Optimum Health Institute

When I was 22 years old, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and was in so much pain that I had to use a wheelchair. At the time, I did the traditional route and used a bi-​monthly injection of Humira (biologic), methotrexate (chemotherapy drug), and prednisone (steroid). I showed so much progress on those meds that I was able to be medication-​free for a year. However, after that year, I relapsed and knew that I needed to find a way to heal without medication.
I spent the next couple of years trying out different alternative healing methods in hopes of curing myself – doing everything including Reiki, Chiropractics, nutritionist, Chinese medicine, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, Ayurveda, Bowen therapy, and physical therapy – only to be disappointed that none of them were enough to heal me and I found myself still in unbearable pain. At the end of the 2 years, my father also suffered 2 major hemorrhagic stroke, one to each side of the brain. I decided to go back on my medication to help take care of my father. However, the stress of taking care of him and my own failing health became too much and I eventually found myself on my hands and knees crying. I had reached my breaking point and had no idea what to do anymore.
I then remembered how a relative told me about the Optimum Health Institute and made the decision to go, even though I had no idea how it would be possible. I did well during the first one week, so I decided to stay a second week. After hearing about my story, a couple of generous people helped me pay for my 3^rd and 4^th week, allowing me to stay at OHI for 4 weeks total. During this time, I learned how to heal my mind through gratitude, forgiveness, loving myself, and meditation. I also learned how to heal my body through a raw foods diet and exercise. Throughout my stay, I was lucky enough to be supported by such amazing souls – including Bob, Larry, Cheryl, Dan, Peg, Gay, Sophia, and Wendy – who I often consulted with. I also prayed on my hands and knees everyday in the chapel on campus, based on a forgiveness exercise that one of the missionaries Gary taught me.
Since the first day I arrived at OHI, I stopped taking medication. It’s been over 3 years and I am still medication-​free. I healed at 28 years old. I am now 31 years old and am enjoying abundant health. I have since gone surfing, running, and taken Zumba classes. I have had the opportunity to share my story of healing as a motivational speaker to groups of 70+ people and inspire others everyday. I also have married the love of my life and am living a life that is better than even before I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
As far as my dad, he had healed dramatically once I returned from OHI. Despite the doctors telling him that he would be a vegetable or in a coma and would need to spend the rest of his life in a nursing home, he is living at home, walking without assistive devices and working daily at our family business.
It’s honestly been a miracle and I am infinitely grateful for the Optimum Health Institute.

It’s a great, affordable place to reboot. Have patience, some people here are recovering from grave illnesses and may not be so on top of things… a lot of aimless wandering and lack of clarity. Many of the classes and instructors are terrific. Others are hippy dippy woo woo. Try everything and take what works for you. No one expects clientele to accept everything! I do wish they’d tone down the having strangers hug each other all the time. Now that I’m past the three weeks I just stay in my room to avoid it and order meals set aside and pick up later so not to be subjected to the groping. The classes offer great info and the food is good and surprisingly filling and the grounds are lovely.

«Not enough institutional responsibility for the impact it has on many people»…you are on your own.

This place is disgusting. The room I stayed in had cobwebs. The bathrooms and bedrooms have NOT been updated in like 40 years. So gross and to think people give themselves enemas in the bathroom too. During my stay I felt invisible to the staff. (Which are not paid but rather get to stay in exchange for work) This place should not charge more than 500.00 for the entire week! SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!

I have been to OHI twice. Each time I arrive with a scowl on my face, but leave with a smile. It’s a great place to get back in touch with nature and self. It’s also a lot of fun. It’s upbeat and positive and peaceful without being tacky or pseudo-​spiritual. The staff is very helpful and understanding. I find myself looking forward to the next visit. It’s not too expensive considering what you get-​peace of mind and a clean colon. So many people come here as a ‘last resort’ for their health, trying all sorts of other treatments first. I suggest coming here first, before trying all those other things.

This place should be called Optimum Health Sanctuary. the grounds are so calming and the staff is amazing. The balance I experienced was so wonderful after one week staying in San Diego. The classes are fascinating. I know now more about nutrition than I could ever dream. Highly enjoyed the time here.

I was not too crazy about this place until the full seven days were over and I never felt better in my life. I expected more food and thought I could at least have tea. In the end, I survived, lol and will definitely try and get back there once a year for detox and cleanse. The place has no frills but I like that about it. It is a wonderful place to be alone, enjoy nature, sleep and rejuvenate! The classes were extremely informative and helpful.

