Puyssentut - A unique retreat for people with cancer

Today’s post is by Kirsten Chick a nutritional therapist, consultant and lecturer with over 10 years' experience. She currently works at the Vision of Hope Clinic (www.visionofhopeclinic.com), where many cancer patients seek a holistic approach, including nutritional advice, ozone therapy, vitamin C therapy and more. Here she introduces Puyssentut, a unique retreat for people with cancer to pursue recovery in the South of France.

My passion for nutrition began when I was diagnosed with cancer over 15 years ago. This was the beginning of a journey that would lead me to re-evaluate my approach to life, healing and self-nurturing. My aim is not only to share the important discoveries I've made, but to help people to find their own way, learn their own lessons and rediscover the joy and wholeness in their own lives.

Puyssentut is a very special place run by a wonderful couple with a clear and heart-led intention: “to provide a source of well-being and inspiration for people with cancer.” These are not “detox retreats” or “cancer cures”. This is something much more profound and earthy. What people with a cancer diagnosis often need most is a calming space where they can relax, be nourished and reconnect with themselves. Puyssentut provides just that.

 So it is unsurprising – but no less magical – to witness people unfold, blossom and make tremendous personal shifts during their week here. Angela, DK and the team are gently but fully supportive without being intrusive. Guests are able to timetable their own treatment programme in amongst pool
time, walks, yoga, meditation and rest. There is space for stories to be shared, bonds to be formed,
tears and laughter.

I was there in October as a nutritional therapist, and it was a pleasure to be part of a carefully considered team of practitioners. I was able to offer group talks and one-to-ones, largely focussing on how to benefit most fully from the nourishment of food. I was encouraged to liaise with the holistic chef on menu ideas that suited the group and took into account individual needs. On the sunnier days, the pool side consultation area was a real treat!

Chateau Puyssentut itself is a tranquil, sunny space in a gentle region of French countryside. The buildings have been beautifully renovated and redecorated, and are obviously well loved. The renovations have been assisted by a number of volunteers and a successful crowd fundraising campaign.

Angela and DK have now completed their first year of retreats there, and have some great plans to form business links to raise both awareness and sponsorship so the retreats can be made available to more people. They have proved they can provide something authentic, meaningful and highly valued, and this is echoed in the incredibly positive response of their guests. In fact the whole experience is nothing but inspirational for guests and therapists alike.

To find out more please visit their website here.