Forget Spa Days: Ayurveda & PanchaKarma is The Real Self-Care
Mar 24, 2025
At the time of writing, I am going through a one-month Ayurveda PanchaKarma Retreat with Dr. Sundara Raman at the Mountain Top Clinic in Tamil Nadu, India. This panchakarma treatment is a systematic process for detoxifying and rejuvenating the entire body.
This is the third time I am going through this cleansing, healing, and rejuvenation process with Dr. Raman and the 11th time I am undergoing a Pancha Karma Retreat.
The Mountain Top Clinic is very remote, situated in a natural setting with a view of green mountains stretching away into the distance as far as the eye can see.
What is Ayurveda and PanchaKarma?
For those who don’t know what Ayurveda is or what Pancha Karma is, it is a complete system for natural wellness and healing, developed thousands of years ago in India. Ayurvedic treatment, particularly Panchakarma, has historically been significant in detoxifying the body and balancing internal energies. Ayurveda continues to offer its multidimensional benefits through an unbroken lineage of sages and physicians up to the present day.
Ayurveda in Simple Terms
A simple way of explaining Ayurveda's foundational principles is to consider the five basic elements, and how they create and maintain our physical form:
- When the five elements within us are in balance, we experience vibrant health.
- When these elements are out of balance, we become more prone to disease.
“In Ayurveda, food, our cells, nature, and life itself are all one entity. Ayurveda also deals with multiple lifetimes, past, present, and future. Ayurveda is the mother of all healing systems.” - (Dr. Sundara Raman)
Origins of Ayurveda
The origins of Ayurveda (the Mother of all healing systems) are recalled through an oral myth-based tradition in India which recounts that this type of healing came directly from Brahma, (God) to Vishnu, (A God who is the preserver of life) A Sage named Bharadvaja learned these secrets of medicine from Vishnu and then taught his compounded wisdom to a group of Sages. The Sages then taught aspects of it to their disciples.
According to current thoughts about history, Ayurveda is at least 5000 years old.”
(Dr. Sundara Raman)
Influential Figures in Ayurvedic History
A great Rishi and Master Healer of ancient India named Punarvasu Atreya, had 6 disciples who also became masters of healing. One of his disciples, Agnivesha created a compendium based on the teachings of Atreya The name of the book was Agnivesh Tantra. Later, in the 1st Century A.D. a physician by the name (or title) Charaka, compiled, edited and added to the original manuscript by Agnivesha and in this format it became known as Charaka Samhita. This massive tome of wisdom has approximately 1,990 varieties of medicinal plants listed, each one having gone through an extremely rigorous process of empirical testing before it was eligible to be included in the Charaka Samhita.
Sushruta in about 1000 B.C, created a pivotal textbook inspired by the father of surgery, Dhanvantri, (also known as the God of Ayurveda.) This textbook is known as the Sushruta Samhita. It is astonishing to know that hundreds of years before Ayurveda became a systematized form of medicine, specialists were already performing intricate surgery for many types of medical problems, including head, inner organs, and even plastic surgery to repair ears, eyes or nose.
Another great name in the history of Ayurveda is Chakrapani Datta, (1038) who was the physician for King Laxman. He wrote a compendium called Chakradutta, which is thought to hold the very essence of Ayurveda. There are many other authors of great repute who have added their wisdom into the river of Ayurveda over hundreds of years.
The 8 Branches of Ayurveda
- Kayachikitsa (general medicine, including all organs)
- Shalakya (treatments for the head and neck including eyes, ears, throat, nose and mouth.)
- Shalya (Surgery)
- Bhuta Vidya (Spiritual Healing; for mentally based or supernatural based phenomena not explainable by normal medical logic.)
- Kaumarabhritya (The healing of children)
- Agadatantra (using antidotes to treat poisons of all kinds)
- Rasayana (Wellness and rejuvenation treatments)
- Vajikarana (Sexual healing and the enhancement of libido and fertility)
A wonderful quote, which sums up the Ayurveda approach to medicine came from the teacher of Sushruta:
“Ayurveda has two purposes, to release the ill from illness and to serve the health of the healthy.”
The Role of Pancha Karma
Pancha Karma literally means “5 Actions” or “Five Treatments.” Panchakarma therapies are essential treatments for detoxification and rejuvenation, administered by trained professionals in an Ayurvedic center. According to the Ayurvedic Institute, the five types of benefits of panchakarma and treatments achieve the following:
- Eliminate toxins and toxic conditions from your body and mind.
- Restore your constitutional balance, improving health and wellness.