I am getting ready to book my stay here, but I am having doubt’s because I am reading all the reviews and I noticed Tina the Manager, does not respond to current 1 or 2 star Unilocaler’s.if I read correct one person wrote they went 20 or so times and had some unpleasant things to say. I would think that Tina should respond to these recent Unilocal to such a good returning customer. I sent private messages to 5 people for more feedback before I commit to 3 weeks. I had to put some star’s on to post this. If anyone has anything new please send me a private message, Thank you

We are absolutely blessed to have a place like Optimum Health available at all! Most raw vegan detox places are very pricey, really not accessible for most folks. It is amazing how much you get for around $ 160 per day, room and organic board, plus classes and activities from the time you get up to when you go to sleep. OHI is committed to helping people improve their health and their lives, others are focused on helping others too but themselves first, (thus their really high rates).
I have been in the raw food vegan scene for about 6 years now and have been to OHI 3 times so far. Every time I learn something new. It is not that the classes have changed that much, it is that I have changed and OHI is fertile soil for my growth. They fill my mind with ideas and I research further, they are inspiring and I can go as deep as I want into my learning. There are some very knowledgeable teachers there and they are very friendly and available.
Last year, my husband was having some health issues pointing to gall blader. Everyone inhis family has had theirs removed. He didn’t want to do another liver flush. We rushed him to OHI and within 3 – 4 days he was all better, must have passed lots of stones. My mom and my grown son have been there too. My mom has completed 4 weeks so far. This year we are going again for two weeks this time, maybe three.
Last time I was there, this unsightly wart on my belly vanished overnight. It really pleased me because in natural healing we learn that the body will repair the areas most needed, issues most dangerous to the body first. This usually means internal problems, deep down in the body, stuff we may not even know is brewing.
OHI is one of the few health treatment facilities in the country offering a CURE for acute and chronic deseases. So, before you dive into the slow death of chemo, or the typical pill cocktails offered to mitigate (not cure) the miriade of chronic deseases pestering most over 40, try learning what causes these illnesses. If you tell your doctor you would like to first try a natural cure, he/​she will bombard you with all of these arguments that you won’t be able to counteract. Their tactic as thought in school, is to instill in the patient the fear of pending death which then makes the patient compliant to whatever treatment plan is presented. The solution is simple. Just say you need a couple of weeks to ponder. Then head to OHI and watch your body heal itself. As the pollution leaves your body, it will have the time and ability to heal where needed instead of constantly fighting to get rid of the toxins you ingest at every meal. If you try the only thing you risk loosing is accumulated toxic waste.

The lamps in the room did not work, the AC was loud, the shower didn’t drain and the staff was rude. This is Not a place for rest and rejuvenation.

Very disappointed by the service (or lack of) by this company. I called to schedule an appt for 7/​16, and was told by the receptionist that they’ll take down my card information to hold my spot. She mentioned that there’s a cancellation fee of $ 25 if appt is canceled less than 24 hours of the appt. I noticed that my card was charged for the full amount of $ 80 for services that have not been rendered and called for an explanation. A different lady called to «explain» that they always pre-​charge you for services, but that if you cancel, you’ll be stuck with the $ 25 cancellation fee (regardless of when you cancel), and that it’s been their policy for the past 10 years. What’s the point in having a 24 hr cancellation policy, then? Evidently, they are in the practice of taking people’s money just for making a phone call. You can believe that I will be filing a formal complaint as well.

My friend has been recommending OHI to me for years and I finally went. It was the most amazing experience! I went for a general health reset, no major issue to deal and felt pretty «balanced» in my life overall. I wasn’t planning to get much out of the classes because I’m experience in clean eating, and support my emotional and spiritual sides … but the classes were fantastic and I always found a new nugget of wisdom. Actually it was the classes that focused on emotional health that were most transformative for me even though my intention was just a physical change.
It is a wonderful place, though it’s not «5-​star spa» lap of luxury it doesn’t try to be. It is nice, basic with the focus on healing not fluff. The front lawn is a wonderful place to socialize and enjoy the sun. My room, and a few others I saw were well done, not posh, but very acceptable. I did ask for a «renovated» room, as some room are more newly updated that others.
The staff are all very friendly, and helpful. You are able to be as social or introverted as you like. Where ever you are in your journey is respected. There is a spiritual component but it is not shoved at you at all. You can participate or not, all backgrounds are welcome and respected. I thought I’d feel a bit «put off» by that aspect but it really end up being a beautiful component of the program.
I stayed just 1 week and wished I would have booked 2. It was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to go back! Next time I’m staying for 2 weeks for sure.

