The pictures here do not do justice to what the afternoon brought today, but if you use your imagination, you will feel the blessing I felt when this rainbow appeared.
I was sitting out on the balcony with a new lady who just checked in, and a storm started to blow up so we back into our rooms. As I got into my room, I saw the sun was out on the other side of the sky and figured there had to be a rainbow, so go tmy camera and went back out, to find the lady there as well, figuring the same thing as me.
And as we stood there, quite disappointed that there was no rainbow, all of a sudden, it began to appear. Slowly and faintly at first, but as the rain and wind picked up, the colors became more alive and vibrant, and it actually began in the valley floor and spread all the way around to the trees behind us. I could not capture the whole scene, and the camera does NO justice whatsoever to the brilliance of the colors. And I've never really seen a rainbow which begins on the ground and 1/3 of it is on "land" before ascending into the heavens. It became more and more colorful and brilliant as we watched, for over 15 minutes, and then, although I doubt you can see it in the last picture, a second rainbow appeared, very faint but definitely there, above the first. So, for all the terrible weather we've been experiencing here, this was a true blessing and quite impressive. God's gifts to us are with us at every moment, but sometimes he has the need to do something spectacular to remind us!!
I Went to the Ayurveda doctor in the morning as I was feeling so bad it was becoming depressing, my third day with fever and weakness, headcold etc. He gave me something and lo and behold, I slept like a baby last night without 3 pillows to prop me up, nose dry, no cough and no fever. Too bad I didn't check him out 3 days ago!
I am still quite weak today and sure it will be a few more days, but there is a vast imporvement, in my spirits as well! He told me to continue to take the meds for three full days AFTER I'm feeling completely better. I will bring some of this stuff home with me as well.
The weather I'm sure is part of the problem, as many people are sick now...sun in the morning, stormy in the evening, and today is VERY dry and VERY hot.
I know this journal has become quite boring, but I find that I no longer have the need to WRITE about what I see here all the time...that should not be construed to mean that I take all the beauty around me for granted!! Far from it! I sit here and count my blessings many times each day and thank God often for allowing me to be here once again. But the need to describe each thing as it happens, or as I see it unfold before me, seems to no longer be a pressing need as it once was.
So, for those who still need to read these descriptive posts, simply go to my other India Journal (you can find the link on the sidebar) and check out the descriptive posts from McLeod and you will see either for the first time, or once again, the miraculous things which one finds here and the miracles that Nature and God can achieve just by being with them here in the mountains.
AND JUST TO KEEP THINGS INTERESTING ANYWAY...
While sitting on the balcony and looking across the valley to the road on the other side of the mountain, I saw an elephant coming down Bhagsu Road. At first I thought I was dreaming as I've never seen an elephant here in town before, but I followed it down the road and sure enough, it was an elephant, with loads of children running after it down the road.
If I had felt OK, I would have gone down and over to Bhagsu road to see it as it arrived in town, but you will have to take my word for it, there definitely was an elephant here yesterday!
Namaste
Jane
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
India Journal 2006-#63 May 22,-23- Somewhere Over the Rainbow...and the Elephant
Monday, April 30, 2007
India Journal 2006 - #52 April 29-30 Better Days
Sunday, April 29
Met Deni and Zach by chance for breakfast. They are the nice couple from Rishikesh who I was supposed to meet with Ruth on Friday for Sushi when I got sick...they both did Panchakarma and have now come to up North, with their bike, to get away from the heat.
Still weak but better than yesterday. Abdellah is supposed to come around today and I will just take it easy, do some internet, sit on the balconey and read, listen to music etc. This morning when I got up I did my full morning routine, including Yoga, and it was great. Then, after spending almost 2 days in the bed, decide to "refresh" it, so stripped it and began putting it back together. And just as I had finished getting it back into place,
I felt something in my lower right back and knew I had done something stupid. As the morning wore on it got worse and worse until I could hardly move. By the time abdellah came around (and then Ruth showed up also...more on that in a minute), I could barely get off the chair or bed. I decided to go down to Donshup, the physiotherapist I met several years ago, and have him check for me and see what I did.
