I would have loved the article to be trash for this reason. Unfortunately, it’s all genuinely sound advice in here—and you will not get it from American-trained doctors.
No doctor who follows evidence based practice will tell you to do most of these things. Peppermint oil on your torso? It does nothing. Cold water is fine. So much nonsense here. If you are in fact a doctor you would know this.
Oh, it's a part of my job to try things like this. Sadly for me I'm not someone who regularly attends wellness retreats of this calibre. This was my first and only experience. I work 60-70 ish hours a week, breaking it up and protecting my sense of wellbeing with the small free rituals such as those mentioned in the story 🖤
I’ve known Emily for a long time, and she's one of the most kind, hard working people I know. She didn’t come from privilege — she grew up on the coast, her first job was at Priceline Pharmacy, and has built her career through years of hard work and sacrifice. Like many people in creative industries, her job now gives her access to experiences she’s earned, not inherited.
I agree with this i cannot afford this kind of treatments or wellness getaways but most of the points can do at home for free or fairly low cost. Its all what your prioritize in your life.
Hot tea and even just hot water instead of cold, having hot showers instead of cold, eating hot meals rather then salad and cold items work wonders for digestion. Both in Ayurveda and tradional chinese medicine avoiding cold foods/water and just cold in general is amazing for womens health.
Yes some things cost money like the peppermint oil, or for me I have invested into some massage tools ($50-100) but I use them daily and other things similar that the cost for use /quality of life is much better. And in the future when im able too afford more I will go to treatments ect but I see the whole purpose of this article is things can do at home without going to these places, even the pilates and different healing workout styles can be done at home.
Doubtful. I literally took out a notepad and started taking notes. Two items: make an acupuncturist appointment and book a massage! Oh....and order peppermint essential oil.
acupuncture does actually have scientifically verifiable results for pain, IBS/IBD, weight loss, menstrual cycle disorders, nausea, IVF (i could go on). i love science, but scientism can get in the way of something that can be helpful and has been used in medical systems for 5000 years. it’s ok if you dont want to try acupuncture, but trolling around in people’s comments saying acupuncture has no scientifically verifiable results, is actually untrue and not scientifically accurate. thx
many acu studies show it performs better than no treatment and at least as well as conventional care. when results are described as ‘similar to placebo,’ that often reflects the limits of placebo and controlled trials - not that acupuncture doesn’t work. Those trials were designed for pharmaceuticals, where you isolate a single active ingredient, many scientific studies are very limited, which is why things need multiple studies. acupuncture and herbal medicine are complex, interactive therapies, which are hard to study in the narrow framework RCTs. i have TONS of anecdotal evidence to support that acupuncture works as well.
science is incredibly powerful, but it’s also selective. RCTs are excellent for drugs, less so for relational, system-based therapies. A study can tell you whether a single variable changes under controlled conditions - it often can’t capture whole-body regulation, subjective experience, or long-term pattern shifts, which are central to acupuncture.
and once again there are also studies which show that placebo points were less effective than acupuncture points on meridians
While not everyone can afford $15k retreats, plenty of “normal people” can afford a massage. I get them for $75/hr in a major city- I just don’t go to the bougie-est place!
Hold up. Are you really telling me to keep my comments to myself in a...
*Checks Notes*
... Comment section?!
I don't care if it was for work. My comments stand.
Also, making factual comments isn't "commenting negatively." I'm sorry you think poor people expressing their reality is "commenting negatively." Maybe you should go work on yourself, or pray about it. Go bother someone else.
Haha! I need these recommendations myself. I'm actually located in Australia so these might not be as relevant, but gwinganna is incredible and because they offer shorter days it's much more accessible but you still get that incredible reset. I've also been to Soma in Byron Bay and loved it. But it's much more community focused/interaction with other guests. Hopefully we get some more tips in these comments xxx
Lol. Well, I’m in upstate NY, so yes, there’s that. However, I am VERY grateful for these FREE tips—THANK YOU! BTW my acupuncturist told me years ago that the two cultures with the longest life spans: Chinese and Indian, NEVER or very very very rarely eat raw foods. I started making warm salads at that point lol!
