved my life – not once, but three times - no doubt about that. I suffer with very severe food allergies from all kind of foods. I’m also allergic to all kind of medicines and anaesthetics which makes it impossible for me to undergo any medical treatments or surgery in hospitals.
About four years ago I became severely constipated due to my limited, very poor diet. I visited the toilet once a month for a whole year. My colon was so full that I could not eat more food. The hospital could not help me and I was sure that I would soon die. My whole body was poisoned. My legs were so weak that I had to use crutches.
The reputation of Living Valley Springs was well known in Norway, so I travelled to Australia to receive ten weeks of treatment. The therapists worked my colon everyday with water treatments and massages, and centimetre by centimetre they managed to clean it up. At last I could start eating food again and prolong my life. Without this help I would not be alive today.
At the same time I had an inflamed tooth, which had received root canal therapy years before. I could not go to a dentist here in Norway because of my hyperallergy to all kinds of anaesthetics. Gary sent me to Dr. Eric Davis, a biological dentist in Brisbane, who developed a non-allergenic anaesthetic and removed the tooth. This procedure also played a major role in my recovery. After ten weeks I returned to Norway in much better health, without crutches.
Six months later, another tooth became inflamed and my colon once again became constipated. Again I returned to Living Valley Springs in Australia, where I underwent thirty days of treatments. I also had more dental work. This time my colon was easier to clean and once again I returned to Norway with better health. There is no doubt that my life was once again saved by Gary Martin and his team, and the dentist.
For several years my health was ok. However my diet was still limited to just a few wild foods. Recently I became very ill again, with severe abdominal pains and constipation. I could not eat because of the pain. The doctors could not diagnose my problem, but recommended a major operation. I refused this because of my allergy to anaesthetics.
A third time I travelled to Living Valley Springs in Australia. Gary diagnosed a Hiatus Hernia and sent me to Dr. Richard Singer, a chiropractor in Noosa. He confirmed that the Hernia was causing my severe pains, and commenced a series of treatments, fixing the problem. While at Living Valley Springs I had new colonics in addition to other therapies over a six week period. I also had further dental revision done by Dr. Davis. I have now returned to Norway in the best sate of health that I have known for many years. Again my life has been saved by my friends at Living Valley Springs.
I have spent a total of five months at Living Valley Springs receiving treatment to prolong my life. It is a fact that without the help of Gary Martin and his staff I would not be alive today. I am very grateful.
Anna Hetherington - 12 Years of Agonising Pain Gone
"The depression, abdominal pain, endometriosis, infertility, polycystic ovaries etc have all gone".
My health hit rock bottom in my late twenties. From the advantage of hindsight, I think it was rooted in my addiction to sugar and anything sweet from an early age. I craved these foods if I was happy, sad, tired or anxious.
After many years of using these foods for comfort, combined with lack of exercise, a mouth full of amalgams, a low fat diet and unhealthy lifestyle habits, my body started to sound big warning bells.
It has taken many years to understand these warnings and to put my body back into a position to win. But thanks to God’s grace, my dear friends at Living Valley Springs, a great deal of study and persistence (which has at times wavered), I am seeing the results of an environment in which my body can heal.
I am now 42. The past 17 years have included sugar & carbohydrate cravings, diagnosis of hemochromatosis, fibro myalgia, chronic fatigue, constant abdominal & joint pain, depression, serious suicidal thoughts, asthma, chest infections after colds, many course of antibiotics, asthma medications, abnormal cervical cells, a period of constant candida, bloating, coffee addiction, codeine addiction, years of awful unexplained stomach pain just to the left of my navel, a single headache that has lasted about 11 years, 35 kg weight gain, years of infertility, two miscarriages, panic attacks, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries and have I mentioned the all over pain, pain, pain?!
Miraculously, nearly 8 years ago, my husband I were blessed with the first of our two girls, who are 18 months apart.
Both were conceived naturally despite all the difficulties my body was experiencing. But…both had very weak immune systems and were constantly sick.
Nursing sick children and feeling so sick myself was a nightmare. We had to employ someone to help me with daily life.
It was suggested that I get used to the diagnosis of fibro myalgia and chronic fatigue. I so desperately wanted relief from the hell. I refused to believe that there weren't answers somewhere.
