Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Optimum Health Institute (OHI): Overview and Background

A Place to Get Away and Recharge Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

by Dan J. Harkey

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Summary

Locations: San Diego, CA, and Austin, TX:

What is Optimum Health Institute?

  • Founded: 1976
  • Affiliation: A healing ministry of the Free Sacred Trinity Church, a faith-based, non-denominational organization rooted in Judeo-Christian principles.
  • Mission: To promote holistic healing of body, mind, and spirit through natural, non-medical practices.
  • Philosophy: The body is a self-cleansing, self-healing organism when given proper tools—such as raw organic diet, detoxification, mental/emotional cleansing, and spiritual renewal.
  • Program:

    • A 3-week holistic wellness program (can be completed in segments) based on ancient spiritual disciplines.
    • Focuses on cleansing and nourishing the body, quieting the mind, and renewing the spirit.
    • Includes classes, meditation, prayer circles, journaling, and plant-based meals.
  • Non-medical: It’s important to note that OHI does not provide medical treatment or have doctors on-site.  Participants are responsible for their own care, in line with our holistic approach to wellness.
  • The OHI program has a proven track record of improving physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, offering a beacon of hope for those seeking a positive change in their lives.
  • Over 150,000 people have experienced these benefits since its inception.  These improvements often include weight loss, increased energy, and a sense of inner peace. 

San Diego Location

  • Address: 6970 Central Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
  • Campus: 2-acre gated community with 60 guest rooms.
  • Environment: Tranquil setting with organic gardens and healing spaces.
  • Features:
    • Cozy guest rooms (no TVs or radios to encourage disconnecting).
    • Weekly Sunday Open House with tours, lectures, prayer circle, and raw plant-based meal.
  • Established: Incorporated in California in 2002 as a nonprofit (501(c)(3)).    

Austin Location

  • Address: 265 Cedar Lane, Cedar Creek, TX 78612 (16 miles east of Austin).
  • Campus: 14 wooded acres with 18 guest rooms in a Hacienda-style house.
  • Established: 1997.
  • Features:
    • Great Hall with stone fireplace, dining room, and classrooms.
    • Organic gardens, wooded trails, meditation spaces, pool, and hot tub.
    • Same 3-week holistic program as San Diego. 

Core Components of the Program

  • Diet: Raw, organic, plant-based meals; wheatgrass juice; hydration.
  • Detox: Colon cleansing, lymphatic movement, emotional detox.
  • Mind & Spirit: Meditation, journaling, prayer, study, and celebration.
  • Community: Supportive, close-knit environment for personal transformation.

A typical day at Optimum Health Institute (OHI)—whether in San Diego or Austin—is structured around their Body-Mind-Spirit holistic program and emphasizes detoxification, education, and spiritual renewal.

Here’s what you can expect:

Morning

  • Early Rise & Meditation: Guests often start the day with Alpha meditation techniques to quiet the mind and reduce stress.
  • Wheatgrass & Juicing: Wheatgrass shots and fresh juices are served to support detoxification.
  • Circle Time: Before meals, there’s a short gathering for announcements, an inspirational word, and prayer. 

Meals

  • Raw Plant-Based Diet: All meals are organic, raw, and vegan, designed to cleanse and nourish the body.  No nuts or oils are included to optimize detox. 

Classes & Activities

  • Core Classes:
    • Digestion & Elimination: Learn how to optimize digestion and detoxify with colon cleansing and wheatgrass.
    • Emotional Detox: Techniques for processing emotions and practicing forgiveness.
    • Food Combining: How to combine raw foods for maximum nutrient absorption.
    • Hands-on Wheatgrass: Grow and plant your own wheatgrass tray (San Diego only).
  • Spiritual Practices: Journaling, prayer circles, and study sessions.
  • Optional Services: Massage, chiropractic care, and colonics (at an extra cost). 

Afternoon

  • Quiet Time: Guests often walk in the gardens, meditate in the chapel, or relax by the pool (Austin) or on the lawn (San Diego).
  • Additional Classes: Topics include raw food preparation, sprouting, and lifestyle integration. 

