Ayurvedic Retreat India
Monday 07 Sep 2015
SOMATHEERAN AYRUVEDIC HOSPITAL & RESORT. --- Diary of Dennis Sheppard, August 2015
These are some notes I have written about the treatment we received when Heidi and I spent a couple of weeks at the Somatheeram Ayruvedic Hospital and Resort in Kerala India, in August of 2015. We learnt a great deal about the benefits of the natural Ayurvedic process and as the diary will testify this Resort is a great exemplar of wonderful treatment with holiday and rest you will receive at Somatheeram. I have written a poem to express this sentiment. (Click here to read).
On arrival there is first a Diagnosis process, then Prescriptions and Treatment Regime (Massage etc.)
Day One --- Start of the purgative era.
The initial Ayurveda consultation was very detailed and deep. The questionnaire covered everything from childhood illnesses, disabilities, broken bones, operations, family history, including parents and siblings. I had two doctors and one was feeling my pulse as the questions were being checked and verified with additional information on the form. An assessment was made of your ayurvedic type.
I am a Kapha (Water & Earth) with Pitha (Fire & Ether). Heidi is a Kapha (Water & Earth) then Vartha (Air & Ether). These are the imbalances to be worked on. These three category’s Kapha Pitha & Vartha are the foundations of ayurvedic medicine. My Doctors are Dr Sunni and Dr Reshar and Masseuse (Therapist) Tinsa. (who would like to be an Ayurveda Doctor (5 years study) but at 30 has probably missed the boat. Saji is my second therapist. I will write more about the Ayurvedic process later in this blog
Once a diagnosis had been made and issues selected for treatment, Natural herbs were dispensed from herbs grown largely on the property. I have a natural tablet for “joint pain aches & stiffness”, one for flatulence and bowel movements (to regularise since my bowel cancer operation) and finally a remedy for my lungs and my lifelong persistent cough brought about from the Bronchiectasis I had as a child.
My lady Doctor says I will be like a new born baby when I leave!
The first massage treatments:
Male on Male --- Female on Female.
First I sit naked on a stool, then, there is a little ceremony to start. He lights up the oil burner. Angelie (Prayer sign) to me, then with his hand on his heart he looks at me to make a connection and seems to seal it with small rubs of herbal oil to feet and then on top of my head followed by a rub of oil applied to various descending parts of the body top to bottom finishing under each of my feet.
Oil and massage to head/scalp first while sitting on chair. Concentration on crown first!
Then top part of the body ending with each arm extended, massaging down to fingers, and then pulling each one in turn. He made the comment that I am strong when doing this. (Sounded nice!)
Then there was a request to lie face down on table. The masseuse started with strong sweeping movements --- moving energy. The movement was from top to bottom of body discharging at feet, then across the body from bum up. Both of these actions are done in turn from either side. This is followed by concentrated movements on individual parts of body. In around the neck even fingers in ears with oil, Back, Arms with hands & fingers. This was followed with the Legs, Thighs, Calf’s, Feet, Heels and Toes, again from both sides. My feet had special care taken around the Heel Spur, with attention to bone at back of heel and pain points. After my back was finished it was time to turn and lay on my back with the same procedure repeated for front. All massaging was done with liberal use of Herbal Oils. My “repetitive strain injury” on upper right arm was also concentrated on with mostly strong sweeping movements.
On the first day the session included a second part. I was asked to lie on my back with some general massage to start but was finished with a pounding of a poultice formed into a pounder with special ingredients inside a textured gauze cloth. I lay wondering what was being prepared. The poultice contained a paste of herbal powder including Almonds, Cucumber, Ghee, Honey, and I think milk and herbal oils. A lot of different stuff all prescribed by the Doctor. I have found out that this treatment is the first part, called the purgative stage. Purging toxins!
Pounding started around the base of back where I had mentioned it sometimes gets pain. Then around the neck which I appreciated because it seemed to allow my head to turn around better. Earlier he had massaged my neck with it in the turned position each side. Pounding was quite long and done be two masseuses, one on each side. They worked in unison which felt nice. Then there was a facial mask with Cucumber on eyes and same mixture of ingredients rubbed in over face. This was left on while I rested for five or ten minutes or so.
The mask was removed with an invitation to sit back on stool to be wiped down with a cloth. I was then invited to stand and a maroon robe was offered for modesty and instructions not to shower for at least 1 hour. The maroon robes are a common sight around the campus, even in the dining room.
The recommendations on my chart from the Doctors also included Yoga and Meditation. These sessions are available at various times with instruction or if you like in the halls or elsewhere by yourself.
Day two
Second day started at the clinic with an appointment with the Doctor. She asked for feedback and told me what was planned for the day. My Masseuse then offered me a glass of Ghee to drink, then down to the treatment rooms. The beginning ceremony and initial massage was the same or similar to the one above except that at the end I was left to lie on my back to rest.
