By JUNEP OCAMPO

As Filipinos prepare for Easter, they are reminded of life's transformative nature. Emerging from the solitary days of the pandemic, transitioning to the stressful era of revenge travel and revenge spending, life can swiftly shift from one chaotic chapter to another, leaving people in a state of imbalance.

This imbalance often manifests as illnesses. And what is an illness but the absence of wellness? 

How can one restore wellness? Through natural healing.

Dr. Elizabeth Micaller, or simply “Bethh” to friends (yes, that’s Beth with two ‘h’), a leading authority in naturopathy. She has over 40 years of experience in helping Filipinos achieve healing of body, mind, and spirit, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with nature as a way of naturally healing one’s self.

As the first American-certified naturopath with a PhD in the science of natural healing, Bethh has dedicated herself to educating Filipinos on the significance of returning to nature. 

Embracing nature 

During the pandemic, Bethh embraced nature herself, quite literally. She and her husband Conrad purchased a three-hectare integrated farm, transforming it into Nourish Wellness Eco-Paradise, providing a sanctuary from the city's lockdowns.

Originally focused on producing organic food, the farm now offers respite to guests seeking tranquility and a return to nature. 

Bethh explains, “Here, families can immerse themselves in nature once again. Children engage with farm animals like rabbits and goats while enjoying pesticide-free, organically grown food.”

Nourish also serves as the home base of the Philippine Institute of Naturopathic Science (PINS). Here, individuals interested in natural healing can enroll in Bethh’s classes, ranging from weekend workshops to semester-long courses.

Glamorous tents

Guest accommodations at Nourish eschew traditional rooms in favor of geodesic tents, transformed into five-star glamping experiences complete with air conditioning. Some tents, suitable for up to six guests, even feature bathtubs and dipping pools.

The farm boasts fruit-bearing trees such as mangoes and lanzones, allowing guests to enjoy free picking during harvest seasons. 

Unique dishes

Culinary offerings, meanwhile, include unique dishes like crispy mulberry leaves, flower salads, and rice coffee.

Regarding dietary preferences, Beth clarifies, “Yes, we do serve meat. In naturopathy, organic meat is permissible.”

“And food does not have to taste bad!” she adds with a chuckle. 

The farm raises free-range chicken and plans to introduce a pond for “clean tilapia,” prioritizing organic practices for health-conscious consumers. 

“Tilapia is a good fish but many of those commercially grown are fed with things you wouldn’t want to know,” Beth said.

The six doctors

The natural healing expert advocates for the “Six Best Doctors,” as inspired by the nursery rhyme. These doctors are Dr. Sunshine, Dr. Water, Dr. Air, Dr. Diet, Dr. Exercise, and Dr. Rest. Together, these six can help people prevent illnesses. 

Among these six, Beth says one of the most neglected is Dr. Water. “The cells of our body are all made up of water. So we need water to bring nutrients to our cells. Unfortunately, many people do not drink enough. I advise drinking one-half glass of water every hour. Beyond that, you will be shocking your organs with too much water,” she said. 

The seventh doctor

Beth adds a seventh Doctor to the list – Dr. Energy. She emphasizes the importance of attracting positive energy and repelling negativity for holistic healing.

To tap on Dr. Energy, Beth instructs patients on how to do positive affirmations. She also recommends playing soothing music to create a positive atmosphere. 

“Walls absorb energy. It is essential to fill our spaces with positive energy,” she advises.

While Beth says she is Catholic, she considers herself more "spiritual" than religious. And she attributes her journey to Nourish, to divine guidance. 

“I stumbled upon this farm after my plans to purchase what would have been our retirement home fell through. When I asked God what should I do with it, God impressed on me that I should offer what I do best – natural healing. And so, Nourish was born.”