First time commenter but since you’re in upstate New York, may I recommend Kripalu? I am about to go for the second time and it is the best. Relatively affordable, non-luxury accommodations, but so good and healing.
Hi a really great retreat is vippassina meditation retreat, it’s more of a meditation boot camp in a way so you will get intense with yourself but it was really transformative, there is free food free lodging and they are all donation based you just need to put in an application ! And if you have one in your state you don’t need to have the travel expenses either !
1. Oil pulling will change your breath and your life.
Partially true. Oil pulling (swishing oil in your mouth) has some evidence for improving oral health and reducing bad breath bacteria. However, claims about life-changing effects are exaggerated beyond what research supports.
2. Knowing your Ayurvedic dosha will change your approach to wellness.
Not scientifically supported. Ayurvedic doshas aren't backed by scientific evidence. While individualized wellness approaches can be helpful, dosha categorizations lack empirical validation.
3. Social media first thing is toxic and a time-waster.
Largely true. Research shows morning social media use can increase stress, anxiety, and negative mood while disrupting focus and productivity throughout the day.
4. Massaging peppermint oil into your stomach is great for digestion.
Mixed evidence. Peppermint oil can help with digestive issues like IBS when taken orally in proper doses, but topical application has limited research. Always dilute essential oils properly.
5. Cook your food. Raw = bloat.
Partially true. Cooking breaks down fiber and makes some foods easier to digest, potentially reducing bloating for sensitive individuals. However, many people tolerate raw foods fine.
6. Protein + fat are essential (and will give you a flatter stomach).
Half true. Protein and healthy fats are essential nutrients, but no specific foods guarantee a "flatter stomach" - this depends on overall diet, genetics, and body composition.
7. Eating quickly while scrolling is sabotaging your wellness.
True. Research shows distracted, rapid eating leads to poor digestion, overeating, and reduced meal satisfaction. Mindful eating improves digestive health.
8. Liquids should be warm, or at least room temperature.
Not scientifically necessary. While some people find cold drinks uncomfortable, there's no universal health requirement for warm liquids. Individual tolerance varies.
9. The way I live the week before my period makes a world of difference when it comes to cramps.
True. Lifestyle factors like stress management, sleep, exercise, and nutrition in the luteal phase can significantly impact menstrual symptoms.
10. You don't need to meditate, but you do need a mindfulness practice.
True. Research supports various mindfulness practices (not just formal meditation) for stress reduction and mental health benefits.
11. Steps and kneeling after food will help with digestion.
Partially true. Light movement after eating can aid digestion, but kneeling specifically isn't well-researched. Walking is more evidence-based.
12. You need to soften your fascia. A roller and massage ball will be your best friend.
Partially true. Foam rolling can improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness, though "softening fascia" is more complex than tools alone can address.
13. Dry brushing will energise you in the same way a coffee will.
Not supported. While dry brushing may feel invigorating due to increased circulation, it doesn't provide the physiological stimulation that caffeine does.
14. Caffeine is okay for some people.
True. Individual caffeine tolerance varies widely based on genetics, health conditions, and sensitivity. Moderate amounts are fine for most healthy adults.
15. Warm showers, warm baths and hot water bottles are it.
Partially true. Heat therapy can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and provide comfort, but effects are temporary and individual preferences vary.
Overall, about half of these claims have solid scientific backing, while others range from partially supported to unsupported by current research.
Reading this first thing in the morning 🤫🥴 but it feels less bad because I just picked up a ton of good tips. So glad to see Ayurvedic approaches on here - they aren’t talked about enough!
This is such an amazing and relatable read, Emily. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Your point about "consistency > dramatic stints" is so true, and it applies to more than just wellness. For a founder, the biggest trap isn't making a big mistake; it's the tiny, consistent habit loops that kill our productivity without us even realizing it.
I've started using a simple AI prompt to help me find these "mindset blind spots", the small habits that drain energy, kill focus, or introduce friction into my day. It’s like a wellness retreat for my brain, but free. It's wild how powerful it is to have your unconscious habits reflected back at you.
Hello, just reading the comments and I'm super curious about the prompt/what you ask AI to help you find you mindset blinds spots? Sorry if that's really nosey but I feel like that could help me. Thank you
You're a Blindspot Illuminator, expert in leveraging LLM memory and semantic analysis to uncover hidden insights, pains, and opportunities in personal contexts.
