The Backstory

Life has a way of throwing unexpected health challenges at you, even when you’re dedicated to wellness. That’s exactly what happened to me. Despite years of commitment to holistic health practices, I found myself facing a series of health issues. It all started in 2019 when I began gaining weight for no apparent reason. Around the same time, I was questioning my use of hormonal birth control. Intuitively, I felt that it might not be good for my overall health. This intuition, combined with the unexplained weight gain, led me to decide to have my hormonal IUD removed that year. However, even after stopping all hormonal birth control, my menstrual cycle remained absent. What was even more concerning was that five years later, I still hadn’t regained my natural cycle.

Adding to these issues, I had been struggling with orthorexia — an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with healthy eating — for almost 13 years. This condition had seriously affected my metabolism and hormonal balance. Over time, I developed a range of symptoms: brain fog, constant bloating, constipation, water retention, weak tissue, skin breakouts, and a metabolism that moved at a snail’s pace. It was affecting everything — my work, relationships, and specially how I saw myself.

What followed was a frustrating journey through the medical system. I visited countless doctors and specialists, each time hoping for answers. But I kept hearing the same thing: “There’s nothing wrong with you. Your test results look normal.” Meanwhile, I was left alone to deal with my multiple symptoms and pain. The gap between what I was experiencing and what the medical tests showed was not just frustrating — it was deeply upsetting. I felt unseen, unheard, and increasingly desperate for help that seemed nowhere in sight.

After this tiring and disheartening process of seeking answers, I realized I had been looking too much to the outside world for solutions. In doing so, I had lost touch with myself. However, over the past two years, I had been reconnecting with my intuition. Through this renewed inner connection, I felt drawn to explore Panchakarma — an intensive Ayurvedic cleansing and rejuvenation program.

My decision wasn’t driven by worry or specific expectations. Instead, I felt a deep desire to heal on a cellular level, to support my body and mind as best as possible after experiencing difficult times with depression and working through that on my own. I wanted to heal both body and mind, while also learning to let go of expectations. This journey was a gift to myself — time to just be me, without distractions or demands.

With this mindset, I decided to embark on a 28-day journey at an Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala, India. I approached it with an open mind, ready to fully engage in the experience and accept whatever it might bring.

 

What is Panchakarma?

Before diving into my experience, it’s important to understand what Panchakarma is all about. Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic detoxification therapy that aims to cleanse the body of toxins and restore balance to the doshas (body energies: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). The term “Panchakarma” translates to “five actions” or “five treatments,” referring to the main procedures used in the therapy.

While traditional Panchakarma includes five specific treatments, modern approaches often mix things up based on individual needs. These treatments are tailored to your body type (Prakriti), current health status (Vikriti), and specific needs. They’re combined with dietary guidelines, herbal remedies, massages, and other supportive therapies to boost the detoxification process.

It’s crucial to have a professional expert guiding you through this intense and personalized process. Trust me, you don’t want to go it alone!

 

Week 1: Arrival and initial preparations

My journey kicked off with an in-depth consultation with the Ayurvedic doctors. They reviewed my health history, performed physical assessments, and evaluated my dosha constitution through detailed questions and pulse readings. It felt like they were looking at my whole life, not just my symptoms.

The first week was all about preparing my body for the intense cleanse ahead. Each day was packed with yoga, meditation, chats with the doctors, oil massages (called Abhyanga), herbal treatments, and specially prepared Ayurvedic meals. It was a full-time job just taking care of myself!

Before diving into the treatments, I faced an important decision. As someone who typically follows a vegan diet, I knew traditional Ayurvedic treatments often involve ghee and milk. I had initially thought vegan alternatives might work just as well, but the doctors explained that the traditional methods are way more effective. So, I had to choose: stick to my usual diet or be flexible for my health.

It didn’t take me long to decide. My response was an immediate, intuitive “Hell yes, I’m all in!” It was a gut feeling — a chance to give my body the best shot at healing. This spontaneous flexibility with my veganism felt right, like an important part of my journey to better health.

That’s how I found myself starting Snehapanam — daily doses of medicated ghee. Usually, it’s a few days thing and stops when the body is saturated, but the docs extended it to seven for me. They must have realized I was a tough nut to crack and needed a more intensive approach.

The doctors explained that the ghee treatment is an important part of Panchakarma. It helps collect toxins from your tissues (called dhatus in Ayurveda) while also nourishing them. The ghee circulates through the body, gathering toxins and depositing them in the digestive system, preparing them for removal in the subsequent treatments.

