Our walk around the stunning Lake Bled was wonderful as the light mist and clouds parted a little but our minds were elsewhere as we were just hours away from treatment for Ilya.
We made our way to the 4th floor of Hotel Lovec to the conference hall that for 9 months of the year is the clinic of Master Zdenko Domancic and his therapists. As we neared the open door, the sound of classic music could be heard lightly dancing in the air. There stood 5 therapists, all slim, upright and with the look of utter confidence on their faces. They each had a patient with them, some old, some young, some in wheelchairs, some with nothing obviously the matter but all with a look of gratitude and relief on their faces. To the left of the door was a large desk with files, papers, phones and all manner of organisational materials being expertly driven by the tall, slender figure of Tanja Domancic, wife of Zdenko Domancic who treated his own patient a short distance away.
The atmosphere in the hall was like nothing I have experienced. For over 2 hours, I felt exhilarated, like I had just jumped onto a steep water-slide on a hot day. We were greeted with smiles as we explained who we were and what we were here for. Tanja directed us to the far corner of the room where Stipe Domancic, son of Master Zdenko was treating patients.
We watched as one by one patients were called to their therapist and they explained in Croatian, Slovenian, English, German, Italian, Polish or any one of a multitude of languages, what their diagnosis was. Domancic Therapy does not practise diagnostics (for a very good reason that we’ll explain later) so patients must be able to tell their therapist just what the problem is. This might seem a little odd given that they must first visit their doctor to get a diagnosis but we weren’t the only ones there for whom orthodox medicine had sadly drawn a blank.
Visitors to the clinic sit patiently for hours while they wait their turn, legs uncrossed with hand open, palms up in the lap. This open posture is very important and the open, group approach to healing is not accidental. This approach provides utter transparency as the “believes” and the “sceptics” sit side by side awaiting a slot. In reality, it doesn’t matter whether one accepts what is happening or not as it is simply fact and does not require any form of “faith”, unlike many alternative treatments. A few moments into the treatment, the therapist begins moving their patient using psycho-kinesis which is used both as a useful indicator of the patient’s condition and as a proof of concept for those that need one. Seeing a patient be moved by an “invisible force” is one thing but when you are being moved by an “invisible force”, that is something altogether. Tall, short, big, small, young and old, all are “magically” bent first backwards, then forwards. Some bend a little, some bend a lot but all move based on the apparent will of their therapist. Obviously, the infirm, the disabled and the very young are not subjected to this for their own comfort but seeing a 6′5″, well built young man bend double following the hand gestures of a 5′6″ therapist who has not come into physical contact with them is rather convincing.
The therapy then continues with the waving of arms and occasional holding of the head, chest, limbs or torso. Each disease has a different combination of movements and these expert therapists need only know the name of the diagnosis.
Finally, Stipe Domancic turned to us and with a nod and a wave, let us know it was Ilya’s turn for treatment. Treatment is carried out at the clinic twice a day as many of the conditions seen here are extremely seriously. Many come in the days before amputation or major surgery takes place in a last attempt to save their limb, breast or bowel. Others, like us, come with degenerative diseases for which medicine is unable to help too much with. As Lena took Ilya and walked over to sit in front of Stipe, a huge lump hit my throat and I choked down my tears. This soon gave way to a huge smile as Ilya sat there receiving treatment at the Clinic of Zdenko Domancic, thanks to the love, support and generosity of the countless friends, family and complete strangers who helped us so much in our journey to Slovenia. Ilya sat, fairly quietly receiving treatment sat in his Mum’s lap soon, it was all over. We were told that patience was the key and to return for the evening clinic and both clinics for the following 3 days. in addition, we were also told that his temperature may go up to fever point but this is normal and expected as the body is kick-started into action.
As is normal at the clinic, patients usually return to their seats after their treatment to bathe in the collective group energy and rest a little before heading off back to their hotels, camp-sites and friend’s house’s where they will be staying for the coming days of the clinic. As mentioned, treatment is for 4 days, twice a day and as people have come from al over the world for treatment, the hotels and accommodation of this region of Slovenia do not suffer the usual out-of-season blues as is common with many tourist destinations.
Sitting there peacefully following Ilya’s treatment, Martyna came over to speak to us. She said that she had spoken to Master Domancic about a place at the beginner’s seminar, starting right after the close of the morning clinic session. A few moment’s later, the man himself came over. His intense eyes, Mediterranean looks and deep voice give him an imposing demeanour but he had come not to challenge but to offer us a gift. Free places for us at the 4 day seminar, starting immediately.
This was more than we could possibly have hoped for. Places are limited and expensive as only those serious about the seminar are really wanted. Martyna, still sitting next to us, smiled and remarked that, though and imposing figure, Master Domancic was extremely generous.
With Ilya’s first treatment complete, we borrowed a pencil and some paper from another seminar attendee and started writing, “Domancic Therapy Seminar, Day 1″.
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