We’ve all heard a lot about Covid-19, but in some ways not enough. The news doesn’t tell us what we can do now to help us minimise our symptoms if and when we get infected. Why some people experience only minor symptoms? The immune system is key here.

One of my teachers in China, Prof. Liu Lihong, is treating Covid-19 patients in one of the Wuhan hospitals, right at the front line. He is reporting patients benefit considerably from herbal and acupuncture treatments. In Europe, the famous Italian scientist Dr Marco Ruggiero has given an excellent overview of the current situation.

There is much we can do to support the immune system in a focused way right now:

1. Eliminate the main foods known to lower immunity: all wheat and all processed sugar.

2. Feed the immune system cells with short chain fatty acids in resistant starches and fibre, pro-biotic and pre-biotic as foods and supplements. Eat as many vegetables as you can!

3. China research latest is to use folate Vit B9, glutathione and herbs such as Andrographis (Chuan Xin Lian), see link below for a full list.

4. Dr Ruggiero’s years of experience points to chondroitin sulphate obtained form microbial fermentation rather than bovine sources.

5. And old time favourite: Vitamin C throughout the day, 2-3 grams or more to bowel tolerance (ie go down to lower dose if you develop diarrhoea), start with  lower dose 1000mg x3 daily and gradually increase.

As ever, this information is not in any way intended or implied to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care of any disease mentioned.

Joanna Niccalā

We’re excited to be back at Rivendell Retreat Centre for a mid-week residential retreat combining the benefits of being on retreat with a carefully crafted food plan and detailed learning on how to kick-start your route to health.

Daily programme includes:

• Two seminars with resources and inspiration for effective lifestyle and dietary change, including the latest research from Functional Medicine.
• Qi Gong, meditation and other practical tools for self-care.
• A comprehensive reset food plan designed, by the Institute of Functional Medicine for optimum gut health and detoxification, along with a daily intermittent fast.
• Periods of silence and space to enjoy the countryside and beautiful gardens of Rivendell. 

Seminars include:

• Reflective Awareness and its application to health
• Toxicity and Detoxification
• Nutritional Guidelines & Food Preparation
• The Mind – Gut – Planet Connection
• Active Life versus Chronic Stress
• Sleep and Restoration

Please note: this retreat will not provide diagnosis, cure or medical treatment for any disease. Participants need to be well enough to engage fully with the retreat. This retreat is rooted in Buddhist practice and is open to everyone.

Led by Satyadasa & Joanna NIccalā of Standing Body CIC. Joanna Niccalā is an acupuncturist, Functional Medicine and Qi Gong practitioner, trained in London and China. She has studied with Dr Klinghardt and the Institute of Functional Medicine. She works at Pathways Clinic in East London and lived at Amaravati Buddhist monastery for four years.Satyadasa is a member of the Triratna Buddhist Order and an ADAPT Health Coach in Functional Medicine. Satyadasa is also the Buddhist tutor at Eton College.

Room Availability and Price:

Price all inclusive of food, accommodation and tuition.

• Camping (limited availability) £450.
• Shared Rooms (single sex, max three per room) £550
• Single room/ Shepherds Hut (limited availability) £650

All rooms share bathrooms. Please let us know in advance of booking if you have any special accommodations needs.

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2020 to Friday, July 17, 2020
The retreat runs Sunday 5pm to Friday 11am.

Saturdays 10-11.30am
Starting Oct 12th 2019.

Qi Gong is capable of powerful physical and emotional transformation. This particular form, known as Jin Jing Gong, focuses on strengthening the tendons as the key to invigorating the whole body/mind system. It’s fun, dynamic and simple to get started.

Classes on the following dates: 12/10, 19/10, 2/11, 9/11, 23/11, 30/11. (No class 26/10 or 16/11)

Six weeks £66 or £15 per session drop in.

Venue: The Hall, St. Margaret’s House 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PL 

The course is led by Joanna Niccalā, who studied and practiced the form in China. Her teachers are Prof Wang  – one of the few remaining masters of authentic Daoist practices in the tradition of the Yijin Jing, Tendon and Sinew Changing Classic, and his direct Western disciple of many years Prof Fruehauf.  The full name is Jin Jing Gong Shi Si Shi.