Skip to main content
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
  • See & Do
    • See & Do
    • See all
      • See all
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
      • Accessibility
      • Arts
      • Attractions
      • Downtown
      • Health & Wellness
      • History
      • Live Music
      • Parks
      • Shopping
      • Stories
      • Weddings
  • Outdoors
    • Outdoors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Hiking
        • See all
        • Nature Walks
      • ADK Guides & Tours
      • Birding
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Cross-Country Skiing
      • Cycling
      • Downhill Skiing
      • Fishing
      • Golfing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Mountain Biking
      • Paddling
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
    • Eat & Drink
    • See all
    • Cafés & Coffee Shops
    • Craft Beer & Cocktails
    • Restaurants
  • Events
    • Events
    • See all
    • Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
    • ArtWorks ArtMarkets
    • Can-Am Rugby Tournament
    • Celebrate Paddling ADK
    • First Night Saranac Lake
    • Plein Air Festival
    • Winter Carnival
    • 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
    • Stay
    • See all
    • Cabins & Cottages
    • Camping
    • Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts, Hotels, Motels
    • Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
    • First Time Visitors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Accessibility
      • Downtown
      • Getting Here
      • Greater Region
      • Stories
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
  • Local
    • Local title-header
      • Live Here
        • See all
        • Meet the Locals
        • Real Estate
        • Town of Harrietstown
        • Town of North Elba
        • Town of St. Armand
        • Village of Saranac Lake
      • Do Business Here
        • See all
        • Chamber Job Board
        • Essex County IDA
        • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
        • Professional Services
        • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
      • Community Initiatives
        • See all
        • Arts & Culture Master Plan
        • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
        • Saranac Lake Brand
        • Village Community Development Department
What can we help you find?
  • See & Do
      1. See & Do
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
        3. Accessibility
        4. Arts
        5. Attractions
        6. Downtown
        7. Health & Wellness
        8. History
        9. Live Music
        10. Parks
        11. Shopping
        12. Stories
        13. Weddings
  • Outdoors
      1. Outdoors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Hiking
          • See all
          • Nature Walks
        3. ADK Guides & Tours
        4. Birding
        5. Boating
        6. Camping
        7. Cross-Country Skiing
        8. Cycling
        9. Downhill Skiing
        10. Fishing
        11. Golfing
        12. Ice Fishing
        13. Mountain Biking
        14. Paddling
        15. Snowmobiling
        16. Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
      1. Eat & Drink
      2. See all
      3. Cafés & Coffee Shops
      4. Craft Beer & Cocktails
      5. Restaurants
  • Events
      1. Events
      2. See all
      3. Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
      4. ArtWorks ArtMarkets
      5. Can-Am Rugby Tournament
      6. Celebrate Paddling ADK
      7. First Night Saranac Lake
      8. Plein Air Festival
      9. Winter Carnival
      10. 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
      1. Stay
      2. See all
      3. Cabins & Cottages
      4. Camping
      5. Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
      6. Resorts, Hotels, Motels
      7. Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
      1. First Time Visitors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Accessibility
        3. Downtown
        4. Getting Here
        5. Greater Region
        6. Stories
        7. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
  • Local
      1. Local
        1. Live Here
          • See all
          • Meet the Locals
          • Real Estate
          • Town of Harrietstown
          • Town of North Elba
          • Town of St. Armand
          • Village of Saranac Lake
        2. Do Business Here
          • See all
          • Chamber Job Board
          • Essex County IDA
          • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
          • Professional Services
          • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
        3. Community Initiatives
          • See all
          • Arts & Culture Master Plan
          • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
          • Saranac Lake Brand
          • Village Community Development Department

A Wonderful Wellness Weekend

Watch Video
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
Pamela Merritt
June 25, 2015

Saranac Lake has wonderful lodging and wellness venues. This year was the first time they were combined in a delightful weekend event. Which created a vortex of healing Adirondack vibrations!

