Panchakarma Guide

About Us

The World Panchakarma Guide was launched on Aksha Tretya in May 2008 as a global Ayurvedic project for world healing. It is a Vedic Society online project. It was innaugurated with a Mahamrtyunja havan and prayer for world healing in Auroville, South India.

WHAT IT IS:

The guide is an online dynamic reference to Panchakarma Hospitals around the world. It tells you where you can have Panchakarma treatments and allows people who have visited such centers and the centers themselves to provide feedback giving a prospective patient a good guide to finding a hospital that can suit their needs, and most important of all, it is an aid to our spiritual unfoldment and restoring good health upon planet earth which is the very aim of Panchakarma.

Panchakarma clinics from around the world can submit an application to be listed in the guide which will be processed by our team and uploaded into the guide once it has been reviewed. To submit a listing one needs to complete a detailed questionnaire which provides a relatively clear picture of the facilities, treatments and underlying atmosphere and awareness of the hospital as well as any specific diseases it has focused on.

The beauty of the guide is that patients who have visited the listed centers can create an account and submit their testimonials (either with their name, or anonymously) which are visible for others to read allowing for people to share their stories, experiences, healings or suggestions.

It is our prayer that this dynamic feedback mechanism which the web allows will encourage the quality of the entire Panchakarma community to be uplifted to the highest ideal which was the intention of it's founders the ancient Rishis (sages) who gave this knowledge in the interests of inner and outer happiness for all.

The Vision:

To make people aware of Panchakarma and it's beautiful healing gifts that are a true treasure for all humanity.
To give genuine Panchakarma hospitals a platform to be found on the web and also a place where peopel can give feedback on their experience visiting such centres.
To encourage highest and most conscious standards in every aspect of Panchakarma Hospitals around the world.
To promote Panchakarma treatments of highest quality to each country and make it available to the people there who seek them.

Our Story:

Many of our Vedic family at Vedic Society have experienced the physical and spiritual benifits of Panchakarma as practiced in the light of this time old system of perfect health. Inspired by the remarkable changes for the good we wish to help others in each corner of the world access this healing wisdom. We wish to help those practicing this in the true spirit of the science to be found for the benifit of those in need of help.

The classical text Charaka Samhita which refers to the detailed practice of Panchakarma mentions this science in the chapter called Siddhisthana. Siddhi means perfection to become perfected, the perfection being refered to is our deep inner connection with the Divine so that all our actions are in alignment with God's will. If the human body which is indeed a microcosm of the entire universe is brought into harmony and in alighnment with nature, our life is perfected and becomes that of a Siddha.

About the Logo:

Sneha in Sanskrit is the word for oil and it also is a synonym for love. In our logo we show the entire planet earth being bathed in sneha or love. It is this very love that is the culmination of Ayurveda. Veda means realised Truth connected to the Divine source of all. So Ayur-Veda is a life of realised Truth connected to Source. It is as simple as that. More love through our speach, words, actions and deeds. More peace in our heart, home, family and nation. More bliss, enlightenment for all. This is the true gift for Ayurveda, it's highest ideal. May we see it realised more and more each day.

Aum Dhanvantharaye Namaha

With Much Sneha,

Sreedhareeyam Eye Hospital

LOCATION

Situated around 1 hour from Chocin in Kerala, South India.

Nearest Railway: Kottayam

Nearest Airport: Cochin

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

An entire hospital specialised in Ayurvedic eye treatment, one of the beautiful gifts of Ayurveda to this world for treating netrarogam. This hospital has many years of experience with many chronic eye diseases and receives patients from all corners of the globe.

TREATMENTS:

Panchakarma is offered along with specialised treatments for eye diseases. Usually these consist of courses of nasyam (application of medicated substances in the nostrils), tarpanam (application of medicated substances to the eyes). Purgation and other Panchakarma treatments might also be given during the course of the treatment.

FROM THEIR SITE:

"Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre holds the magic wand that wields eternal remedies for people who suffer from the burden of visual impairments. Here many problems, which have no answer in other systems of medicines, related to eye, ear, nose and throat get treated and cured without resorting to surgery. The concept, inception, growth and future of Sreedhareeyam lie intertwined with Nelliakattu Mana - a Namboothiri family and its traditional experience in the treatment of eye and ENT problems which spans over almost 3 centuries.Today it is the last hope of many people who are visionless. Our motto is �VISION FOR ALL�."

GALLERY:

About Panchakarma

To understand Panchakarma one needs to understand the source of this knowledge...