We began with a small amount of warm medicated ghee on the first day and gradually increased the quantity each day. I won’t lie — it was a challenge to swallow, especially as the amount grew. The taste and texture were… difficult to manage, to put it mildly. But I kept reminding myself of the purpose behind this practice.

As the week went on, I noticed changes in my body. I felt horrible — heavier, swollen, more tired, and sometimes dizzy. The doctors assured me these were normal signs that the ghee was mobilizing toxins as intended.

 

Week 2: Deepening the cleanse and experiencing Vamana

In the second week, the intensity of the treatments increased. The ghee treatment continued, reaching its highest point. By the final day, I was consuming 230 ml of warm medicated ghee — a significant increase from the starting amount. The doctors closely monitored my reactions throughout this process, making adjustments as necessary.

This week introduced new treatments to further purify and balance my body. One of these was Nasyam, which I underwent three times during my stay. The process began with a relaxing face massage and some steam. Then, the practitioner applied herbal oil drops to my nose. Afterwards, I inhaled medicated smoke and exhaled through my mouth, ending with a brief gargle.
Sounds strange, right? But the effects were amazing. My sinuses felt incredibly clear, and my breathing became noticeably easier. Nasyam focuses on the upper part of the body, cleansing the respiratory system and even releasing tension from the neck and shoulders. It’s particularly effective for balancing the Kapha dosha.

The doctors also included Kizhi massages in my treatment plan. These involved massaging my body with heated herbal pouches. The combination of warmth and herbs helped reduce inflammation and improve circulation. After each Kizhi session, I felt a noticeable decrease in physical tension.

The most significant treatment of this week occurred on day 14 with Vamana, one of the profoundest parts of the Panchakarma cleansing process. And this therapeutic vomiting was definitely one of the most intense experiences of my life. It was way more involved than I expected.

The doctors had carefully planned several sequences of giving me alternating warm milk, herbal concoctions, salt water, and Ayurvedic medicines in specific rhythms to keep the cleansing process going. I was consuming these cups at an incredibly high speed in order to provoke natural vomiting. This process was repeated for several rounds.

We kept at it until I started bringing up yellow bile (Pitta), which meant the excess Kapha was out. When finally it was all over and I was recovering in my room, the doctors told me I’d consumed 14 liters and vomited 16 liters. Oh my gosh!!!

The docs emphasized that Vamana isn’t about completely emptying your Kapha, but about balancing the doshas and getting rid of excess toxins.
Let me tell you, it was tough. The nausea was intense, and the pain from my rapidly expanding stomach was unlike anything I’d felt before.

The Vamana process was certainly challenging, both physically and emotionally. All sorts of feelings came up during the treatment. It wasn’t just about the physical discomfort; it also required mental strength to continue through the entire process. By the end of the day, I felt a subtle shift — a bit lighter, but mostly exhausted. And also proud of myself for completing such an intense treatment. While I knew there was still a long way to go in my Panchakarma journey, I felt I had taken an important step forward.

 

Week 3: Learning to rest and face the challenge of doing nothing

After the intense experience of Vamana, Week 3 presented me another cleansing process called Virechanam on day 19. This purgation therapy eliminates toxins from the body using herbal laxatives. It’s designed to remove excess Pitta and clean out the small intestine, kidney, colon, liver, and spleen.
But honestly? After what I’d been through with Vamana, this felt much less intense. At this point, I was certain nothing could surprise me anymore!

This week turned out to be all about rest — and my body really needed it. I spent most of my time in my room, facing what turned out to be one of my biggest challenges yet: doing absolutely nothing. And when I say nothing, I mean it. No books, no music, not even my usual personal development content. Just me and my thoughts. It was quite a mental challenge!

My body was strongly telling me to relax, and for once, I had no choice but to listen. My mind felt foggy, and my body felt extremely heavy and weak. I found myself spending hours just lying in bed, watching the fan spin endlessly. It was a strange experience — feeling so weak that even this simple act of observing became my main activity. Although it was unusual and demanding, it taught me a lot about the value of true rest.

Despite all the intense treatments I’d been through, I was still dealing with strong abdominal bloating. I felt frustrated about the general heaviness I felt all over my body, even after those releasing treatments. The doctors reminded me that I was retaining water, and the stubborn combination of water and fat in my tissues was still persisting and wasn’t going away easily.

