Himalaya Health Retreat: 30 Days of Yoga, Meditation & Ayurveda in India

View of the high mountains

Overview of the trip

You will depart from Schiphol Airport in the afternoon for the health trip to India. The goal is a month-long retreat in the Indian village of Chilianaula(Kumaon, Uttaranchal), near the border with Tibet and Nepal. This area is spiritually very interesting and also has numerous beneficial health benefits.

Day 2: You will arrive in Delhi. There you take the car towards the Himalayas and head into the mountains to Chilianaula, which is at an altitude of 1,900 meters. You will stay there at Ashram Anandapuri right next to Bhole Baba Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Centre, which specializes in holistic treatment through ayurveda, yoga and meditation. The hospital also treats poor Indians daily with cataract surgery. With the proceeds from the people of health trip, the center is able to provide another number of people with “new eyes” for free. (Check here for more information and to become a donor)

Day 3 to 28: Start preparation and a few days later the cure begins. In the following three weeks, we continue a process of detoxification, deep cleansing of the organs and revitalization. The daily rhythm is structured at Bhole Baba, with set times for Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, tea, food and rest. There will also be opportunities in the moments of rest to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, characterized by Himalayan mountain peaks, exuberant nature and millennia-old temples and pilgrimage sites.

2 times a day you will receive an ayurveda treatment

Day 29: You will depart for Delhi again, after which you will arrive back in the Netherlands at Schiphol Airport on day 30. See below on this page the comprehensive program, first follows more explanation of ayurveda and panchakarma.

Meaning of ayurveda

You go to India because that is where the origin and most knowledge of Ayurveda lies. Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine that is about 5,000 to 6,000 years old. According to Ayurveda, an illness first arises in the mind and only manifests itself after being repeatedly ignored in the body. Ayurveda states that the body obeys the mind, because it is the director of the energies that make the body live. Together, these energies are referred to as the soul.

According to Ayurveda, our natural state of being is one of health, happiness and a sense of inner well-being. This means a body free of toxins, a calm mind, calm and cheerful emotions, waste products that are efficiently processed and organs that function normally. However, stress and an unhealthy lifestyle lead to a build-up of toxins in our physical and mental systems, which actually impairs the functioning of the body and increases the risk of (serious) illness.

The Ayurvedic treatment consists of determining the ideal energy distribution of the patient at birth ( prakriti ), finding out the exact energy imbalance ( vikriti ), where this imbalance came from, and in a gentle program to restore the energy balance. Ayurveda trusts in the human being’s own healing power.

In determining vikriti, Ayurveda bases itself on the principle of dosha . Doshas are the energies that shape each individual and have different physiological functions in the body. Balance or imbalance of each dosha can manifest itself in different ways. Three doshas are distinguished. Each person has a unique combination of doshas, ​​the most dominant determines the person’s prakriti.

1. Vata dosha: the energy that controls bodily functions that involve movement, such as circulation, breathing, and your heartbeat.
   – In balance: there is creativity and vitality.
   – Out of balance: fear and worry can occur.
2. Pitta dosha: the energy that controls the metabolic systems, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and body temperature.
   – In balance: leads to contentment and intelligence.
   – Out of balance: can cause ulcers and anger.
3. Kapha dosha: this is the energy that provides growth in the body. It supplies water to all parts of the body, hydrates the skin and maintains the immune system.
   – In balance: expresses itself in love and forgiveness.
   – Out of balance: can lead to feelings of insecurity and jealousy.

Panchakarma cure

Ayurvedic treatments are aimed at determining your dosha, to detect and restore the imbalance. The treatment method we will undergo in India is panchakarma.

History of panchakarma

The method of Panchakarma is as old as Ayurveda and is extensively described in classical Ayurvedic books. Even kings, maharajas and priests swore by an annual panchakarma cure for their spiritual growth and balanced health. With the rise of Western medicine, this traditional healing art was suppressed. Until the 1970s, panchakarma was only found in South India, but due to the good results of the method, it attracted the attention of the medical world and panchakarma was reintroduced in Ayurvedic schools in the rest of India. In the last twenty years, attention for panchakarma has also increased outside India, thanks to the efforts of health gurus such as Deepak Chopra. Ayurvedic products are now widely available.

What is panchakarma?

