Spiritual Retreats of India to unwind yourself.

by | Dec 30, 2022 | Lifestyle

Spiritual Retreats of India to unwind yourself.
Are you looking for a way to unwind yourself and reconnect with your spiritual side? Do you want to relax your body and mind with the wisdom of ancient practices? Then you should travel to India, the land of spiritual healing. With thousands of years of healing tradition, spiritual retreats in India can help you achieve a whole new level of peace and rejuvenate you to the core.

About Spiritual Retreats in India

India is well-known throughout the world as the birthplace of Yoga- a place to reconnect with one’s soul. For centuries, travellers have come to India in search of self-discovery and spiritual wisdom. India has redefined the concept of spiritual travel, whether through the ancient knowledge of Yoga, Ayurveda and its rich indigenous culture. In order to escape the stresses of everyday life, an increasing number of people across the globe are turning to spiritual healing centres in India in the quest for inner peace.
Yoga and Ayurveda originated in India, and their rewards are now enjoyed globally. A visit to one of India’s spiritual retreats is a life-changing experience that includes holistic detoxification of mind and spirit through yoga and meditation. The anti-stress programmes provided by healing retreats in India appeal to wellness seekers.
Yoga Schools and Spiritual Retreats in India are well-known for providing Yoga, Ayurveda Retreats, and Meditation programmes. They endeavour for a holistic understanding of yoga through the application of various practises and theories. Some of them are both internationally recognised and certified.

Why plan for Spiritual Retreats In India?

Spiritual retreats provide time for reflection or meditation as well as a relaxing break from one’s regular surroundings. It is intended to provide an opportunity for a person to slow down and connect spiritually for inner peace and appropriate lifestyle guidance through yoga and Ayurveda. It provides opportunities for solitude and knowledge for spiritual upliftment in order to live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Why are Spiritual Retreats in India unique?

  • When you think of wellness retreats you think of a place where you can go and relax and forget your daily errands.
  • Most Indian retreat destinations are nestled in lush greenery, away from crowds and noises, and offer a sacred environment conducive to meditation, yoga, and self-discovery.
  • These facilities also offer luxurious lodging and nutritious food in the midst of picturesque and tranquil nature.
  • Throughout the programme, these retreats will help you declutter your mind and experience the bliss of life.
  • The practises you will learn will assist you in integrating with your inner being, and you will leave the retreat relaxed and refreshed in mind and body carrying along the delight of incessant joy

What does the Spiritual retreats of India offer?

Spiritual retreats in India provide a wide range of practices designed to help you find inner peace and self-care.

  • Yoga retreats are obviously one of the most popular options, as India is the birthplace of yoga. At various retreats, you can find yoga classes running the gamut from Hatha to Vinyasa, Iyengar, Kundalini, Ashtanga etc. Depending on where you go, you can also indulge in yoga classes irrespective of your level.
  • Meditation practices are also a popular retreat option. Meditation in India is typically based on discovering spirituality, which will assist you in following the ancient path of enlightenment. You will not seek enlightenment during a short retreat, but the practices will teach you the art of feeling centred, rejuvenated, and in touch with your true self.
  • India is also well-known for Ayurveda, an alternative medicine system that can help you rebalance your mind, body, and soul through lifestyle changes and natural therapies.

Which destination will you choose in India?

Many yogis dream of meditating on the banks of the holy river Ganga and breathing in the fresh air of the Himalayan Serenity. Rishikesh is an ideal yoga destination due to the abundance of spirituality, the Majestic Mountains, and the Holy River Ganga. There is no better place on the planet to learn and practise the ancient science of yoga than in the Himalayan foothills, the origins and perpetual home of yoga and spirituality. Retreat Centres in Rishikesh, which is located in one of the most ancient, spiritual, and divine places in all of India, can serve a variety of needs of travellers who want to learn authentic yoga among other things, and provide a perfect getaway experience with its gorgeous landscapes.
Most of us believe that all yoga and meditation retreats are situated in southern India, and we are not entirely wrong to think so. Kerala is known as “God’s Own Country.” It is yet another popular spiritual retreat destination with rich natural landscape, national parks, serene beaches, and most importantly, for its Ayurvedic history. Along with traditional yoga, Kerala offers a variety of traditional Ayurvedic treatments such as holistic massages and authentic Panchakarma. Almost every retreat provides training and instruction in ancient Indian philosophies and practices. There are numerous retreats that serve organic Ayurvedic meals and employ practices that are rare in other countries.
So, when you visit any wellness retreat in Rishikesh, Kerala, or any other authentic retreat destination in India, be assured that you’re going to a place where spiritual practice is the central part of daily life.