Evening

  • Community Events:
    • Friday Night Live: A fun evening of sharing talents—music, poetry, skits—to build camaraderie.
  • Closing Circle: Reflection and gratitude before dinner or bedtime. 

Overall, Rhythm

  • The program runs from Sunday to Sunday, and each day blends structured learning, detox practices, and personal reflection.  Guests are expected to attend classes to maximize

Here’s a sample daily schedule based on the typical flow at Optimum Health Institute:

Sample Daily Schedule at OHI

6:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.

  • Morning Meditation: Guided Alpha meditation to center the mind.

7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.

  • Wheatgrass & Juicing: Fresh wheatgrass shots and green juice for detox.

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

  • Circle Time: Inspirational reading, announcements, and prayer.

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

  • Breakfast: Raw, plant-based meal (fruit, sprouts, and hydration).

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

  • Class #1: Digestion & Elimination – Learn about cleansing and colon health.

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

  • Class #2: Emotional Detox – Forgiveness and stress-release techniques.

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

  • Lunch: Raw vegan entrée with sprouts and greens.

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

  • Quiet Time: Journaling, meditation, or walking in gardens.

1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

  • Class #3: Food Combining & Nutrition – Optimize raw food intake.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Optional Services: Massage, colonics, or chiropractic care (at an extra cost).

4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

  • Class #4: Wheatgrass Growing Workshop or Spiritual Renewal Session.

5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

  • Dinner: Light raw meal (soups, salads, sprouts).

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

  • Evening Circle: Gratitude reflection, prayer, and community sharing.

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  • Special Event: Friday Night Live (music, poetry, skits) or quiet meditation.

9:00 p.m.

  • Lights Out: Rest and rejuvenation.

Here’s a breakdown of the weekly classes offered at Optimum Health Institute (OHI) as part of their 21-day Body-Mind-Spirit program, divided into three one-week segments:

Core Classes (All Weeks)

  • Welcome Orientation – Overview of program, facility, and tools for success.
  • Circle Time – Inspirational word, announcements, and prayer before meals.
  • Alpha Meditation (Alpha I & II) – Techniques to quiet the mind, manage stress, and release tension.
  • Closing Class – Goal setting and reflection at the end of the week. 

Week 1 – Foundation & Detox

  • Digestion – How to optimize digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Elimination I & II – Detox methods using wheatgrass, juice fasting, raw food, colon cleansing, and exercise.
  • Emotional Detoxification – Processing emotions and practicing forgiveness.
  • Food Combining – Best practices for combining raw foods for optimal digestion.
  • Hands-on Wheatgrass (San Diego only) – Plant and grow your own wheatgrass tray. 

Week 2 – Deepening the Practice

  • Mental Detox – Clearing mental clutter and focusing the mind.
  • Vision Boards & Rock Painting – Creative exercises for intention setting and manifestation.
  • Stretching & Breathwork – Guided sessions for flexibility and relaxation.
  • Prayer & Spiritual Renewal – Strengthening spiritual connection through study and prayer. 

Week 3 – Integration & Lifestyle

  • Implementing the Program at Home – Tools like juicers, dehydrators, and sprouting supplies.
  • Fermented & Dehydrated Foods – Learn techniques for preparing raw foods.
  • Organic Gardening – Basics of growing sprouts and wheatgrass at home.
  • Advanced Detox & Maintenance – Strategies for sustaining health after the retreat. 

Community & Special Activities

  • Friday Night Live – Talent-sharing evening (music, poetry, skits).
  • Prayer Circles & Journaling – Daily spiritual and reflective practices. 

Weekly Curriculum at Optimum Health Institute

The Optimum Health Institute (OHI) offers a structured three-week program designed to cleanse the body, calm the mind, and renew the spirit.  Each week builds on the previous one, creating a progressive experience of holistic transformation.