Ruth came around to see how I was doing, as she had also been quite ill. Seems she took it much worse than me and she only ate my leftovers! She was vomitting for hours with terrible diarrhea all night on Friday. so I really have to be grateful. Guess the Reiki and Ginger helped and I really didn't have ti bad at all in comparison. Or maybe her side of the omelette had more of the bad egg in it! Who knows?
After they left, I rested for awhile, really in pain at even the slightest movement, and finally got myself up to go to Donshup. When I got there his wife said he cannot see me until Wednesday!! I insisted, something I usually don't do, and explained it was an emergency, and she finally agreed to "allow" him to see me tomorrow at 1 when he finishes his regular morning treatments and before he begins his teaching sessions until 8 PM. So I will go down tomorrow.
Walked a little as I was already out and needed some change of scene...had a nice dinner of plain pasta with a little butter and cheese and basil...very good...and some carrot juice, and then back to the room.. Spent the evening in a chair as getting in and out of bed and turning over was sooooooooo painful. And then, after praying for help with the pain, I "all of a sudden" remembered the same thing happening to me on my first trip and not know what to do. Finally found an ayurveda massage guy who wrote me a prescription for some anti-inflammatory pills called gugulu or some such thing, and after a week of suffereing, the next day I felt better.
I then remembered that the pills I have for my arthritis, which I am no longer taking on a regular basis as per Dr. Arora's advice, have the same ingredient as part of their formula, and figured it couldn't help. So I took 2 of them, a pain-killer, and went to sleep. Woke up in the middle of the night and realized I had no trouble turning over. There was still a slight pain, but nothing terrible.
Monday april 30th
In the morning, today Monday, I woke up feeling fine, took two more pills and have now been up and about for several hours...slight pain but big difference since yesterday. I will still go for the checkup today to be sure it is OK to go back walking uphill etc., and also on Wednesday I have an appointment for a treatment anyway....but the guggulu seems to have done the trick once again.
Sandra called me and said she will be coming in a week or two and wants to do Reiki I with me. I've also decided that once this back thing is over, I will start "drumming up" business as I want to go back to working with people.
Discovered the past few days sitting so much on my balcony, that there is a double pleasure being here in town. I have a great view of the mountains, but I can also people watch for hours, something which I LOVE doing and this being right in the center of twon, there is LOTS to see...really fun! After all, how long can you stare at a mountain???
Have read two lovely books over the past few days as well...see the sidebar for the latest additions.
Met a lovely girl called Anna, from Sweden at breakfast this morning. Seems that she was in Israel and Palestine in 2000 working as a peace worker for awhile and has travelled much in Israel and loves the beauty of the country but was very saddened by the attitude of both sides and the lack of true leadership on either side.
She has a Masters degree from the States where she lived for 8 years which is useless in Sweden, so she is working as a caretaker in geriatric institutions in Sweden...and so we had a very long discussion....when she told me what she does, I said, "You are Amazing!" and she thought I meant the job was amazing and she started to tell me why it wasn't, and I explained that SHE was amazing for doing it...an angel of compassion from Heaven....as I knew from very first hand experience what she goes through each and every day and for the lowest salary possible. She was so pleased that I could empathize with her, as it is the first time someone has ever told her how wonderful she is that she does this work.
And of course we got around to talking about my father etc.,,,,interesting morning to say the least. And now I am here....
Namaste to all
Jane
Saturday, March 24, 2007
India Journal 2006- #29 March 24th-Out of Order but Nice
I will be writing about yesterday when I come back here tomorrow (hope ;you understood that sentence), but I have such wonderful news to share from this morning that I didn't want to wait so I will take the time now to just write about today ...so far...it is now 3 in the afternoon, and I've already been at the computer for over an hour, but needed to catch up with other important stuff as well...so, my day today:
I had decided to make an appointment for a second consultation with the Ayurveda doctor I had seen a week after finishing my Panchakarma if you remember. That means I came to see him the first time 3 weeks ago. I will not rehash what he said then, as I'm sure you remember, and if not you can check it out for yourself if it is important for you...but I arrived this morning with a list of questions and just
wanting to hear in general what he said. I have been feeling much better lately and assumed that part of that was due to my better eating habits, and wanted to see if there was any validation for how I was feeling, as well as find out if there was anything I could do once I got home to maximize the effects for as long as possible, until I could get back here.