The Holistic Health Retreat & Conference was held on the weekend of May 16th & 17th, but I arrived Friday night to relax and enjoy the fine dining at the hosting property, the Lake Clear Lodge & Retreat. This lodge dates from 1886 and is still run by the latest generation of the family. It has the classic Great Camp feel, built from many separate buildings and charmingly decorated in the relaxed, woodsy, Adirondack style.

the wilderness greets us

At this point I only dropped off my bag and went back out, because the shore of the lake was calling me. The grounds were set up for strolling, with an incredible view of St Regis Mountain, my favorite.

We were going to explore healthy cooking with emphasis on gluten-free eating and cultured food. We were going to explore ways of living that were anti-inflammatory. We would learn muscle testing for intuition, the importance of recognizing and dealing with our emotions, meditation, and natural pain relief methods.

the lodgings have names instead of numbers... a reflection of how we are treated there
the lodgings have names instead of numbers... a reflection of how we are treated there

This conference was all about the healing powers of nature. So I found an Adirondack chair to sit in and simply soaked up the gorgeous surroundings and listened to the occasional lapping of the water and the distant thunk of leaping fish. Most of us have been encouraged to think that such "doing nothing" is, at best, a waste of time, and at worst, a sign of sloth.

But that isn't true. We need to take periodic stock of ourselves by giving the environment enough stillness to settle around us. This lets those thoughts in the back of our head, unable to make themselves heard over the din of daily life, a chance to tell us something.

just part of the beautiful grounds on the shores of Lake Clear
just part of the beautiful grounds on the shores of Lake Clear

nature heals us

This retreat was in the perfect place. Not only were the surroundings part of the wild nature around us, the food has been handcrafted along age-old principles of health. Chef Cathy Hohlmeyer seeks out sustainable, natural ingredients, and then prepares them in traditional ways that maximize their nutritional value. As much as she can, she will find products raised and grown within 100 miles of their kitchen, and they have an onsite store to allow others to enjoy this bounty, too.

One of the features of the weekend was a cooking class where Cathy shared the simple principles of culturing vegetables. I was excited at the thought of making my own pickles, and many participants were pleased that it was so easy and did not require much in the way of equipment. By culturing vegetables, which is even easier than making yogurt, we add live cultures to our diet and encourage digestive health.

"It's easy!" she emphasized. "Just play!"

Chef Cathy Hohlmeyer demonstrates how easy it is to culture foods for great health benefits
Chef Cathy Hohlmeyer demonstrates how easy it is to culture foods for great health benefits

Another presenter, Sabine Weber of Adirondack Nutrition Consulting, emphasized eating "closer to the earth." The more processing a food undergoes, the more the nutrients deteriorate. We also can't put back in what we don't know is missing. She emphasized that when it comes to nutrition, one size does not fit all. This is why she works with her clients' aspirations, needs, and health situation to find the best path to their goals.

Dr. Karen Kan, organizer and moderator of the event, is a holistic doctor who sought out alternative healing a decade ago, when she was was diagnosed with an “incurable” chronic pain disorder, fibromyalgia. Her shining eyes match her boundless enthusiasm as she told the group how she gained back her health with a holistic mind-body-spirit approach. She is a Board certified physician and medical acupuncturist, whose practice specializes in chronic conditions, using cutting edge energy medicine tools.

Her presentation demonstrated the use of LifeWave patches, a form of “acupuncture without needles.” Volunteers came up from the audience to report that their painful areas have improved. I have had them applied to me in the past, and can confirm these patches do actually work to soothe sore muscles and joints.

the group is guided through a helpful process known as "muscle testing"
the group is guided through a helpful process known as "muscle testing"

Dr. Kan also guided the group in learning the rudiments of Applied Kinesiology, or muscle testing, as a do-it-yourself guide to resolving treatment dilemmas. She also discussed the increasing problem of EMF sensitivity, and ways to handle it. As a courtesy to the EMF-sensitive among us, we had already turned off our cell phones. As is common in many Adirondack Lodges, the WiFi is restricted to common areas so guests can choose to be away from it if they wish.

hospitable to all

With a group following such varied nutritional regimens, the usual luncheon would be a challenge. Chef Cathy solved it by not serving the usual lunch. We were able to build our own soups from different bone broths, or the option of a vegetarian broth, by adding our own cooked vegetables. Bone broths are highly nutritious and provide a complete protein for healthy bones and joints. The meal was rounded out with a tossed salad with a tumeric dressing, (this spice reduces inflammation and has many health-giving properties,) and the highly appreciated coconut milk pudding with chia seeds and raisins.