Week 1: Foundation and Detox

The first week focuses on physical cleansing and emotional release.  Guests learn the fundamentals of digestion and elimination, practice wheatgrass therapy, and explore food-combining principles for optimal nutrient absorption.  Emotional detoxification classes guide participants through forgiveness and stress-reduction techniques, while Alpha meditation sessions introduce methods for quieting the mind.

Week 2: Deepening the Practice

The second week emphasizes mental clarity and spiritual renewal.  Classes include mental detox strategies, creative exercises such as vision boards and rock painting, and guided stretching and breathwork.  Spiritual practices—prayer circles, journaling, and meditation—help guests strengthen their inner connection and cultivate peace.

Week 3: Integration and Lifestyle

The final week prepares participants to sustain their new lifestyle at home.  Instruction covers raw food preparation techniques, including fermentation and dehydration, as well as organic gardening for sprouts and wheatgrass.  Advanced detox strategies and practical tips for setting up a home wellness routine ensure long-term success.

Throughout all three weeks, guests participate in community activities like Friday Night Live, prayer circles, and gratitude reflections, reinforcing the sense of connection and support that defines the OHI experience.

Here’s a comparison of the weekly curriculum at Optimum Health Institute (OHI) San Diego vs. Austin:

Core Similarities

Both campuses follow the same 3-week Body-Mind-Spirit program, which includes:

  • Raw, plant-based diet and wheatgrass therapy.
  • Detox classes (digestion, elimination, emotional, and mental detox).
  • Alpha meditation techniques for stress reduction.
  • Spiritual renewal practices (journaling, prayer circles, gratitude).
  • Community activities like Friday Night Live and group reflection.
  • Over 40 classes and activities are planned across three one-week segments.

San Diego Campus Highlights

  • Hands-on Wheatgrass Growing Workshop: Unique to San Diego, guests plant and grow their own wheatgrass trays.
  • Larger Campus: 2 acres with 60 guest rooms, greenhouse, and organic gardens.
  • Additional Classes: More emphasis on sprouting and greenhouse gardening due to the facilities.
  • Environment: Suburban setting with manicured gardens and a chapel for meditation. 

Austin Campus Highlights

  • Smaller Class Sizes: A hacienda-style house with 18 guest rooms provides more personalized attention.
  • Nature Integration: Classes often incorporate outdoor activities, such as walking meditation on wooded trails.
  • Lifestyle Classes: Greater focus on rural homestead skills—organic gardening and food dehydration techniques.
  • Environment: 14 wooded acres with trails, a pool, and a hot tub for relaxation. 

Curriculum Differences in Practice

Feature

San Diego

Austin

Hands-on Wheatgrass

Yes

No

Gardening Focus

Greenhouse sprouting & wheatgrass

Outdoor organic gardening techniques

Class Size

Larger, group-oriented

Smaller, more personalized

Environment

Suburban, manicured gardens

Rural, wooded trails and nature walks

Extra Activities

Chapel meditation, greenhouse tours

Pool, hot tub, outdoor meditation

Comparing OHI San Diego and Austin Curricula

While Optimum Health Institute (OHI) offers the same three-week Body-Mind-Spirit program at both campuses, the experience differs slightly based on location, facilities, and teaching emphasis.  Both centers share a common foundation: detoxification through a raw, plant-based diet, wheatgrass therapy, Alpha meditation, and spiritual renewal practices.  However, each campus adds its own unique flavor to the curriculum.

Shared Core Program

Guests at both San Diego and Austin participate in over 40 classes spread across three weeks.  These include:

  • Digestion and Elimination: Understanding how the body detoxifies and how to support it naturally.
  • Emotional and Mental Detox: Techniques for forgiveness, stress release, and clearing mental clutter.
  • Food Combining and Nutrition: Principles for Optimizing Raw Food Intake.
  • Alpha Meditation: Methods for calming the mind and reducing stress.
  • Spiritual Renewal: Journaling, prayer circles, and gratitude practices.

Community activities such as Friday Night Live, prayer circles, and group reflection are integral to both campuses, fostering connection and support.

San Diego Campus Highlights

San Diego’s two-acre campus offers a more structured, greenhouse-based approach to plant cultivation.

