I have been
working in the Information Technology (“IT”) field for the last eighteen years,
it mostly requires one to be seated for long hours in front of the computer and
also leads to a lot of stress due to extremely tight project timelines and ever
changing environments. This took a toll on my health for the past few years
resulting in insomnia and stiff neck and upper-back. I tried meditation, taking
walks and doing some basic exercises, which gave some temporary relief, but the
ailments would return back and it almost became a chronic condition. I had then
consulted the doctor and took some pain killers went and for physiotherapy,
which were again temporary measures only.
A few years ago,
some of our society members had suggested taking Ayurveda* treatment
named Panchakarma, which usually is for a minimum period of fourteen days, but
could not consider it until recently. Panchakarma, as the name suggests is a fivefold detoxification treatment
involving massage, herbal therapy, and other procedures, not only to detox the
body but also to strengthen the immune system and restore balance and
well-being. Last month (May 2016) I decided to try it out as the stress
level was at its peak and the stiff neck became more severe. I was advised that
I be prepared not to expect any magical cure in a short time as the Ayurveda
treatment uses natural herbs and prepares that body for healing; it actually leads
to a change in life-style. This helped me to set my expectations right before
the treatment started.
I chose to stay and
receive the Panchakarma treatment for a period of fifteen days at an Ayurveda
Hospital in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), India where some of our society
members have previously taken the treatment and provided good feedback about
the hospital. The duration of the treatment was based on the suggestion given
by the doctor of the hospital after he had seen my medical reports which I
shared though email. The hospital was in the outskirts of the city surrounded
by beautiful forest area with beautiful sounds of nature such as trees waving
in the wind and chirping of birds and very minimum traffic noise. The hospital
surroundings was full of beautiful flowers and medicinal plants and trees used
in traditional Indian medicine and had a very lovely walking path as well. The
environment helped to calm the mind and experience the treatment more
enjoyably. Diet that suits the treatment was also provided based on individual
needs in the hospital itself.
As mentioned
earlier, I went with an open mind not expecting any fast improvements to my
health condition; however, I started to feel better within a couple of days
since treatment started. The ambience, food and treatment procedures helped to
relax both the body and mind. I was able to sleep better and the neck and
upper-back stiffness has reduced to a great extent by the time the treatment
was completed. I was also taught breathing exercises (Pranayama) and other
exercises specific for the neck and upper-back. It has been around two weeks
since I came back to Singapore now, and by continuing a proper diet,
appropriate lifestyle, habits and exercise, I am confident that I would be able
to fully recover and lead a healthy life.
- Dhanalakshmi
*Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest
holistic (whole-body) healing systems. It was developed thousands of years ago
in India. It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a
delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
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