Travel the Spiritual Retreats in India with ASHAexperienc

A spiritual retreat allows you to reconnect with your inner wisdom and find refuge from the noise and rush of today’s world. A spiritual retreat in India, the birthplace of ancient wisdom and cultures, is an experience that no one should pass up.
If you’re ready to seek your own inner peace but aren’t sure which retreat is right for you, then embark on a life-changing journey with ASHAexperience for a self-discovering journey designed and crafted for your well-being.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

Panchakarma – an Ayurvedic practice of Healing and Rejuvenation

by | Jul 31, 2022 | Ayurveda

Panchakarma – an Ayurvedic practice of Healing and Rejuvenation

Ayurveda always targets the underlying cause of the illness and cures it holistically. Because Ayurveda is often associated with oil massage, there is also a widespread misperception regarding Panchakarma. People believe that Panchakarma is a treatment which consists of herbal oil massages and some detox drinks as treatment methods. However, this is not the case; ayurvedic practitioners treat patients using oils, fruit juices, spices, and a variety of other organic ingredients in addition to herbs. Panchakarma is a natural cleaning procedure that removes impurities from the body and restores its inherent healing potential. It is a time-tested natural therapy that detoxifies the body and restores its core balance and energy.

The Panchakarma Treatment

In Ayurveda, panchakarma literally means “five activities,” and it consists of five cleaning treatments. Vaman, Virechan, Basti, Nasya, and Raktamokshana. These Sanskrit terms stand for laxatives, herbal enemas, vomiting treatments, nasal rinse, and phlebotomy. These methods aid in the removal of undesirable chemicals from the gastrointestinal system, oesophagus, respiratory tract, and blood vessels.

Panchakarma works on the principle of Ayurveda called – “Shodhana Chikitsa”. Shodhana Chikitsa focuses on maintaining an ideal level and a balance between the three Prakriti Doshas of the human body. The Prakriti model consists of
● Vata dosha (Air dominant constitutional imbalance)
● Pitta dosha (Fire dominant constitutional imbalance)
● Kapha dosha (Water dominant constitutional imbalance)

Different ailments are caused by an imbalance in the amounts of different doshas. Panchakarma program corrects dosha imbalances and restores harmony to the human body’s functioning.

Panchakarma cleansing is a time-consuming process. It necessitates certain preparations both before and after. Each of Panchakarma’s treatments or karmas/actions has three stages:
● Purva karma (preparatory phase)
● Pradhana karma (purification phase)
● Paschat karma (follow-up phase)

The Five therapeutic procedures of Panchakarma
● Vamana (induced vomiting)
● Virechana (induced bowel movement)
● Basti or Vasti (medicated enema)
● Nasyam (nasal insufflation)
● Raktamokshana (release of impure blood from the system)

Insight of the Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies:
● Vamana: It helps to clear up the respiratory tract. This is the first therapy offered as part of the Panchakarma program.
● Virechana: This treatment balances out the Pitta dosha. All tissues and organs feel invigorated as a result of the blood purification.
● Basti or Vasti: This ayurvedic detox therapy tries to cleanse the entire body of all accumulated toxins and to address the Vata dosha imbalance.
● Nasyam: Its purpose is to remove accumulated kapha/mucus from the neck and head area.
● Raktamokshana: This therapy tries to cleanse the body by eliminating polluted blood and replacing it with new, pure blood.

Panchakarma program for Healing and Disease Prevention

Panchakarma treatment is founded on Ayurvedic fundamental beliefs, which indicate that sickness is caused by the accumulation of toxins in the body as well as imbalances in both the mind and the body.

Most illnesses can be avoided by using Ayurvedic treatment and the Panchakarma program. Toxin buildup at critical levels can be avoided by doing Panchakarma cleansing treatments on a regular basis. Adopting a Panchakarma health program once a year helps the body fight off numerous health conditions.