At the end of the massage I was curious about the sizzling spluttering and hissing I could hear. It was an electric fry pan with specially prepared boiling Herbal Oil. They made pounding poultices again but this time dipped them in boiling oil and then straight onto my front. The poultices were gauze cloths fill with 12 herbal powders and lemon. Once again two masseuses went into action in unison with one on each side. The action was sweeping from top to bottom. Shoulder to palm of hands and bum cheek to foot and under from back or alternatively at side. Both in unison going over all surfaces liberally! Sometimes they would finish the sweep with a rubbing which felt nice because the poultice was in a towelling type, gauze flannel that had texture. Each sweep needed fresh hot oil.
When the front was done I turned over on right side and my back and side was done with the same sweeps and rubs and individual circuits of movement ending at hands or bottom of feet with rubbing. I then turned to left side into a sort of recovery position as before, with the same procedure. They wrung the poultices out each time, but continued until the Hot Herbal oil was finished.
Next Tinsa concentrated on the Heel Spur on my RH foot as I lay on my back. Strong reflexology pressure was applied all over. He made a paste from the Doctor’s prescription and applied it. My foot was bandaged and instructions given for it not to be removed for at least one hour.
Like the first day, the session lasted 2 hours 2:00pm until 4:00 after which we went back to the clinic to sit and rest with a herbal drink prepared for my Dosha correction (Pitha). The other Dosha drinks were there in separate urns for people needing other corrections. Appointment for the next day was made at this time.
Day three
The third day was a similar/same treatment to yesterday including the bandaged foot and the glass of warm Ghee, but as an extra I asked about my gluey left ear which they included in today’s treatment with herbal drops and a plug for 1 hour. There was stronger work done on my arm with the “repetitive strain injury”. When on my back the elbow was taken behind until pain was there. He massaged into the pain and stretched it further. When standing he pulled my arm up strait and back to a place it had not been for a while, massaging it further into the pain. It did feel good. Timing was 2 hours same as other days and ended with the Doctor giving more/extra medicine for my cough and nice encouragement. I did see him at the beginning for a consultation --- blood pressure was back at 170/70, yesterday it was 160/70 and first day it was 170/70, all just at the edge of normal for my age, as it usually is. My heart rate has been constant at 75. I feel the Doctor is looking out for me. In fact both Doctors are --- the young girl Doctor has taken a more of an interest since I asked her if she drank Ghee and she said no, not for a while to her amusement!
The masseuse hasn’t drunk it for a while either and they both seem to enjoy my protestation. Drinking the Ghee is fine.
Day Four
Treatment on day four was the same/similar to the last. Still taking the Ghee! It is purgative and this part of the treatment is purging the body. Presumably of toxins! Foot was bandaged again. It is feeling better! Blood pressure today 180/80! Lady Doctor Reshar said it was still OK. Pulse rate 72. As my ear was still gluey --- blocking and unblocking, Dr Suni prescribed the side of my face around the ear to be coated in what feels like Vicks or Tiger Balm but it is black. He said it would penetrate to draw out the glug. The upshot of this is that I need to go to dinner in my robe. Heidi is not too happy as she says Julie told her it needs to be formal in the evening. The trouble is I am not allowed to shower until 8:00pm. So I am going to go to dinner in my robes and with the black still painted on my face. Many people attend the Dining room in their robes as people have their treatments at all different times.
Tinsa started to treat my “repetitive strain injury” more aggressively today. He got his partner to stretch my arm up to bring on pain and then massaged deep heat or similar into it. Massaging into the pain!
The Doctor seems to have taken a special interest in me. He came in to see how it was going at the treatment. He has given me his favourite student in Tinsa. He said he is strong and he is obviously competent and to my mind does stand out amongst all the Masseuses (Therapists). Dr always asks me how he is going. I say he is really good; he smiles and says, “I don’t think so!” You can tell he is his favourite. I guess all the young men and woman doing the treatments aspire to become Doctors. I am sure Tinsa will.
This form of medical help is certainly very different. I do feel blessed being able to come here and be part of it. It would be prohibitively expensive in our country. The medication too all seems to be very good. I am aware that they grow most around the Campus. (We are going on a tour of their herb gardens.) They do however have a lot of tubes and prescription bottles of stuff that must be bought in. It is all used very liberally. It is all part of the cost of our package. The food is also very good and a lot of attention is paid by the staff to try and get you to eat to the plan. That is, in a way that is beneficial for your treatment. I am a bit of a Philistine in this area. I do tend to eat what takes my eye. Heidi on the other hand has her menu and searches out the food she should eat, and all the waiters and staff in the dining room help her.
I did want to record the interesting technique used to finish each section of massage. While I am sitting on the stool the masseuse will clasp his hands together and turn them on the side, he uses his fingers to set up a delayed percussive action, drumming an extended vibration very gently into the body. He uses both hands to do it and travels all over the areas just massaged. Then finally he uses the tips of has finger to tickle an even gentler vibration. Using both hands to travel over all points massaged and usually ending at a chakra point like the belly button. Just the last part of what I just described was generally used when I was lying down. It is a very pleasant conclusion.
Day Five
The fifth session today was the last day of purgative treatment. The last glass of warm ghee! We were both given an extra purgative medicine that we need to drink tonight at 9:00pm. It will apparently cause us to go to the toilet overnight. Tomorrow is a change in the treatment.