I started to study health at any available moment to try and get myself well. I had 12 amalgams removed from my teeth, as I soon learnt that mercury poisoning was the root of many diseases. Unfortunately, I hadn’t learnt that the removal should be done by a biological dentist. So….I now had mercury poisoning which was confirmed in hair sample tests along with other heavy metals.
My health plummeted. I was a mess. I prayed that I would find help. A prayer was answered beyond my expectation. I looked for a place in Australia that would help my body through a serious detoxification process. I was lead to Living Valley Springs.
By the end of 10 wonderful days there, Gary Martin realised I had problems with my TMJ joint and he sent me to a biological dentist for assistance.
I was then started on program based on my full blood chemistries, high protein/saturated fat diet which supported my body to deal with the mercury overload.
I started to improve for the first time in about 12- 13 years. The depression, abdominal pain, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries etc have all gone.
I still battled sugar and coffee addictions for a ages, but at long last, both are behind me and my body is recovering.
I have been to LVS for further detoxification and education about how to keep my body in good health. I have put into practise much of what I have learnt at LVS.
I continue to study for the benefit of myself, my family and others around me.
I have seen improvement in my skin, my nails, my hair, even my eyes show the healing, the asthma is almost non existent, and there also some reduction in the high level of pain and fatigue. I have no doubt that I will see these remaining symptoms disappear with time.
I thank everyone at LVS – all of you – for your willingness to earnestly care for people and desire their good health in the way that you do. I thank God for your work at Living Valley Springs.
Dr Peter Johnson - A GP speaks about the Living Valley experience
"It was the first time that I have received care and teaching by such a skilled team of caring professionals. They were so thoroughly trained, working in harmony to give wellness and longevity through natural methods".
I am writing to thank you for giving me a great cleansing, healing and growing experience. I have been physically, mentally and spiritually refreshed and revived.
I will unreservedly recommend your program.
I graduated in medicine in 1978 and have worked in general practice for over 20 years.
In recent years I have consulted at Victory Health in Noosaville. As a doctor I have always believed that there is more to health than the allopathic principle of restoring health to a patient through mere symptom relief.
I prefer the natural approach that first ascertains the cause of sickness, then guides the patient through lifestyle changes to support the bodies own defence and healing processes.
The Living Valley Springs 10 day cleanse was the beginning of doing just this. It was the first time that I have received care and teaching by such a skilled team of caring Professionals so thoroughly trained, working in harmony to give wellness and longevity through natural methods.
From the initial naturopathic evaluations through to the final lifestyle planning consultations, I felt safe , knowing that i was in the best of hands. The Naturopaths were astute to detect underlying problems, then target specifics with various therapies. I appreciated the cleansing, detoxification and nutritional support throughout the program.
The therapists are gifted in service and I thank each of them for treating me as an individual The lectures packed wisdom and knowledge into 10 days and the teaching was so clear. Your lecture on spiritual health also had a big impact on me. My faith has grown!
One of the high points of the program was the climb up Mount Cooroora. It was an elating experience for everyone.
The personal empowerment and emotional package was beneficial to me. I would recommend those sessions to everyone. I received blessing and liberation through working through the counsellor's resource material. It was professional and profound and I have it to refer back to.
In my final consultation the Naturopaths prescribed me a personal long term treatment plan to target specific health issues. I am very grateful for their considerations and I will be following their advices diligently.
Ten days at Living Valley Springs has transformed my life. I have been liberated, enlightened and cared for in a professional and caring environment.
The companionship with other guests was also memorable.
Please pass my thanks on to all your staff.
Thanks be to God and thank you Gary for creating such a helpful caring place.
Carolin Buchanan - Stroke Recovery
In 2003, I suffered a severe stroke. I lost mobility and was told by the doctors that I would never walk again, or move my left arm. I didn’t believe it! For four years I have searched to find the right people to help me.
In April 2007, I checked into Living Valley Springs for a 24 day programme. The attention I received and the results achieved were absolutely amazing. I extended my stay to 38 days, then to 52.
The naturopaths designed a programme to encourage the growth of new nerves. Physical therapies from Rodney and his team produced improvements every day. Personal training by Mark Smith was fantastic. I even did the emotional counselling package with Joanne. She can really get in touch with people. She provided practical ways to apply the healing principles in my life. The carers all excelled. Mark and Leanne were particularly wonderful. They even took care of my personal laundry needs.
