SELVA ALQUIMIA

Selva Alquimia is a cozy and inviting wellness hub created by nature enthusiasts who are passionate about individual and communal healing. Based in the vibrant jungles of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, our mission is to support individuals on their journey towards a healthy, fulfilling life by offering a blend of traditional and modern healing practices. Our name translates to "Jungle Alchemy," reflecting our belief in our innate ability to transform our lives for the better with the help of the plants and community here in the southern Caribbean.

We offer a wide range of treatments and therapies, including hydrogen therapy, ice baths, saunas, medicinal plant education, nutrition help, and more. Our goal is to help people feel refreshed, renewed, and rejuvenated while providing education on natural healing modalities and self-betterment techniques.

We understand that everyone's wellness journey is unique. We take the time to get to know what it is you are seeking and craving in order to best serve you. Then we create personalized treatment options and are always happy to adjust for whatever you truly need. Whether you're interested in individual sessions or comprehensive retreats, we have options to suit you.

Yes, we offer both individual sessions, packages, individual retreats and can work with retreat organizers. The options are: Book an individual session of any therapy or class Book a combination of multiple therapies or class (ex: hydrogen therapy & ice bath, or plant class & jungle culinary experience) Book a session package for one or multiple therapies/classes Book a multi-day retreat experience to experience all the therapies or classes you wish Book us as an activity for you to bring your retreat to

We offer individual or couples retreats (for 1-2 people max) designed for a more immersive experience. These retreats typically last a minimum of 5 days, allowing us to develop a multi-day treatment plan to support you on your wellness journey. These retreats will include access to all the therapies we offer including hydrogen therapy, herbal steam saunas, ice baths, didgeridoo sound massages, and ortiga (stinging nettle) “acupuncture” treatment. We then also can offer a private space for you to stay in and can provide meals during your retreat if desired. We are happy to discuss what options work best for you.

If you are organizing a retreat here in Puerto Viejo, we are happy to provide all of our therapies for your participants to come and enjoy. You can have it as an “a-la-carte” menu where your participants can choose the therapies or classes they would like to try, or you can opt to have the whole group come to experience depending on how many people you have. All of our services except the ice bath can be brought to your retreat space (for an extra cost).

We believe that the jungle serves as a powerful teacher and supporter in our healing journeys. Simply slowing down to listen to nature and unplug from the hustle and bustle of the demands of life is a step in the right direction. Beyond that, we incorporate medicinal jungle plants and healthy natural practices in our offerings such as teaching medicinal plant classes, providing different herbal remedies as teas or as part of our herbal saunas, and much more. Our space is designed to immerse guests in the magic of the jungle while they undergo transformative experiences with our services.

Our philosophy centers on the idea of alchemy and transformation. We believe that the jungle environment can act as a catalyst for personal growth and healing. By combining ancient wisdom with modern science, we strive to support individuals in achieving a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Booking a session or retreat with Selva Alquimia is easy. You can reach out to us through our website or contact us directly via email, whatsapp, or instagram. We'll be happy to discuss your needs and help you plan your wellness experience with us.

We are more of a community gathering space or wellness hub as opposed to a generic “center”. We run our therapies out of our house which lends to a cozy and welcoming space for everybody. You feel like you can settle right into our home, which is how we want it to be. We originally started offering all of our services to just our friends, but have since realized we can help and benefit even more people which led to the opening of Selva Alquimia. Our offerings are diverse and profound, where we combine cutting-edge biohacking techniques with traditional healing modalities for comprehensive and effective wellness solutions. In all that we do, we strive to uphold respect for ancient traditions and the unique gifts of the Costa Rican jungle while making it accessible to more people. We are sure that spending time here at Selva Alquimia will have you opening your mind to more possibilities and help your body get to healthier states of being. Come and experience for yourself.

Yes, we welcome individuals from all walks of life to experience the healing power of nature and holistic therapies at Selva Alquimia. That said, we always like to do a comprehensive check in before people try any of our therapies to ensure everything feels safe and good for everyone. We can do this verbally or can provide a health and wellness questionnaire before you start any therapy. Our goal is to provide inclusive and personalized services to support each person's unique wellness goals, so if you feel we are a good fit for you, please reach out!