The Rishis convened and discussed human existence in all it's totality and in the context of this discussed the topic of dis-ease and how to prevent it and how to remove dis-ease from it's roots.

Rishis were completely connected with the source or the Universal consciousness.

When they discussed dis-ease it was not just about physically removing the dis-ease but also about bringing our mind, senses and awareness in alighnment with the highest love. I say love here for this is the English word that embodies the highest vibration we can picture. This is a love of pure beingness, unbounded awareness, infinite creativity, infinite acceptance and inifnite wisdom.

Physical healing is the first and most important process. But what is phsyical ? So much remains unseen. Herbs are used in Panchakarma to bring their special resonsence deep within our being. Each herb is a treasure, a message of love from the source.

The procedure in brief:

Five methods are employed as the main purification treatments. Besides these five methods there is a preparatrion period (called Purvakarma)and a post purification period (called Paschatkarma) equally important. Once the body is cleaned and digestion is strong and balanced, Rasayana or rejuvenation treatment is given. The agni or metabolism of the body is now ready to receive new intelligence in the form of matter and we give it special compounds that carry the intelligence of where we want to develop the system. For Rasayana many famous herbs such as Amalaka, Haritaki, Shatavari and Ashwaghanda to name just a very few are used.

The five methods relate to the five elements and three doshas how they manifest in our physiology:

Nasyam - This is application of medicated substances to the noise to purify the entire head reigon. Nasya has a miraculous effect on diseases of the senses, mouth, mind, head, eyes and any ailment in this critical reigon which is our main connecting point through Adipathi marma with the outside world.

Vamana - This is a beautiful gentle procedure of cleaning age old toxins from the stomach through vomiting in a very gentle managed way after drawing the toxins from the upper zone back to the stomach. It works miracles in many cases of insanity (unmada), asthma, allergies, chronic cold and cough recurring and any disease of the Kapha Zone.

Virechana - Purgation cleans the middle zone of the body. Seat of liver, gall bladder, speem, small intestine (the seat of Pitta) and so many other critical systems. It indirectly like all other practices cleans the entire system. It particularly works on the Fire element and enhances all Agni's or metabolisms in the system. Virechana is a powerful general purification as in this age of industry we all have many toxins in the mid-zone causing excess anger, emmotional distress, mental fatigue and poor digestion.

Niruha Basti - Cleans the large intestine through using special medicated preparations that pull out toxic buildup in the colon. It is a very sacred and special treatment that is said to penetrate all layers of the body. Vata is seated in the colon so if the colon is functioning well, Vata which is the organizing intelligence of the entire body, will do it's job well. When this happens, we have perfect health and immunity.

Anuvasan Basti - Nourishes the large intestine with special medicated oils and decoctions. The analogy given in the texts is to nourish the root of the tree. The colon is the root of our digestive system and the root of our body. If the colon is strong, all systems will work well. Charaka even goes so far as to say that most diseases can be treated with simple basti treatment. We can remove toxins from all systems through the colon. Vata resides here and Vata guides Pitta and Kapaha to do their work well of metabolising and structuring.

For detailed information on Panchakarma please visit our book store where you can read on the basics and also read detailed clinical applications of Panchakarma. We also have a comprehensive articles section for online reading.

REVIEW A CENTRE

To review a Panchakarma centre you visited simply find it on our site and then click the appropriate review button and write your feedback.

You will need to create an account to submit your review. We appreciate your feedback and it helps people from around the world to find the best place for their healing and evolution.

We request you only review centres you have visited as a patient and have an indepth experience of the place. If you just visited for a day or two it is not enough detail to guide a patient who might need treatment.

We thank you dearly for your time taken to share your experience. You can review anonymously if you wish.

Maharishi Panchakarma - Drakensberg, South Africa

LOCATION

�SOUTH AFRICA

Maharishi Panchakarma is offered in breathtakingly beautiful Champagne Valley in the Drakensberg Mountains. The crisp air star-studded nights, peace and panoramic views of the Drakensberg are the ideal environment for the internal cleansing and soothing effects of Panchakarma.

Nearest Airport: Johannesburg International Airport

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

Panchakarma is the oldest and most sophisticated technology to remove toxins and imbalances from the mind and body, and to rejuvenate your entire system to a state of youthful vitality and well being.

Panchakarma is the Royal Treatment, the supreme treatment from the timeless science of health, Maharishi Ayur-Veda. This prevention-based \"science of life\" is currently being rediscovered around the world. The World Health Organisation recognises Ayur-Veda as a major global force in creating health and reducing disease.