Towards the end of the week, things started to change. We began Udvartanam treatments to address this persistent condition. This involves a vigorous massage with herbal powders or pastes designed to reduce Kapha, break down fatty tissues, and improve circulation.
After days of feeling extremely tired, this treatment felt very energizing… and I also started noticing small changes.

While my physical symptoms were slow to improve, my mind was becoming clearer and my emotions more balanced. I was slowly letting go — both physically and mentally — preparing myself for the final week of treatments.

 

Week 4: Basti series and rejuvenation

The final week focused on the Basti series, starting from day 21. This Colon cleansing included alternating oil enemas (Matra Basti) and Kashaya/decoction enemas, a process that involves flushing out the large intestine, known as Yoga Basti when done in a series. The doctors explained that this series was particularly important for balancing Vata dosha and nourishing the body’s tissues.

Alongside the Basti series, we continued with intense Udvartanam treatments. The doctors noticed that my body was responding better to the paste form rather than the dry powder, so they adjusted the treatment accordingly. These Udvartanam sessions, with their vigorous massage, felt like they were really working to break down the stubborn fat and water retention in my tissues.

The Basti series itself was a powerful experience. It was intense, to say the least, but also remarkably effective. Each session left me feeling incredibly light, as if layers of heaviness were being peeled away from my body and mind. The alternation between the oil and decoction enemas seemed to create a perfect balance of nourishment and cleansing. Despite the initial discomfort, I found myself looking forward to each session, knowing how refreshed and clear I would feel afterwards.

During this week, I also experienced Shirodhara, a treatment I do regularly in Bali. Warm medicated oil was poured over my forehead in a steady stream, inducing a deep state of relaxation and helping to calm my mind. It’s known to stimulate the pituitary gland. Despite my familiarity with the treatment, experiencing it as part of Panchakarma seemed to enhance its effects.

I was also introduced to Avagaham (sitz baths), a soothing treatment that particularly resonated with me as a woman. These sitz baths involved sitting in a warm herbal decoction, which the doctors explained was excellent for supporting feminine health. The treatment aims to nourish the uterus, improve blood circulation in the pelvic area, and promote overall reproductive wellness. The purpose reminded me of yoni steaming that I use back home, but this felt like a more comprehensive approach to female self-care and health.

During this phase, I began to notice significant improvements. Finally. The constant bloating that had been a part of my life for so long started to subside. My energy levels increased, and the brain fog continued to lift. I found myself able to think and express myself clearly again, just like I used to.

One of the most noticeable changes was that the extreme sagging I had experienced began to decrease. The accumulated overweight, formed of fat-water retentions, slowly became less visible. My body became less sensitive to soaking up water in the tissues so quickly. Before, just a humid day in the jungle would immediately affect me, which was problematic living in Bali. Now, I feel improvements in this area.

My digestion also showed remarkable progress. I could now set my watch by my bowel movements, which might seem like a small detail to those who’ve never struggled with digestive issues, but for me, it was incredibly liberating. This regularity also gave me confidence that my body was absorbing nutrients better, a good sign for improving metabolism.

The doctors began to focus more on rejuvenation, introducing herbs and treatments designed to strengthen my body after the intense detoxification process of the previous weeks. As the program concluded, they equipped me with Ayurvedic medicines, a detailed plan for continuing care, and recommendations to support the effects of the treatment. This comprehensive aftercare approach left me feeling prepared to maintain the benefits at home.

 

My personal takeaways

Looking back on this intense 28-day journey, I’ve gained several key insights:

1. The power of slowing down: Removing myself from the rush of daily life allowed for deep healing and self-reflection. I learned the value of genuine rest — not just pretending to relax while still keeping busy, but truly doing nothing. It’s amazing what can happen when you give your body and mind the space to JUST BE, without any distractions or activities.
2. The mind-body connection: I’ve gained a new appreciation for how deeply our physical health is linked to our mental and emotional well-being. The treatments didn’t just affect my body; they brought up emotions and thoughts I didn’t even know were there.
3. The transformative power of Ayurveda: My journey with Ayurveda began through Kundalini Yoga, its sister science. Through self-study and gradually integrating Ayurvedic principles into my life, I was able to heal my eating disorder. This immersive Panchakarma experience has now deepened my understanding and appreciation of Ayurveda’s profound healing potential. It’s shown me how these ancient practices can address complex health issues in a holistic and powerful way.
4. The importance of personalized care: The way the doctors tailored every aspect of the treatment to my specific needs was truly remarkable. It made me realize how one-size-fits-all approaches and concepts to health often fall short.
5. The ongoing nature of health: This experience has reinforced that health is not a destination, but a journey — one that requires consistent care and attention. It’s not about quick fixes, but about sustainable, long-term changes. About awareness, willingness, conscious choices, and taking responsibility!

