Panchakarma in India: An Ayurvedic Path to Wellness and Energy

I went to India for Panchakarma treatment at an Ayurvedic hospital.

What is Ayurveda?
It’s the ancient system of Indian medicine & is considered the oldest holistic healing system in the world. Unlike Western medicine, that looks to fix symptoms of illnesses, Ayurveda is about HEALING the ROOT cause of problems in an integrative way. When you are prescribed an ayurvedic answer, you have a whole range of areas to work on - your diet, mindfulness practices & exercise.

What is Panchakarma?
It’s a comprehensive detox & rejuvenation therapy of 5 treatments, to purify the body & restore its balance.

I had always had digestive problems with celiac disease & Hashimoto’s. I came to the doctor looking for a homeopathic cute to help treat my low energy levels, stemming from Hashimoto’s. Her answer surprised me. She suggested a 6-week treatment, 10 days of which involved an intensive detox treatment called Panchakarma.

The first 2 weeks were easy. Tea first thing in the morning & a vegetable based diet. The second bit was a bit more grizzly. Increasing morning doses of medicated ghee & a diet of brown rice porridge with very small amounts of soft vegetables.

Ayurveda follows the idea that your body should have a circadian rhythm, following the sun. So, 6am on the dot: a gnarly liquified ghee drink, followed by 2 liters of digestive tea. It was tough!

After 5 days of this, I was thoroughly ‘ghee-ified’. Then, one day of indulgence to shock the digestive system, which included everything you shouldn’t have after a fast. Lots of sugar, lots of fried food. Also a massage. Yay!

The final day was purging day. It was hard, but I knew it was necessary. Then, finally - & boy did I need it - rest! For the next 2 weeks, I continued the brown rice fast, after which I began to slowly add in various vegetables. It was 3 months before I was allowed to eat meat again.

The results? My energy & hormonal levels are stellar. My lab results show near complete healing (& that my hashimoto’s is in remission). I might be 39, but I feel 25. 🙏🙌

Many practice Panchakarma on a yearly basis. Would I do it again? Under the same circumstances, absolutely. As an annual ritual? I’d prefer not 😅