Panchakarma is the most widely used form of therapy in Ayurveda for almost all diseases. It is a cleansing and vitalization method aimed at restoring and extending physical, mental health and consciousness. This is done by cleansing your body of toxins, bringing balance to your system and improving your metabolism. Panchakarma (literally: five actions ) uses five different methods to cleanse the body, each aimed at a specific imbalance of the doshas (kapha, vata and pitta):

1. Vamana: emesis, or therapeutic stomach cleansing. This is only done for patients with too high a kapha dosha.
2. Virechana : purging, or cleansing of the small intestine and liver by administering herbal fluids. The aim is to remove excessive pitta.
3. Basti : administering laxatives and enemas to the intestinal tract. The aim is to remove excess vata and thus cleanse and restore the digestive tract. Emphasis is on the large intestine.
4. Nasya : nasal therapy, consisting of treatment of the mucous membrane in the nose and ears. This is done for people with disorders in the neck and head, such as colds, allergies, migraines, epilepsy, brain disorders and problems with the eyes and ears.
5. Raktamokshan : bloodletting and removal of excess impure blood. This is done for patients with problems of the cardiovascular system. This method is not applied at the destination of the Health Journey.

The treatment itself is called pradhana karma . It is preceded by purva karma (preparation) and concluded with paschat karma (aftercare). Furthermore, massages, steam treatments and herbal baths are part of the treatment.

Panchakarma Result and 30 Days Health Journey India

Panchakarma can help you further maintain your health structurally by realizing positive changes in your life. The techniques of panchakarma seem simple, but the effects are powerful and effective. Through the holistic, natural approach, the body is freed of toxins at a fundamental level and the subtle energy channels are opened. The life energy that is then released increases vitality and peace, confidence and well-being.

Detox & body cleansing

Books are published about it, and famous Dutch people are trying it: 28 days of detox. Although the panchakarma treatment is strictly according to Ayurvedic insights, you also start a period of 28 days of detox, or detoxification, with this journey. The detox, detoxification or purification are all inspired by the panchakarma method.

Why 28 days?

Before the 21-day treatment in Chilianaula we take three days of preparation, in which we let the body get used to the treatment, food and tea. And after the stay in the health clinic there is a period of four days of recovery.

A period of 28 days is essential for a thorough cleansing and revitalization, but more importantly: there is enough time to get to know the dynamics of your own body and to learn something new. After all, the goal of this journey is to improve your health structurally, so also after the journey.

30 Days Health Journey India Himalaya

Nowadays, you can go for a cure or retreat anywhere in the world, so why travel all the way to the Himalayas? There are several good reasons:

1. Air : the health clinic is located at an intermediate altitude of 1950 meters. Ideal, because apart from very clean air, this means that you do not get altitude sickness (that point is above 2000 meters). However, a hematological change occurs, the so-called hypoxic stimulus, which stimulates the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow and thus the absorption of oxygen. In addition to the oxygen, this change affects processes such as the absorption of nutrients, hormones, water, carbon dioxide and the removal of waste products. This is in line with the basic principles of Ayurveda, which are aimed at achieving good blood quality. After three days at this altitude, this process already starts, and within a week a visible change in the blood occurs. The effect of this lasts for 120 days, the lifespan of a red blood cell.
2. Ayurvedic herbs, spices and crops : the herbs that make panchakarma so successful all grow wild in the Himalayas; they are not cultivated and because of the combination of the pure air, water and nature these are the most powerful herbs. They are still harvested by ‘herb women’. A few examples: cinnamon, cloves, ginger, aloe vera, sage.
3. Water : the water in the area is meltwater from glaciers and pure mountain water, with a special composition. Water in Dutch cities has been recycled dozens of times, and therefore contains traces of chlorine, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones (such as contraceptives), fluoride, etc. The toxic value is extremely high. In contrast, the water in the Himalayas is as pure as you can imagine. After just one week, you will notice that your skin changes and becomes softer.
4. Historical : Panchakarma was developed in this area. We are staying in this historical area where the Vedas were written some five thousand years ago and this method of treatment took shape. Chilianaula is located on ancient connecting roads that cross the Himalayas.
5. Spiritual : Due to the historical significance of this area, there is a natural spiritual energy, which is especially noticeable in the many ancient temples, pilgrimage sites and other places of pilgrimage (such as the Surya Temple, Dandeshwar Temple, Katarmal, Jageshwar). The area is also crossed by the six thousand year old Yatra route, which aims to cleanse karma.
6. Nature : The nature in Kumaon is diverse and exuberant. For example, you will find (sub-) tropical forest and coniferous forests, oak forests, cypress forest and alpine forest. The fauna varies from felines (tigers, snow leopard, civet cat, leopard and panther) and canines (Indian fox, jackal, hyenas) to bears, elephants, a wide range of bird species, and so on and so forth. There are numerous nature reserves near the health center.
7. Geographical : Chilianaula (Kumaon) is situated against Tibet and Nepal and is located in the Himalayas, just under the roof of the world. The view is breathtaking, for example from the health centre you can see the Nanda Devi (7800 meters high).