Individuals who are already suffering from a serious physical illness or disease will benefit from Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy. Respiratory problems, Cardiac problems, Joint diseases, Psychological disorders, Dermatological diseases, Fertility problems, Gastrointestinal problems, Slipped Discs, Insomnia, Movement Disorders, and many ailments arising from lifestyle disorders or deep rooted psychosomatic issues are some of the medical conditions for which Panchakarma has proven to be beneficial.

Panchakarma is more than just a therapeutic method. Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy entails complex cleaning processes to relieve stress. Releasing stress and tension prepares the body tissues to accept the full advantages of diet, nutrition, and exercise. What distinguishes this Ayurvedic method is that it is intended not only for healing but also for prevention and regeneration.

Benefits of Panchakarma

Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic miraculous system that cures numerous diseases both after they occur and even before they appear. Panchakarma has stimulating, preventative, restorative and curative properties. It is especially beneficial for people suffering from chronic diseases that cannot be treated only with medication and nutrition.

It addresses all health difficulties caused by lifestyle disorders such as stress, indigestion, insomnia, fatigue, and so on. It helps to clear the mind, promotes immunity, improves digestion, accelerates metabolism, detoxifies holistically, rejuvenates tissues, and strengthens organs.

Duration of the Panchakarma Treatment

It is vital to highlight that following a complete physical examination and diagnosis, a Panchakarma program is customised for each individual. As a result, there is no one recipe that works for everyone. Ideally it takes about 21 days to 28 days to complete the detox processes. The nature of Panchakarma therapies differs from person to person understanding the specific treatment and its intensity.

Connect ASHA

Start your Panchakarma journey with us at one of the best and authentic Ayurvedic Panchakarma clinics in Kerala, India where all the ancient therapies and bespoke treatments are administered by a team of Ayurveda professionals, Doctors and experienced Panchakarma practitioners. Plan your healing and rejuvenation journey with us and live a happy and fulfilling life.

References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov | https://www.researchgate.net

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

Why should most CEOs practice mindfulness

by | Apr 8, 2022 | Lifestyle

Why should most CEOs practice mindfulness
Cultivating the ability to maintain attention in the present, without judging it, could irreversibly transform every part of our existence…
I have realized that the past and the future are true illusions; they exist in the present, which is what we have and is all there is.

—Alan Watts

The exercise of mindfulness simply involves cultivating the connection with the present moment and making it a habit. In other words, it is about allowing each thing we do, no matter how small or trivial it may seem, every event that comes our way, to be the most important thing at that moment and to have our full attention.

It is also a practice shared by most of the world’s cultural and religious systems and is closely related to various methods of meditation—such as those derived from the Zen tradition and Tibetan meditative practice. Today, mindfulness is widely known and used in medicine, education and psychology.

At its core, mindfulness meditation is the practice of being in the present moment as consciously as possible. This means being mindful of every movement, situation, breath… Over time, using this method, it is possible to increase the power of focus concentration, relieve stress, become more empathetic, etc.

How to practice mindfulness?

Getting out of your own mind and living in the present moment is the purpose of mindful meditation. A simple practice that has been gaining more and more fans over the years.

Naturally, this skill depends largely, like any other, on practicing it. Many types of meditation, for example, focus the mind on the present through attention to breathing (from the moment of birth until death, the human being inhales and exhales); others focus on the physical sensations of the body in real time, on the movement or on the sounds that exist around us. The mind naturally tends to wander and lean towards compulsive and obsessive thinking, but the technique is to bring it back without frustration, without judgment, over and over again. It is not about not thinking but observing your thoughts and returning.

With the passage of time and daily practice, the goal is no longer just to put our attention in the present but to hold it that way at will. In this way, the exercise becomes a habit and then it is possible to start practicing it inadvertently, resulting in the way of life that allows us greater awareness and the possibility of experiencing the moments of life more fully.

The benefits of mindfulness for CEOs

Why do business leaders advocate meditation instead of, say, massage or physical exercise?

The reason is that there is definitely something about mindfulness practice that seems to benefit CEOs more than physical training and other types of relaxation.

Specialists in mindfulness training for companies affirm that the growing interest among business leaders in this type of practice is mainly due to the benefits it has provided them, among which is the development of leadership skills, understanding, openness and optimism.

Mindfulness research concludes that mindfulness training improves three skills that are key to successful leadership in the 21st century: resilience, collaboration, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex conditions.