Today’s treatment was much the same as yesterday. Bandage and ointment on the “heel spur” foot, Extra ointment and work on “repetitive strain” arm injury. Tinsa worked it to new extremes and massaged the pain. Ear treatment applied again, same as yesterday. It is still blocking and unblocking. Treatment is designed to draw out gunk.
The Massaging regime was similar/same as yesterday. Blood Pressure 150/80, Heart Rate 72.
Day Six --- Start of Remedial treatment --- Herbal water bath
The sixth session marked the finish of the purgative treatment and the beginning of the remedial treatment. A special day! I had a feedback session with the head of hospital today. They certainly want feedback good and bad about the treatment and the staff. So last night my little friend in the bottle of oil I had to drink at 9:00pm last night came to visit me at 1:30am 3:30am and 5:30am. It certainly cleaned me right out. Heidi had a similar experience. There was more rumbling than the thunder!
Today’s treatment started with the usual prayers and angelie. Then oil spotting but no massage on the stool. So straight onto my back for a gentle massage, first for the head, then the back and legs with reflexology on my feet, then turn over for the front and legs. At this stage it was just Tinsa. He finished this stage with a cool cream massaged into my face for about 5 minutes. This is a usual part of the treatment on all days I am not sure if I mentioned it before.
Next I had to sit on the stool while they prepared the table. Saji had come in. The table is a solid wood thing with a recess cut into the top. It reminded me of the tables I have seen in the mortuary to stop fluids running everywhere. There is a drain hole at the end. I had to lie on the table on my back first. There were two large “tea pot” containers (Arabian Nights) on the end and I could see a big vat of hot brown fluid. It was boiled herbal water with almond oil in it. Apparently very curative!
They poured the hot water over me in unison. There was one person on each side pouring in the usual sweeps --- as they would do if massaging, then ending with hands or feet. It did feel rather nice. To add to the effect the thunder that had been rumbling for the past half hour turned into a downpour. My treatment room for the past couple of times has been one on the front row with the views over the palms and ocean. The first one was in the middle of the building and opened only to an excavated cut that is stabilised with little plants and moss that grows on the cut. It was a gloomy room, but it had its charm. Because this new room is the end room there are two sides open making it very light and well connected to the palm trees and the sea. The effect of the hot Almond water and the rain was very appealing.
When my front was finished I had to roll on my right side first where the same sweeping/pouring took place. The action is the same as if massaging but with just the almond water making the contact.
After this it was onto the left side for the same treatment and then on the back again.
At this point I had a facial. Cucumbers on the eyes and a cool cream made of almonds, honey, banana, papaya, milk and what they call herbal powder. While one guy was applying this, Tinsa was treating my “repetitive strain injury” arm with a penetrating paste. He then did my “heel spur” foot with the same almond paste and bandaged it. I was left then for about 15minutes to rest.
To finish I sat on the stool and had the penetrating black cream that goes around my ear. This is to draw out the glug. (This black paste on the side of my face is always a hit in the dining room --- lots of comments!) My ear is getting better. It opened completely for some time today before closing up again. I definitely hear better when my ear is open. So with my foot, my ear, my arm, my cough, and my flexibility all being treated I had to give feedback to the Director. What can you say!
Blood Pressure today was 140/80 and pulse rate was 70.
Day Seven This is the start of the so called religious treatment. Herbal oil bath. Annointing!
So different, what a lot to remember! This is billed as a religious session. It started in the clinic with a herb drink specific for me. It is to balance Pitha and Vatha. It has a herb call Casta!
Blood pressure 140/80 and pulse rate 70.
Started on the stool with same angelie, prayer and oil spotting, then more attention massaging head and tying a gauze band around my forehead after putting a special prepared herbal powder and oil mixture on my crown an rubbing it in with ceremony. It came in a little brass container. After these preparations I was invited onto the open recessed table (no cushion --- it was ready for oil) Lying first on my stomach. Saji was there from the start today.
They had hot oil heating in a container. Tinsa and Saji worked in unison with little pourers. They dripped hot oil from feet to neck and then started a massage with their hands together, one person on each side sweeping up and down in a kind of figure eight from each foot and up along the leg on side of bottom side of body, then sweeping around down the back over the bottom and back to foot. The coordination was really marked and felt really nice. At times they would vary the unity with a counter rhythm that also felt nice. Then onto back for the same procedure, sometimes varying the routine by stopping at pelvis and going back down and other times coming down from top to pelvis and back to shoulder. I was very slippery. But this was only the beginning.
With the herbal oil heated they swapped the massage to the pourers and started to pour very liberal amounts of oil in the same figure eight patterns, again all in unison. The oil was very warm and after a few sweeps it was literally everywhere but contained on the recessed table top. Both men stopped from time to time to help the pool of oil building up to go down the hole to be recycled back to the heated pan. After refilling the pan three times they asked me to lie on the side and the same routine was applied. They did their figure eights in unison for three pan refills and then the other side. Finally they asked me to lie on my back with a little more hot oil applications and both men helped me to sit up on the table. They both had a coconut palm leaf section to use as a scraper and started to scrape of the oil. Then they wiped me down while still sitting on the table. Remarkably they removed a lot of oil. I was helped back onto the stool where they continued to clean the oil.