The uniqueness of Maharishi Panchakarma lies in its age-old ability to give complete rest to both mind and body, while at the same time soothing them both towards a deep state of balance. This allows the system to eliminate accumulated stresses and ailments, and regain the ability to withstand the pressures of life.

Any lack of perfect health points to an underlying cause. Maharishi

Panchakarma finds the cause deep inside, at the link between mind and body, and enlivens balance from there. Profound inner changes have the power to restore health and vitality to the entire system.

AMBIENCE:

Very beautiful mountain house.

POLLUTION:

Very little or none.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

Very little or none.

SETTING:

Nature (suburbs of Nagpur)

NATURE RANKING:

DOCTORS:

Doctors/technicians are all trained in Maharishi Ayurveda.

TREATMENTS:

Full panchakarma protocols with the exception of Vamana offered on a week long program with part of the purvakarma (preparation procedures) happening at home. The style is gentle and the technicians are very very well trained doing the treatments with much awareness and blissfullness.

PRICE RANKING:

Moderately high.

FOOD:

Very sattvik vegearian Ayurvedic cuisine.

FOOD CONSCIOSNESS RANKING: �

Maharishi Ayurveda has a very high level of food consciousness and follows pure Ayurvedic diet.

DRINKING WATER QUALITY:

Good.

ACCOMODATION:

Comfortable.

PREMISES:

A beautiful home has been adapted for the purpose.

VAASTU RANKING:

(Not rated yet)

WHEELCHAIR AND DISABLED FACILITIES:

(Not rated yet)

ECOLOGICAL RATING:

Recycling: (Not rated yet)
Biofuel in use: (Not rated yet)
Renweable Energy: (Not rated yet)

Dharmatma Tatyaji Maharaj Memorial Medical Relief Trust's - Akkalkot

LOCATION

Located at Shivpuri, some 10 minutes by auto from Akkalkot in Maharastra. Shivpuri is a well known ashram promoting daily Agnihotra which makes for a great atmosphere for healing.

Nearest Railways Station: Akkalkot (20 minutes drive) or Solapur (45 minutes away)

Nearest Airport: Pune (3-4 hours drive)

AROUND SHIVPUR:

Sattvik Excursions around and in Shivpuri:

Akkalkot is a very well known pilgrimage town for a number of great saints. Most famous of all is Akkalkot Swami who lived there. The temple where he lived and his various places are all very beautifully charged with the presence of this Saint of India. Shivpuri itself was home to Shri who is the father of reviving Agnihotra and the Soma Yagya tradition in recent times. Shri can be read about on www.agnihotraindia.com.

Akkalkot in itself is a charming and tradtional town.

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

The clinic is in memory of the father of Shri who was a great natural healer and promoter of Ayurveda. Presently it is managed by the grandson of Shree and has a few BAMS doctors present.

AMBIENCE:

The ambience is very still and rural. In summer it is hot as there is little tree cover but the air and surroundings are good.

POLLUTION:

Nothing noticable. All farming at Shivpuri is organic so no spraying of chemicals nearby.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

No towers nearby.

SETTING:

Agricultural

NATURE RANKING:

DOCTORS:

The head physician is a young doctor who heads the clinic. All the doctors are trained in Maharastra. This reigon is known for it's high quality Ayurveda. Medicinces are preared in house.

TREATMENTS:

Full panchakarma protocols are offered Each case is reviewed and treatments are planned accordingly.

PRICE RANKING:

Prices are moderate and include accomodation, special diet (preared in the ashram kitchen) and all treatments.

FOOD:

All meals are prepared in the ashram kitchen by it's local cooks. It is good traditional Maharastrian food. For Panchakarma a special diet is given. Food is not organic.

FOOD CONSCIOSNESS RANKING:

Traditional local diet adapted for Panchakarma.

DRINKING WATER QUALITY:

Some people get sick from the water at the ashram.

We would suggest installation of a RO water filter and water dynamization system. It is not good to have questionable water during cleansing treatments.

ACCOMODATION:

Rooms are basic but comforable. The block has been newly built and is simply outfitted.

Hot water is available on request from a traditional wood burning system.

PREMISES:

The hospital is accross the road from the ashram near the cow shed. It is nice to have treatments listening to the beloved cows sing their Moo's.

VAASTU RANKING:

(Not rated yet)

WHEELCHAIR AND DISABLED FACILITIES:

(Not rated yet)

ECOLOGICAL RATING:

Recycling: None at present
Biofuel in use: None at present
Renweable Energy: Wood burning water heating system

INLAKS Hospital - Pune

This hospital is managed and run as a part of the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy in Coimbatoire one of India's oldest and most established Ayurvedic trusts.