Final thoughts on my Panchakarma Retreat

Wow, what a journey this Panchakarma experience has been! I’ve got to say, it’s not a quick fix or an easy ride. In fact, the entire process actually made me feel weaker as my body went through this intense detox. It’s like my system was saying, “Wait, what’s going on here?”
Especially since this was my first time, the whole experience was a bit of a rollercoaster.

Now that I’m back home, I’m noticing changes almost daily. Little shifts in how I feel physically and mentally. It’s like my body is slowly processing everything that happened during the retreat.

Physically, I feel lighter, and my energy is different — in a good way! That annoying bloating that used to be my constant companion? It’s significantly decreased. And my digestion? So much better. It’s like my body finally figured out how to use the food I’m giving it. I haven’t felt this good in years.

But here’s where it gets really interesting — the internal changes. My mind feels clearer, even though I was already doing lots of meditation, yoga, and focusing on mental health before. I’m so much more in tune with my body now.

Remember how I mentioned I had too much Pitta energy before? Pitta is associated with fire, and when it’s excessive, it can make you overly ambitious and intense. Well, that fire has calmed down a lot, and with it, the unhealthy masculine energy that used to fuel my constant need for action.

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is in how I approach action and rest. Before, I was always go-go-go, driven by that intense energy that never let up. Now? I’ve found a new flow. I can still get things done, but I remember to breathe along the way. It’s like I’ve finally given myself permission to pause without feeling guilty.
This shift has been a game-changer. I’m more in tune with what my body needs, whether that’s pushing forward on a project or taking a break to recharge.
It’s not about slowing down entirely, but about moving through life with more awareness.
And you know what? I’m getting just as much done, if not more, and I feel so much better doing it.

In general I’m noticing I’m more aware of… well, everything. Myself, my surroundings, you name it. My intuition, which was already quite strong, feels even more refined and integrated now, having a much stronger connection to myself to help me face whatever health challenges come my way. It’s like I’m tapping into a deeper level of inner wisdom, guiding me more clearly in my daily decisions and interactions.

I feel like I’ve packed a suitcase full of new tools, new knowledge, experiences, and perspectives from this journey. I can’t wait to unpack it all and see how it fits into my life and work. I have a feeling I’ll be discovering new benefits from this experience for a long time to come, and I’m excited to share all of this in my soul work and with my clients. For sure I’ve gained a whole new dimension to offer in supporting others on their own journeys.

Now, I do want to point out that my Panchakarma experience was totally tailored to me. The treatments and protocols were all based on my specific needs. So if you’re considering trying this, remember that your journey might look different from mine. That’s the beauty of Ayurveda — it’s all about individual balance.

If you’re thinking about trying Panchakarma or any Ayurvedic treatment, definitely chat with qualified practitioners first. They can help you figure out the best approach for you. While my experience was amazing, it’s a pretty intense process, so having the right guidance is super important.

Looking back, this Panchakarma journey was so much more than just a detox or a retreat. It’s changed how I think about health, healing, and the incredible wisdom our bodies hold. I’m so grateful for this experience, and I have a feeling it’ll keep shaping my life for years to come.

 

Your chance to experience Ayurvedic transformation in Bali

Now, here’s something exciting I can’t wait to share with you.
Before my Panchakarma journey, I felt a strong pull towards Ayurveda but wasn’t sure how to integrate it into my work. I trusted that the right opportunity would align with my holistic approach — and it has.

This transformative experience has led to an incredible partnership with an Ayurvedic retreat right here in Bali. We’re blending ancient wisdom with modern wellness at Rudra Sahashrara Bali, creating an experience that goes beyond what I could have imagined.
I’m thrilled to be part of this, contributing my experience in coaching services, Kundalini Yoga, and energy work to enhance the Ayurvedic program.

Picture this: Ayurvedic wisdom, Bali’s lush beauty, and a journey tailored just for you.
Curious? Want to know more?
Get more details here or reach out to me via WhatsApp or per mail at info@whensoulsalign.com.
Your transformative journey might be just a message away.

Ready for a change? This could be the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Let’s explore what Ayurveda can do for you!

xx Jasmin