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 ayurveda

You go to India because that is where the origin and most knowledge of Ayurveda lies. Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine some 5,000 to 6,000 years old. According to Ayurveda, a disease first arises in the mind and manifests in the body only after being repeatedly ignored. Ayurveda states that the body obeys the mind because it is the director of the energies that make the body live. Collectively, 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 upbeat emotions, waste products processed efficiently and organs functioning normally. However, stress and an unhealthy life lead to accumulation of toxins in our physical and mental systems, which actually worsens the functioning of the body and the risk of (serious) illness is just around the corner.

The Ayurvedic method of treatment consists of determining the patient’s ideal energy distribution at birth(prakriti), finding out the exact energy imbalance(vikriti), where this imbalance came from, and in a gentle program restoring the energy balance. Ayurveda thereby relies on man’s own restorative capacity.

Yoga classes twice a day

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

1. Vata dosha: the energy that controls body functions related to movement, such as blood circulation, breathing and your heart rate.
   – In balance: there is creativity and vitality.
   – Out of balance: anxiety and worry may occur.
2. Pitta dosha: the energy that controls metabolic systems such as digestion, nutrient absorption and your body temperature.
   – In balance: leads to satisfaction and intelligence.
   – Out of balance: can cause ulcers and anger.
3. Kapha dosha: this is the energy that takes care of 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 feeling unsafe and jealousy.

Panchakarma cure

Ayurvedic treatments are aimed at determining your dosha, identifying and restoring 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 described in detail in classic Ayurveda books. Even kings, maharajas and priests swore by an annual panchakarma cure for their spiritual growth and balanced health. With the emergence of Western medicine, this traditional healing art came under threat. Until the 1970s, panchakarma was common only in South India, but because of the method’s good results, it attracted the attention of the medical community and panchakarma was reintroduced in Ayurveda schools in the rest of India. Over the past two decades, attention to panchakarma has been increasing outside India as well, thanks to the efforts of health gurus such as Deepak Chopra. Ayurvedic products are available everywhere these days.

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 prolonging 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 targeting a specific imbalance of the doshas (kapha, vata and pitta):

1. Vamana: emesis, or therapeutic stomach cleansing. This is done only in patients with excessive kapha dosha.
2. Virechana: purging, or cleansing of the small intestine and liver by administering herbal liquids. The goal is to remove excessive pitta.
3. Basti: administering laxatives and enemas to the intestinal system. The goal is to remove excessive vata to cleanse and restore the digestive system. Emphasis here is on the colon.
4. Nasya: nasal therapy, consisting of treatment of the mucous membrane in the nose and ears. This occurs in people with conditions in the neck region and head, such as colds, allergies, migraines, epilepsy, brain disorders and problems of the eyes and ears.
5. Raktamokshan: bloodletting and removal of excess unclean blood. This is done in patients with problems of the cardiovascular system. This method is
   not
   applied to the Health Trip destination.

The cure itself is called pradhana karma. It is preceded by purva karma (preparation) and concluded by paschat karma (the aftercare). In addition, treatments include massages, steam treatments and herbal baths.

The energy body is also “taken care of” in panchakarma

Outcome panchakarma and 30-day health journey India

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

Detox & body cleansing

Books appear about it, and Dutch celebrities venture into it: 28 days of detox. Although the panchakarma treatment strictly follows Ayurvedic insights, you also begin a 28-day period of detox, or detoxification, with this journey. Detox, detoxification or detoxification are all inspired by the panchakarma method.

Why 28 days?

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

A period of 28 days is essential for thorough cleansing and revitalization, but more importantly, there is then enough time to learn the dynamics of your own body and to learn something new. After all, the goal of this trip is to improve your health structurally, even after the trip is over.

30-day health trip India Himalayas

These days you can go for a spa or retreat anywhere in the world, so why travel all the way to the Himalayas for it? There are several good reasons for this:

1. Air: The health clinic is located at an intermediate altitude of 1950 meters. It’s ideal because, in addition to very clean air, it means you won’t get altitude sickness yet (that point is above 2,000 meters). However, a hematological change does occur, called the hypoxic stimulus, which stimulates the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow and thus the uptake of oxygen. In addition to oxygen, this change affects processes such as nutrient absorption, hormones, water, carbon dioxide and waste removal. This is consistent with the basic principles of ayurveda, which aim to achieve good quality blood. After being at this altitude for three days, this process already gets underway, and within a week, a visible change in the blood occurs. Its effect lasts for 120 days, the life span 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 the combination of pure air, water and nature make them the most potent 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 melt water from glaciers and pure mountain water, with special composition. Water in Dutch cities has been recycled dozens of times, and therefore contains traces of chlorine, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones (such as contraceptives), fluorine, and so on. The toxic value is enormously high. Opposed to this is the water in the Himalayas, which is as pure as you can imagine. After just one week, you will notice that this will change your skin and make it softer.
4. Historical: panchakarma was developed in this environment. We stay in this historic area where the vedas were written some five thousand years ago and this method of treatment took shape. Chilianaula lies on ancient connecting roads that cross the Himalayas.
5. Spiritual: Due to the historical significance of this environment, there is a natural spiritual energy, which is especially noticeable at the many ancient temples, pilgrimage sites and other places of pilgrimage (such as the Surya Temple, Dandeshwart Temple, Katarmal, Jageshwar). The area is also traversed by the six-thousand-year-old Yatra route, which aims to cleanse karma.
6. Nature: Nature in Kumaon is diverse and exuberant. Thus, you will find (sub-) tropical forest and coniferous forests, oak forests, cypress forest and alpine forest. Wildlife ranges from felines (tigers, snow leopard, civet cat, leopard and panther) and canines (Indian fox, jackal, hyenas) to bears, elephants, a wide spectrum of bird species, and so on and so forth. Near the health center are numerous nature reserves.
7. Geographic: Chilianaula (Kumaon) leans against Tibet and Nepal and is located in the Himalayas, just below the roof of the world. The views are breathtaking, for example, you can see the Nanda Devi (7800 meters high) from the health center.