On a physical level, the practice of conscious attention is capable of developing and strengthening neural circuits in the same way that a muscle is strengthened when it is exercised; it is capable of reducing stress, insomnia, depression and anxiety; it also radically strengthens our ability to focus and concentrate.

On a less individual level, the practice of these disciplines has a potential for community transformation, as it is capable of bringing us closer to others in unexpected ways by strengthening our ability to listen to others without judging, always with kindness, generosity and compassion.

Finally, the practice of mindfulness allows a glimpse of how dazzling the present can be as it is—a lesson as simple as it is complex and as refreshing as it is essential.

Final Words

Different studies by psychologists and cognitive scientists have confirmed that mindfulness helps to strengthen the ability to regulate emotions, benefiting modern leaders who, among other things, must be able to control anger, have empathy and put themselves in the “shoes of others” for a better relationship with work teams.

The relationship between mindfulness and leadership is a fact. The question is, how long will it take to be integrated as an essential theme of managerial development in companies? Time will tell, but if a company wants to increase its effectiveness and lead the changing market, it must seriously study the implementation of mindfulness programs among its employees, and especially among its managers.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

Pamela’s 3 favourite Yoga Asanas for a healthy life

by | Oct 22, 2021 | Lifestyle

Pamela’s 3 favourite Yoga Asanas for a healthy life

When I started my own yoga practice in 2011 I was not at a good place in my life. But it was the perfect time to begin practicing yoga, and that is what I always remember when I look back to my first yoga class. In short, I can say that yoga has saved my life, literally.
Yoga is a way of living, it is a tool that offers us guidance to live our lives on this planet to the best of our abilities in harmony with our surroundings, with awareness, and heart. And if I have to put it in simple words, I can say yoga has helped me to become a better person.
Today I would like to tell you about three of my favorite asanas. You can practice on a daily basis and that supports your health on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. The reason I chose these postures is because they can be practiced by everyone, whether you are young or old, stiff or flexible, and even if you have physical health problems you can practice a variation of each of these three poses.

Malasana (Garland pose)

The first asana I recommend you to practice on a daily basis is malasana, a seated squat. Malasana is easiest to come into from standing (tadasana). I truly enjoy this asana as it opens up the hips while challenging the strength of the calf muscles, hamstring and glutes. Due to the fact that malasana is a hip-opener, it promotes digestion while opening and massaging the area of the pelvic floor. At the same time, we work on a downward energy (apāna vayu), so we also work on our stability in order to get a sense of grounding. I personally love to practice this asana around the days of my period, because I feel it supports the downward movement of my flow. As you might know, both the elimination of stools as that of the blood we lose during menstruation need to have a proper rhythm, quantity and flow for it to be healthy if we look at the Ayurvedic perspective on health. So, if you find you have problems on getting a bowel movement, you will find that sitting on the toilet seat with your legs in malasana will support you greatly since it helps opening up the anal sphincter.

If you have difficulties on keeping your balance in this asana, for instance if you can’t touch the floor with your heels, then just roll up the back of your mat to create some height, or lean against the wall for some extra support.

Viparita Karani (Broken or Half Candle pose)

One of the first asanas I learnt was Viparita Karani, and it has benefitted me so much! The best way to get into this pose is to lay down in the fetus position, so on your left or right side with your legs curled up and your glutes against the wall. Then you slowly turn on your back while bringing the soles of the feet against the wall. Then straighten your legs and touch the wall with your heels while letting the legs fall out. Personally, I like to keep a bit of distance between my bum and the wall for extra support in the lower back, especially since I suffer from scoliosis (curved spinal column). Straighten your arms with your palms facing up and keep them not too far from your hips or legs. I always recommend you try to loosen up all your muscles (yes, even your jaws and eyebrows!) and imagine you being soaked in by the earth. Viparita is a great way to end your asana practice as an alternative to savasana (corpse pose).
The benefits of this pose are endless, but its most important benefit is the rejuvenating effect that it has. Viparita Karani balances out hormones, gives the heart a good rest, and it reverts the blood flow into the legs, as to which it is highly beneficial to those suffering from varicose veins. By increasing the blood flow towards the face which finds itself in a relaxed state, it is said that it can reduce wrinkles. In case you suffer from high blood pressure, neck pain or thyroid problems, I recommend you consult with your doctor and a qualified Yoga teacher first before starting to practice this pose.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Vishes Pose)

As someone with a curved spine, I have to say this asana is one that I really enjoy since it always gives me the feeling of massaging my spine and surrounding areas. At the same time, I find it challenging not to become indulged by it, as I dread backbends (which probably means I need to practice them more, as my teacher would say ;)).