LOCATION

Located in a very green and quiete suburb of Pune, opposite the famous Osho ashrama.

Nearest Railways Station: Pune (5 minutes by auto rickshaw)

Nearest Airport: Pune (45 miuntes by taxi)

IN THE SURROUNDINGS:

Sattvik Excursions around and in Pune:

Pune has many interesting places to visit. If undergoing treatment note the air is very very polluted and you should not travel without protection. Many visitors get sick from the air pollution. At time of writing the rickshaws still mix kerosene in with the fuel making it even more toxic for the system.

Our favorite place is the Saddhu Vaswani Ashram which is just 5 minutes away in a busy street. Try to meet Dada Vaswani, the present father of this ashram. It is a very special and devotionaly charged place to visit and experience the satsang and Samadhi of Sadhi Vaswani. It will help with any treatments to visit here and meet Dada if you can.

Pune has many more beautiful places to visit. Another item of note is the annual classes by Dr. Vasasnt Lad in Pune and also many other good schools for Ayurveda.

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

INLAKS is a huge modern hospital built from a grant by Dada Vaswani's organization. The hospital itself is a great example of spirtuality within a hospital. The Ayurvedic section is a small wing run by Arya Vaidya Pharmacy in Coimbatoire and is managed by a dedicated team of Vaidyas. Naturopathy and Homeopathy share their space with Ayurveda.

AMBIENCE:

The surroundings are beautiful and green. The hospital iteself is quite clinical and feels like any modern hospital.

POLLUTION:

Near to the clinic pollution is less but in greater Pune it is very unhealthily high.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

(Not reviewed yet.)

SETTING:

Urban

NATURE RANKING:

Two Banyan tree ranking for the beautiful green parks especially the one belonging to the Osho ashram a few minutes walk away. A great space to walk durining treatments if permited by the Vaidya.

DOCTORS:

Presently headed by a very good team of young but very talented Vaidyas. Dr. Vivekananda and his wife as well as another doctor were there at time of writing. The Ayurveda practiced here is classical, pure and very very dedicated. It is a good living example of clinical Ayurveda for all.

TREATMENTS:

Full panchakarma protocols are offered Each case is reviewed and treatments are planned accordingly.

PRICE RANKING:

Treatments are affordable. Accomodation varies as per budget from basic to luxurious.

FOOD:

Special meals are arranged by the Vaidyas. Food is not organic. It is more or less standard treatment food with special care to restricted foods and helpful foods for the treatmetn.

FOOD CONSCIOSNESS RANKING:

(Not ranked yet.)

DRINKING WATER QUALITY:

(Not ranked yet.)

ACCOMODATION:

Rooms are within the hospital itself. In a way this is energetically not good for Ayurveda as there is a high volume of patients in the building having various treatments. The accomodation varies from basic to very comfortable depending on budget.

VAASTU RANKING:

(Not rated yet)

WHEELCHAIR AND DISABLED FACILITIES:

Good access.

ECOLOGICAL RATING:

Recycling: None at present
Biofuel in use: None at present
Renweable Energy: None at presetn

Atma Santaluna

LOCATION

Located near to Lonavala in a beautiful rustic setting on it's own campus.

Nearest Railways Station: Lonavala

Nearest Airport: Pune and Bombay

IN THE SURROUNDINGS:

Sattvik Excursions around and in Lonavala:

There are many beautiful and sacred sites in this area. Please enquire at Atma Santaluna for more info.

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

A well known clinic running as an Ayurvedic community established by Balaji Tambe. It has a lovely integration of living, being and treatment. Balaji Tambe is well known for working with sound and healing too as well as other metaphysical approaches to healing. The clinic is well regarded and frequently attended by people from Germany and neighbouring countries.

AMBIENCE:

The surroundings are beautiful and green set in it's own campus.

POLLUTION:

None.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

(Not reviewed yet.)

SETTING:

Nature

NATURE RANKING:

DOCTORS:

Balaji Tambe attends to patients somtimes but BAMS graduates are tending to the patients full treatments following standard Ayurvedic protocols on a high level.

TREATMENTS:

Full panchakarma protocols are offered Each case is reviewed and treatments are planned accordingly.

PRICE RANKING:

Prices are moderate for longer stays and quite steep for a short stay. A stay of 4 weeks is reccomended to get full benifits of the treatment.

FOOD:

Home cooked mostly organic vegetarian food.

FOOD CONSCIOSNESS RANKING:

Very good.

DRINKING WATER QUALITY:

Very good.

