The internal spa experience

MANILA, Philippines – It is oft said that “Beauty is more than skin deep,” and Jean Goulbourn has taken this to heart. Now, with her Holistic Approach to Self Healing (HASH) program, she shares with countless others the key to a healthy and holistic lifestyle.

“I’m 61 years old,” Jean says with pride, adding, “I’m very happy because I don’t feel my age.” In fact, she lives a very active lifestyle and is not on any medication at all. But that was not always the case. When asked why she decided to change her lifestyle, she lists three incidents in her life that brought about her new mindset.

First was when her husband became ill. He was diagnosed with and treated for malaria, but they later discovered he had a burst appendix. When he had to be taken to the hospital, they were made to wait for a long time because his doctor was unavailable.

The second unfortunate experience is losing her daughter who was just 27 at the time. Finally, Jean’s own health failed because of her stressful lifestyle as a businesswoman and fashion designer, coupled with an unhealthy diet.

She was over-medicated, causing her immune system to collapse and resigning her to a wheelchair for a month. After repeated bad experiences with different doctors, she decided she needed to find an alternative. She met Dr. Christine Gonzales, who introduced her to the all-natural lifestyle, and she started to get healthier. From then on, she turned her life into a mission of bringing a healthy lifestyle to Filipinos.

Jean, together with holistic nutritionist Dale Flores, conceptualized and developed the HASH program, which includes health management, as well as emotional, spiritual, and energy healing. “It is a lifestyle,” she says. “It is being able to fix your 24-hour day in a balanced way wherein you are efficient in your work, but you give time for yourself.”

After more than two years, Jean says that the program is mature enough to take to the next level. So far, the results of those who have gone through the program are impressive, with many participants lessening their need for medication, and some completely off their prescribed drugs. “All of us are doctors,” says Dale, stressing the importance of knowing and responding to your body’s needs.

Jean, together with Dale, yoga instructor Marlette Besa, and Dr. Madeleine Valera of the PhilHealth Insurance Corporation, recently brought the HASH program to Legazpi, Albay in a wellness weekend for Bicolanos.

Some of the participants had been through the program before, but many were apprehensive first timers, unsure of what they had gotten themselves into.

At registration, our weight and waistline were measured and our blood pressure taken. Breakfast was eat-all-you can – from a selection of fresh fruits. Throughout the day, we were served organic juices and soups that tasted quite good, although it was far different from what the group of Bicolanos were used to, considering that they had just celebrated their fiesta the day before.

All of the participants were given lectures on health, lifestyle, what to expect in the program, and how to maintain their health after the weekend seminar. Participants of all ages enthusiastically joined as Marlette led a Bollywood aerobics class. After that, the group, composed mainly of busy career-driven men and women, took deep breaths and learned to relax with a yoga session.

After more seminars on different aspects of health, we went on to an important part of the wellness weekend – the internal spa.

This is a detox program designed to cleanse the body of toxins and rid the body of harmful elements like solidified fats and parasites – even gallstones. With all-natural concoctions served in two-hour intervals, we retired to our rooms to let the detox begin.

Despite the slight discomfort and the taste of the drinks served – some were easier to digest then others – I was surprised that the next day I woke up feeling lighter and a lot healthier, confirmed by the morning weigh-in – I had lost two pounds overnight.

We were treated to a healthy lunch of salad, fish, brown rice, and even dessert. At the table, the once apprehensive participants were obviously happy with the results. A group of businessmen who had been sent to the program by their wives admitted that they were actually glad that they went through it.

“This is only the start of a healthy lifestyle,” Jean said during the final seminar where the “biggest losers” were awarded – one participant came in the day before with a blood pressure of 180/110. Her blood pressure the next day was 130/80. Another participant lost seven pounds overnight. The immediate results, Jean says, are what motivates the participants to maintain their health far beyond the two-day seminar.

“This is a breakthrough for Bicolanos,” said Josephine Lee, whose idea it was to bring the program to Legazpi. Her son first took the program and he was so impressed that he brought the whole family to the next wellness weekend. Josephine adds, “If you love your life, you should maintain it.”

The response has been fantastic,” says Jean of the program, which is constantly being improved.

“We are planning to create modules for specific age groups so that we can cater to specialized needs,” says Dale, noting that participants from the age of 16 to 92 have joined the program. He also stresses that many of the younger professionals today are living a sedentary lifestyle that will cause many health issues in the future if not remedied as soon as possible. Jean hopes to create partnerships with different companies, especially call centers, to help the employees live healthier lifestyles. She is also educating children from 4 to 8 years old on health and proper food. “I would also like to work more with community leaders,” she says.

 “Once you see all the junk that comes out of your body, you’ll start thinking twice about what you put in your body,” says Jean on the importance of undergoing the detox program for people of all ages. While it is a good program for those who already have various ailments, it is also a prevention program, nipping illnesses at the bud.

Aside from a change in lifestyle, it is also important for one to be well-informed about their health. “Ask the doctors questions and get second opinions,“ Jean urges. Before taking medicine, she says patients should be fully aware of what they are being prescribed. Above all, one must find a doctor that can be trusted. Despite her experiences in the past, she is now happy to be meeting and working with committed and competent doctors.

Jean also puts importance on maintaining what the HASH program starts. She herself has totally revamped the contents of her kitchen, now using only healthy mountain salt, amino acid vinegar, and gotten rid of pork and beef, among others. Even her house help eat healthy. To help the participants maintain their health regimen, her company, Global Vital Source, offers a line of vitamin supplements.

“As a fashion designer, I design clothes,” says Jean. “But now as an advocate for healthy life and a good lifestyle, I’m trying to inspire and challenge each participant to design a tailor-made life pattern for themselves.”

The next HASH programs are schduled for June 27-28 in Legazpi; July 4-5 in Tagaytay; and August 29-30 and September 26-27 in Manila; with wellness weekends also being planned in Naga and Cebu. For more information, call 843-2550 or 0917-823-6738. Global Vital Source is located at the 5th floor of Rustan’s Plaza, Makati.