In the quest for greater health many of us embrace new lifestyles, eating habits or adopt new philosophies. The process can often be overwhelming and the results less than rewarding when results are minimal, and expenses tallied. To slice through the heaps of options, many of us simply seek to find balance. The challenge is how to find balance if you don’t know what your imbalances are.
Dr. Scott Gerson, author of Ayurveda – The Ancient Indian Healing Art declares “from the beginning of human history, man has been engaged in the search for peace and prosperity …nothing can be gained from suffering and disease.” Ayurveda philosophy, an ancient Indian system of healing, was well established long before Christ walked the earth. The basis of Ayurveda (a Sanskrit term translated as “the science of long life”) is restoring and preserving wholeness of the mind, body and spirit by acknowledging “the forces of nature which operate both within us and outside (us) and seeks to determine which force may be predominant in our particular physiology.” (Gerson, p.6-11)
Fundamentals of Ayurveda
According to Ayurvedic text, the human body is manifested by five elements (mahabhutas) of which are perceived by our senses and the building blocks of all existence (organic and inorganic):
- Akasha (ether)
- Vayu (air)
- Tejas (fire)
- Jala (water)
- Prthivi (earth)
It is believed that these five elements are altered from their initially pure state of consciousness by energy forces we encounter throughout our living process and thereby causing imbalances, which further spawn disease and a broad array of deteriorating conditions.
Panchakarma Treatment
While this approach and its foundations may seem complicated, Ayurveda can be simplified with direction and education. Ayurvedic expert, Greg Soucy, an instructor and practitioner who lives and practices in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has conducted hundreds of panchakarma (meaning “five steps”) treatments geared to detoxify the body, strengthen the immune system and balance the doshas (forces which governs one’s physiology). As owner and operator of Healing Hands ayurvedic program, Greg’s growing list of clients are the first to praise his incredibly vast knowledge base and gentle attentive approach to diagnosis and healing. Greg claims a "Panchakarma is not a detox program. This is only its side benefit. It is a transformation in consciousness--replacing stress with silence."
Silence sounds great when you’re amidst your fast-paced life and all you crave is an hour to yourself, but silence can also be considered a luxury when the demands do not allow it. In an effort to simplify the process of a panchakarma, let’s walk through the process of the six-day treatment such as the one Greg conducts when his clients contract his services.
Here’s Greg’s suggested 6-day schedule:
- Yoga and meditation daily at sunrise
- Light breakfast or fasting
- Colon cleanse (basti) (first 3 days)
- Massage by two therapists
- Inhalation therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Vaporized sauna (detoxification)
- Shirodhara (head flow oil therapy)
- Skin brushing (lymphatic stimulation)
- Personally prepared menus
During the process of diagnosis, the client is assigned to one of the tridoshas (Vada, Pitta and Kapha), each of which is composed of two mahabhutas (five elements) as defined by his or her biochemistry, physiology and the undesirable symptoms they experience and have come to alter his or her health and balance. (Gerson, p. 16-17)
Greg explains that the reason the panchakarma is performed in such specific steps is to ensure this life-altering event is maximized. Most clients go through a broad range of emotions from sadness to euphoria during a panchakarma treatment.
The least favourite event is the colonic process, however, this is likely the most crucial stage as decades worth of toxins, parasites and microscopic bacteria are released from the colon tract. The process itself is quite uninvasive and involves a warm tea enema flush that gently forces out the waste matter within a 30-40 minute time frame. The discomforts are not greater than the natural feeling of cramping prior to a regular stool movement.
The most enjoyable portion are the treatments: the skin brushing, the massage therapy, the shirodhara, and (if you’re lucky enough to have a therapist who has a chiropractic comprehension), the body work.
Many of Greg Soucy’s clients have benefited from Greg's knowledge of the anatomy by having their bodies repositioned following years of pain and scarring. Garry Fleischhacker from Calgary, a recent client of Greg's had experienced two decades of chronic pain following a crash which resulted in uneven hips and pelvis. For years his comfort and form were compromised and subsequently so was the list of fitness options and activities he could perform comfortably. Upon completing a series of bodywork treatments with Greg Soucy he said he felt like a new man. His walk had changed, he stood taller, even his feet planted differently as he walked; he no longer needed orthotics. The body work was only one portion of his complete treatment package. When asked what was the best part of his week of panchakarma, Garry responded, "Chakra alignment was decidedly, and surprisingly, the most powerful balancing act."
Additional Ayurvedic Treatments
Some of the other Ayurvedic treatments a quality panchakarma program will offer include the following:
- Karna Purana (ear oil therapy)
- Ear Candling (removal of ear wax)
- Lepa Therapy (plasters) when necessary
- Tarpana (emotional letting and healing)
- Ayurvedic Facial
- Chakra Anointment
- Reevaluation and consultation on final day
- Oils, topical solutions, teas and recipes to take home
Yoga and Meditation
Many of us already practice yoga regularly. The art of yoga is tied very closely to Ayurvedic healing. Eduardo Hernandez, who has been practicing yoga since he was ten and teaches professionally, and studied under an impressive list of yoga masters, attests to the health benefits of daily yoga. Understanding your physiology, he says, and combining it with knowledge of your prakriti (your genetically dispositioned physical, psychological characteristics and tendencies as defined by your dosha) allows you to benefit even more from a yoga regime. Eduardo claims that specific asanas (postures) have the ability to alter your internal state of being, allowing for self healing. During a session with Eduardo, he guides you through meditation, chanting and a series of regimented poses and stretches, explaining the value each position inhabits. His approach to the discipline is patient and assertive. He strives to increase personal awareness at all levels and to open yourself up to allowing other energies (opportunities, your surroundings and people) to empower you. Practiced religiously, yoga benefits evolve in the form of internal (physiological), external (physical), mental, emotional and spiritual and for some metaphysical.
Global Ayurveda
There are Ayurvedic retreats and treatment centres dotted throughout the world, the most traditional ones in India. The costs range is remarkable ranging from 4 digits to 5 digits depending upon the duration, location, format and treatments offered. Flight costs are calculated separately. It's a good idea to shop around as there are some amazingly talented and humbled healers at affordable rates.
We all feel imbalanced at various points in any given day, week or year. The key is to become aware of our symptoms rather than ignore them. You may not have to seek further than your library or yoga studio, or perhaps your favourite travel web site to find the simplistic remedies that may be just the ones to alter your life and lifestyle for optimal living.
Sources
- Ayurveda, Scott Gerson, M.D. 1993.
- Healing Hands, tridosha.com
- Ayurveda-foryou.com
