Completion of the traditional treatment program of Pancha Karma

Om Namah Shivaya

Today was our last treatment of the PK program. It was a resounding success for both of us. It far surpassed any of our expectations. In fact I have already booked myself to return on March 26 - April 19 for a shorter two week program of therapies. The best airfare was on Russian Air so I booked the flight. I will get to see Moscow with our nine hour lay over there. May never get to see Russia again.

The last five days we received more Pinda Sweda massage with the bolluses, and Kati Vasti of the donut on the spinal column. It was filled with herbal oil for 30 minutes and was very helpful for my back numbness and tingling. Those lasted for two days and then we finished with three days of massage, steam and shirodhara which is the very treatment program we started 33 days ago.

I am sure we will go into withdrawal symptoms from having so many massages. Of course, Maury and I plan to work on each other upon our return and I have a few volunteers of people who will let us practice our new found treatments on them in VA.

Maury took lots of pictures of our treatment rooms, attendants who worked on us and the doctor who helped us. We just have to figure out how to send it on email to all of you.

Tonight we go to celebrate one of the male technicians 24th birthday at a wonderful Indian restaurant. Tomorrow is a day of rest and some last minute shopping for a few items in the market place. Sunday, we leave Rishikesh at 3pm for our train to Delhi. We arrive there at 10:25pm and stay over night in a hotel. Monday, we have a driver and escort who speaks Hindi to take us all over Delhi and to our flight at 11:15pm. We stop in Singapore for 16 hours where we will do some more sightseeing as on our last stopover on the way ti India. We arrive JFK on Dec 2nd at 11:05 am.

I am looking forward to sharing information about my experience with Ayurveda and Yoga in Rishikesh upon my return to Monterey this summer probably sometime mid-June. I will notify everyone as soon as a date and time is set.

Om Shanti
Vijaya

Final Week of Traditional Pancha Karma in Rishikesh

Om Namah Shivaya

We continued on the path of releasing toxins from the channels and tissues of the body/mind this week. There were days when each of felt tired or low energy as the process unfolded. At other times, however, we will filled with abundant grace and energy. The Ayurvedic doctor told us at the beginning that we would go through swings of energy and emotional releases. We have been able to watch the mind go through its usual gymnastics as well. The thing that helps us the most is we retire early in the evening. Usually we are asleep by 8-9pm and arise between 4-5am to do our individual spiritual practices. This is the key to maintaining balance along the way. Without the spiritual opening the cleanse is just like any other western style cleansing program which only works at the physical level. Ayurveda requires that we go deeper into consciousness which is where all dis-ease in the body/mind originates.

The male practitioners who are performing the therapies on us have prepared themselves spiritual for thie program. They begin each treatments with prayers, chanting and a puja. This sets the whole mood for our opening to the healing center that is within each of us.

This week included three days of receiving the massage with warm bolluses of grains, medicinal leaves and herbs soaked in herbal oils. It was followed by Kadi Vasti which involves making a donut of various grains placed on the vertebrae at the spot of our pain, tension or blockage of energy. The Vasti is filled with hot herbal oil for 30 minutes. After this we sometimes sat in the steam cabinet but not everyday. I also was given Karna Purana or warm medicinal oil in the ears and Nasya which is the herbal oil in the nasal passages for cleansing the head and sinuses. There is a Five Sense Therapy which the doctor offers including these two plus treatments for mouth, skin and eyes. The next three days we received massage, shirodhara and steam. It was glorious and seemed to get better each time they worked on me. Some times it actually felt ecstatic when they were massaging certain places like the scalp, feet, the back of my legs and my low back.

Today we had a day of rest from therapy. We still had a type of therapy by traveling to a city in the hills near our city. It was originally established as a hill camp by the British soldiers in 1827. It was so beautiful there because it overlooks the higher Himalayas that a city was built. We found a Tibetan village there called Happy Valley. The temple had been visited by the Dali Lama. We were both overwhelmed with the beauty and energy of the temple and stupa. For lunch we discovered a little Tibetan restaurant that served unbelievable food including momos, noodles, fried rice and chai tea. It was a wonderful way for us to spend our day off.

We have only four more days of PK with more Kadi Vasti for me and the Netra Vasti for the eyes. Of course, we receive more massage with the herbal bolluses, and steam. Will erport to everyone one more time before leaving India on Nov 30th.

OM Shanti
Vijaya

Third week of cleansing and detoxing in Rishikesh

Greetings to all from Uttarakhand region of India
We had six more glorious days of PK detoxing. The first five days we received snehana(warm herbal oil massage) and Swedana(herbal steam cabinet). This was the time to cleanse the toxins out of the colon through Vasti(enemas) using medicative oils and herbal decoctions. Ayurveda says that 75% of all dis-ease of the body/mind originates in the large intestine, small intestine and stomach. It is especially helpful for digestion, metabolism, insomnia, migraine headaches, liver and gall bladder disorders as well as the spleen, any kind of anxiety, insecurity and fear, or toxic blood.