I’ve been going to OHI for over 10 years. I go each year for two weeks. What a gift! While others are lying on a beach, sipping a margarita and eating chips while baking away in the sun on their vacations, I’m at OHI enriching and healing my mind, body and spirit. The decision for me isn’t even close. Each time I go, I meet fascinating people from around the world who are also on a journey to wellness. Miracles happen here.

Okay I really want to be fair because the program and classes at OHI are really good, but after my last visit #20ish I felt the need to write a review. Sophia is an amazing facilitator and is probably the best teacher for the meditation/​yoga and basically any mind-​body class. Chef Ken Is great for the culinary classes and I hope he stays a while. And Joseph the massage therapist is really good. Seems some of the best teachers come and go… i miss you Megan.
On my recent visit to OHI, the food presentation was absolutely great but some of the dishes were really off like the meatballs which didn’t have any oregano flavor and were bland. The pizza they served this time almost made me cry, usually there is an amazing tomato sauce and this time it was bland, basically crust with a bunch of grated vegetables on top, it was just SOGGY bizarre. Also I want to echo the comments from other Unilocalers regarding making arrangements for rooms, wait for a special although be forewarned it seems like the specials they’re offering is for lodging in the un-​renovated toxic moldy townhouses, which is not special to me, it just says no one else wants to stay in un-​renovated townhouses on campus… Also I really do not want to see any carpet in a center that touts itself as a detox center IE like all over the center:). Also, the campus is kind of noisy but you can take a iPod with you and play healing music to block out any highway noise. Also be prepared to hear a lot about colonics, they’re suggested often in emails OHI sends prior to your visit as well as while you’re staying there, do you own research about colonics and know what you’re paying for, you may save yourself $ 85.00 on something you really didn’t need. GO FOR A MESSAGE WITH JOSEPH OR COURAGE IF HE RETURNS.
ALSO THE FACIALS WERE NOT SO GOOD sEE MARGOT OFF CAMPUS.
Some rooms are much nicer than others, ask for a renovated room. Yes believe it or not some other rooms are pretty nice and one room I think its 26 has a Jacuzzi. Also Rebecca, one of the Unilocalers, was quite kind regarding the inequity of rooms, I find it really appalling… OHI please get up to speed with the rooms especially because your prices are rising fairly rapid