Hydrogen therapy, also known as molecular hydrogen therapy or hydrogen water therapy, involves the consumption of hydrogen-rich water or inhaling hydrogen gas to promote health and wellness. It is based on the potential therapeutic benefits of molecular hydrogen (H2) as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Hydrogen molecules are believed to have antioxidant properties, meaning they can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body that contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, hydrogen therapy supports overall health and well-being. Hydrogen is known as the "miracle molecule" because of it's tiny size, giving it the ability to enter cells for deeper healing, and to even cross the blood-brain barrier. It can help with the management, treatment, and prevention of over 160 different conditions!

Hydrogen therapy can offer potential benefits to a wide range of individuals, although specific outcomes may vary based on individual health conditions, lifestyle factors, and treatment protocols. Here are some groups of people who may benefit from hydrogen therapy: Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: Hydrogen therapy may support athletic performance, recovery, and overall physical well-being. It could help reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle fatigue, potentially enhancing recovery times and promoting peak performance. Individuals with Inflammatory Conditions: People with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or chronic pain disorders may benefit from hydrogen therapy's potential anti-inflammatory effects. It might help alleviate inflammation-related symptoms and improve quality of life. Those Seeking Anti-Aging and Skin Health: Hydrogen therapy's antioxidant properties may contribute to skin health and anti-aging benefits. By reducing oxidative stress and supporting skin hydration, it could help maintain a youthful appearance and improve skin vitality. Individuals with Metabolic Disorders: Some research suggests that hydrogen therapy may have metabolic benefits, including potential effects on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. It may be beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or obesity, although more research is needed in this area. People with Neurological Conditions: Hydrogen therapy's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may have neuroprotective effects, making it of interest to individuals with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or multiple sclerosis. It could potentially support brain health and cognitive function. Stressed or Fatigued Individuals: Hydrogen therapy's potential to reduce oxidative stress and support cellular function may benefit individuals experiencing high levels of stress, fatigue, or burnout. It might help improve energy levels, mental clarity, and overall resilience. Those Interested in General Wellness: Even for healthy individuals, hydrogen therapy can be used as a preventive measure to support overall wellness, enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms, and promote cellular health. It may contribute to maintaining optimal well-being and vitality.

Some potential benefits of hydrogen therapy include: Antioxidant support: Helps combat oxidative stress and free radical damage. Anti-inflammatory effects: May reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various health conditions. Energy & mood boost : Some individuals report increased energy levels and improved vitality. They also can notice less brain fog and more balanced emotions. Sports performance: Hydrogen therapy has been studied for its potential benefits in athletic performance and recovery. Skin health: Some research suggests hydrogen therapy may promote healthy skin by reducing oxidative damage.

Hydrogen therapy is generally considered safe. Molecular hydrogen is a naturally occurring substance in the body and is non-toxic.

Hydrogen therapy can be administered in several ways: Drinking hydrogen-rich water: Water infused with molecular hydrogen is consumed orally. Inhalation of hydrogen gas: Inhaled hydrogen gas may be used in some therapeutic settings. Eyes or ears: We have goggles or headphones that can help direct the hydrogen gas to these localized areas for more targeted help. Our sessions are 1 hour and you may choose from any of our accessories to either inhale, target your eyes or ears, or a combination of two forms at once. We then send you home with hydrogen rich water to continue your healing.

Our sessions are 1 hour and you may choose from any of our accessories to either inhale, target your eyes or ears, or a combination of two forms at once. We then send you home with hydrogen rich water to continue your healing. During the session, you may feel very relaxed and could even fall asleep. Some people may feel slight tingling as hydrogen begins to flood their body which is normal and will dissipate once the session ends. Hydrogen therapy is extremely gentle, you will not even feel the pressure of the gas as it is being administered.

The frequency of hydrogen therapy sessions can vary depending on individual needs and goals. For most people, the more hydrogen intake, the better. Some people may benefit from daily consumption, while others may opt for intermittent use or targeted therapy based on specific health concerns.

Hydrogen therapy is generally well-tolerated, and side effects are very rare. However, some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort initially or can get some skin rashes. This is normal and is just a sign that the body is detoxing and will subside quickly. People with certain medical conditions or those taking medications should let us know before trying the therapy.