Project ‘Seeing through yoga’

Seeing through yoga is Bezielen’s donation project to support the clinic in its work. With each participant in the Health Trip, an amount is automatically set aside to enable cataract surgery: an average of 2 people per traveler can thus be helped against cataracts. As many as 26 people were helped in 2014!

There’s another beautiful thing. The ayurvedic hospital also does a lot for the local community. The eye clinic present specializes in cataract surgery and helps dozens of people get “new eyes” every day. As a participant in the Health Journey, you automatically help support this charity.

We continue to support the clinic through voluntary donations. We undergo a body cleanse ourselves and ensure that all donations go to the right place. This is how we exchange. Check here for more information, or if you would like 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 goal is to get acquainted and identify your specific needs and any complaints. Ayurvedic treatments in India will then be tailored to your individual needs. It is important to realize that you will go through several physical, emotional and psychological phases during this intensive “journey within” for a month, and even after that, the effects of the cure will last for some time.

Supervising the trip are Natasha Nordin and Linda Koeman of Bezielen. Natasha has years of experience coaching individuals and groups. She has accompanied several trips to India and is also familiar with Chilianaula and the surrounding area. Linda has accompanied groups to India for Bezielen for several years and has done the panchakarma retreat several times. Linda agrees on fixed days for remote counseling. During these conversations, questions can be answered and she supports your personal process.

The center in Chilianaula follows a structured daily rhythm, to which we can confidently surrender. There is a licensed physician at the center who supervises during treatment: Dr. S.S. Misra. He has had thorough training in Ayurveda and years of experience in the clinic. Consultations with this doctor are included in the trip.

Program 30-day health journey India

What is the program of the vacation, what is included and what are the days like?

• Day 1, departure from Schiphol Airport
• Day 2, morning arrival New Delhi and afternoon arrival Chilianaula
• Day 3, beginning retreat
• 21 days of ayurvedic treatment in Chilianaula:
  • 1st week: deep relaxation massages and softening of the organs
    • Through diet and herbs prepare the body for release
  • 2nd week: deep cleansing treatments of organs and lymphatic system and stimulating massages
    • Through diet and herbs, this cleansing is enhanced
  • 3rd week: deep integration phase of whole 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 of meditation: morning and afternoon in the temple
  • In total, we undergo a “28-day detox”: prior to the retreat and after, we will spend several days on the cure
  • Ayurvedic treatments are personalized and consist of Ayurvedic herbs, medicines and foods
  • Essential preparation for ayurvedic treatment consists of massage and steam therapy
  • Detox through food and herbal teas: three meals a day, herbal teas throughout the day
  • In between there is opportunity to make visits to temples and sights in the area
• Day 30: commencement of return trip via Delhi to the Netherlands
• Day 30: arrival at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam: home!

Day Program

(times depend on the period of the year)

Morning
6 a.m.: yoga
07:00: morning tea
07:15 a.m.: meditation
08:00 a.m.: breakfast
9 a.m.: rest
10 a.m.: ayurvedic treatment 1

Noon
12:00 p.m.: lunch
1 p.m.: rest
3 p.m.: ayurvedic treatment 2
4 p.m.: afternoon tea
4 p.m.: yoga
5:00 p.m.: sharing in the group

Evening
6 p.m.: dinner
7 p.m.: evening meditation
9 p.m.: rest

Upon completion of the 30-day health journey India

Of course, it would be a shame after the 30-day health journey India, if you immediately fall into old patterns after the cure. During the retreat, you will therefore be given advice to support your process, which will continue even after the trip, in a healthy way. You can additionally purchase personally tailored Ayurvedic preparations to further aid the process of detoxification in the months following. Finally, you can contact Anjani for personal coaching and guidance after the event.

Reading about ayurveda and health

Furthermore, there are several books that can help you in the process after the trip (or whenever!) is over. Some tips:

Ayurveda – health for all
TIP for Health Journey participants!

Coen van der Kroon: Ayurveda – health for everyone (Ankh Hermes Publishing House, 2014)

What exactly is ayurveda? What does the word ayurveda stand for? And what do the three “doshas” mean? This Anchor answers that question. And in a way that is easily understood by everyone. Because ayurveda stands not only for a complex form of natural medicine, but at the same time for a health science that can be easily applied by anyone. Even in a modern and Western life. This book provides a number of practical tips that you can immediately put to work for your own “wellness,” in terms of lifestyle, nutrition and skin care.