</role>'
It leverages LLM memory for context rich digs, agent debates for unbiased truth, and semantic search to pull patterns from your inputs. No setup. No cost. Just paste into your LLM of choice.
You can find the full prompt to try yourself in my first blog, just find the subtitle where it says copy-paste.
If you are using it for professional use, just replace the word 'personal' in the <role> part with 'professional'.
A few years ago I did a 4 day retreat at the Miraval resort in Arizona (also paid for by my work) and it sort of changed my life???? On the Ayurvedic BS, I am pitta: constantly sweaty, busy energy, prone to burnout…all true. it really drove home the need to slow the f down, be mindful, sit still, and take care of my physical body as much as my mind. The massages, the salt water soaking, the foam rolling - it all released parts of my body I didn’t even know were tense from years at a stressful desk job sitting 8+ hours per day. 10/10 would recommend a wellness retreat for anyone looking for a hard reset on their mental and physical health🧘🏻♀️✨
circling the block to come back around and say the peppermint oil on your stomach trick ????? game changing for a bloaty girly who also has a tendency to eat dinner too close to bedtime
Eastern & Western lifestyles truly are a world apart.
These 18 tips are totally par for the course in Asian cultures, its so so basic for us that my repeated reaction was "no shit, sherlock"
But I do understand how it could be incredibly beneficial for those who don't know.
I can add one more - CCF TEA.
Cumin Coriander Fennel Seeds, a tsp each, boiled in 150ml water until the color turns golden. Pleasantly herby, nothing too difficult to glug down. Instant IBS reliver and if consistent can combat your garden variety IBS very efficiently + of course follow the usual holistic living principles.
Loved this! I happen to live in Bangkok and never realized there are retreats in the Green Lung but that checks out. I'm also a Vata Dosha and actually reading your list reignited my interest in Ayurveda and building ayurvedic practices into my everyday. Please go for more retreats and share the inside scoop, we love it!
I would love to do more! Apart from short local retreats, Rakxa is my only experience (but from what I can guage, it's pretty highly regarded internationally). Manifesting more. Thank you so much for reading x
I imagine you need an Ayurvedic doctor to do a proper analysis (she checked my tongue and my pulse, haha) but there are some online tests. Not very scientific but it's probably not a bad place to start x
I was pleasantly surprised that I’m practicing some of the techniques you mentioned, and that I too have cold hands and feet. Glad to know I’m not alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this retreat and just did an online quiz to find out my doshas. Not sure how accurate that will be but going to try and adjust my daily habits to benefit them!
I understand and agree with every habits you mentioned, but for the first one, here in india , we are told to drink warm water the very first thing in the morning after waking up as the bacteria formed in our mouth overnight is very good for our stomach and health
“$15K wellness retreat” tells me everything I need to know about the article, and it's author.
I would have loved the article to be trash for this reason. Unfortunately, it’s all genuinely sound advice in here—and you will not get it from American-trained doctors.
No doctor who follows evidence based practice will tell you to do most of these things. Peppermint oil on your torso? It does nothing. Cold water is fine. So much nonsense here. If you are in fact a doctor you would know this.
💃🏽
What does it tell you?
It tells me there's *a lot* of rich privilege behind this essay.
Oh, it's a part of my job to try things like this. Sadly for me I'm not someone who regularly attends wellness retreats of this calibre. This was my first and only experience. I work 60-70 ish hours a week, breaking it up and protecting my sense of wellbeing with the small free rituals such as those mentioned in the story 🖤
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS
I would love to have a job like this lol
Thank you for writing this insightful informative and inspiring article!
I’ve known Emily for a long time, and she's one of the most kind, hard working people I know. She didn’t come from privilege — she grew up on the coast, her first job was at Priceline Pharmacy, and has built her career through years of hard work and sacrifice. Like many people in creative industries, her job now gives her access to experiences she’s earned, not inherited.
What’s wrong with that in the first place?
all of the advice that she gave (for free) is relatively low cost! A poor snap judgment indeed
I agree with this i cannot afford this kind of treatments or wellness getaways but most of the points can do at home for free or fairly low cost. Its all what your prioritize in your life.