Hydrogen therapy is amazingly powerful yet gentle and can be often used as a complementary approach alongside conventional medical treatments or other holistic therapies.

We are happy to walk you through the process of buying your own molecular hydrogen generator if this is something that calls to you. We work alongside a trusted, high-quality company called Axiom H2 and are pleased to introduce you to their products.

Hydrogen therapy has quickly become more prominent in modern healing discussions. A quick google search will bring forth a wide range of articles, research studies, and information about hydrogen therapy. If you have a specific condition you are looking to get information on, you can look it up along with writing "hydrogen therapy". If you have any questions, feel free to ask us directly. We have been certified by the Molecular Hydrogen Institute -- meaning we feel pretty confident in how this therapy works physiologically and it's benefits. A few places to start reading more about hydrogen therapy are: https://molecularhydrogeninstitute.org/hydrogen-an-emerging-medical-gas/ https://molecularhydrogeninstitute.org/the-complete-guide-to-molecular-hydrogen-therapy/#:~:text=Guide%20to%20Hydrogen-,What%20is%20Molecular%20Hydrogen%20Therapy%3F,and%20bathing%20in%20hydrogen%20water. https://www.thewellnesslab.com/3-great-things-about-molecular-hydrogen/

Wonderful! We are affiliated with Axiom H2, the creators of the high quality, cutting-edge hydrogen generator that we use. We have been certified by the Molecular Hydrogen Institute and well trained by Axiom H2 to be confident in answering any inquiries that come our way. We would love to see more hydrogen machines landing in places all over the world. If you or someone you know have a wellness center or some other business that you feel could benefit from having hydrogen therapy, please reach out so we can discuss further.

An herbal steam sauna combines the benefits of steam therapy with the use of aromatic herbs infused into the steam. This creates a therapeutic environment that promotes relaxation, skin health, respiratory support, and overall well-being.

In an herbal steam sauna, aromatic herbs are added to the steam generator. As the steam is produced, it carries the herbal essences into the air, creating a fragrant and therapeutic atmosphere. Sauna goers inhale the herbal-infused steam while experiencing the heat and humidity of the sauna.

Some potential benefits of an herbal steam sauna include: Relaxation and stress relief: The aromatic herbs and essential oils can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Skin nourishment and cleansing: Herbal steam can open pores, improve circulation to the skin, and assist in removing impurities, promoting healthy and radiant skin. Respiratory support: Inhaling herbal steam may provide respiratory benefits, such as clearing nasal passages, soothing congestion, and supporting respiratory health. Aromatherapy benefits: The aromatic compounds in herbs and essential oils can have mood-enhancing effects, promote mental clarity, and create a soothing sensory experience. Muscle relaxation: The combination of heat and herbal aromas can help relax muscles, ease tension, and alleviate muscle soreness.

We are pleased to use plants that grow locally here in our garden. We make a nice mix of herbs such as basil, mint, rosemary, lemon grass, juanilama (lemon balm), bay rum, and more. Each herb offers therapeutic properties, such as soothing, invigorating, or respiratory support benefits.

Using an herbal steam sauna is generally safe for most healthy individuals. We ensure that the herbs used are safe for inhalation. However, for your own experience it is best to: Avoid overexposure: Limit the duration of herbal steam sauna sessions to prevent overheating or dehydration. Take breaks in between and take a cold shower and drink water. Seek medical advice: If you have specific health conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare provider before using an herbal steam sauna.

We offer the sauna for a duration of up to two hours. You may go in and out as many times as you’d like. Taking breaks in between to take a cold shower or do an ice plunge and drink some water is recommended. You can feel into how long is best for you to stay in, though the recommended duration of an herbal steam sauna session is typically around 10 to 15 minutes . Start with shorter sessions if you're new to herbal steam saunas and adjust based on your comfort level and tolerance.

Most healthy adults can safely use an herbal steam sauna. However, pregnant women, individuals with cardiovascular conditions, respiratory issues, or sensitivities to certain herbs should let us know ahead of time. Children should use herbal steam saunas under adult supervision and should go for much less time, to avoid heat exposure and sensitivity to the plants.