The table was cleaned and prepared with the cushions and covers. I was then asked to lie on my back and an apparatus for dripping oil onto the forehead was set up. Warm oil was again prepared and my eyes were covered and they prepared a kind of gauze bund to my forehead to direct the oil where they wanted it to go. Before the oil my “heel spur” foot was rubbed and massaged and a bandage with herbal paste prescribed by the Doctor was applied and covered with a bandage.
The bowl above my head had a string coming out of the hole to direct the oil. The hot oil was added and the dripping started. The men were moving the string so it went from side to side to allow the oil to go right over my forehead. It felt very nice indeed. While this was happening Tinsa prepared another bandage with some sort of penetrating paste to go on my “repetitive strain Injury “arm. It was applied just inside my arm while I lay there.
The dripping hot oil on the forehead lasted a long time maybe 15 to 20 minutes. I thought a long time for them to concentrate on going back and forward, and they never missed a beat. Perhaps they swapped the job at times. It was a lovely experience.
Before I was invited back to the stool I had some eye drops dripped into my eyes to clear the eyes! After that it was head back for drops up the nose. (They felt like they were penetrative, like deep heat but not as severe). Tinsa then did some exercises holding one of my nostrils while I snorted then the other, back and forth a few times. I immediately felt them in my mouth and the passages clear. Moving to the stool Then eyes closed and there was a steam that was waved under my nose and around my face. I was encouraged to breathe it in. The steam is spiked with a herbal infusion.
Then an apparatus like an ear horn (It looked like a 17th century invention) and the smoke appeared again. There was a cup against my ear and a brass tube from the cup to an upside down cup that the smoke went under. Saji blew into another opening that must have been like a venturi that forced the smoke into my ear. The gluey ear cleared momentarily showing that it is affective. I could hear fully again for a while. They tell me my gluey ear will clear before I leave. I finished this section with a gargle, It was basically water taste but no doubt has some remedy included.
The last part of the session was painting the black war paint onto my ear again for the “gluey ear” and some final work on the “repetitive strain injury arm” It went right back, held up by Saji while Tinsa stretched and massaged into the pain. They really know what they are doing. They are great guys. With all the oil in my hair they finished me off with a head scarf that makes me look like a pirate ow hah! In every treatment, they always put something (some sort of powder they get from a tin) right on top of head each time they finish. I later learned that it was a herbal powder that goes in a specific spot on the head. They do measure it with their fingers. It is a finish and is probably more a religious thing. This session was told to me to be a religious session! It was great!
Day Eight
The day’s treatment was almost a carbon copy of yesterday. At the interview in the clinic though, the Doctor noticed that my left arm was redder and asked what it was. It was sunburn. We had been out in the morning for a boat trip on the backwaters of Kerala. We were in a covered boat but my left arm was in the sun and was slightly red. Nothing too much that I would ordinarily complain about, but he told Tinsa to treat it. So Tinsa put some sort of balm on it while I was having the oil dripped onto my forehead. He had already applied the paste and gauze and bandaged the “heel spur” foot.
When I was back on the stool at the end he again worked on my “repetitive strain injury” arm. It is almost back to normal. He had it raised to the same height as my normal arm. It was sore but he massaged the pain. Because my gluey ear is proving to be difficult, special effort was made in blowing herbal smoke into it and applying the ointment to draw the glug out.
The lady doctor with some mirth asked how I went with the mosquitos last night. I had told her yesterday when asked how I slept that night that I was woken a couple of times in the night because we had two or three mosquitos in our sleeping tent with us. This is an “Arabian Nights” affair mosquito net that goes right over our enormous bed. It does look very romantic. She had said that after the Spiritual Treatment I was to have that day I would sleep like a baby and not notice any mosquitos. She is a bit of a character.
Blood Pressure 135/84. Pulse rate 72
The Backwaters tour
This is a free tour offered by the hotel. We drove in the hotel RUV to a village a couple of villages away (25minutes) and went down onto what they call the backwater. As you would imagine there are plenty of people plying the trade. The back water is a series of lagoons that drain through the jungle. It is a beautiful place. Brown waters but relatively clean, no smells or anything. I guess the rain flushes them regularly. We were told the waters are normally a green colour but are brown today because the rain over the past couple of nights. We took a main wide route in 6 seater boat first and then went off down some smaller tributaries. Many people live along the edge and at places there are even steps down where mostly men were washing themselves. They seemed used of people photographing their ablutions. Most of the trip was natural though and we saw a kingfisher and many sea eagles. Very prevalent here! We ended up in a type of estuary. We could see the ocean. There are resorts there. It did look a divine place. We got off the boat and walked over to the ocean. There were of course traders along the way. The sea was roped off, and there was a guy stopping people trying to walk around it. The sea here does seem to be tricky. The surf is strong and there are rips and dangerous undertows everywhere. I guess he was like a life guard. The rope still allowed us to get our feet wet. The ocean does break through to the lagoons at times but they always remain as fresh water. Probably because of the high rainfall here! We met quite a few Indians holidaying from Mumbai. This is a truly magical place.