ACCOMODATION:

Various categories of room are offered based on budget from simple to very comfortable.

VAASTU RANKING:

(Not rated yet)

WHEELCHAIR AND DISABLED FACILITIES:

(Not rated yet)

ECOLOGICAL RATING:

Recycling: (Not rated yet)
Biofuel in use: (Not rated yet)
Renweable Energy: (Not rated yet)

IVAC

LOCATION

Set on the beautiful plots of Chamundi hill near to Mysore on it's own huge campus. Great atmosphere for healing. Silent, green and untouched.

Nearest Railways Station: Mysore (20 minutes drive)

Nearest Airport: Bangalore

AROUND IVAC:

Sattvik Excursions around IVAC:

There is beautiful Nandi (the bull of Shiva) statue up on Chamindi hill. Just besides this lives a very wonderful cave Swami who is worth visiting. Mysore itself has many well known attractions, it is also famous for the Govt. Sandalwood production.

If time permits, consider a pilgrimate to Melkote, a famous Vaishnava outpost.

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

IVAC is one of India's best centres for retreat in terms of the ambience and quality of treatments. It is more aimed at the Spa market then the clinical Panchakarma side. This is shown in the high end pricing and shortness of the packages. But as a spa and Ayurvedic retreat space it is very good. For intensive treatments, check first in detail with the doctors about the case as there might be better suited places for curititive Ayurvedic care. The setting and good Vaastu of the location in iteself is very deeply curititive and it's a great place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy.

AMBIENCE:

Much care has been put into setting a beautiful and enchanting ambience.

POLLUTION:

None.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

None.

SETTING:

Nature.

NATURE RANKING:

DOCTORS:

There are a few doctors at IVAC managing patients. Some people report the focus is more and stress management and rejuvenation than the powerful clinical side of Ayurveda but enquire first and see if you can have intensive classical treatments as the setting is one of the best available for such.

TREATMENTS:

Full panchakarma protocols are offered Each case is reviewed and treatments are planned accordingly.

PRICE RANKING:

Prices are on the highish end. Promotions and special packages exist too.

FOOD:

Food is made in the local kitchen with a lot of care and love. It is not always strictly Ayurvedic with occasionaly white sugar popping into recipes but otherwise very good. At last visit it was not organic.

FOOD CONSCIOSNESS RANKING:

Good traditional food beautifully served. Not organic.

DRINKING WATER QUALITY:

Good.

ACCOMODATION:

All rooms are very comfortable and very well equiped.

VAASTU RANKING:

Very good. The Vaastu has been carefully planned of almost every detail. The land has a good NE slope.

WHEELCHAIR AND DISABLED FACILITIES:

(Not rated yet)

ECOLOGICAL RATING:

Recycling: (Not rated yet)
Biofuel in use: (Not rated yet)
Renweable Energy: (Not rated yet)

Ayushakti

LOCATION

Situated in a suburb of Bombay called Malad just off a busy main road.

Nearest Airport: Mumbai International Airport

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

Despite the location in Bombay, the clinic is a very beautiful and peaceful place and extremely popular with people from around the world. Residential Panchakarma is done here under the supervision of the various Vaidyas. Dr. Smita and Pankaj visit from time to time and see patients too but are not as present as they used to be some years back.

AMBIENCE:

The suburb is quite and not too bad considering it's in Bombay. The clinic itself is very nicely designed and has a great feeling. Spending a few weeks here is fine as it creates it's own little hub. The roof garden is pure bliss!

POLLUTION:

Ambient pollution is moderate. Some mild noise pollution is there too.

There was talk some years back of an Ayushakti in the countryside. This would be even better for such quality of treatment.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

Moderate, it's a mid-urban location.

SETTING:

Urban (suburbs of Bombay)

NATURE RANKING:

DOCTORS:

The doctors are headed by Pankaj and Smita Naram. Pankaj is famous for his pulse reading which creates a lot of hype and show. Smita is more down to earth. Presently both are quite distant form the Bombay clinic as they are working abroad much of the time. The panchakarma is headed by Dr. Metha who is a very experienced and masterful doctor. She has treated many difficult cases with good effect. The style of Panchakarma is north Indian style, good and pure.

TREATMENTS:

Full panchakarma protocols are offered. The therapists are well trained.

PRICE RANKING:

Affordable depending on accomodation prices. If Ayushakti is full there are a few options of staying in a nearby flat, hotel or with a family.

FOOD:

Food is served downstairs in a superb restaurant made very lovingly by a great cook. The menu is diverse, strict and balanced. Patients have a more restricted menu. Even if not having treatments, Ayushakti is worth a visit for the food alone!