While herbal steam sauna use is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience skin irritation, allergic reactions, or respiratory discomfort if they are sensitive to specific herbs. Please let us know ahead of time if you have allergies to any plants or grasses.

Ice bath therapy, also known as cold water immersion therapy involves immersing the body in cold water (typically between 35°F to 40°F or 2°C to 5°C) for a specific duration of time (usually no more than 5 minutes at those temperatures) to promote various health benefits.

Ice bath therapy works by exposing the body to cold temperatures, which triggers physiological responses such as vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and decreased metabolic activity. These responses can lead to reduced inflammation, pain relief, improved circulation, and enhanced recovery after physical exertion.

Some potential benefits of ice bath therapy include: Reduced muscle soreness and inflammation after exercise or physical activity. Faster recovery from muscle fatigue and strain. Improved circulation and blood flow. Pain relief for certain conditions such as arthritis or chronic pain. Enhanced mental alertness and mood due to the release of endorphins.

Ice bath therapy is generally considered safe when done correctly and under appropriate supervision. However, it's essential to follow recommended guidelines regarding water temperature, immersion duration, and monitoring of individual tolerance, especially for those with certain medical conditions or sensitivities to cold.

While ice bath therapy can be beneficial for many individuals, some people may experience side effects or contraindications, such as: Skin irritation or numbness: Prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to skin irritation or numbness, especially in sensitive areas. Hypothermia risk: Extended immersion in very cold water can increase the risk of hypothermia, especially if proper precautions are not taken. Contraindications: People with certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular issues, Raynaud's disease, or cold sensitivity should consult with a healthcare provider before trying ice bath therapy.

The frequency of ice bath therapy sessions can vary depending on individual needs, fitness levels, and recovery goals. Some athletes and fitness enthusiasts may incorporate ice baths into their post-exercise recovery routine several times per week, while others may use them less frequently or as needed for specific muscle soreness or fatigue.

Ice bath therapy is often used alongside other recovery methods such as massage, stretching, compression therapy, and contrast (alternating between hot sauna and cold water immersion). Combining different recovery modalities can enhance overall recovery and performance benefits. We recommend opting for one of our famous "Fire and Ice" events where you can plunge into our ice bath then cycle out with our indulgent herbal steam saunas. A great way to get energized and rejuvenated.

Ice bath therapy involves immersing the body, typically up to the chest or shoulders, in a tub or container filled with cold water. The water temperature is usually maintained between 2°C to 5°C. The duration of the immersion can vary, but often is no more than 5-10 minutes depending on the temperature of the water.

We offer 2 different plant classes, each with 5-6 plants each. Although this may not seem like a lot of plants, each plant holds a robust amount of information! In order to not overload your brains and to allow ample time for questions and sharing, we stick with this intimate number of plants. We focus on plants that grow easily along the roads or on the beach so that you have an easier time identifying and finding them on your own.

The plant class is “classroom style” where you come ready with a notebook and journal. We will see, smell, touch and taste all the plants we are learning. We will discuss the different medicinal properties each one has, the contraindications of each plant and we will have some open discussion about them. Then, time and weather permitting we will go outside to see the plants growing in their natural habitat to help our ability in identifying them.

Topics covered in a medicinal plant class may include: Introduction to medicinal plants and their historical use Botanical identification of medicinal plants Pharmacological properties and active compounds in medicinal plants Traditional and modern uses of medicinal plants Methods of preparation (e.g., teas, tinctures, poultices) Safety considerations and potential interactions Ethical considerations in harvesting and conservation

Yes, our medicinal plant classes are designed to accommodate beginners and individuals with varying levels of herbal knowledge. Introductory classes often provide foundational information on medicinal plants, making them accessible to anyone!

Benefits of learning about medicinal plants may include: Empowerment in self-care and natural healing practices Expanded knowledge of plant-based remedies for common health concerns Increased appreciation for nature and biodiversity Cultivation skills for growing medicinal herbs at home Potential cost savings by using herbal remedies Connection to cultural and traditional healing practices

Yes, the knowledge gained from a medicinal plant class can be used for personal use in herbal self-care, home remedies, and plant-based wellness practices if you feel confident doing so.