I walked in and he was very pleased to see me, and spent an unusually long time checking my pulse. He had opened my file and it was almost as if he wasn't quite sure he was "seeing" right, and kept rechecking. In the end, after also checking my tongue and eyes, and with a big smile on his face, he said"I guess even 2 weeks of panchakarma works!". "You are 100% better than the first time I checked you" (I was also told that the full effect of Panchakarma kicks in after 2-3 weeks and I've also been more careful about my diet the last couple of weeks).
"Your doshas are all in balanced...your Vatta is a little high but this is perfectly normal for your age. You are very well!".
Also told me less walking and I do feel better when I don't overdo walking. Said to walk slowly to one place and then sit and enjoy that place and then even take a rickshaw back home afterwards. And this is pretty much what I've been doing since it has gotten hotter. "Too much movement not good for you...take all things slowly...reduce stress...let God worry...You don't have to!" (I LOVE this guy). "And you should be fine until you get back here in February".
He prescribed some general body strengther and immune system enchancer which he said may even save me from the pollution in Delhi. Too bad I didn't ask him sooner, but will begin today and buy ehough for 6 months as he suggested.
Then I had a lovely breakfast at Welcome Center (took a rishshaw down). I even met my neighbor Suavamir, who is also doing Panchakarma and we walked back along the banks of the Ganga. Warm but pleasant breeze down there and certainly much nicer than walking on the main road.
And now sitting with Deepak and Vivek for a visit. As I walked in they both had a look of amazement on their faces. Seems just last night they had discussed something and decided to call me today and ask me to come over!! Seems they want me to come this week and teach THEM Reiki...but I told them I have declared this time vacation time for myself and will probably say know. Will let them know tomorrow.
Decided to walk along in Ram Jula and on the way I finally found something for the boys as well. I think they will like it (or not)..not T-shirts (which I bought in the end for the "big boys" in my life...just to let them know I am thinking of them as well. If they don't fit, or fall apart, they will still make good dust rags!. For the "little" boys I got these cute Indian fabric shirts with collar and short sleeves, but cotten, not T-shirt... moe dress or sport shirt style. Hope they like them.
Will really have to get this package together now and send it off.
I am now sitting at Green restaurant, eating pasta for the first time in 2 weeks and thoroughly enjoying it.
I keep discovering new and lovely thigns about Rishikesh and really look forward to coming back here. It is a MUCH easier place to be than Dharamsala, especially nowt that I've been asked not to do much walking, particularly uphill!
I still find it so peaceful here. Like an oasis of calm in the hassle of the world.
Did a couple Tarot readins yesterday for other people in the guesthouse and had a long pleasant evening. This morning I awke for the first time with no strong wind blowing in the trees. And so it was even more pleasant doing my morning stuff on the terrace.
I am loving my new sandals and enjoy every step I take in them.
The need for a laptop has become more and more clear to me each day and I go down to the internet and fail to complete my "daily assignemtn", and again find myself backed up....
I will end here and get this lovely post off to all of you with my love.
Namaste
Jane
Thursday, March 22, 2007
India Journal 2006 #26- March 19-21 THE STORM and other Stuff
Monday, March 19, 2007
After finishing the second day of the Reiki workshop, the two other women in the workshop and myself, together with another friend who was leaving the same day, decided to go down for lunch (turned out to be closer to dinner by the time we actually ate) to the Welcome Center, and ayurveda restaurant I have been looking for for the past few weeks but had no luck in finding it. So it was good to go with someone who knows where it is and finally discover this lovely place. Now I have another really nice place to eat good healthy food. As a matter of fact, the food was so good, that Ilse and myself went down for breakfast the next morning BEFORE the Reiki class began! Everything is organic,
and prepared according to the Ayurveda principles of body types or doshas. So that no 2 people are given exactly the same meal, even if they order the same thing. For lunch/dinner we had an amazing tali and for breakfast, I had a wonderful wheat porridge with tons and tons of fruit, nuts etc., in in which was so much nicer than the oatmeal I usually get. And she uses only pure ghee in everything, teas are made specially for each person, and each meal is cooked only as you order it. Which is the reason for the long wait for food. I have to remember never to go there when I am already hungry!!