The food - Unbelievable! Roger, Danny and Raelene, thank you for adding so much love and skill to the meals, and for all the personal care that you provided for me. I have made so many friends, with the staff, and their loving families who often visited me and even invited me for meals. I can now walk long distances. I even climbed half way up Cooroora Mountain (with Rodney’s help). I can move my arm and hand again. I can even drink a glass of water with my left hand. Everyone was amazed when I lifted my left leg like a ballerina.
My system is clean and I feel healthier and happier than ever, thanks to Living Valley Springs.
Andy Little - Young & Healthy
"I arrived at Living Valley Springs excited about the opportunity to get healthy and learn about the latest health techniques. Yet once I had learned that there was no food for the first few days this excitement quickly faded into hunger. Lucky for me it was only 2 days without food, and from then on I started to really have a good time getting fit, training twice a day and feeling really well due to the healthy food and many different treatments. By the end of the stay I had never felt so healthy in my life. My family and friends also realised this because when I returned home they continually commented on my glowing skin and bright eyes."
Michael Bennett - 70, going on 40
What a joyful moment revisiting Living Valley Springs once again, 12 years after my LIFE GIVING 10 day cleanse. Twelve years ago, when I lived in Kin Kin I met Gary Martin and his family in the local village. There I was with cigarette in hand, with extreme poor health from years of stress, hard work, drugs and alcohol. Gary invited me to Living Valley Springs, for what turned out to be the most important and exciting adventure of my life - which I must add, I am still travelling.
After a 10 day cleanse/detox which involved structured information on the ultimate healthy lifestyle, quality guidance and nurturing care, I emerged with a very clear mind, body and attitude towards my future. Gary also referred me to Eric Davis for total revision of my dentistry that was severely impacting my health.
Now 12 years later I look and feel younger than I felt before I went to Living Valley Springs. I have joy and happiness in every day and I feel absolutely EXCELLENT. Just a side issue – one of my personal goals back at the beginning, was for me to look just as glowing with health as all the people who work at Living Valley Springs. I have achieved this goal!
If it was not for the loving attentions and real life education that I received at the hands of such a dedicated team of professionals, I would have died over ten years ago. Instead I have enjoyed over 4000 days of life at its best. I turn 70 in March, yet I look and feel like a forty year old. I cannot thank Gary enough, and I recommend the Living Valley Springs program to everyone. Once you do it, stick to it. It really pays off.
Lynn Wallis - Healed in Emotions, Body & Spirit
Hi Gary, I know most of the letters you receive start with thanking you and the staff, but I can't think of a better way to begin. I was overwhelmed by the concern and care that was showered on me over my ten days with you. I have been telling everyone that you guys were "grace on legs". From the cleaners, the wonderful Janet and Nita in the kitchen who were willing to give us recipes, Graham and Tennelle for my naturopathic sessions, you and the guys who helped us every day, to the caring staff doing the treatments – you were all a huge blessing to me.
My ten days at Living Valley Springs is up there in the top ten most amazing experiences of my whole life. I have been healed in my emotions, my body and my spirit. I have come home invigorated and really changed. I am blessed to have a loving family and already they have seen changes in me.
I think I have always been a person who is positive with others but not with myself. Doing the "Empowerment Package" with Joanne has taught me so much about how to love myself better so that I can love others more.
To all the friends I made doing the program, thank you so much for your support. Thanks also to the girls for the conversations in the steam bath. These were a highlight of my day. I will remember all of you even if we never see each other again. Each of you blessed me more than you will know. All the best and God bless.
Dr Sue Cory - Prevent Illness & Maintain Health
I practice Integrative Medicine as a General Practitioner. Going to Living Valley Springs and doing the ten day programme has confirmed some of my beliefs. I have learnt much about digestion and nutrition and have taken home some wonderful recipes.
The eight laws of health, as taught and practiced by the dedicated team at Living Valley Springs (nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance, air, rest and trust in divine power) will prevent illness and maintain good health.
I only hope more doctors will become more open to this powerful approach. I am convinced that simple dietary changes, such as going gluten free and dairy free, can relieve many medical issues.