On 1 hand it’s a place to learn holistic practices where you’re fed wonderful raw vegan food & given the opportunity 2 align yourself as never b4. But if you’re already educated on raw foods & spiritual attunement you will be bored in the pedestrian level classes w/​a mix of semi-​professional instructors.
I looked forward 2 not only the food but the religious aspect & was disappointed 2 realize OHI is more of a modern day Judas. It touts itself as religious based but teaches modern metaphysics; you’re in charge, no God needed.
Many love it here but it was a bit much for me… In almost every class the instructors forced us 2 interact sometimes in very personal ways. I did enjoy a number of people, of course there are always those we connect w/​. But it should be a choice. It was also 2 casual for my taste, many walking barefoot on the carpet (where we lay), putting bare feet up on chairs. We’re instructed 2 hug on several occasions. It felt like some hippified college campus.
Even though the signs say no cell phones «in consideration of others,» most had them. How about in consideration of the EMFs that interfere w/​the body on a cellular level?
But I enjoyed the lymphatic exercise, the yoga stretching, & vocal toning, and the food – oh the food!
OHI caters to return guests, including w/​very limited time on Friday talent show several people performed BOTH Fridays while others found the sign-​up sheet full. And at the testimonials w/​more than 60 people & only a handful get 2 speak (no time limit), there should not be reruns.
I had to complain that one guest tried 2 solicit me, telling me I needed her services – «though I normally charge a lot the 1^st session would be free cuz you are really a special person.» LOL Beware of gypsies w/​money signs in their eyes, they’ll seem VERY genuine.
The townhouses are a trek 2 the dining/​classes up an incline. I later was in a room nearer & that was MUCH easier even for me.
They assign a buddy but there’s no set protocol. The old timers can be helpful. But despite the sense of camaraderie, if you come alone you’re on your own.
After being given what I thought was a nice discount I opted 2 stay a 2^nd week (I later heard someone else got a much better discount & a free 3^rd wk!).
Around the start of the 2^nd wk I started feeling really good! I’m still feeling 90% better but am fighting a cold, which I understand could actually be part of the detoxing. I lost 10 lbs the first wk.
This area is really run down. I don’t recommend walking anywhere. There’s Hertz car rental, which will pick you up & bring you back. I took one 2 the beach & some nicer shopping.
It’s also noisy. The hum of traffic never subsides even in the wee hours.
The colonics were new to me & I managed through them. Kristy was the best, very thorough, informative, friendly but not chatty. But another was trying 2 make conversation the whole time. Am I really supposed to be using my muscles to chat politely about my personal life while also trying to remain relaxed so the procedure can be most beneficial? I’m PAYING for this to be done as well as possible, this is my life at stake.
I had 2 massages. Both therapists wanted 2 talk the whole time, also. Wth? Where I’m from, a massage is just you & peaceful music. Period. They both did a cookie cutter style massage w/​out any extra attention 2 the areas I asked 2 focus on & one even stuck her fingers in my ears. I fail to see the purpose in that.
Bottom line: great food (& get seconds if you’re still hungry), very friendly staff, good basic instruction if you’re a rookie. Beds were comfortable, rooms were clean. But the lack of advanced classes were a test in patience, & there’s no enforcement of any rules other than no pizza delivery & no smoking. I personally would like something more organized & professional. And the ONLY specials are for repeat guests. & I can’t help but notice that the main pool of reviews sent 2 the Not Recommended section are 1 & 2 star. I know that Unilocal will send reviews there if the owner complains. In the business world we call that cheating.
I might return if I start having trouble keeping a strict diet again, but I’ll probably try the Austin facility.

Before I had a review about this place needing some slight room upgrades.
However the most important thing is that this place, without a doubt, helped to save my life. And it does form a bubble of perfect love, healing and community. The friends I have made at OHI and I feel unified at a divine level that lasts throughout life.
I’ve been 3 separate weeks, and each time I left being a gigantic leap forward in my health.
Many thanks.

I’ve been a frequent visitor since 2004 but will not be back. At best, OHI is a spiritual place to detox and meditate and be around others’ with similar health goals. It’s NOT a spa… more like a modest environment with clean linoleum at a reasonable price. The classes and program are really informative and helpful. Some of program leaders are amazing!
Unfortunately, the management is unpredictable so prices and promotions and policies are constantly changing. That means you get different information depending on how many people are currently there or when you call. This can also change after you have already checked in. Make sure you get everything in writing up front!
I want a reliable, peaceful place where I can detox a couple of times a year. Having staff with a background in hospitality is part of this. Unfortunately, this is not at OHI.

!Amazing! Healing Loving Peaceful Beautiful Supportive Spiritual Educational Deep Deep Deep Cleansing! Amazing!
Every human being spend some time at OHI!

Wonderful staff and a great program. I stayed for 4 weeks and feel wonderful! It’s much less pricey than Hippocrates Health Institute but has far fewer facilities and organized activities, and most of the staff leaders are not Docs. There is a much more spiritual approach than medical approach and it is much more casual/​grass-​roots.
Even if you can only go for a week or two, it’s worth every minute and penny to really appreciate feeling great physically, mentally and spiritually. Word of warning… no TVs, newspapers, etc… and cell phones and other devices are allowed in designated areas only. Be prepared to unwind, relax and embrace a low fat all raw vegan diet while you are there. :)

You tune up your car, you spring clean your house. Why not do 7 – 21 days of cleansing your body, mind and spirit. Eating only raw, organic and doing a juice fast for 2 ½ days. Lots of wheatgrass, great classes, quiet time. This is a 3 week program but you can do it 1 week at a time if you need to. Each week covers different topics. There are people here to heal from serious illnesses, people here for a U-​Turn (Oops, I got off track) and others on spiritual journeys.
I could not do a deep cleanse of the body like this at home. Too many triggers. You need to calm your mind and spirit — they are all connected. This program is fantastic, It can change your life. This place is one of a kind and is literally saving lives.