Day Nine --- The Powder massage
Once again today was a similar/same to yesterday. Blood Pressure 150/70 Pulse Rate 72.
I had mentioned that my heels were starting to grow skin again. Chaffing the sheets at night! I do not know how with all the oil going in! Anyway I was thinking that they may simply file them like I do at home but no, another cream was unveiled. White and soft! It went on first to both heels as I was receiving the forehead oiling and before my bandage was for the “Heel Spur” was applied.
More cream for the sunburnt arm along with a warning from the Doctor that I should not let that happen.
I had mentioned my ear is still gluey, so the Doctor ordered a longer smoking in the ear and I have to go back at 6:00pm for him to put some drops in. He came to the treatment a couple of times today and heard me cough once or twice so when I returned to the clinic, he had extra tablets for the congestion to be taken before meals. He also gave me more cough syrup.
Day Ten --- Change of treatment.
Blood Pressure, 140/70 Pulse Rate, 68
Today was a change in treatment. The beginning part went back to a more standard massage as experienced in the first part at the start.
First I sit naked on a stool, then, there is a little ceremony to start. He lights up the oil burner. Angelie to me, then with his hand on his heart he looks at me to make a connection and seems to seal it with small rubs of herbal oil to feet and then on top of my head followed by a rub of oil applied to various descending parts of the body, top to bottom finishing under each of my feet.
Oil and massage to head/scalp first while sitting on chair. Concentration on crown first!
Then top part of the body and back ending with each arm extended, massaging down to fingers, and then pulling each one in turn.
Then there was a request to lie face down on table. The masseuse started with strong sweeping movements --- moving energy. The movement was from top to bottom of body discharging at feet, then across the body from bum up. Both of these actions are done in turn from either side. This is followed by concentrated movements on individual parts of body. In around the neck, Back, Arms with hands & fingers. This was followed with the Legs, Thighs, Calf’s, Feet, Heels and Toes, again from both sides. My feet had special care taken around the Heel Spur, with attention to bone at back of heel and pain points. After my back was finished it was time to turn and lay on my back with the same procedure repeated for front. All massaging was done with liberal use of Herbal Oils. This treatment ended with a reflexology treatment of my feet. Pain nearly non-existent now!
The second part of the treatment was called a powder massage. I lie on the table on my back, and they prepare poultices that have powder that leaks out. The active ingredient is Kattachukathe Churman. The poultices are heated on an electric griddle. Both Masseuses wear face mask as I do. They must be trying to stop the particulates from getting inside. They also blocked up my gluey ear. Then there starts a procedure of tapping on my body. Each masseuse doing the job from each side! Somewhat in unison but a little bit higgle-ti-piggledy. It definitely leaves traces of powder all over you which I suppose it gets into the body. I guess they would do 2-3 minutes with each poultice before changing it. And there about 4 changes of poultice for each turn. So when the front is done it’s onto the right side and then the left, then return to the back. Then roll onto my back again. At the end while on my back, Tinsa came back to do a facial treatment. Cool cream massaged on and into my face. Very Pleasant!
After cleaning me down I sat back on the stool and was presented with a foot bath. It had herbal water in it with the active ingredient being Dhasamoola Kashayam. Tinsa then did my “repetitive strain injury” arm stretching it to normal positions. It did not feel so sore this morning. I think it is nearly better. He then put the new cream on my feet and put the gauze paste on and bandaged it.
I go back to the clinic tonight at 6:00pm to have my ear treated. Last night the Doctor put a liquid in that felt like it sizzled. He said it is hard wax. He thought he would get it all out by tonight. I can certainly hear well when it is open. As usual the finish was back at the clinic with a drink of warm Pitha water.
Our treatment was at 8:00am today so we can go to an Ayurvedic lecture at 2:00pm. It is the same time tomorrow so we can go on the tour of their herb garden at 2:30pm tomorrow.
Ayurvedic Lecture 2:30
It turns out Heidi and I were the only ones in attendance, and the lecturer was my Doctor. So he spent half an hour explaining its origins 6000 years ago when illness first began to be noticed or at least some kind of effective self-awareness was coming into existence. How it started as a spiritual endeavour to find out why illness comes. In communing with the universe and self-reflecting they discovered the 3 Dhosa’s (Kafha Pitha and Vartha) and how these Dhosa’s can get out of balance with each other when the “earth, air, fire, water and ether” became unbalanced. They recognised the areas of body, below the Umbilical in its natural state as Vartha; from the Umbilical to the heart is Pitha and then Heart to top of head is Kapha. We are all made up from each one of these Dosha’s into a Tri-Dosha system. The yoga chakra system would eventually fit into this vision. They learnt the qualities of these elements in sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter and astringent. They learnt how to read signals from these elements when this unbalance was present by learning to read the pulse and recognise its different pressures. They use three fingers, the first for Vartha, the second for Pitha, and the third for Kafha. They adjust the pressure to read the sign. They then use food and medicine (Plants (herbs) from the earth with the specific Dhosa characteristics required) to bring the system back to balance and health. This eventually included Yoga and Meditation. I will expand on this system later to add in what the Doctor has taught us.
