My Viva Mayr Experience   22nd -29th November 2008

I arrived in Klagenfurt, Austria on the 22nd November 2008, to visit the popular Viva Mayr Clinic, and to experience the treatment and learn the techniques as taught by the eminent Dr Harold Stossier.

I was collected from the airport and taken straight to the hotel. The trip was arranged and planned by ARCH, the Association of which I am a free member. Ten of my colleagues also attended so there was definitely safety in numbers. So, bags in reception, a gentleman was standing there, he had a metal rack which he loaded the bags on, reception gave us our room no’s and keys. Off we went to our rooms. I was amazed at how hot the hotel was, my mind went to my suitcase – I thought “oh no, I’ve packed all thick woolen jumpers – how was I going to manage”?

As we had arrived late, the clinic staff had left a snack in our rooms. This was very welcoming! – a present was left by the side of the plate, I opened it – ah a book, on the Mayr method. I was excited, something to read before bed. I unpacked, got myself settled and checked out the bathroom.  Very impressive ‘5 star’!! a week of luxury – I felt very grateful and quite indulgent. But what the heck, “maybe I deserve it”. Next day, up at 6am, did all my ablutions and then down to the dining room for breakfast at 7.30.

What was offered for breakfast I did not expect. I was served a flat small piece of spelt bread and a small round of goats cheese. I thought that this was probably just a starter but it was not! I was told to eat it very slowly as the point of the spelt bread was to start up the digestion. So the chewing was imperative – this was different for me as my breakfast is usually green juices with a cocktail of vitamins and minerals – was this going to be my weeks’ experience?

I left the dining room at 8.45am feeling hungry. I knew that we would be meeting Dr Stossier for lunch and for the introduction to the clinic. “Can’t wait”!!

We all assembled in the school room where the table was set for lunch. Very nice, the table setting felt like a posh restaurant “nice”. The waitress came in with large plates and set the tables. Shortly afterwards our starters arrived. Oh yes the spelt bread again, this time with avocado and smoked mackerel pate. Dr Stossier had previously explained about the Mayr method and about the importance of the bread before the meal. How it was really about getting the digestive system going. The slower the chewing the more saliva is produced, this helps the digestion to assimilate the food better. By the time the main course arrived we were all ready to assimilate!!

What a pleasant surprise – the main course was beautifully presented, a Cordon Bleu delight. Colours, texture, presentation- you didn’t want to touch it, it was like a piece of art work. The girls eyes looked like saucers, and like me they were salivating!! Dr Stossier looked at us like an old wise sage, or school professor, with a knowing smile on his face. We all tucked in, but slowly….slowly…. I made sure that I put my fork down in between mouthfuls, well, not mouthFULLs  - but you get the ‘gist’.

We were so slow to put food in our mouths because we were chewing that it looked like slow motion. It was delicious. “is that it then??” no, we had finished, our plates were clean then ‘wow’ a pudding! It was a real visual delight, a large plate with a type of yoghurt mould with a blueberry coolie around it, and with a mint decoration on top. It was beautiful. We ate in silence apart from the initial gasp from Dilys and her response to the first mouthful “wow, this is orgasmic”! Dr Stossier nearly choked on his stifled laugh. We all took the tiniest bite and just enjoyed the treat. Gosh is it over? Funnily enough I was now satisfied, full, then the penny dropped, this is not about the quantity of food, nor about the bread, but about being with your food, taking your time and chewing every mouthful as if it were your last meal.  Or as one of our colleagues expressed like making love, slowly and attentively, and with appreciation – wonderful.

We did not drink with our meal, we were all satisfied by the end of the meal and there were big smiley faces all round. The table was cleared and Dr Stossier got us all to introduce ourselves. He gave us an introduction about himself too. I was very impressed, sitting up straight, pen poised in hand. I thought “I am really going to enjoy this week. I am in my element here, beautiful surroundings and learning about health. 7th heaven for me!

We were shown around the clinic by Dr Stossier. He is a tall, proud man, quite handsome, with a glint of mischief in his eyes. As the week went on I realized that he was extremely patient as well and deserved the title Dr (teacher).

We went from one section to the other treatment rooms which consisted of a colonic room, a laboratory, massage rooms, a gym, room for a foot detox, baths, Kneipp treatments through to swimming pool, sauna, a special light therapy room, and a quiet area for relaxing. Through the other section, downstairs to a very impressive beauty section – it feels as though you have entered a spa at Champneys ‘nice’.

I indulge in all of the above apart from the beauty section – however, I had a hormone screening plus food intolerance test – they were impressed with my health. I was very pleased as I have spent over 30 years looking after myself. Its good to know that what you are doing works!

The week went quickly. Each day from 2.30 until 6pm we were training with Dr Stossier. We practiced on each other – I can only imagine what goes into training to be a Doctor. It was the first time that Dr Stossier had opened his centre to train complementary therapists and we felt very honored. We learned lots about each other as the week went on. All of us looking out for each other.

We made Dr Stossier laugh out loud, I think he really enjoyed us – Christine our liaison was wonderful, nothing was too much for her to do or arrange for us. She became one of the girls.

Now that I am aware of the Mayr philosophy I am definitely going to incorporate it into my treatment systems.

Did I mention the snow??

Or the Christmas market?

Well, I think you should try the Viva experience for yourself!!

Conference Room for Hire

Relax and enjoy the tranquil, peaceful surroundings of Beechcroft Retreats. Conference Room for hire for management meetings, team building and overnight stay. Try a healthier way of having group meetings with raw, fresh, organic juices. A biodynamic vegetarian menu with home baked cakes and raw dark chocolate options. This menu will give you energy, feed your brain cells with essential nutrients leaving you feeling alert and ready to make positive decisions for your team.

We are situated near the magical Ashdown Forest.  Refresh and rejuvenate, take a brisk walk after lunch or at the end of your meeting, why not book yourself a treatment? a sauna, massage or bio organiser foot spa. We can sleep up to 7 people. For bigger no's we can organise local bed and breakfast in the area.

Main group rooms accommodate a maximum of 15 people. Discount available for groups of up to 15 people.