Hot tea and even just hot water instead of cold, having hot showers instead of cold, eating hot meals rather then salad and cold items work wonders for digestion. Both in Ayurveda and tradional chinese medicine avoiding cold foods/water and just cold in general is amazing for womens health.
Yes some things cost money like the peppermint oil, or for me I have invested into some massage tools ($50-100) but I use them daily and other things similar that the cost for use /quality of life is much better. And in the future when im able too afford more I will go to treatments ect but I see the whole purpose of this article is things can do at home without going to these places, even the pilates and different healing workout styles can be done at home.
Doubtful. I literally took out a notepad and started taking notes. Two items: make an acupuncturist appointment and book a massage! Oh....and order peppermint essential oil.
Acupuncture has no scientifically verifiable results.
And while massage therapy does work for a few days, massages are expensive and getting one at least once a month is even more expensive.
Normal people don't have that kind of money.
acupuncture does actually have scientifically verifiable results for pain, IBS/IBD, weight loss, menstrual cycle disorders, nausea, IVF (i could go on). i love science, but scientism can get in the way of something that can be helpful and has been used in medical systems for 5000 years. it’s ok if you dont want to try acupuncture, but trolling around in people’s comments saying acupuncture has no scientifically verifiable results, is actually untrue and not scientifically accurate. thx
Oooo never knew it was for ibs ty!! Will get 💞💞💞
A lot of studies show acupuncture has similar effects to placebo treatments
many acu studies show it performs better than no treatment and at least as well as conventional care. when results are described as ‘similar to placebo,’ that often reflects the limits of placebo and controlled trials - not that acupuncture doesn’t work. Those trials were designed for pharmaceuticals, where you isolate a single active ingredient, many scientific studies are very limited, which is why things need multiple studies. acupuncture and herbal medicine are complex, interactive therapies, which are hard to study in the narrow framework RCTs. i have TONS of anecdotal evidence to support that acupuncture works as well.
science is incredibly powerful, but it’s also selective. RCTs are excellent for drugs, less so for relational, system-based therapies. A study can tell you whether a single variable changes under controlled conditions - it often can’t capture whole-body regulation, subjective experience, or long-term pattern shifts, which are central to acupuncture.
and once again there are also studies which show that placebo points were less effective than acupuncture points on meridians
There ate MANY sliding scale places across the country. The pessimism vibe tells us massage would be a great modality to look into.
While not everyone can afford $15k retreats, plenty of “normal people” can afford a massage. I get them for $75/hr in a major city- I just don’t go to the bougie-est place!
I can get them at a wellness non-profit for $22/90min and the tip if you can goes to paying it forward.
Hold up. Are you really telling me to keep my comments to myself in a...
*Checks Notes*
... Comment section?!
I don't care if it was for work. My comments stand.
Also, making factual comments isn't "commenting negatively." I'm sorry you think poor people expressing their reality is "commenting negatively." Maybe you should go work on yourself, or pray about it. Go bother someone else.
Why are you even here
Why are any of us here? 🤷
You seem miserable geez
9 subscribers lol
Great read and free information saving us money - can’t complain. Thank you for sharing!
Maybe you shouldn’t just a book by its cover and read the article.
Do you have any wellness retreat recommendations for the plebes who have good taste and good hearts but non-profit salary jobs? :)
Haha! I need these recommendations myself. I'm actually located in Australia so these might not be as relevant, but gwinganna is incredible and because they offer shorter days it's much more accessible but you still get that incredible reset. I've also been to Soma in Byron Bay and loved it. But it's much more community focused/interaction with other guests. Hopefully we get some more tips in these comments xxx
Lol. Well, I’m in upstate NY, so yes, there’s that. However, I am VERY grateful for these FREE tips—THANK YOU! BTW my acupuncturist told me years ago that the two cultures with the longest life spans: Chinese and Indian, NEVER or very very very rarely eat raw foods. I started making warm salads at that point lol!
First time commenter but since you’re in upstate New York, may I recommend Kripalu? I am about to go for the second time and it is the best. Relatively affordable, non-luxury accommodations, but so good and healing.
Hi, Beth, thank you. I have been there, and yes, it is very good! :) Thank you.