After eating there, I realized that I had really put on too much weight and was also not really eating what I should be, and decided to do something about it by cutting back on pasta and bread and eating my meals more according to the principles I was taught for Vatta (today,thursday march 22nd, is only a few days later and I have already lost all the "yucky" stuff around the middle. I have fruit salad and toasted brown roll with ghee for breakfast, a big salad I discovered at my own guesthouse which I didn't know they even had, but Ruth had tried it. It is on an enormous plate, filled with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, beets, avocado, tofu, the slightest bit of yak cheese on top and dressed with pesto. Really really delicious. And then for dinner also something light, but enough to fill be up and leave me satisfied, body and soul.)
So, now I am sitting on my terrace, eating the most delicious plate of hoummous and felafel! Quite extraordinarily good...as good as anything at Tanami or a good Arab restaurant!! should have really taken a picture of it but didn't think of it at the time.
And then, very pleasantly full, I went to sleep early in preparation for the last day of my Reiki class.
And that night, at 1:15 in the morning, a STORM began. Something I haven't experienced in such intensity and power for a long time. It began with an amazing display of lighting and thunder. I opened the curtains closing off the window opposite my bed, and just laid there looking at the show. Nature is quite powerful in its displays! There was no rain, at least where I was, but perhaps other places experienced rain as well. The wind did not howl through the trees...it was more a deep rumbling which built up and intensified to a roar, died away and began again, over and over for hours. I could almost imagine train after train rumbling into a station and roaring to a stop, only to make way for the next train.
The day itself had been very overcast and the air was heavy and almost stifling...not pleasant in the least. But we awoke to a morning so crisp and clear...everything had been swept clean by the fury of the winds.
There has been a definite shift in weather here and it is much warmer during the day, and although mornings and evenings are still cool, there is no longer any need to change into long, warmer clothing. And I barely need one blanket to cover me at night and no longer sleeping in layers of clothes. This all seems to have happened almost overnight. The evenings and mornings being so pleasant now, it is simply love to sit out till bedtime and read, or just listen to music. And I find myself eating more meals alone on my own terrace rather than in restaurants, just to enjoy the lovely weather as much as possible. It is actually quite hot when out walking during the day, and imagine each day will be hotter than the one before, but so far, nothing near anything that would require me to move on.
However, the drastic change, finally awoke my hip...the rain, cold, changes to heat etc., over the past few weeks happily did nothing to create painful joints, but this very extreme drastic change finally managed to do it. I was not happy when I felt my hip, but decided just to flow with it. It was also one of the indications that I still had detox to do, especially after all the wrong food I had been eating for a couple of weeks, so I guess it was a combination of both as well as a warning to me to behave myself!!
To my great surprise, the entire episode lasted less than 2 HOURS!, instead of the usually 1 1/2 to 3 days!!!
Well, that day, I finished my Reiki class, and Agee, who does Indian Head massage agreed to teach us all the technique the following day...which he did, yesterday. And in addition, I had a full head massage myself...it is a very delicate and easy technique, but the results were well beyond anything I could have imagined...I was so relaxed when he finished, I almost fell over when getting up from the chair. Almost as if all my body parts had disconnected and forgotten how to work in unison to get me going where I wanted to! Hope to be able to use the technique when I get home.
I will end here and hopefully get the post about the lovely but confusing development in my life also done today.
Namaste
Jane
Friday, March 02, 2007
India Journal 2006 #16 March 1-2 - Doctor, Walk and Baba on the Bridge
March 1st
Well, it is still raining but not as hard as yesterday and not quite as cold so decided to get out anyway. (Yesterday I spent the whole day near my room, with everyone else...we had some fun, lots of laughter etc...rainy days can also be fun). I was still interested in seeing another Ayurveda doctor here so decided it would be a good day to do this. I hadn't written about this before, but I've had some kind of gut feeling that, despite all the wonderful changes I have felt since my treatments, that something was still not complete...don't know WHY I felt this way, just did, and decided to check further.