On Saturday, we received Pinda Swedana with the bolluses of cloth filled with herbal leaves and herbs massaged all over the back, legs and arms. The bolluses are warmed in hot herbal oil before being applied to the body. After this we had Kati Vasti which is a donut of grain flour that is placed on the spine. It is filled with hot herbal oils that loosen the spaces between the vertebrae It is good for any type of back pain, spinal problems including herniated disks, and tension and stress along the spine. We receive 5 more of these treatments starting tomorrow. Next I had the steam cabinet, followed by warm herbal oil in each ear and another treatment of Nasya. This is the nasal oil that I need to clear all the Kapha(mucus and phlegm) out of the head. I will be getting several more of these. I think it is because of the Ben & Jerry’s, and chocolate syndrome. It is a well known disease for some of my family, clients and friends as well.

Today, Sunday has been a day a rest and relaxing from cleansing. Of course, the body still continues to cleanse even on these days. This process will continue even after we have completed the 30 days of PK. The body with it’s incredible wisdom knows the natural rhythm and cycle to release the toxins without depleting the body’s energy all at once. This is where the rejuvenation part of PK comes into play We must replenish the energy as well as releasing toxicity. That is why we must eat sweet things in our diet The sweet taste is the most rejuvenating of any food. Maury and I have found some amazing Ayurvedic sweets, of course. We are consuming many herbal teas and herbal jams called Lehyam or Chywan Prash. We found a new one, well it is actually one I have read about for years in the books but there is no source in the US, called Brahma Rasayana. Rasayana means rejuvenative. The ancient text and modern Ayurvedic doctors have reported it’s efficiency for those with cancer and AIDS. Maury and I have neither but we are interested in prevention as well as longevity. The Dr. attending us says we should return with 35 year old bodies at the end of our treatment program. We shall see. At least I have lost a lot of weight. I am on the next belt buckle on my belt so far.
In this process of cleansing we also go through numerous swings in energy and emotional releasing as well as the physical. Sometimes we have amazing energy and other times we just want to sleep. We are usually in bed before 9pm and are awake between 4-5am doing spiritual practice until time for our treatments at 8am. We sleep deeper and for longer periods of time. The mind is more focused and alert. Our body’s feel lighter and our appetites are immense. These are all signs that the program is working well.
More to follow.

Om Shanti
Vijaya

Second week on Mother Ganga in Rishikesh, India

Om to all

We finished our second week of Pancha Karma (PK). This was the week of continued massage and steam in many different ways than done normally in the US. Most of the massages are done with two or three PK therapists. Maury and I both had allergy symptoms followed by coughs and mine moved into the lungs. This was partially a result of getting accustomed to the many new, strange smells and pollution in India. The other part is merely a manifestation of our detoxing and cleansing. My lung line on my tongue is the clearest it has been in some time which is very good.
We did the first two days of the week with more warm herbal oil massage along with hot herbal packs heated with medicated oils. This was followed by herbal steam and Netra Vasti. Netra means eyes. A gram flour mask was built around both eyes to hold medicated Ghee(clarified butter with triphala). You look through the ghee for several minutes during three applications of the ghee. This is extremely wonderful for the vision, ocular pressure, glaucoma and cataracts.
The next two days we received Savangadhara/PizhuChil which was the process of literally pouring warm medicated oil for an hour all over the body front, back and while sitting on a wooden table with a trough that collects the oil at the bottom and underneath the table. The oil is warmed and recycled during each person’s treatment. In India they use almost 2 gallons of oil for each treatment. It is very effective for Vata imbalances such as dryness, insomnia, wasting of tissues, poor memory and concentration, improper digestion and elimination.
This was followed each day with Nasya, which means nasal, that involved putting medicated oil in each nostril. We received steam, a facial massage and breathing in eucalyptus steam infused with herbs Then several droppers of the medicated oil are put in each nostril. The oil activates the cavities in the sinuses eliminating toxins from the head.

The final two days of the week we received an amazing treatment for Pitta which reduces heat and softens the skin. The two sometimes three PK therapists. They cooked rice in raw milk until soft then poured that warm substance all over the body with intermittently massaging us with bolluses (Cloth bundles) filled with herbal leaves, ginger, & ajwan spice. Then the male attendants wipe you down while you stand under a hot shower. This has been the most incredible treatment for me yet. After the treatment, of course, your skin becomes milky smooth and the body is cooled.

Sunday was a day of rest but we actually went White Water rafting which could have been a mistake since we were soaking wet with the cold water from Mother Ganga(Ganges). Cold water is contra-indicative for PK. We were stiff and sore from paddling which we had not been used to of course. Today we have recovered and continue with our third week of the amazing program of cleansing and rejuvenation. By the way to help in rejuvenating we found a German Bakery and restaurant which allowed us to sample some delicious sweets. Sweet is excellent for the mind and recuperating from the intense part of the detoxing. No, that’s really true.