And I just went to Kos sauna on Saratoga Lake. Highly recommend!
Hi a really great retreat is vippassina meditation retreat, it’s more of a meditation boot camp in a way so you will get intense with yourself but it was really transformative, there is free food free lodging and they are all donation based you just need to put in an application ! And if you have one in your state you don’t need to have the travel expenses either !
1. Oil pulling will change your breath and your life.
Partially true. Oil pulling (swishing oil in your mouth) has some evidence for improving oral health and reducing bad breath bacteria. However, claims about life-changing effects are exaggerated beyond what research supports.
2. Knowing your Ayurvedic dosha will change your approach to wellness.
Not scientifically supported. Ayurvedic doshas aren't backed by scientific evidence. While individualized wellness approaches can be helpful, dosha categorizations lack empirical validation.
3. Social media first thing is toxic and a time-waster.
Largely true. Research shows morning social media use can increase stress, anxiety, and negative mood while disrupting focus and productivity throughout the day.
4. Massaging peppermint oil into your stomach is great for digestion.
Mixed evidence. Peppermint oil can help with digestive issues like IBS when taken orally in proper doses, but topical application has limited research. Always dilute essential oils properly.
5. Cook your food. Raw = bloat.
Partially true. Cooking breaks down fiber and makes some foods easier to digest, potentially reducing bloating for sensitive individuals. However, many people tolerate raw foods fine.
6. Protein + fat are essential (and will give you a flatter stomach).
Half true. Protein and healthy fats are essential nutrients, but no specific foods guarantee a "flatter stomach" - this depends on overall diet, genetics, and body composition.
7. Eating quickly while scrolling is sabotaging your wellness.
True. Research shows distracted, rapid eating leads to poor digestion, overeating, and reduced meal satisfaction. Mindful eating improves digestive health.
8. Liquids should be warm, or at least room temperature.
Not scientifically necessary. While some people find cold drinks uncomfortable, there's no universal health requirement for warm liquids. Individual tolerance varies.
9. The way I live the week before my period makes a world of difference when it comes to cramps.
True. Lifestyle factors like stress management, sleep, exercise, and nutrition in the luteal phase can significantly impact menstrual symptoms.
10. You don't need to meditate, but you do need a mindfulness practice.
True. Research supports various mindfulness practices (not just formal meditation) for stress reduction and mental health benefits.
11. Steps and kneeling after food will help with digestion.
Partially true. Light movement after eating can aid digestion, but kneeling specifically isn't well-researched. Walking is more evidence-based.
12. You need to soften your fascia. A roller and massage ball will be your best friend.
Partially true. Foam rolling can improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness, though "softening fascia" is more complex than tools alone can address.
13. Dry brushing will energise you in the same way a coffee will.
Not supported. While dry brushing may feel invigorating due to increased circulation, it doesn't provide the physiological stimulation that caffeine does.
14. Caffeine is okay for some people.
True. Individual caffeine tolerance varies widely based on genetics, health conditions, and sensitivity. Moderate amounts are fine for most healthy adults.
15. Warm showers, warm baths and hot water bottles are it.
Partially true. Heat therapy can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and provide comfort, but effects are temporary and individual preferences vary.
Overall, about half of these claims have solid scientific backing, while others range from partially supported to unsupported by current research.
https://claude.ai/share/e11da9c8-633f-4914-9426-ebc7b8a4de37
You have too much time on your hands.
1) where is that "i put the disco in disconnect" tee from? obsessed
2) thank you for the reminder to chew our food more mindfully! and that coffee isn't bad for everyone, why deprive what brings us joy :)
Haha it's great isn't it 😂 a Courtney grow link - Etsy! I think I paid $20. And agree, I also want to enjoy my life haha
oooh looking that up! ty ☕️☕️
Reading this first thing in the morning 🤫🥴 but it feels less bad because I just picked up a ton of good tips. So glad to see Ayurvedic approaches on here - they aren’t talked about enough!
Ha ha, we just do our best
This is such an amazing and relatable read, Emily. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Your point about "consistency > dramatic stints" is so true, and it applies to more than just wellness. For a founder, the biggest trap isn't making a big mistake; it's the tiny, consistent habit loops that kill our productivity without us even realizing it.