- Strengthen your immune system, making you more resistant to illness.
- Reverse the negative effects of stress on your body and mind, thereby slowing the aging process.
- Bring about deep relaxation and a sense of well-being.
My Yearly ‘Phoenix Effect’
I regard my yearly Pancha Karma as a complete ‘tune-up’ for body, mind, and soul. After my one-month retreat, I emerged reborn. It offers the ‘Phoenix effect’, whatever is not serving me is released, replaced by a fresh, new, rejuvenated self.
The Panchakarma Treatments in Ayurveda
Ayurveda balances the five elements through a multifaceted approach, addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual issues. Treatments include:
- Balanced food consumption
- Herbal medicines
- Various types of purgation
- Herbal enemas
- Different types of massage
- Application of poultices, steam baths, and medicated oils
Herbal supplements play a crucial role in supporting the detoxification processes associated with these treatments, thereby enhancing overall wellness.
All treatments are administered under the strict guidance of a highly trained Ayurvedic doctor.
Insights from Dr. Sundara Raman
I consider Dr. Sundara Raman to be a genius in this field. He is wise, profoundly compassionate, and radiates humility. He consults daily with his patients and takes bi-weekly nature walks, often pointing out medicinal plants.
A Story of Healing: Gangrene and a Simple Plant
One day, Dr. Raman introduced us to a local tribal woman who greeted him with great joy. She showed him her healed leg. Her story was extraordinary: as a diabetic, she had developed gangrene and was told by local doctors that her leg must be amputated. There were maggots in the wound, and the stench was unbearable.
Dr. Raman, smiling, showed her a common plant growing nearby. He instructed her on how to prepare a decoction to use both internally and externally. She followed his advice and was completely healed.
Interview with Dr. Sundara Raman
Q: What can we hope to attain through practicing Ayurveda?
Dr. Raman: “The result of practicing Ayurveda is Sat Chit Ananda.
- Sat is truth
- Chit is consciousness
- Ananda is bliss Together, these equal Atma (soul).”
Q: What about Meat Eating vs. Vegetarianism in Ayurveda?
Dr. Raman:
- “Meat is Tamasic and breeds fear, jealousy, and violence.”
- “Everything is medicine. Depending on your dosha (constitution) and prakruti (original state), both plants and meat can be used medicinally. However, plants are preferable.”
- “Fish should be avoided completely. ‘Kapha’ (earth and water predominant) animals, such as fish and grazing animals, are essential for maintaining the planet's ecology. Killing these animals incurs huge negative karma.”
Q: Can you explain the meaning of Prakriti?
Dr. Raman:“Prakriti means ‘made in the beginning.’ It is your original state, set at conception. Your consciousness, carrying karmic memories, is magnetically drawn to a specific sperm and ovum.
Prakriti determines your physical and mental capacities and acts like a seed, carrying the blueprint of the tree.”
Q: What inspired you to become an Ayurvedic Doctor?
Dr. Raman:“I was inspired during a pilgrimage to Tiruvannamalai under the full moon. After praying at the Shiva Temple, I saw an ad for Ayurveda College. Against my father’s wishes, I applied and was accepted out of 2,000 to 3,000 applicants. Once I began learning, it felt familiar, as though I had always known it.”
Q: What is the exact meaning of the word Ayurveda?
Dr. Raman:“Ayurveda combines two Sanskrit words:
- Ayus: Healthy long life, movement, change, and transformation
- Veda: Knowledge or wisdom
Together, Ayurveda means ‘where the knowledge of life exists’ – allowing us to know ourselves, live healthily, and achieve Moksha (spiritual liberation). Health is essential for fulfilling Dharma, Artha, and Kama.”
The Intelligence of Nature and the Human Body
In Ayurveda, everything begins with balance. Our body’s energies, known as doshas, Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water), are reflections of the natural elements within us. Much like the earth’s cycles, when these energies flow harmoniously, the body thrives.
However, modern life often pulls us away from this natural alignment. Irregular sleep, processed foods, stress, and sedentary routines disconnect us from the Earth's intelligence. The result is stagnation, inflammation, and the accumulation of ama, toxins that impair digestion, energy, and immunity. Ayurveda reminds us to return to nature’s rhythm, where health and longevity are inherent.
Optimal Digestion: The Key to Lifelong Health
Central to Ayurveda is the concept of Agni, or digestive fire. Just as fire transforms raw food into nourishment, Agni breaks down what we consume, food, thoughts, and experiences, into energy and waste. A strong Agni ensures the body absorbs nutrients efficiently, while toxins are eliminated. A weak Agni, however, leads to undigested material turning into ama, the root cause of disease and premature aging.