There is a local clinic just 5 minutes from where I am staying which I had originally tried contacting be e-mail while I was still deciding where to do the threatments. They never replied and this gave me a bad feeling so I forgot about it. (Turns out the contact information I was given was out of date...
but I believe that there is a reason for everything and that I was directly to Vivek's place for a definite purpose...) So, I went over and asked for an appointment, and he was able to check me then and there as I purposely went before breakfast...He is a well known doctor here with many credentials and highly regarded by the local people as well. He apologized for my not being able to contact him and was very gracious and spoke English very well and gave me a comprehensive consultation.
I mentioned to him immediately that I had already done Panchakarma and finished just a few days ago. He proceeded to check me...gave me his diagnosis, and then I asked him if he thought I needed to do further Panchakarma (after what he told me...bare with me). His reply was "Not to worry...what you did is good...enjoy your life and good health...not to worry...next year you come back and then do again here with me...not to worry...no need to worry now..." etc. So first he put my mind at ease and basically told me that what I did was good, simply not enough for my age.
What he told me was, aside from telling me about my body type etc., which I already know, and giving me further diet advice (I have a further session with him on Monday for a more in depth discussion of diet)...was that 2 weeks of Panchakarma is fine for a healthy person, under 45, who simply wants to detox. Over 45 you need a minimum of 3 weeks and over 6, 6 weeks!!! to get the full benefit. He said the treatment I did detoxed me about 75% but "not to worry...you will be OK for long time"...Didn't want me to be upset and said it will still be OK for a long time as long as I eat properly. Just to enjoy the benefits and my freedom from pain and stiffness...
He also charges much less...charges foreigners the same price as local people so it is about 1/2 the price per session, or even less.
Truth is, I could not have done a 3rd week here even if I had originally decided to...next year, I will prepare myself in advance for a longer period of time...and if I really need it sooner, will come back in the fall instead of a year from now.
I am in no way disturbed that I went where I went this trip, and look forward to seeing him next year.
He says I am basically healthy and not to be too concerned about eating. Just do the best I can and enjoy life. Similar to what the other doc told me. Says the beauty of Ayurveda is that it is made to work for normal people who enjoy life and food etc., Just make sure I drink enough water each day and keep away from cold stuff which I usually do anyway. If you make a big deal out of eating habits, you loose the zest for life and this is very unhealthy.
I also asked about the matter of dairy products being bad for arthritis as I came to believe from my knowlege and study of Western naturopathy etc. and yet in ayurveda I am always told that cheese is fine...he said as a matter of fact, that the only dairy product NOT good for me is yogurt...the exact opposite of what I've been following the last 15 years. And then he said something interesting: "You've been eating like that for 15 years...how much has it helped your arthritis? Now try ayurveda eating for 15 years and see what happens!!".. I thought that was a good point and so decided to get out of my old eating habits and try something completely new (which is why I am having the further session with him for more specific advice).
I look forward to my further session with him on Monday...I will also be doing several more massages, just on my back, which he says will remove further toxins from the arthritic hip and will give just a little bit more balance to my system. He originally didn't want to do this, explaining that I should just relax into what I already did, but agreed with me that these back, particularly lower back, massages would help. He explained that these type of toxins are stored, and released through the lower back area and the massage could do alot for me...so Monday I will have a few more massages for a few days as well. At 200 rupee (20 shekel) apiece!!
Following this meeting, I went upstairs to the restaurant we ate in that night and waited 1 1/2 hours for our food...but figured at that time of the day it would be fairly empty..which it was.
And since the doc said that cheese and tomatoes were both good for me, I ordered a tomato cheese omelette for breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed it.
So, looking forward to new ideas and approaches to living...will make things interesting to say the least.
March 2nd
Today dawned beautiful and sunny and decided to get out. I had eaten dinner thali at a nearby guesthouse run by Mamaji for the past two evenings, and met this interesting Canadian man that I think I mentioned is travelling the world after retiring with the not so easily offered consent of his family. So I met him this morning just before breakfast and we spent some time together over breakfast which was fun.