Because we were his only students and we had already bought a book written by his colleague at this hospital, he said for us to read the book and come back for another session on Sunday at 4:30.
Day Eleven
Pulse: 130/80 --- Pulse: 70
Today was a carbon copy of yesterday. Checked my sunburn, bandaged my “heel spur” foot after cream on both feet and application of a herbal paste gauze. Worked on my “repetitive strain Injury” arm! It is getting back to normal. I went to the clinic yesterday afternoon to have my ear looked at. He put some liquid in again that sizzled, and by the time I took the cotton wool plug out it seemed clear but I don’t think it is still right, and now the other ear is coming out in sympathy. More work for the Doctor to do. Today we go on the tour of the Somatheeram herb garden and medicine making facility.
Kovelar
This evening we had a trip to Leela Palace for dinner with the Italians. It is a 5 star hotel in the fishing village of Kovelar. Ten of us left Somatheeram to go for dinner that had something different to eat. 3 taxis 200rp each and the drivers will wait to bring us home at 10:30pm. Beautiful food including some Western food with Italian, Pizza (Margarethe) Nocci etc! The Indian food was magnificent too. The sweets were as good as it comes. The hotel is built around a former leader’s holiday house. Quite grand with its own beach! We rode in golf buggies down to the beach. It is a long and fairly steep Promenade walk. The beach is set up for sun bathing and swimming in the ocean but also had eating and a night club arrangement that looked very nice. It cost us nearly $90 Australian including drinks. Expensive for here but in the end well worth it. The company was great, Ludovico (The Lefty) and his wife Paola from Milano and Alfredo the Ex Diplomat and his wife Maria also from Milano. They know all about travel and the world. Wonderful company!
Herbal Garden Tour
We were a little underwhelmed by the Herbal Garden Tour. We were expecting to visit Somatheeram’s growing areas and facility where they make all their medications, but that was not to be. It is 20 km away and we were only 4 people. We were taken around the clinic garden by one of the Doctors who pointed out lots if interesting things about the various plants growing there and told of the various ailments each of them address. We finished off with the Doctor who wrote the book I am currently reading for our appointment with my Doctor tomorrow so he can complete his lecture.
It was worthwhile though and did deepen our knowledge of Ayurveda.
Said goodbye to the Perth Group tonight! Also Claudia (the model!) from Roma, and some of the Italians! Many Europeans here, especially Germans! The owner commutes between Germany and here to live. We met him. His father the founder had just died three weeks ago. Very nice man!
Day Twelve --- The milk bath
The start of today’s session was the same as yesterday. Devotions, then Stool Massage, then gentle table massage --- 4 sides and facial massage.
I come off the table to sit on the stool while they clean the table and removed the padding. Then lying on my back, both masseuses use tea pot urns to pour warm milk over my body, again in the unison motion. Four applications then a rub down and onto the side! 4 applications then the other side! Another 4 applications then onto my back with more application to front! They lift me to seated position then apply 2 applications across my front and back each. Finish with a fascial massage with cool cream and massage on face and ears.
Back onto the stool for a herbal foot bath for 10 minutes or so, during which time Tinsa applied the deep heat into my “Repetitive Strain Injury” arm and massage it. He stretched it right out and he took it across into painful areas and massaged into the pain. Remove the foot bath and apply cream to my heels, apply the gauze with herbal paste and bandage it.
Sunday Lecture Extension with the Doctor
We arrived at 4:00 and everything was pretty busy. My Doctor told us to wait and eventually the Head of the Unit; the lady Dr Sreelatha who wrote the book we had to study came and said she was to take us for the lecture.
We went through the questions we had with her.
She drew a diagram that started with Water Air Fire Earth and Ether. Then the DOSHA’S come in Vartha (Movement and Activity), Pithha (Transformation & Warmth), Kapha(Strength). Then the DHARTHUS come on the scene --- which are Plasma, Blood, Muscle, Fat, Bone, Bone marrow, Semen/Ovam. These Dharthus are regualated by the AGNI which is analogous to the energy (solar or photosynthesis) from the Universe. It metabolises and drives the systems. It does this inside what they call the elementary canals built into the Dharthus that are responsible for digestion and metabolism. This is mediated by what is known as the Jadaragni and the Dhathwagni! The next process is the MALAS which refers to the excreta, namely Sweat, Urine and Faeces. It includes other things to like hair, nails and snot.
We then had an interesting discussion around what I would call the energy that drives all of this process. She says it is the MIND. Ayruveda calls it as the sixth sense similar to Buddhism. It also has three Dosha’s called SATWA, RAJA and THAMAS. Satwa stands for Consciousness and is the purity of mind. Raja stands for Energy and Dynamism and Thamas stand for Mass, Inertia and Stability. These three processes are responsible for the perpetual uniting, separating and reuniting in the world. This should be seen on the large universal scales as well as in the small microscopic and quantum levels. There are all resonant. There is a lot that can be said about this process and insights we can have into what we allow ourselves to get involved with, (What we allow our consciousness to bathe in! How we condition it!) However, back to the structure we are looking at. The List of diseases of the Mind in Ayurveda is RAGA --- Attachment of the desire to possess. DVESHA --- Hatred. LOBHA --- Greed. MADA --- Pride. MOHA --- False belief or dreaming of things that are never going to happen. MALTSAYYA --- Hostility. DAMBH --- Over estimation of one’s importance and power. AHANKARA --- Ego or self-identification.