To nurture this digestive fire, Ayurveda encourages mindful eating: consuming fresh, seasonal foods prepared with care, eating in a calm environment, and paying attention to hunger and satiety cues. Herbs like ginger, triphala, and turmeric act as gentle supporters, enhancing digestion, clearing toxins, and fortifying the body’s ability to heal itself.
Rejuvenation: Slowing the Aging Process Naturally
Aging, according to Ayurveda, occurs when cellular vitality and immune function declines, toxins accumulate, and energy pathways become blocked. Yet Ayurveda views aging not as inevitable decline but as an opportunity to deepen nourishment and renewal. The body, when given the right conditions, has an incredible ability to regenerate. Achieving optimal health requires both physical and emotional detoxification, ensuring the proper functioning of the body's energies.
Through practices like Panchakarma, a series of cleansing therapies including oil massages, herbal steam baths, and enemas, Ayurveda eliminates deep-seated toxins. This process clears stagnation, balances the doshas, and rejuvenates tissues at the cellular level. Simultaneously, Ayurvedic techniques and rasayanas, or rejuvenating herbs like ashwagandha and brahmi, restore vitality, strengthen immunity, and slow cellular degeneration.
The Energetic Connection: Clearing Prana for Healing the Nervous System
Beyond the physical, Ayurveda also recognizes the role of energy in health. Prana, the life force that animates all living beings, flows through subtle channels in the body. Stress, unresolved emotions, or toxins can block this flow, leading to illness or fatigue.
When prana flows freely, you feel lighter, more vibrant, and deeply connected, not only to yourself but to the world around you. It’s as if the earth’s energy mirrors your own, creating a profound sense of alignment and peace.
Living in Alignment with Nature
Ayurveda teaches that to heal the body, we must also heal our relationship with the Earth. This means honoring the natural cycles of the day, waking with the Sun, eating when the digestive fire is strong, and sleeping when the body requires repair. It also means aligning with the seasons, adapting our diet and lifestyle to the changing needs of the environment.
When you live this way, health becomes effortless. Your immune system strengthens, diseases are prevented at their root, and your mind is calm and clear. Over time, your body functions as it was designed to, in harmony with the world it came from, leading to a life of vitality, balance, and longevity.
The Philosophy of Ayurveda
I asked Dr. Sundara Raman, (founder of The Ayurveda Mountain Top Clinic in Tamil Nadu) the question: “What is the exact meaning of the word Ayurveda?” He answered me as follows:
Answer: “Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word. Sanskrit is a language of vibration. There is a lot of spiritual significance in Sanskrit; it is the best language to learn the Real Truth. If we break down the word Ayurveda into Ayus and Veda: Ayus means ‘healthy long life’, and also, means to ‘move, change and transform.’ It indicates union of body, mind, senses, intelligence, and consciousness. When there is harmonious union of these qualities, this is health and this brings a pleasant experience of life as a whole.”
Veda derives from the term ‘to know.’ Real knowledge is to know oneself. Based on intuition we come to know ourselves. Sages meditated on finding a solution to suffering. Based on the power of mantra, sacred sounds, truth is attained. They gave solutions for suffering in the form of sound, which later became the Vedas. The essence of the Vedas is: ‘All parts should unite with love, think according to one mind with happiness being the common goal for all.’
The whole meaning of Ayurveda is: "Where the knowledge of life exists, one comes to know oneself. Through this knowledge, you can have a happy and long life. Health is important in order to attain Moksha and for fulfilling Dharma, Artha, and Kama. For this you need to be healthy, which Ayurveda gives you."
Moksha is the attainment of spiritual liberation. Dharma is to fulfil your purpose in life (your soul calling) in tune with the whole. Artha is to manifest on the physical plane, one’s aim, possession’s and wealth. Kama is to be blessed by the God of erotic love and pleasure. According to ancient sages in India, the purpose of Human Life is to fulfil these 4 aspects. As this can only happen if one is healthy, they searched deeply to find the best possible science to help people live a healthy long life.
The 5 Elements (Bhutas)
The philosophy of Ayurveda is eternally relevant. In a nutshell, it is based on the 5 elements (bhutas) and the seasons, (Ruticharya) and how these influences fluctuate within our body. The wisdom of the Ayurvedic physician lies in his or her ability to diagnose which element may be uppermost in a person’s body, and what has to be done to bring balance, so that all the elements find a way to bring forth their essential qualities, in harmony.