Om Shanti
Vijaya

Pancha Karma (PK) in Rishikesh

Om Namah Shivaya to All
Today we have been in India for seven days. We have almost gotten acclimated to climate and diet. We still get tired during the day but napping is contra-indicative for PK cleansing and detoxing. We went on a shopping spree yesterday at least Maury did. I bought a few trinkets for people in VA. We have bought so many books that the two of us need another suitcase to bring them back. Suitcases are very cheap here so we should be able to purchase a large one for $5-6. I am also purchasing a large amount of Ayurvedic herbal formulas and medicines that possess exceptional healing abilities but I can get them in US. We are shipping them which cost as much as the herbs themselves. It will still be worth it to have these items in my Ayurvedic medicine chest for clients and friends.
I finished my sixth day of PK treatments. It has truly been amazing for me to have these ancient therapies for longevity done in the traditional manner by practitioners and an Ayurvedic doctor. We are doing a lot of research and learning how to perform these treatments back there. They will be very valuable for healing many disorders especially back problems, insomnia, anxiety & digestion. It has been suggested by the Ayurvedic physician,Dr. Maurya, that I return for treatments twice a year for two weeks. I am planning to do that at least once a year or twice when I can and as long as the funds are there. I am hoping to come back again in March/April and maybe again in September/October. The Dr. will be training and teaching many more advanced techiniques as well as more info on herbs and herbal formulas. I have decided to invest in his new retreat center for trade of education and treatments twice a year with him. This is a dream come true since I love Rishikesh and my dharmic practice of Ayurveda.
More to come later as we move into the intense cleansing part and rejuvenative aspects of our program.
Hope all of you are well and send my love to you.
Om Shanti
Vijaya

Consultation Procedures And The Ayurvedic Healing Process

Consultation Procedures And The Ayurvedic Healing Process

Ayurveda is the most comprehensive system of medicine in the world. This means that consultations especially the initial sessions require a commitment of time and energy to receive all of the information necessary to participate personally in the healing process which is very difficult for most westerners to wrap their minds around. The keys to Ayurvedic healing or any holistic system is Awareness and Balance. The initial session normally lasting 1 1/2 to two hours covers dietary considerations, herbal supplements, life-style habits and behaviors. The diagnostic methods of examining the pulse and tongue are used to determine the actual Ayurvedic body constitution, health of the organs, and the digestive and assimilation process. The Ayurvedic practitioner is primarily an educator who educates the client in ways to create balance through Ayurverdic diet, nutrition, herbology and life-style variations for promoting wellness. I recommend the second session usually within close proximity to the first session. To give all the information necessary to understand the ancient concepts of Ayurveda in one, two or numerous sessions is like playing a musical instrument after a few classes. If we attempt to digest too much information in short period of time the mind and entire system becomes overwhelmed much like eating a huge meal with no digestive fire. Monthly follow-ups or as frequent as possible are recommended to read the changes in the pulse and tongue. As soon as we undertake a natural method of healing, the body goes through subtle changes which require modifications in diet, herbs and the treatment plan on a regular basis according to seasonal variations, age, life-style and the constantly shifting energy of the stressors of life. It is recommended that each person on the Ayurvedic path take at least an introductory course on the subject to receive a better knowledge of the integral and internal healing process.

Ayurvedic massage and the Pancha Karma detoxification and rejuvenation program is also a part of bringing body/mind into balance. When requested yoga and spiritual practices are recommended based on each person’s Ayurvedic constitution. Yoga and Ayurvedic psychology is utilized for those desiring to address emotional and mental imbalances. My Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a Holistic Specialization has provided me with an excellent background to work with clients in all their various healing needs.

For an Ayurvedic practitioner, our work becomes a spiritual practice. This holistic system originated some 5000 years ago by rishis or seers of Truth who received their inspirations through meditation, dreams, intuition and visions. The divinely inspired system of medicine incorporates six basic philosophies that embraces rational thinking, logic, Yoga, the evolution of consciousness, loving kindness, the five element theory of the universe, atomic theory, holism (the microcosm equals the macrocosm) and Vedanta (the end of knowledge). The foundations are based on the oldest spiritual text in the world, “The Vedas”. The application of Ayurveda is universal as a result of the principles that already exist in Nature and the cosmic order of the universe. We discover with the help of the client which natural qualities or internal attributes needed for healing are lacking or missing. It then becomes a process of reintroducing those qualities into the body/mind through non-invasive methods, substances and therapies to restore the balance to health.

I have based my fee structure on the ancient Eastern practice of giving a donation to the medical practitioner for his/her services. This method of payment is based on the individual’s ability to pay rather than a fixed amount. Someone of limited means should not be required to pay for consulting with anyone about their disease. The premise is that money should never be the determining factor for someone’s health and healing. This has been a difficult concept for most westerners to grasp since many believe that if you don’t spend a substantial amount of money for some personal service then it is not very worthwhile. In India, most Ayurvedic doctors see as many as 100 or more people per week without taking money for those services. The primary concern becomes health and never monetary gains as a result of someone’s illness. The issue here is one of spirituality and loving kindness not financial rewards.

The essential element to any healing, no matter how insignificant or incurable it may seem, is our subjective experience of the dis-ease. Through an internal process of awareness, we discover for ourselves what is out of balance and why we are not at ease with our life. This exploration must involve the emotional, mental and spiritual components to our deeply personal and unique experience of our internal and external worlds. The cause of our dis-ease is multi-dimensional and the road to a successful recovery is just as multifaceted in its approach.