Marie McMahon of Down To Earth Therapeutics shared her expertise with releasing trapped emotions that have created points of stress in the body. This is a technique she uses in conjunction with her training in orthopedic therapies such as craniosacral therapy and soft tissue release techniques. She is also a certified Emotion Code Practitioner, and that is what she was demonstrating for us today.

With the help of a volunteer, she went over the required techniques and shared stories of people she had helped, many in dramatic ways. Just as stress can give us a head or neck ache, it can also affect muscles and organs in ways we might not be aware of.

the presentations took place in the Meeting Center, a welcoming building with a view of the lake
the presentations took place in the Meeting Center, a welcoming building with a view of the lake

Michael Harrigan, a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, demonstrated techniques used for reducing both pain and anxiety. Like stress and inflammation, these paired "bad guys" feed into and off of each other to create health challenges.

Michael works at Albany Medical Center. They have a Healing Arts program used throughout their hospital and medical school, treating 100 inpatients and 50 staff in the healing touch clinic every month, using Healing Touch to keep patients more comfortable, from placing an IV to recovering from brain surgery.

The alternative healing we've been learning about uses actual science, no matter how unusual it can appear when we first encounter it. The principles of the Emotion Code are that the heart has a large electrical field. This now has been supported by the work done with magnetocardiography. The Life Wave patches used by Dr. Kan show the lowering of inflammation in the nearby tissues, using infrared cameras, during treatment.

My own experience is that these techniques certainly can work. I've been getting progress on a chronic muscle issue, not helped by conventional medicine, by using such treatments.

the path to healing

Most of the people attending had found, or hoped to find, relief from chronic issues with pain, fatigue, or insomnia. They had all tried conventional medicine, but were unsatisfied with their doctor's ability to get at the source of their problems. While modern medicine is tops when it comes to putting us back together after a traumatic incident, the care and maintenance of chronic conditions have a less than stellar track record.

This is where the techniques used by the Healing Weekend practitioners come in. By removing obstacles to good sleep and digestion, and lowering the stress from our environment, we support and enhance our body's ability to heal itself.

covered walkway between the Inn and the Meeting Center
covered walkway between the Inn and the Meeting Center

After filling our minds with new things to try, the class followed up with a special Guided Meditation, which has known relaxing effects, and then a complimentary African dance celebration (no experience necessary!) to live drum music by the drum group Wulaba Drum. Coaxing people to their feet, all according to ability, we were led by dance teacher Janine Mead of Soma Beats.

Because there are many ways of healing.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Saranac Lake was renowned as a tuberculosis healing destination. As that menace faded with the invention of antibiotics, the town has been reborn into the twenty first century as a different kind of healing place. We still have many of the same elements which were so beneficial to the first health seekers; our acres of wilderness, our abundant fresh air, and our welcoming hospitality.

Wellness Weekend practitioners are part of the Adirondack Wellness Network. Explore our wellness community. Find a relaxing place to stay. Enjoy freshly prepared meals at our dining spots.

the lodgings have names instead of numbers... a reflection of how we are treated there
the lodgings have names instead of numbers... a reflection of how we are treated there
just part of the beautiful grounds on the shores of Lake Clear
just part of the beautiful grounds on the shores of Lake Clear
Chef Cathy Hohlmeyer demonstrates how easy it is to culture foods for great health benefits
Chef Cathy Hohlmeyer demonstrates how easy it is to culture foods for great health benefits
the group is guided through a helpful process known as "muscle testing"
the group is guided through a helpful process known as "muscle testing"
the presentations took place in the Meeting Center, a welcoming building with a view of the lake
the presentations took place in the Meeting Center, a welcoming building with a view of the lake
covered walkway between the Inn and the Meeting Center
covered walkway between the Inn and the Meeting Center