FOOD CONSCIOSNESS RANKING:

Very good food consciousness. Classical Ayurvedic diet is followed adapted to modern conditions. Panchakarma Thali is a great invention! The juices, shakes and all other dishes are carefully created. Food is meant to be organic but at time of noting it was not due to availability.

DRINKING WATER QUALITY:

All drinking water is filtered with RO (Reverse-osmosis) systems. No dynamisation of water.

ACCOMODATION:

Rooms are very comfortable but in high demand situated on the top floor. There are AC and non-AC rooms.

PREMISES:

Ayushakti is a 4 story building with the restaurant/super-market on the ground then the doctors rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor along with treatment rooms. On the 4th floor are the accomodation suites with a lovely roof garden for relaxing. The basement has Internet as well as a hall for programs.

VAASTU RANKING:

Vaastu is good. The architect implemented many of the main principals in the design.

WHEELCHAIR AND DISABLED FACILITIES:

(Not reviewed yet.)

ECOLOGICAL RATING:

Recycling: (Not reviewed yet.)
Biofuel in use: (Not reviewed yet.)
Renweable Energy: (Not reviewed yet.)

Body Soul Ayurveda Clinic

LOCATION

Situated in Pahar Ganj near the main railway station in New Delhi in a quiete alley. This is the main area where backpackers and many travelers tend to stay. Conneaught Place is just a stones throw away.

Nearest Airport: New Delhi International

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

This tiny clinic is run lovingly by Dr. Anil Jaggi offering basic treatments of a very high calibre. Many people return year after year for the massage and shirodhara. Dr. Jaggi is a wealth of knowledge on all subjects. The location is good for taking a few days of rest and retreat. The clinic has no accomodation but near by hotels are just a few metres away.

AMBIENCE:

Alley ways of Delhi. Can be a bit noisey and polluted when generators run but theres a feeling timelessness.

POLLUTION:

Moderate as with any urban setting.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

Moderate, it's a mid-urban location.

SETTING:

Urban

DOCTORS:

Dr. Jaggi is the Vaidya at the clinic. He is from a family tradition of Vaidyas and a very exceptional doctor with great skill and experience. He lovingly takes care of patients with a rare balance of tradition and science.

TREATMENTS:

Full panchakarma protocols are offered but most people come for abhyanga and shirodharra or other out patient treatments due to the location and lack of accomodation in the clinic. Panchakarma can be done though on request. The therapists are superb and perform the treatments much utmost devotion and skill.

PRICE RANKING:

Very reasonable.

FOOD:

(Food can be made available on request.)

ACCOMODATION:

Accomodation is provided in nearby hotels accross the road or around the corner. Hotels are basic.

Sree Sankara - Gorgaon

This clinic is part of the Sree Sankara group of Ayurvedic hospitals in various parts of India with the first and main establishment being in Changanachery, Kerala.

LOCATION

In Gorgaon, a very quiete suburb of Delhi not far from the airport. Also close by is the Ananda India Ashrama (just around the corner!).

Nearest Airport: New Delhi International Airport

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

Sree Sankara is a well established group of Ayurvedic hospitals. They are based on a 3 generation family tradition. Their classical medicines are of super quality and their clinnics are sattvik and have a family feeling.

AMBIENCE:

Gorgaon is a newish suburb of Delhi. It's middle and upper class with a lot of fancy houses. The bonus is it's very quiete and looks like any European or American suburb.

POLLUTION:

Very little but urban setting.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

As per any urban setting but at the time of writting no cell towers within visible distance. This can change at any moment in India as the cell tower regulations are quite lax.

SETTING:

Urban (suburbs of Gorgaon)

NATURE RANKING:

There are nice trees in the area and a lot of wandering cows. It's quite suburban but has a quieteness about it. Being close to Ananda Ashram is a huge bonus.

DOCTORS:

All doctors do a special internship in Changanacherry. They are of goof quality and if there are any questions there is a good chain of senior or experienced doctors to refer to for guidence. The methods followed are very stronly South India Kerali style of treatment. The main classical text followed in the South is Asthanga Hrdyam.

TREATMENTS:

Full panchakarma protocols are offered.

The therapists are very good and are superbly trained. The treatments are done in a very traditional way true to original Ayurveda.

PRICE RANKING:

Packages for a week are reasonable considering Delhi being a rather costly city.

FOOD:

Food is basic Kerali food adapted based on the patients need. Presently not organic.

DRINKING WATER QUALITY:

Usually drinking water is boiled with some herbs in Kerala and this is served during treatments.