 Guests enjoy:

  • Hands-on Wheatgrass Growing Workshop: Exclusive to San Diego, participants plant and nurture their own wheatgrass trays.
  • Expanded Sprouting and Gardening Classes: Leveraging the on-site greenhouse for practical demonstrations.
  • Meditation Chapel: A serene indoor space for spiritual practice.

With 60 guest rooms and manicured gardens, San Diego accommodates larger groups, creating a dynamic, community-oriented atmosphere.

Austin Campus Highlights

Austin’s 14-acre wooded property offers a more intimate, nature-integrated experience.

Distinctive features include:

  • Outdoor Organic Gardening: Classes emphasize homestead-style skills for growing sprouts and wheatgrass in natural settings.
  • Lifestyle Integration: Greater focus on practical techniques like food dehydration and fermentation for home use.
  • Nature-Based Activities: Walking meditation on wooded trails and relaxation by the pool or hot tub.

With only 18 guest rooms, Austin offers smaller class sizes and personalized attention, ideal for those seeking a quieter, rural retreat.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature

San Diego

Austin

Hands-on Wheatgrass

Yes

No

Gardening Focus

Greenhouse sprouting & wheatgrass

Outdoor organic gardening techniques

Class Size

Larger, group-oriented

Smaller, more personalized

Environment

Suburban, manicured gardens

Rural, wooded trails and nature walks

Extra Activities

Chapel meditation, greenhouse tours

Pool, hot tub, outdoor meditation

Comparing OHI San Diego and Austin Curricula with Guest Experiences

While Optimum Health Institute (OHI) offers the same three-week Body-Mind-Spirit program at both campuses, the experience differs slightly based on location, facilities, and teaching emphasis.  Both centers share a common foundation: detoxification through a raw, plant-based diet, wheatgrass therapy, Alpha meditation, and spiritual renewal practices.  However, each campus adds its own unique flavor to the curriculum—and guests consistently report life-changing results.

Shared Core Program

Guests at both San Diego and Austin participate in over 40 classes spread across three weeks.  These include:

  • Digestion and Elimination: Understanding how the body detoxifies and how to support it naturally.
  • Emotional and Mental Detox: Techniques for forgiveness, stress release, and clearing mental clutter.
  • Food Combining and Nutrition: Principles for Optimizing Raw Food Intake.
  • Alpha Meditation: Methods for calming the mind and reducing stress.
  • Spiritual Renewal: Journaling, prayer circles, and gratitude practices.

Community activities such as Friday Night Live, prayer circles, and group reflection are integral to both campuses, fostering connection and support.

San Diego Campus Highlights

San Diego’s two-acre campus offers a more structured, greenhouse-based approach to plant cultivation.  Guests enjoy:

  • Hands-on Wheatgrass Growing Workshop: Exclusive to San Diego, participants plant and nurture their own wheatgrass trays.
  • Expanded Sprouting and Gardening Classes: Leveraging the on-site greenhouse for practical demonstrations.
  • Meditation Chapel: A serene indoor space for spiritual practice.

With 60 guest rooms and manicured gardens, San Diego accommodates larger groups, creating a dynamic, community-oriented atmosphere.

Guest Voices from San Diego:

  • “My stay at OHI San Diego was transformational, especially on a spiritual level.  In a regular church, you spend an hour with people, then shake hands.  At OHI, you share your life with people and then you link hearts.” — J.B., Asheville, NC.
  • “Life changing!!  After my three-week stay, I was symptom-free from a debilitating autoimmune imbalance.  I go back every year for a tune-up.” — Catherine C., Colorado Springs, C.O.
  • “This place is Heaven on Earth!” — Betsy S., Hawaii.

Austin Campus Highlights

Austin’s 14-acre wooded property offers a more intimate, nature-integrated experience.  Distinctive features include:

  • Outdoor Organic Gardening: Classes emphasize homestead-style skills for growing sprouts and wheatgrass in natural settings.
  • Lifestyle Integration: Greater focus on practical techniques like food dehydration and fermentation for home use.
  • Nature-Based Activities: Walking meditation on wooded trails and relaxation by the pool or hot tub.