I am very thankful to Living Valley Springs for the work they do to improve the lives of so many people. Everyone who treasures good health and desires longevity should do the Living Valley Springs program. It is very special.
Tyrone Misso - Kidney Failure & overweight
Just a quick note to thank you and the team for the opportunity of attending a 10 day period in January 2008.
It was the greatest thing I have ever done in my life.
Prior to my attending, I had collapsed and spent a week in a German Hospital due to Kidney failure and being overweight.
I returned under the supervision of a carer flown out from Australia and swore I would never leave the shores of Australia again.
After attending my 10 day stint, I changed my lifestyle and menu and took your vitamins. I have never looked back.
I was 88 kilos and within 6 weeks dropped down to 75 kilos and have maintained that weight.
I feel great and wonderful and I am travelling overseas in 4 weeks time.
Looking forward to spending another period at Living Valley Springs.
Hettie Andrighetto - Renewed Energy
My name is Hettie Andrighetto, I am 51 years old. My husband sent me to Living Valley Springs as my health had been poor for quite some time, particularly following treatment for Breast Cancer and being placed on an anti-estrogen drug which brought on menopause. I was fatigued, rapidly putting on weight, had large fibroids and other ailments which were getting me down. I was also having some emotional turmoil regarding several facets of my life.
Even though I didn't feel I needed to do the Empowerment Package, it turned out to be very beneficial to me and was really just what I needed. The staff at Living Valley Springs were so beautiful, nothing was too much trouble and everyone applied the treatments with enthusiasm and tender care. I even climbed Mt. Coorora, which I said I wasn't going to do due to my fear of heights. I had a renewed energy upon completion of the "journey" at Living Valley Springs, and when I returned home I was told I had never looked happier and my eyes were sparkling and skin glowing. I feel everyone should go to Living Valley Springs at least once in their lifetime.
Jason Crews - Crohns & Inflammatory Bowel Disease
In October 2006 I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease. I remember looking at my wife and two sons and wondering what it all meant. Confusion set in, the word 'disease' scared me but the doctors seemed so casual we didn't know if we should laugh or cry.
Slowly we learnt more about Crohns and IBD's (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and the severity of this uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing illness. My health slowly deteriorated and I started taking courses of antibiotics which only gave me brief periods of relief. Then came talk of steroids. We decided that this was not the way to go, but we were unsure of what to do. One day we met a lady who had suffered with Crohns, but after going to Living Valley Springs, it had become a thing of the past. That was it! My wife and I decided we had to go.
October 2007, we went to Living Valley Springs. Our expectations were exceeded beyond our imaginations. The staff were fantastic and the information just blew our minds. I realised that I could control my body and my destiny and change my health for the better. We came home renewed and excited about our new way of living and I was better than I had been in some time. All went well until I went back to work. I am a mechanic and my job is very physical and I failed to give my body the time it needed to heal.
By December, I was ill and frail once again and frightened for my health. Overwhelmed, I turned to my doctors and started on steroids hoping for the best. This started a cycle of steroids and other immune suppressing drugs. After a brief period of relief I again started to go downhill. Stronger steroids were prescribed but to no avail.
One morning my feet were so swollen I could not put my work boots on. I felt then that abandoning my Living Valley Springs program and taking medication was a mistake. My wife made plans for me to return to Living Valley Springs. Upon arrival I was greeted by familiar faces and was glad to be back in such a caring and loving environment.
I stayed for ten days during which I had a severe healing crisis which was scary and emotional. However, Gary and his team went out of their way to care for and reassure me. I can't thank them enough for all that was done for me during this time. I decided to stay for the next program, which was a blessing as I improved every day. So much so, I was able to drive myself home, which at one point would have been impossible. I attribute a big part of my healing to my counselling sessions with Joanne and doing the Empowerment Package. This enabled me to deal with many emotional issues from my life.
I am home now and feeling great. I have been totally off all drug medication for over a month and I am improving incredibly every day. I am by no means out of the woods yet and I intend to return to Living Valley Springs many more times in my life. For now it is rest, good food and faith in God. I cannot express my gratitude enough to all the staff at Living Valley Springs. I would like to extend a special thanks to Graham, Tony, Nita and Janet for all your amazing care.