Only Mind can restrain Mind. Thus each person has three aspects of personality. SARIRKA --- (Physical or Somatic). MANASIKI --- (Psychological or mental). ADHYATMIKA --- (Spiritual). It is these three aspects that always try to keep and maintain a perfect co-ordination and harmony. Taken all together, this is called LIFE (Ayus) This is obviously a simplified version and does not expand on the subtlety’s that extend all the way through.
One thing I did want to mention was the word “Unctuous”. A word that was often spoken by my Doctor! It is a quality which seems to figure high in Kapha and somewhat less so in Pitha. It points to an affectation characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervour, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug. A “slipperiness”, presumably to slip in or fit into situations that are difficult. (I am now starting to put my own slant on the word). I don’t necessarily think the word is used to criticise or devalue, in fact, in the context I am thinking about, I believe it is used to try and raise up and normalise human existence into the most important creation. It helps to build our dreams! To see us as valued and on the top of the evolution pyramid! In my Buddhist terms this idea is one that I believe might be one of the most powerful forces that keep us from seeing the truth that is there in the heart of the present moment.
I will discuss this idea in a blog at a later date.
Day Thirteen.
Another milk bath and session the same as yesterday! I am learning now how to really relax into these sessions. Bowels loose today. I am not eating much so suspect I am purging. Blood Pressure 140/70 Pulse Rate 72!
Trivandrum
We had a trip outside the compound today, the first except for dinner the other night. We went shopping mainly to the big department store call Pothi’s. There was a big sale where all of India is getting ready for ONAN day. It is a celebration for families --- like Xmas for us. We have had new flower mandalas made in the lobby for the past week to get ready for the day this Thursday. Heidi wants to be involved in a mandala competition for guests on Thursday (The big day) which incidentally is the day we leave. So there were three floors of Sari’s at Pothi’s. Everyone has new clothes for the day so this is a very big thing for the retail business. I bought some new shoes $65 and open leather sandals $60. We bought dresses for presents and Heidi bought decorated embodied edging tape. We visiting the big Ayurvedic book shop “Prabhus”, next to the training college and then a snack at the most beautiful restaurant called “Villa Maria”. It was an old palace where the king would have his courtiers and consorts. It was a place to train women and men to be in the presence of royalty. The Taxi driver took us to some places where he gets commission but we were either too tired or not interested. Taxi for the afternoon was 1000Rp with 100rp tip. Taxi drivers all have an angle. We are getting 46.5Rp for the OZ. One Euro gets 73Rps It went down to 45Rp by the end of the holiday.
Day Fourteen.
Not much to add here as it was again a copy of yesterday. It is very nice to have this treatment. It is given generously, lovingly and spiritually. I had told Tinsa that I was a Buddhist and told him a little of my life. Today, as he started he recited the Devotions to the Triple Gem. Buddham Suranam Katchammi, Dharman Suranam Katchammi, Sangham Suranam Katchammi. He said he just knew it.
Blood Pressure 140/70 Pulse rate 72, same as yesterday.
Exit Interview
I ended up attending an exit interview in the afternoon. Heidi had to go as she had an appointment. She dobbed on my being loose of bowel and the Doctor was ringing my room. It rang out the first time because I thought it could not be for me. Then it started ringing again persistently and I realised it was in our room, so I answered and it was the Doctor asking me how I was. He told me to come straight around. Both of my Doctors were there and the lady was light heartedly scolding me for not coming to see her. I had told the Doctor on duty in the morning that I had a runny tummy for a couple of days and I did say it was not normal but I was not too concerned about it, I thought I was just purging. He did say to see my doctor when I returned from treatment but somehow I did not see them to follow up. So now they gave me some stuff; powder that was to be mixed with honey and it had an immediate but very gentle effect. They also went through a plan I should follow at home and gave me a plan for 3months supply of the herbal medication I am having. He said it will eventually stop the cough I have. I also have 3 month of medication to help keep my joints flexible. My medication cost about $50-$60.
Day Fifteen --- New treatment (Massage with Feet and Steam Bath)
Blood Pressure 140/90 Pulse Rate 72
First part of treatment was the same as usual only this time assistant Saji did the massage on the stool. When this was finished it was on the table for a double massage, a masseuse either side. First on front and they massaged my back and legs. Liberal oil was used with each person working in unison with both hands, each doing a side. Rhythmic and in time with each other! It felt quite symbiotic. Full length of body and then half body circuits --- bum to feet and bum to neck! After about 10 minutes then onto the back for the front to have similar treatment. Saji came in then to do the facial treatment and massage. Cool cream and massage to face and ears.