ACCOMODATION:

Rooms are very comfortable, simple and spacious.

VAASTU RANKING:

(Not rated.)

WHEELCHAIR AND DISABLED FACILITIES:

Wheelchair access is possible.

Vinayak Ayurvedic Hospital - Nagpur

LOCATION

Situated in Nagpur, Maharastra it is easily accessable by flights from Bombay and Delhi (and other cities in India), by rail and also road. If coming from abroad you can book a flight from Bombay or Delhi directly to Nagpur. Nagpur is a beautiful historical city with a nice feeling and wonderful temples and old buildings from the previous century.

Nearest Railways Station: Nagpur (10 minutes drive)

Nearest Airport: Nagpur Airport (25 minutes drive)

AROUND NAGPUR:

Sattvik Excursions around and in Nagpur:

Sevagram - the ashram of Mahatma Gandhi

Vinoda Bhava ashram - just a few km from Gandhi's ashram

Siddhi Vinayak Temple - very ancient and peaceful Ganesh temple

There are many more within an our or two's drive. Gandhi's ashram is highly reccomended. Try the pera (milk sweets) at Vinoda Bhava's ashrama. Also learn to spin khadi at Gandhi's ashrama.

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

Dr. Sunil Joshi is one of the most respected physicians well known in India and also in the west. He has decades of experience with Panchakarma and runs a very well organized and renowned clinic in the heart of Nagpur. He is author of a well known book on Panchakarma. He also is involved for many years in Ayurvedic education.

AMBIENCE:

The clinic is in a nice part of Nagpur called Civil Lines. It is a beautiful and peaceful city area with roaming cows and near to many parks and historical temples for morning walks. The actual road the clinic is set on is quite busy and rooms on the East and North side are subjected to some traffic noise. There is some bird and squirel life audible from time to time which nicely balances the nearly constant traffic noise.

POLLUTION:

Air quality is average to high due to urban setting. When the diesel generator is running a faint smell of diesel becomes noticible in parts of the building.

The sometimes noticable pollution goes against the very basis of Panchakarma and needs to be addressed. Perhaps more trees can be planted in the front of the property or a air filteration or ionization system with ionizers/rock crystal lamps/cacti can be implemented. In the long term a doctor of the calibre of Dr. Joshi would do well to have a in-nature centre too.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

There are no visble cell towers very close to the hospital. There is a Wifi connction which is only used some of the time.

SETTING:

Urban (suburbs of Nagpur)

NATURE RANKING:

Vinayak Panchakarma centre get just one nature ranking Banyan out of a possible 5. The quality of the clinic staff, doctor and treatments are very good but the actually setting is urban and on a rather busy road. There is little greenery visible besides the park accross the road. There is no garden in the clinic and very few trees.

DOCTORS:

Dr. Joshi and his wife are the two resident Vaidyas or Ayurvedic physicians. Both are exceptionally experienced and of the highest renown. Many patients come year after year due to the wonderful clinical skills of the Joshis. Dr. Joshi is also author of Ayurveda and Panchakarma, a very beautiful book introducing Panchakarma.

TREATMENTS:

Full panchakarma protocols are offered all personally supervised by Dr. Joshi himself. Many patients return year after year having experienced his detailed approach and care. Each case is reviewed and treatments are planned accordingly.

PRICE RANKING:

Three $ out of a possible 5. Prices are moderate. One week of treatment is presently $550 and accomodation is $20 per day for sharing per person and $30 per day for singles. Patients from the Indian sub-continent who are born there can enquire for the pricing for residents of India which is less.

FOOD:

All meals are prepared by a chef trained personally and supervised by Dr. Joshi's wife (also an Ayurvedic physician). The food is very sattvik (no onion, garlic, chilli, tea etc.) and very delicious. Everything is made to be tridoshic meaning good for all prakrutis. Ingredients are sourced locally and very high quality. Nothing is certified organic but the local vegetables seem to be very good. The wheat is freshly ground and all preparations are made fresh and stricktly according to Ayurvedic principals. No outside food is allowed. Home made Ayurvedic biscuits are served made with jaggery as a snack in the mornings. Tridoshic Panchakarma trea is available 24 hours a day.

FOOD CONSCIOSNESS RANKING:

3 apples out of a possible 5 are offered for the food at Vinayak Panchakarma Centre as the food is prepared very fresh with deep awareness of Ayurvedic principals. The food is light and sattvik and there is no compromise on Ayurvedic principals. Everything is fresh and cooked deliciously. They would get 4 apples if the ingredients, including the wheat, dal and rices were sourced from certified organic suppliers (there are a few major suppliers in Maharastra so supply is relativly simple) and if there was a little more variety in the diet otherwise it is very good and the most sattvik Panchakarma food we have yet seen.