Then I went out. Just exploring...and the weather was so perfect, that I was out for several hours, walked at least 5 km. mostly flat but some up and down...bascially easy walking to one bridge, down and over to the other bank than 2 1/2 km. to the next bridge but I continued down the Ganges as far as I could go, don't know how far it was, finally ate lunch at a nice restaurant and then all the way back up to High Bank. I didn't realize how much sun I had gotten as it was not hot, just breezy and beautiful, but I am feeling it a little now with a heavy head. Also didn't drink enough I guess but who cares. I had a GREAT day! No camera again, but always so many things to photograph.
A funny think happened to me on the Laxman Jula bridge...a baba approached me (like a Holy man) with his puja (ceremonial) tray and without asking, put vermillion on my forhead, asked me to take marigolds as an offering, tied a string to my left hand, had me repeat some mantra after him and throw the marigold offering into the Holy Ganges...and then gave me my personal blessing in the form of a dried out rose (still smelling lovely) and little white things which looked like popcorn (but of course aren't)...this all happened in a zip and then of course he asked for money, which annoyed me so gave him 20 rupees, which annoyed him, so I felt better!
But it reminded me of the Chabad guys who hang around in airports, bus stations and city centers, stopping men to put on Tefillin and say the blessings...It was just a pleasant experience...another fun thing in India.
And now I am here, and then off to dinner...it's Friday night. Tomorrow begins the holiday of Holi here which I mentioned involves throwing colored chalked mixed with water on people...but the main shenanigans are not until Sunday...will let you know how it goes.
Namaste to all
Jane
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Aurveda Panchakarma Treatments #13-14 FINISHED!
It's over and I will SUMMARIZE THE RESULTS to date...what will happen in the future waits to be seen but I am confident that I will feel well for quite a long time...even up to a year and then I will come again!
Treatment #13 - I'm glad it's the last one before the final cleansing and consultation with the doctor who will explain how to slowly go back to regular eating habits and answer lots of other questions I have. Vivek said I can have chapati today!!! (It was DELICIOUS but could barely finish it!). Tomorrow I have the day off as it is local State election day, and then my final treatment..
Treatment #14 and Summary of results
I just had the greatest facial of my life! And done by a man to boot! This was the final surprise of my last treatment which eneded with my eyes, ears and nose being cleaned with various drops and massage after my final full massage and steam (which I didn't have since it wasn't working...turned out later there was no gas in the gas balloon!- but I had a nice hot "bath" instead...I would have preferred the steam...really enjoyed those). And then this wonderful facial.
the doctor then spoke to me and explained how to slowly return to my regular diet (as he originally gave me) and if I want to "cheat" every so often,
it is OK. I like this about him! He is not fanatic and this is what I believe also. Wee need to feed our soul as well as our stomach and sometimes a good cup of coffee, or pasta or piece of cake or whatever is needed. For now it is still liquid kind of diet, mung dahl (explored today and found a couple of restaurants near my guesthouse that are willing to prepare this for me) and veggie soup and porridge and perhaps a chapati. But I don't yet have much of an appetite so I am fine. I lost 3 kilo but it is different than when you simply loose weight. all the "yucky" stuff in the middle is gone! Like I was 10 years ago...wonder how long that will stay that way?
I will also slowly get back to a full yoga program but the lovely program Deepak gave me will remain with me always...first as a full program in itself, and then later, according to how I feel, as a warm-up to further yoga practice. Of course my pranayama and meditation stay the same as always...I am quite pleased.
Aside: I started getting a rash on my back several days ago and figured it was from the oil or the detox and since I don't like to complain, didn't say anything figuring it would be gone quickly. But it kept getting worse and today I asked Vivek. With a twinkle in his eye he said he was surprised that I hadn't said anything until now! He was waiting for this. Says many people get this rash on their face (aren't I the lucky one) but some also on the back and it is toxins coming out and may take up to a week to disappear on its own...and try not to scratch it!!