I sat in the corner while Tinsa prepared the mattress for the foot massage. Then I went onto the mattress on my front while he did my back and legs. He has one foot on the floor and supports himself from a ring that hangs from the ceiling. His feet are really dexterous. He seems to be able to use them in the same way as his hands even using the same percussive techniques. Of course the pressure he can apply is much greater, and you can feel his force and restraint as is appropriate. When the back was done it was over to lie on my back while he did the front. He even did the bottoms of my feet. It was very interesting.
The table was then prepared for drainage and I was invited to lie on the back. Tinsa and Saji had prepared some warm herbal water and had it in a bowl on the electric heater. They filled their Arabian Nights pourers and proceeded to bathe me in water from top to bottom, one on each side and in unison. Refilling about 3 times before rinsing me down with their hands again in unison! The same treatment was applied for the both sides and then on the back again. After a couple more rinses they assisted me to sit. And then a couple of more passes finishing with my back. Rinsing me down and cleaning with clothes and then helping me to sit.
The last part of the treatment today was a steam bath. Tinsa took me to a little room behind the clinic where after disrobing; I hopped into a box with a lid and front. There is a pipe coming in from the rear that brings the steam. I am not sure how it is generated. Tinsa went outside to regulate it but he could make it hotter or colder. I had a towel around the hole in the top just like in the old American sit-coms and films. The bath went for about 15 minutes. I was nice and I did sweat a bit.
Back in the clinic after treatment for a coconut which I gave to Hiedi, I asked about my ears again and had drops put into them both. I still think there is wax in them. They are better now.
Day Sixteen
Today was the same treatment as yesterday with Saji still doing the first part! It was a carbon copy except that there was no steam bath. Tinsa did treat my arm again for the last time. Saji held it up and he gave it a good workout. They both gave it their best shot. I had my treatment early today because Heidi wanted to go in the flower Mandela completion for ONAM day which is today.
Tinsa gave me a coconut at the clinic when we had finished, which I took over to the Yoga Hall where Heidi had started with her design.
ONAM DAY
Heidi had been planning this Mandela. She had a couple of other women assigned with her and later a Sri Lankan lady who liked what Heidi was doing wanted to join. She has a good appreciation of colours and had done this before so she was an asset. I think our Mandela was the best. But there were three others and the Perth team that had just arrived made a good entry. The winner is announced tonight. We might be gone.
They had all sorts of attractions. Drummers escorted us back to the front foyer area where there was an elephant. There were games like pinning the forehead dot on the lady when blindfolded first off, filling the water bottle with your hands, running from bucket to bottle. Then musical chairs and lastly a tug of war! This finished with a bout with the elephant. The elephant picked up the rope in his mouth and lodged a big knot behind his tusk then yanked his head and the other team (with a lot of strong men in it) fell over. I was selected to give the elephant his prize. It was a branch of banana’s straight off the tree. He ate them in two gulps. There was a beautiful lunch served on a banana leaf, and the festivities continue this evening.
We are ready to head for the airport at 7:30pm. It is sad to have to leave especially when we just met a newly arrived French lady who has been before tell she is here for 28 days. Many if not most of the guests have been here multiple times. One woman I spoke to had been here twenty times.
Generally.
We have spent most of our time on this holiday inside the compound. Resting in our room or reading and just looking at the ocean and the fishermen. The waves roar in your ears. It is magical! We only swam in the ocean once as it is very dangerous. Many rips sweeps and undertows. I was grateful for my Surf Club training. It was OK as long as you kept your feet on the ground. The Campus pool is a great alternative though!
We have visited the Campus shop which is owned by a chap from Kashmir. He is a Muslim man. Most of the shops around here seem to be owned by Kashmiri Muslims. He seems depressed and bored, stressed by the lack of business, but his brother who is with him, is getting married in three weeks so this is a bright spot on the horizon. They are all returning and it will be a big affair, 500 people. They invited us. The brother is love sick, ringing his fiancé’ all the time.
The shops outside the compound are good. They have all sorts of artefacts from Tibet and Kashmir. Some old, some new! The old are probably exaggerated. We are going to buy a singing bowl made by the Tibetans in Dharamsala. They are made from 7 metals and resound beautifully. With water in them you can really see the vibration. I will use it to make holy water at weddings.
Heidi is interested in a Tara Statue.
I had some shirts made. They were very good. I had some light pants made which are not so good. The traders are very aware of the different values in money and play the tourists very well. It is still a reasonable good price though. The quality however (like my pants) is sometimes questionable.
The fishermen really exploit these waters. They are out in their boats in front of us day and night. Anywhere from six to twenty, 7.5 x 2m wooden craft, open in the village style with 2 outboard engines. In the morning they string a net between two boats and sometimes a further net beyond with two boats about 300m off shore. They have a rope to shore from each end of the nets. All the villagers seem to know to come to the beach. Men jump out of the boats to help guide the ropes. It is lucky they have the ropes to hang on to for safety as the waters can be quite treacherous. Although some days it looks calm but you would not know what the calmness covers. They pull the nets in and the catch is relatively good I guess, (perhaps five to six, 900mm diameter baskets, but the fish are small. I think they net continuously out further. I wonder how the fish get a chance to replace themselves, but they must! The bigger fish come in to shore around further at a fishing town called Kovelar.