With only 18 guest rooms, Austin offers smaller class sizes and personalized attention, ideal for those seeking a quieter, rural retreat.

Guest Voices from Austin:

  • “The serene environment and holistic approach were truly inspiring.  I left feeling rejuvenated, with a renewed sense of clarity and balance.” — Don S.
  • “The staff were knowledgeable and compassionate, and they created a safe and supportive environment for personal growth and healing.” — Burton W.
  • “My stay at OHI Austin was absolutely incredible!  The program offered a comprehensive approach to healing and well-being, and I learned so much during my time there.” — Andreas P.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature

San Diego

Austin

Hands-on Wheatgrass

Yes

No

Gardening Focus

Greenhouse sprouting & wheatgrass

Outdoor organic gardening techniques

Class Size

Larger, group-oriented

Smaller, more personalized

Environment

Suburban, manicured gardens

Rural, wooded trails and nature walks

Extra Activities

Chapel meditation, greenhouse tours

Pool, hot tub, outdoor meditation

Staff Expertise at Optimum Health Institute

The success of Optimum Health Institute’s holistic program is rooted in the dedication and knowledge of its staff.  Both campuses—San Diego and Austin—employ teams of experienced facilitators, program directors, and support personnel who guide guests through the Body-Mind-Spirit curriculum.

Facilitators and Program Leaders

Classes at OHI are taught by trained facilitators who specialize in holistic wellness practices.  These instructors bring expertise in areas such as:

  • Detoxification and Nutrition: Teaching digestion, elimination, and food-combining principles.
  • Emotional and Mental Wellness: Leading sessions on forgiveness, stress release, and mental detox.
  • Spiritual Renewal: Guiding prayer circles, journaling exercises, and Alpha meditation techniques.
  • Lifestyle Integration: Demonstrating raw food preparation, sprouting, and wheatgrass cultivation. 

Many facilitators have years of experience in holistic health education and are passionate about empowering guests to take responsibility for their own healing journey.  The program development team continually updates classes to include interactive elements like vision boards, rock painting, and hands-on gardening. 

Leadership and Support

OHI’s leadership team includes directors of program development and training, who ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with the institute’s mission of whole-person healing.  Staff members are trained to create a safe, sacred environment that fosters transformation.  While OHI does not employ medical personnel—since the program is non-medical, the staff provides guidance and emotional support throughout the detox process. 

Optional Services

To complement the core program, OHI contracts with qualified professionals for optional services such as massage therapy, chiropractic care, and colon hydrotherapy.

These practitioners are certified in their respective fields and align with the institute’s holistic philosophy. 

Staff Expertise at Optimum Health Institute

Role

Expertise Area

Responsibilities

Program Facilitators

Holistic wellness, detox, nutrition

Teach classes on digestion, elimination, food combining, and raw food preparation.

Meditation Leaders

Alpha meditation, stress reduction

Guide daily meditation sessions and mental detox practices

Spiritual Guides

Prayer, journaling, emotional healing

Lead prayer circles, forgiveness workshops, and journaling exercises

Lifestyle Coaches

Raw food techniques, sprouting, wheatgrass

Demonstrate hands-on wheatgrass growing and sprouting methods

Optional Service Providers

Massage therapy, chiropractic, and colon hydrotherapy

Offer complementary therapies to support detox and relaxation

Program Development Team

Curriculum design, holistic education standards

Ensure classes remain interactive, up to date, and aligned with OHI’s mission.

 

Closing Thoughts

Optimum Health Institute offers more than a wellness retreat—it provides a structured, faith-based environment for deep physical cleansing, mental clarity, and spiritual renewal.  Whether you choose the vibrant community setting of San Diego or the intimate, nature-immersed experience in Austin, both campuses deliver a comprehensive program supported by skilled facilitators and compassionate staff.  With its emphasis on education, detoxification, and lifestyle integration, OHI empowers guests to take charge of their health and return home with practical tools for lasting transformation.