Related Stories

Decidedly Different Entertainment
On Peaceful Waters
Spring Revival
Winter Wellness Ideas in Saranac Lake
Three Options for Trail Running
Birding From Home
Black History in Saranac Lake
'Tis the Season
The Time Traveler's Guide to Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake Adventure Travel
A Fall Vacation with Hot Sara
Fall Events
Decidedly Different Saranac Lake
A Day of Yoga and Paddling
Paddling Middle to Lower Saranac Lake
Cycling Loops in Saranac Lake
Hot Town, Summer in the Village
Sixty Degrees in April
Walking the Walk: ArtWalks in Saranac Lake
A Day of Winter Indulgence
6 Must See Winter Carnival Events
4 Ways to Enjoy Music and More in Saranac Lake
Hiking and Birding in Bloomingdale Bog
Two Ways of Exploring the Natural World at the VIC
Walking the Walk: 20 years of ArtWalks in Saranac Lake
Get down! The best low-elevation hikes in Saranac Lake
The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration!
Rejoice!! May Birding is Here!!
Adirondack Fish Hatchery Experience
'Round the Mountain Canoe Race - An Event For All Paddlers
Three of Saranac Lake's Best Paddling Routes
First Paddle of the Season down the Saranac River
The Excitement of Early Spring Birding!
The art of Pink House
Boreal Birds and Northern Finches!
On the Quest for the Tallest Tree
Maple with a Past
Canoodlers and Lawn Chair Ladies
Getting First Night Ready
Feeling Grateful
A Fall Hike Up Mount Baker
The sound of healing
Fall Seasons Cold Water Paddling
Be there at the finish!
McKenzie Road Bouldering
Not just a walk in the park
Rugby — A Gentleman’s Sport
Six Nations, First People
Family fun that's free
Healthy Eats, Tasty Eats
Sprung!
Rebirth of the Hotel Saranac
To get the trout, get the gear
Three hikes to include everyone
Vroom! Daffest Derby creator shares memories
Early Spring Mountain Biking
Slow paddle to Oseetah
Maple, sweetener of the future!
The coolest St. Paddy's Day
Get out and art!
Winter Carnival Invention: Arctic Golf
2016 Most Popular Blogs
If self-care is naughty, I don't want to be nice
Get it together — First Night Saranac Lake
A tree for the whole family
Dia de Muertos at Pine Ridge
Fall Events: a blaze of glory!
Searching for Philadelphia Vireo and other species
Puppy's first mountain climb
A Rainy Day Birding Trip in Madawaska
Coolest Adirondack Chopped Challenge!
Planting seeds
A Ride That Takes You Off The Beaten Path
Don't miss the summer's coolest events
History Is Cool: The Lab Museum
Tips for early season recreation
An "event-full" spring
Early Spring Birding!
Some assembly required
Wonderful Weddings in Cool Places
Anti-vaxxers lead to Saranac Lake reopening tuberculosis facilities
Five Fun (and obscure) Facts about Saranac Lake!
All things maple, in one weekend!
Springing!
Spring Ice on the McKenzie Mountain loop
Spring Break in the ADK
Saranac Lake Classic: the Cure Chair
Carl Ballantine, comedy magic
Love among the cure cottages
Yeah, we're cool - no matter what we're wearing!
Shops with personality plus
Special Dining Options - Gluten Free & Vegan
Fun with Ice: Saranac Lake Creativity
2015 Most Popular Blogs
First thing's first: An insider's guide to First Night Saranac Lake
Winter Events You Won't Want To Miss
Trotting for Turkeys
Shopping without the stress
Tubing: the sport to please the masses
Adirondacks' Masterpiece
Unleash Your Inner Picasso
Upcoming Fall Events
Martha Reben: Staring down the Great White Plague
How to have fun at the Art Opening
Paddling Middle Pond
Stevenson Cottage - small outside, a world inside
Paddling in the Adirondacks for the First Time!
Hiking with the Crew up Baker Mountain
Riding the Rails, Adirondack style!
A Wonderful Wellness Weekend
July is when things heat up!
Coming Home to Saranac Lake
Great Birding at Intervale Lowlands - It's that Time of Year!
Finding Lots of Birds Just by Taking a Simple Walk
Great Birding and Loads of Warblers in Madawaska!
