Our Beginnings

Uchee Pines Institute was established in 1970, when two physicians moved from Columbus, Georgia into a converted log cabin in the woods of rural Alabama. Dissatisfied with the results they had been seeing in their practices, they began to search for natural methods of helping the sick, and by the study of God’s Word, and the assistance of those more acquainted with natural methods, they opened a Lifestyle Center on the 200-acre farm they had purchased. Starting small, with only a few people staying with them in their home, the Thrashes realized that while the application of lifestyle methods took more time and effort, the results were much more satisfying than what they had been seeing, with spiritual renewal being a common experience along with physical healing.

Uchee Pines Now

Uchee Pines is dedicated to helping those suffering from the lifestyle illnesses of today that are killing millions of people in the western world every year.

Uchee Pines is committed to assisting people through the use of simple, natural methods, using exercise, vegetarian nutrition, hydrotherapy, massage, the rational and judicious use of some herbs and supplements, and firm faith in the Divine Healer.

Since 1975, thousands have been helped at the Lifestyle Center. A dedicated and professional staff help guests adopt a new lifestyle, often halting or reversing the damage of diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, or a host of other lifestyle-related diseases. Our Lifestyle Center is a place that is both relaxing and stimulating. Lifestyle Centers are not meant to be a place to do nothing. On the contrary, ours is full of activity, yet not at a frenetic pace. Cooking schools, teaching guests how to maintain their new diet, stress-reduction seminars, disease understanding and prevention; all are part of the daily routine during each 17-day session. Of course, an exercise program specific to the needs and ability of each guest is prescribed. All in an enjoyable, social, and spiritual atmosphere.

In addition to the Lifestyle Center, Uchee Pines offers medical missionary training programs in Lifestyle Education and Counseling. The Lifestyle Educator Training Program is a 6-month course to prepare students to fill the vital role of health educators. Graduates are able to teach by precept and example the way to a healthier and happier life. The Lifestyle Counselor Program 12-month course is designed to help individuals understand the natural treatment of disease more thoroughly and to receive experience in one-on-one care delivery in our on-site Lifestyle Center. (A work-study option is available for both the LE and the LC program.)

Uchee Pines offers a five-day Simple Remedies & Preventive Medicine Seminar, teaching participants how to gain and maintain health. This seminar includes massage, hydrotherapy workshops, and total vegetarian cooking, and up-to-the-minute lectures on current health topics.

Country Life Natural Foods is the first and premier vegetarian restaurant in Columbus, Georgia. It also carries an ample volume of bulk foods and health items, and serves both a local and international community with a mail-order service for all non-perishable items.