It is important for your glutes to be in contact with the floor at all times in this pose, because when you lose form, you lose the benefits as well. I like to practice ardha matsyendrasana with one leg folded, but if it is easier for you, you can keep the supported leg straight while holding the knee of your other leg (which is bent), twisting and looking over your shoulder. The hand behind the back firmly presses into the ground, while you keep space between the shoulder and the ear (avoid lifting the shoulder). Remember to keep a long and steady breath and try to find that sweet spot between relaxation, effort and steadiness.

What I like so much about ardha matsyendrasana is that it massages the organs of the digestive tract, supporting purification of the intestines, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. For those of you who are familiar with the doshas according to Ayurveda, it is good to know that although twists are beneficial to all mind-body types, this is an excellent asana for people who suffer from imbalances related to Pitta aggravation.

I hope today’s post has been of help to you. If you would like to learn more about a yogasana practice according to your needs at this moment of your life, feel free to get in touch. We are all unique in the most beautiful ways, and this also means we might need specific support in different areas of our lives.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.

How Ayurveda helps in Healing of Ailments

by | Oct 1, 2021 | Ayurveda

How Ayurveda helps in Healing of Ailments

Ayurveda helps in healing ailments

Ayurveda is an ancient science of wellbeing physically, mentally and spiritually. The human body has a tremendous capacity to heal itself in a balanced state. Almost all the ailments can be taken care of once the body, mind, and soul are in sync. By bringing the physical and psychological systems in balance we can remove the cause of disease, its symptoms and then allow the damaged system to heal itself. The psychological state of an individual should be calm, relaxed, and stable so that it isn’t stimulated by external triggering factors and the body is in healing mode.

Ayurveda takes care of physical and emotional health

Ayurveda guides people to be conscious about their physical and emotional health by the way they conduct their day-to-day life. A dedicated and consistent approach to balance the doshas (the unique pattern of bio forces) of the body by following Ayurveda, Yoga Meditation and diet makes a conducive environment for any disease to heal faster.

Follow Ayurvedic Diet

Ayurveda had long back established the relation between our eating habits and our health, hence it becomes important to nourish ourselves as per Ayurveda guidelines to be a healthier being. Consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, salads, herbal teas, milk, nuts, seeds, honey, freshly prepared food on a daily basis are beneficial for your health. Use of Frozen and processed food items, preserved, fermented, deep fried, too spicy foods, food containing artificial colours, flavours should be limited. Non vegetarian preparations, alcohol and caffeine should be consumed in moderation.

Ayurveda has given immense importance to physical activity to attain a desirable health .Yoga is an important part of Ayurveda which helps to maintain the physiological functions of the body to run smoothly. It is just not about certain postures but bringing the body to follow a certain kind of dynamics so that the energies flow freely in the body and therefore enhancing the quality of life.

Ayurveda on Sexual Wellness

Ayurveda has given a lot of emphasis on sexual wellness, which is very often ignored by many of us, but has a very significant effect on our health. Ayurveda has a separate segment known as vajikarna chikitsa which recommends the use of herbal supplements and panchkarma treatments to enhance sexual wellness as it contributes in the emotional health of an individual and healing.

Meditation is again a very important part of Yoga which heals the souls. Meditation enhances spiritual health. It uplifts the vibrations and energies of an individual to overcome the ailment and helps in healing faster.
Dr. Nidhi Navani

Dr. Nidhi Navani

Healer at ASHAexperience

Ayurvedic Doctor with hand full of 20 years of experience in curing various health issues like Haemarroids, Anal Fissures, Fistula, Cervical Spondylosis, Lumbar Spondylosis, Knee Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

We believe in collaborative relationship-based care where our Ayurvedic Doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Supplement Brands, Ayurvedic Nutritionists & Chefs, Yoga, and Meditation Trainers are in sync. Contact the team who passionately works together to hold your hand in this healing journey.