I've started using a simple AI prompt to help me find these "mindset blind spots", the small habits that drain energy, kill focus, or introduce friction into my day. It’s like a wellness retreat for my brain, but free. It's wild how powerful it is to have your unconscious habits reflected back at you.
Love this, thank you for the comment x
Much appreciated.
Hello, just reading the comments and I'm super curious about the prompt/what you ask AI to help you find you mindset blinds spots? Sorry if that's really nosey but I feel like that could help me. Thank you
You are not, do not worry.
The prompt starts like this '<role>
You're a Blindspot Illuminator, expert in leveraging LLM memory and semantic analysis to uncover hidden insights, pains, and opportunities in personal contexts.
</role>'
It leverages LLM memory for context rich digs, agent debates for unbiased truth, and semantic search to pull patterns from your inputs. No setup. No cost. Just paste into your LLM of choice.
You can find the full prompt to try yourself in my first blog, just find the subtitle where it says copy-paste.
If you are using it for professional use, just replace the word 'personal' in the <role> part with 'professional'.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Great prompt. Do you add a time frame or does it look at your whole history automatically?
A few years ago I did a 4 day retreat at the Miraval resort in Arizona (also paid for by my work) and it sort of changed my life???? On the Ayurvedic BS, I am pitta: constantly sweaty, busy energy, prone to burnout…all true. it really drove home the need to slow the f down, be mindful, sit still, and take care of my physical body as much as my mind. The massages, the salt water soaking, the foam rolling - it all released parts of my body I didn’t even know were tense from years at a stressful desk job sitting 8+ hours per day. 10/10 would recommend a wellness retreat for anyone looking for a hard reset on their mental and physical health🧘🏻♀️✨
circling the block to come back around and say the peppermint oil on your stomach trick ????? game changing for a bloaty girly who also has a tendency to eat dinner too close to bedtime
Love this, I'm the same. Italian husband - late dinners 😂 so great I'm glad you enjoyed and got something out of it
I hope you had a head massage too?! I love everything Ayurveda but a proper head massage takes me to heaven!
Yes, and the hot oil pour. Really special
Eastern & Western lifestyles truly are a world apart.
These 18 tips are totally par for the course in Asian cultures, its so so basic for us that my repeated reaction was "no shit, sherlock"
But I do understand how it could be incredibly beneficial for those who don't know.
I can add one more - CCF TEA.
Cumin Coriander Fennel Seeds, a tsp each, boiled in 150ml water until the color turns golden. Pleasantly herby, nothing too difficult to glug down. Instant IBS reliver and if consistent can combat your garden variety IBS very efficiently + of course follow the usual holistic living principles.
x, india.
Loved this! I happen to live in Bangkok and never realized there are retreats in the Green Lung but that checks out. I'm also a Vata Dosha and actually reading your list reignited my interest in Ayurveda and building ayurvedic practices into my everyday. Please go for more retreats and share the inside scoop, we love it!
I would love to do more! Apart from short local retreats, Rakxa is my only experience (but from what I can guage, it's pretty highly regarded internationally). Manifesting more. Thank you so much for reading x
That retreat looks like a dream 🤩 Do you have any advice on discovering your ayurvedic dosha?
I imagine you need an Ayurvedic doctor to do a proper analysis (she checked my tongue and my pulse, haha) but there are some online tests. Not very scientific but it's probably not a bad place to start x
omg interesting!! okay i will up some test options thank you :)
Let me know if you need any help! I’m an Ayurvedic Counselor who specializes in this 💛
I was pleasantly surprised that I’m practicing some of the techniques you mentioned, and that I too have cold hands and feet. Glad to know I’m not alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this retreat and just did an online quiz to find out my doshas. Not sure how accurate that will be but going to try and adjust my daily habits to benefit them!
Do you have any bitter tea recommendations?
I buy planet organic (no plastic). My favourites are dandelion root, spearmint and they have turmeric and ginger one xx
I understand and agree with every habits you mentioned, but for the first one, here in india , we are told to drink warm water the very first thing in the morning after waking up as the bacteria formed in our mouth overnight is very good for our stomach and health
so interesting! Appreciate you sharing, I'll also look into it
Amazing tips and advice ty quesn