Project ‘Seeing through yoga’

Seeing through yoga is the donation project of Bezielen to support the clinic in its work. With every participant in the Health Journey, an amount is automatically reserved that makes a cataract operation possible: per traveler, an average of 2 people can be helped against cataracts. In 2014, no less than 26 people were helped!

There is something else beautiful. The Ayurvedic hospital also does a lot for the local community. The eye clinic on site specializes in cataract surgery and helps dozens of people with ‘new eyes’ every day. As a participant in the Health Journey, you automatically help this good cause.

We further support the clinic through voluntary donations. We undergo a body cleansing ourselves and ensure that all donations end up in the right place. That is how we exchange. Look here for more information, or if you want to contribute.

Preparation, general intake and guidance

Included in the travel costs of the 30-day health trip India is a personal intake interview in the Netherlands in the period prior to the trip. The aim is to get to know each other and to map out your specific wishes and any complaints. The Ayurvedic treatments in India will then be tailored to your individual wishes. It is important to realise that during this intensive ‘journey inwards’ you will go through various physical, emotional and psychological phases for a month, and the effect of the treatment will continue for some time afterwards.

The guidance of the journey is in the hands of Natasha Nordin and Linda Koeman of Bezielen. Natasha has years of experience in guiding individuals and groups. She has guided various trips to India and is also familiar with Chilianaula and the surrounding area. Linda has guided groups to India for Bezielen for several years and has done the panchakarma retreat several times. Linda agrees on fixed days for remote guidance. During these conversations, questions can be answered and she supports your personal process.

The centre in Chilianaula follows a structured daily routine, which we can confidently surrender to. There is a certified doctor in the centre, who supervises the treatment: Dr. SS Misra. He has a solid education in Ayurveda and years of experience in the clinic. Consultations with this doctor are included in the trip.

30 Days Health Journey India Program

What is the holiday programme, what is included and what do the days look like?

• Day 1, departure from Schiphol
• Day 2, morning arrival New Delhi and afternoon arrival Chilianaula
• Day 3, start of retreat
• 21 days Ayurvedic treatment in Chilianaula:
  • 1st week: deep relaxing massages and softening of the organs
    • Prepare the body for letting go through nutrition and herbs
  • 2nd week: deep cleansing treatments of organs and lymphatic system and stimulating massages
    • This cleansing is enhanced by nutrition and herbs
  • 3rd week: deep integration phase of the entire system – body mind and balance through treatments and massages
    • Nutrition is tailored to new tissue stimulation and revitalization
      Process of purification and balance will continue for weeks after treatment
  • 21 days of yoga: morning and afternoon classes
  • 21 days meditation: morning and afternoon in the temple
  • In total we will undergo a ’28 day detox’: before the retreat and after it we will spend a few days on the cure
  • The Ayurvedic treatments are tailored to the individual and consist of Ayurvedic herbs, medicines and food.
  • Essential preparation for Ayurvedic treatment consists of massage and steam therapy
  • Detox through food and herbal tea: three meals a day, herbal tea available all day long
  • In between there is an opportunity to visit temples and sights in the area
• Day 30: Start of return journey via Delhi to the Netherlands
• Day 30: arrival Schiphol, Amsterdam: home!

Daily program

(times depend on the time of year)

Morning
06:00 am: Yoga
07:00 am: Morning tea
07:15 am: Meditation
08:00 am: Breakfast
09:00 am: Rest
10:00 am: Ayurvedic treatment 1

Afternoon
12:00: Lunch
13:00: Rest
15:00: Ayurvedic treatment 2
16:00: Afternoon tea
16:00: Yoga
17:00: Sharing in the group

Evening
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening Meditation
9:00 PM: Rest

After the 30 days health trip India

It would of course be a shame after the 30-day health trip to India if you immediately fall back into old patterns after the treatment. During the retreat, you will therefore receive advice to support your process, which will continue after the trip, in a healthy way. You can also buy personally tailored Ayurvedic preparations to help the detoxification process in the months afterward. Finally, you can contact Anjani for personal coaching and guidance afterwards.