When the eco-system of the earth is balanced, we have a paradise condition on the earth. Likewise, when the eco-system of the body, which is a microcosm of the macrocosm, is balanced, we have health. This state of balance in Ayurveda is called ‘dhatu samya’. Dhatu are the various constituents’ arising from the five elements that form our body and physical universe.
Toxins can accumulate in bodily tissues when digestion is weak, hindering energy flow and leading to various diseases neurological disorders. Detoxification practices like Panchakarma are essential to restore health.
Charaka says: “The universe and the individual are a continuum. Whatever exists in the cosmos exists in the individual; reciprocally, whatever constitutes the individual exists in the universe.”
When a person carries a state of imbalance, this is called Dosha. A Dosha condition will arise according to the basic constitution of the digestive system of a person, called their ‘Prakriti’ (which is believed to be activated at the time of conception) how their food is being assimilated and waste is being processed. Normally waste elements are released through sweat, urine and bowel movements. However, if there is mental, emotional and physical stagnation, the normally smooth process of waste elimination may be retarded, leading to imbalance and disease.
The Three Dosha States
There are three Dosha states, Vata being air and ether (including wind) Pitta being Fire and Water and Kapha being Earth and Water. If someone carries an aggravation of one or more Doshas, this needs to be balanced using the opposite element. This is achieved through Dosha balancing foods, herbal medications, massage, acupressure points (called Marma) detoxing and purging.
Ayurvedic practices aim to maintain health by restoring balance among the body's elements, promoting overall well-being.
A quote from Sushruta is a good reminder to physicians of our contemporary world: “In the absence of a sound understanding of food, it’s varieties, preparations and functions, physicians would neither be able to maintain the health of the healthy nor control the disorders of the ill.”
(Buddha is recounted as saying that there were originally three diseases, desire, hunger and aging, which multiplied to ninety-eight as a consequence of slaughtering animals.)
Foods in Aurveda are of prime importance for the maintenance of health and the cure of disease. Foods are divided into three categories, Tamas, (inertia) Rajas (fiery) and Sattvic (essence, or wisdom foods) An example of this in today’s world would be: meat and junk foods: Tamas / over stimulating highly seasoned foods: Rajas / and a well balanced diet of organic vegetarian or vegan foods: Sattvic.
Ayurvedic Diagnosis
One of the mysteries in Ayurveda are the methods of diagnostics. Some portions of diagnosis can be understood through logic, and some can only be explained as the art of telepathy. A Doctor who is a Master of Ayurveda is able to read the pulse, tongue, eyes, and other indications in such a way that they know everything about the person within a matter of seconds, including all the diseases they have ever had and all they will be prone to.
It is said that 20 years of dedicated study is needed in order to be able to read the pulse in this way, and that even then, it is inborn for some persons to be able to do it while others may strive for many years without ever being able to master the technique.
During British rule in India, Ayurveda was thrown aside for modernization. Now, ironically, people from the West flood into India seeking Ayurvedic cures while the ‘Medical Mafia’ in the West rakes in huge profits at the expense of the sick and dying, a result of the non-holistic approach of modern medicine.
Charaka states, very practically: “By treating diseases with medicines endowed with virtues opposed to their originating causes, we succeed in fully restoring the patients to their normal condition.”
The Science for a Joyous and Fulfilled Life
At one time, Tantra, Yoga and Ayurveda were three branches of the same Tree Of Life: offering health, equilibrium and spiritual expansion for a life of health, joy and fulfillment. It has been my experience that for true health and wholeness to be experienced, we need to have a balance of body, mind, emotions, soul and spirit. All of these aspects within us need to be in harmony for true wellness. In this sense, Ayurveda has really captured the essence of healing with its focus on the art of living a balanced, healthy and joyous lifestyle.
One of the most potent ways of achieving balance and wellness is through the Ayurvedic process of Pancha Karma, which is to be done as a residential retreat for 28 days.
Vagbhata, an Ayurvedic Physcision said:
“Doshas which pervade the gut, tissues, body channels, limbs and bones are loosened by lubrication and liquefied by fomentation; they enter the gut to be eliminated by purificatory measures.”
My Experience during Pancha Karma
I am a great believer in wellness and preventative medicine. It is for this reason that I go through a cleansing and healing process at least once a year. I am so impressed with the Ayurveda style of rejuvenation that to date, I have already been on Pancha Karma Retreats eleven times.
The panchakarma procedure involves a structured treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of a person with skin disorders, with distinct phases before, during, and after the procedure to ensure effective results.