DRINKING WATER QUALITY:

All drinking water is filtered with RO (Reverse-osmosis) systems and completely pure. No dynamisation of drinking water is taking place as of yet.

ACCOMODATION:

Rooms are basic but very comforable. Hot water is available always from a wonderful solar heating system. Most rooms are quiete but those nearer High Court road have a bombardment of traffic noise which one tends to get used to but it by no means ideal for healing and rejuvenating. When the power is night the quieter rooms are closer to the generator and there is noise from that side so insulating the generator would be a good. There are desks and phones in all rooms and they are a good size sleeping two.

PREMISES:

The hospital comprises of a modern three story building designed with lovely central lighting and neatly and simply furnished and decorated. There is a beautiful presence of Ganesh in the building in allignment with it's name (Maharashtra is renowned for it's very special Ganesh temples)

VAASTU RANKING:

Vaastu is good. There is a beautiful brahmasthan that brings light down in the centre of the building. The building is facing North with entrances on the East and the North. It seems quite some awareness of Vaastu has been applied into it's design. The good Vaastu compliments the treatments.

WHEELCHAIR AND DISABLED FACILITIES:

There is very thoughtfully an elevator in the 3 story building so patients who have difficulty walking can be easily catered for. The rooms have no special facilities for disabled patients but with assistance bathing and so forth would be not too difficult.

ECOLOGICAL RATING:

Recycling: None at present
Biofuel in use: None at present
Renweable Energy: Solar hot water system

Sree Sankara Gardens - Kumali

LOCATION

Set in a most magnificent location in the spice growing hills of Kerala about 5-6 hours drive from the nearest railway station/airports.

Nearest Airport: Cochin

ABOUT THE CLINIC:

Set in very green hills on it's own piece of land in a pristine area, Sree Sanakar is an ideal location for all kinds of treatment. The hospital was established as the flagship of their hospitals and caters mostly for German clients at present.

AMBIENCE:

The setting is very beautiful. The drive to reach there is long and winding but well worth it. Walks around the centre are very beautiful.

POLLUTION:

None.

ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION:

None.

SETTING:

Countryside.

NATURE RANKING:

DOCTORS:

All doctors are working under the Sree Sankara group and have got good qualifications. There is a network of senior doctors to access for more difficult cases. The focus of Sree Sankara Gardens seems more on rejuvenation than on their main hospital in Changanachery which si more clinically focused but the resources are there to do vey deep treatments in Kumali. Recently two Kutir Praveshika treatments were performed there showing that very good Vaidyas are avaialble.

TREATMENTS:

Each bedroom has it's own spacious treatment room. Very perfect for receiving all treatments.

PRICE RANKING:

High. Rates are European targeted packages. Well worth it for the setting and quality.

FOOD:

Meals are lovingly prepared under the doctors supervision. It would be great if there was organic foods, they do have a food garden in process but there is not much coming out of it.

DRINKING WATER QUALITY:

Very good. Own well.

ACCOMODATION:

Rooms are spacious and very comfortable with a simple decoration.

VAASTU RANKING:

Design is North facing with a nice sort of courtyard. Some awareness has been given to Vaastu and you feel it nicely.

WHEELCHAIR AND DISABLED FACILITIES:

Yes.

ECOLOGICAL RATING:

Recycling: None at present
Biofuel in use: None at present
Renweable Energy: Solar hot water system

FROM THEIR WEB SITE:

""Sree Sankara Gardens" is set in the scenic environs of Kumily, the "spice garden" of India. Nestling on a hill lush with vegetation at an altitude of 1200 mts., this is a bird watchers' paradise. The design of the edifice is the traditional Kerala style. It consists of 10 spacious en suite apartments, each with individual treatment room and private sit-out. This secluded retreat also houses a yoga hall, a performing arts centre and an exclusive kitchen serving traditional Ayurvedic vegetarian cuisine.

Modern amenities such as telephone and internet are made available sparingly but sensibly so as not to disturb the tranquility of therapeutic experience. In spite of the large expanse of the campus only small groups are taken at a time in order to maintain a homely and personalized atmosphere. The calm and tranquil setting, the cool climate, the invigorating fresh air and the insulation from all distractions, is the ideal environment for inspiration and healthy rejuvenation.

The holistic experience is aided by physical and mental exercises designed to sharpen the concentration, invite introspection, foster peace of mind and improve health."