Cycle Adirondacks: Pedal On Over
Saranac Inn, golf with a taste of Scotland
Free Water Park Ride In Our Backyard
Early May Wildflowers: A Kaleidoscope of Color
A Spring Hike Up Baker Mountain
Learning to Love Every Season
Exciting Beginnings of Spring Migration!
In Defense of Mud Season
Fun in the Mud
Skiing in April and on Easter - No Foolin'!
The Joy of Spring Skiing
Adirondack Cure for Cabin Fever
February Fun and Games in Saranac Lake
Wedding planning with the pros
Two sides of the Trifecta
Get ready to jam at Winter Carnival
Adirondack Traditions, then and now
Wellness Resolutions: Easy does it!
An Evening Sleigh Ride in the Adirondacks
An Adirondack You for 2015
Four Seasons of High Points
Fly our Adirondack skies
A night on the town in Saranac Lake
Where to find hot beverages
Healthy Holidays, Adirondack Style
A picture's worth a thousand words - epic winter events
Saranac Lake Remembers the Great War
A Guide to the Great Indoors
New fun at Titus Mountain Ski Area
The Blind Owl Band: A true Adirondack band
Norman Bethune, the hero, the artist
The biggest Cure Tour of them all
History Comes Alive in Saranac Lake
The Horse Knows The Way
Boat Trip Massages: Two Roads to Wellness
Forks, Fests, and Flatwater: 3 Featured Fall events
Paddling Little Clear Pond
3 Short Paddles found in the St. Regis Canoe Area
Paddling Lake Clear Outlet
See artists at work in the mountains
Hiking and Exploring Azure Mountain
The Art Walk is a path to art, music, and fun!
A cure cottage tour, a step back in time
Mid-summer events in Saranac Lake
Adirondack Paddling, Choosing the Right Paddle
Adirondack Paddling - Choosing The Right Boat
Frankenstein Lives! In the old laboratory in the village
Birding at the Spring Pond Bog
Events roundup for Saranac Lake
The Great Adirondack Birding Celebration
Spring Paddling on Lake Colby
Art Event or Fun Party? BluSeed blurs the line
Daffest is just around the corner
Waterhole Wednesdays Feature Free Music
Winter Foodie Scene
BluSeed Studios planning for busy spring
Spoken Word: Poetry on Stage
Breakfast & History
Mid-Winter Events 2014
Winter Carnival means live music
Building the Ice Palace
The Art of Gifts
New Years Eve Saranac Lake NY
Intimate Studio Tour With Sandra Hildreth
Art & Dining
Winter Family Events
Less than two weeks to Sparkle Village Craft Fair!
Saranac Lake Art Attraction Nov 22 - Dec 28, 2013
Discover the Art of Saranac Lake
Sammati Yoga: No Experience or Flexibility Required
Saving Einstein
Holistic Guiding: Immersing Yourself in ADK History & Culture
Painted Landscapes, Clay Demonstrations, and Chickens...all a part of the Artist at Work Studio Tour
Artist at Work Studio Tour this week
Fun family events for fall foliage season
Fifth Annual Hobofest: Music, Food and Fun on the Tracks
Hobofest tops the calendar this weekend
FlavorFest at The Wild Center
Farm 2 Fork: Slow Food, Long Life
Hobofest Returns to Saranac Lake
Pianist Eugene Sirotkine performs August 6th concert to benefit Bartok Cabin
Entertaining events will keep you hopping this weekend
Top 5 Family Friendly Activities in the Saranac Lake Area
Paper Making with a Purpose at BluSeed Studios
From carousels to magic lamps - events to tickle your Spring fancy
A Taste of Provence at Saranac Lake's Left Bank Cafe
What can we help you find?
Sign up to receive more information.
Enter Email
Do•Stay•Eat•Shop•Events
Work Here•Contact Us•DEI•Media Kit•Privacy Policy
39 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Powered by the Regional Office of
Sustainable Tourism
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE
We’ve got the best ideas for things to do on your next Adirondack adventure, and we will deliver them right to your inbox! THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING! Your next adventure awaits you in your inbox! Tell us more about what interests you, and we can help you plan your next trip.
MANAGE YOUR PREFERENCES