REGISTRATION FORM INFORMATION

CACAO 

Cacao contraindications ~ 
Certain anti-depressants are worth extra consideration. MAOI based anti-depressants are contraindicated with the tyramine in chocolate, so a larger dose of cacao is not recommended. MAOI based anti-depressants are first generation anti-depressants and are less common these days. People taking them are on a restricted diet that includes limiting or avoiding chocolate, so they should know if they can consume or not. Side effects could include more serious headache and nausea, so make sure to check medications first. Additionally, there has been some concern with larger doses of cacao and SSRI type anti-depressants, because of the MAOI’s in cacao. Specifically, the tryptophan, a type of MAOI which is a pre-cursor to serotonin has been cited by some as a possible contraindication. The research about this interaction is extremely minimal, but studies on both the amounts of tryptophan in chocolate and how that might cause ‘serotonin syndrome’ don’t indicate any problem. However, to be on the safe side, for those on SSRI’s, we suggest consulting with your doctor regarding higher doses of cacao and to consider starting with low doses. 

Serious heart conditions. The theobromine in cacao increases heart rate significantly and is a vasodilator, lowering blood pressure. If you have such a condition, consulting a physician and certainly go lighter on amounts is advised. 

Pregnancy & breastfeeding. Like coffee or tea, it is important to reduce the intake of stimulating foods. The theobromine in cacao, which is very similar to caffeine, has a stimulating effect. For these reasons I only use 24g in my ceremonies which has worked beautifully, even for folks who are sensitive to caffeine like me! 

If any of this concerns or are allergic to oats, dates or coconut oil please get in touch with me ahead of the event.


SWIMMING POND AND SAUNA - SAFETY INFORMATION


Swimming Pond (6 people max) ~

  • Shower with soap and water before and after as we use no chemicals in the pond. 

  • The swimming pond is not heated and can be extremely cold in colder months. We recommend you seek medical advice if you have any medical conditions that could be affected by cold water. 

  • Please check the temperature of the swimming pond which will be written up on a board before entering. 

  • No not enter the swimming pond if you cannot swim.

  • Depth ~ 1.7m at its deepest and 750 at the shallow end with a graduated drop.  Shallow end can be slippery please enter and exit the pond via the metal steps.

  • No underwater swimming or diving. Hair can get drawn into the drains and caught, causing drowning, it is advisable to tie long hair back

  • It is our responsibility to enforce the rules of safety within the  hot tub and swimming pond. 


Sauna (6 people Max) ~ 

1. Change into Swimwear and Use a Disposable Towel Provided (please bring own towel for showering) 

Change into your swimwear and take off jewellery. Take a disposable sheet to sit on in the sauna - dispose of this in the bin provided once you have finished using the sauna. 

2. Shower Before Sauna ~ cold water shower outside sauna - use eco products provided. 

Take a shower beforehand. The shower makes the skin wet and removes perfumes and smells that otherwise become stronger and more pungent in the sauna. Body scrubs are also recommended. 

3. Dry Off the Body

Before entering the sauna your body should be completely dry in order to speed up perspiration in the sauna.

4. Place your whole body on the sheet or a towel

When in the sauna, sit on the disposable sheet or a towel provided. When going in or out the sauna, do it quickly and make sure that the door closes firmly in order not to spill out the heat.

5. From Lower to Higher Bench

It is recommended to sit on the lower bench at first, because the temperature is lower there. The humidity can be raised by pouring water onto the hot stones

6. Sit or Lie Still

When in the sauna, try to be still. Breathe normally. You can sit or lie down.

7. Sauna Time & Cooling Off

When entering the first time, do not stay in the Sauna for more than 10-12 minutes. You can use an hour-glass on the sauna wall. People who do not support the heat should stay less time inside. When heating up enough, leave the sauna and gradually cool off under the shower or just sit down and rest in room temperature or outside. Especially the head should be cooled off slowly.

8. Talking in sauna

Sauna is primarily a place of relax. It’s ok to talk in sauna as long as it does not disturb other users. When you are in a sauna with only with a group of your friends or business partners, you can talk as much as you like. However when another person enters sauna, you should respect their right to relax. In such situation, in order to continue the discussion, you should leave the sauna or wait until the other person leaves.

9. Repeating the Sessions

At the second visit of the sauna the air should contain a little more humidity than the first time. The skin has softened, the blood circulation has been stimulated. Cool off again. Heating up ‒ cooling off exchange can be repeated as many times as it pleases you. For the majority of people 2 sessions are enough.

10. Relaxing, drinking water

At the end take a shower and relax. Dry and relax for at least 10-15 minutes on the decking area. Drink something refreshing. It is recommended to drink water or tea (without sugar) before and after the sauna. Eating fruit balances the calcium. The loss of magnesium can be balanced later by consuming leafy greens.

11. After the Sauna

Before putting on clean linen, cool off thoroughly, if not, you will keep on sweating. You should not feel cold, after the sauna the body is quite sensitive. The skin is perfectly ready for the regenerating, detoxifying or relaxing massage.