In general, during a Pancha Karma Retreat, the first 7 days are for collecting accumulated toxins from all over the body and sending these into the gut for purging. This is very effectively done by drinking medicinal ghee and receiving therapeutic herb infused oil massage and steam treatments.
This is a challenging part of the process, because as the body releases toxic waste from each and every cell, it is uncomfortable to say the least. The number of days needed for ghee drinking differs from individual to individual. There are particular signs when the ghee has reached it’s saturation point.
After the ghee drinking, There is a day (or more) for purging of toxic waste. This is achieved through vomiting therapy (if needed for that particular individual's body) and herbal medicine which empties the bowels very effectively. All of these methods are so powerful that you will find yourself purging all the way back to your birth trauma. In Pancha Karma, one purges and experiences renewal on all levels, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
- The second 7 days may include profoundly nurturing treatments (if suited for this particular individual.) Examples could be, receiving warm herbal infused oil poured over one’s body, continuously for 45 minutes and or receiving the divine Shiro Dhara treatment. During Shiro Dhara, we receive warm medicated oil poured slowly and hypnotically across the forehead for approximately ½ hour.
- The third 7 days are for building up and strengthening your muscles, joints, bones, blood, lymph and organs. This is done through specialized application of hot herbal compresses and massage in combination with certain foods. This phase may also include herbal enema’s. In addition to this, you will receive a deep cleansing of sinuses, eyes, and ears with special medicines applied to these areas.
- The fourth 7 days are for rejuvenation therapies. This is where you are made to look and feel like a newborn God or Goddess, with much energy, inspiration and joy coursing through your whole body and being! There are a whole range of therapies for this and each one is miraculous.
I asked Dr Raman, “What can we hope to attain through practicing Ayurveda?”
He answered: “The result of practicing Ayurveda is Sat Chit Ananda. Sat is truth, Chit is consciousness and Ananda is bliss. Together these equal Atma.” (Soul)
Resources for Learning More
Recommended Books
- Ayurveda Paachaka by Dr. Pranavodgeetha (Ayurveda Cookbook)
- An Introduction to Ayurveda by M.S. Valiathan
- Forever Young: Unleashing the Magic of Ayurveda by Reenita Malhotra Hora
Documentary
Recommended Retreat Centers
If you are interested in a Pancha Karma retreat, a duration of 21 days to one month is recommended. Here are excellent centers I have personally experienced:
Mountain Top Clinic with Dr. Sundara Raman in Tamil Nadu, India
Nestled in the serene Nilgiris Mountains of Tamil Nadu, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, Mountain Top Clinic is under the expert guidance of Dr. Sundara Raman. Guests embark on tailored Panchakarma programs ranging from 1 to 8 weeks that detoxify, rejuvenate, and restore balance to the body and mind. Complementing its wellness offerings, MTC stands apart with its immersive Ayurveda education programs, delivered in the traditional Gurukula system of learning directly under masters. The curriculum spans three levels: Foundations of Ayurveda, Advanced Ayurveda, and a Clinical Apprenticeship, designed for aspiring practitioners, yoga teachers, therapists, and health professionals.
House of Ayurveda with Dr. Mini Joy in Kerala, India
Located in the tranquil village of Thanneermukkom in Kerala, fondly known as God’s Own Country, House of Ayurveda (Gowrisankara) offers a serene Ayurvedic homestay rooted in over 200 years of healing tradition. Surrounded by lush coconut palms and tropical beauty, this family home has been transformed into a sanctuary for those seeking authentic Ayurvedic care and deep rejuvenation.
Led by Dr. Mini Joy, a distinguished Ayurvedic healer with a BAMS degree and over 25 years of experience, the treatments at House of Ayurveda are grounded in time-honored techniques and natural medicinal recipes passed down through five generations of practitioners.
Amrta Siddhi with Dr. Sujatha in Ubud, Bali
Located in the serene heart of Ubud, Bali, AmrtaSiddhi Ayurvedic Centre combines authentic Ayurvedic healing with modern comforts to offer a truly transformative experience. With a capacity of just 25 guests across 18 thoughtfully designed rooms, AmrtaSiddhi provides an intimate, highly personalized healing environment where profound care and attention to detail set it apart. AmrtaSiddhi is renowned for its Panchakarma programs, starting at 7 days for $2,590 USD.
Closing Thoughts on Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, food, nature, and life are interconnected. It addresses multiple lifetimes, past, present, and future, as the mother of all healing systems.
