Our philosophy We believe in the innate power of the body to heal and regenerate and our intervention only consists  in supporting this natural process. We believe in treating the cause of  disease rather than suppressing symptoms.  We believe in strengthening the immune system and we address the person as a whole rather than treat a disease.  We look at disease as the result of  an overburdened immune system by cumulative assaults from the environment.  We observe that diseases change with time and cultures.  The hallmark of our modern culture is a toxic environment with nutrient-deficient soil.  Therefore, toxicity and deficiency are the causes of so-called “incurable” degenerative diseases.   When the body is cleared from toxic materials and the mind is freed from limiting patterns, the life force rebounds, homeostasis returns and individuals tend to spring back into health.

Our locations We have two locations on the east side of the Big Island of Hawaii.  The Keaau retreat center, an eight bedroom and four bathroom family house located in a residential area, has convenient access to the city’s amenities and the wilderness.  We are 10 minutes from Hilo which features an airport, a hospital, beaches, shopping facilities and a farmers’ market; 20 minutes to the Volcano National Park with breathtaking views of flowing lava, smoking cinder cones and  hiking trails and 30 minutes to the Kapoho area which features natural wonders such as warm ponds and tidal pools. The second location is located in the Kapoho area with walking and bicycling access to the warm pools and snorkeling beaches.

The clinic The first floor of the Keaau retreat center consists of 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.  2 Bedrooms are equipped with queen size beds for couples, 3 bedrooms are equipped with full size beds for single patients or their companions. All rooms have a desk and their decoration is personalized with garden views.  The living room features educational material such as videos and books and recreational games.  This is the site of improvised gathering or group meetings for lectures, meditation or psychotherapy sessions.  Meals are taken together in the dining room and the kitchen is open for demonstrations and cooking classes. Porches and lanai's surround the house. The back lanai is designed for relaxation and exercise. We have a FIR sauna, a trampoline, weights and a few more devices. The front lanai has a sunning area and more space for relaxation. The second floor consists of 3 bedrooms, a bathroom and a lanai with a partial ocean view. These rooms are for the office and staff.  Our capacity is limited to 4 patients and their companions.

The staff Dr. Maya Nicole Baylac, a naturopathic physician and psychotherapist founded the Hawaii Naturopathic Retreat Center in July of 2003. Her medical practice is focused on nutrition and mental/emotional aspect of illness.  She has been practicing the Gerson Therapy for cancer and raw food and juicing programs for other degenerative diseases.   The kitchen is staffed from 8:00 in the morning till 7:00 at night with 2 vegan chefs.  We have a secretary, housecleaner and a landscaper. We also invite medical students interested in our practice to come as internships or work exchanges and help out.

Our medical approach Assessment In addition to appropriate conventional and alternative testing, we routinely perform hair tissue analysis or mineral urine analysis to detect mineral imbalance and heavy metal toxicity.  We may also perform a stool analysis test to assess digestion when indicated.  We request your medical records at registration, a recent CBC and comprehensive metabolic panel, thyroid studies and any pertinent blood work appropriate to each situation.

Supervision Patients have an extended visit with the doctor when they arrive and receive daily visits in the morning. Physical exams are performed as needed.  In cases of healing crises or aggravation, additional visits are needed. The Gerson Therapy is practiced in accordance with the principles established by the Gerson Institute and the therapy developed by Dr. Gerson. The number, quantity of juices and enemas and medication dosage is determined by the vital force and the toxicity level of each patient.

Special treatments Patients may be shown how to do castor oil packs, clay packs, and hydrogen peroxide baths. In addition, patients may chose to have massage, personal trainer and yoga sessions.

Education We emphasize the patient’s responsibility in taking charge of their therapy.  With the help of their companions,  patients get their juices in the living room and prepare their medication to establish a pattern that can be continued at home. Patients are shown how to keep tract of their basal body temperature and weight.