Doc also said that my 2-3 liters of water a day is fine...even more in summer. but definitely no yogurt in the morning. If I don't want porridge then either herbal tea and bread and butter, or fruit is OK. And that I asked about dairy products and my keeping away for over 12 years now - as I was convinced from reading that it was part of the cause of my arthritis and of course mucous and sinus problems. He says I MUST go back to dairy products and he is the 3rd ayurveda doctor to tell me this. Samll amolunts of cheese are fine and BOILED milk once a day is very important for MY body type. Funny...all those years I never missed giving up meat...but cheese was always difficult for me. And then I was also told to stay away from salt a year ago by an oesteopath who also said it caused arthritis...I've always loved salty food and this has been very hard for me. But now it seems salty is one of the tastes that are important in a Vatta (my body type) diet. So, we must ALWAYS listen to our bodies ...they are very wise!
He also prescribed a detox supplement taken in capsule form which he wants me to take on a regular basis. He says it will help keep my body cleansed...and if I do overindulge at times, I will know right away as I will get pain in my hip...this is a sign that the detox is working and this is where I will feel it. So I will get these also to bring home with me.
Other than that, the whole thing is quite amazing. I feel soooooooooo good. And with the original cold and rainy weather and then the sudden switch to warm and dry, I should have been suffering constantly since I arrived here. I have not had a pain (except for my neck and shoulder while sitting at this damn computer) since the 3rd day of treatment. It was worth every penny...and inconvenience...and unpleasantry to have this done and look forward to next year when I will do it again. I highly recomment it to anyone...
Namaste
Jane
Monday, February 19, 2007
Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments #10-12-I FEEL GREAT!!!
Well, treatment #10 was similar to yesterday with even more emphasis on lower and outer extremities...and this seems to progress from day to day....I feel as if the toxins are being squeezed, wrung, grinded and stripped out of me in every possible way. I am eating almost nothing and very weak, my head is lite, a slight headachy feeling (read further to see the vast imporvement in this situation), but I spoke to Vivek about it and he says he was already expecting this reaction several days ago and is not surprised or worried at all. Says it may last until a couple of days AFTER the whole treatment and then my appetite will return as will a renewed energy level.
I have to take his word for it and I found
some apples for sale today and bought them to keep as a snack in the room. It helped to settle my stomach this afternoon so I didn't feel as quesy as yesterday.
Treatment #11 - Unpleasant still but once I got home I was actually feeling very well, contrary to the past few days. All of a sudden, despite the small amount of food I am eating, I am no longer hungry and quite energized. The weather has also turned fabulous....clear clean air, glorious sunshine...slight breeze...just perfect.
Same evening: Did yoga for the first time in several days and it was EASY! My whole body feels loose and lubricated...I find myself moving as I usually do when getting up from a chair or from lying down, moving slowly and with caution in anticipation of sudden, momentary stiffness and pain. To my great surprise, there is no resistance or pain anywhere! I had gotten so used to this wary moving about it surprises me each time I move so effortlessly!
I was looking to get relief from hip pain...never even thought of the general effect this would have on my body. Never even realized how much I had become accustomed to thea lessening of flexibilty in my whole body and the need to move carefully. It is quite amazing how this has all changed!
This morning, before going for treatment #12, I did Udiyana Bandha for the first time in many days (a type of yoga breathing technique which sucks in the whole abdominal region bringing the front of the body inwards, upwards and back towards the spine-you may have seen pictures of yogis doing this)...it is a wonderful massage for all the internal organs and I generally do it each morning first thing. I always get a very good concave inward pull of the abdomen, but today, my stomach seem to touch my back! It was quite extraordinary...I've really had every bit of "stuff" which is not supposed to be in there scooped out and I am really, truly clean. I've also lost lots of weight, don't know how much yet, but it is a very pleasant feeling.
Treatment #12 was again similar, but the enema was not quite as traumatic as I am pretty much emptied out already...tomorrow is the last one.
I am feeling sooooooooooo wonderful....so energized....so light....and of course not only pain free but stiffness free...my joints seem to have been lubricated and no longer "squeak"!!!
Another extra added attraction...the skin of my face is flawless. All those little blemishes on the chin and roughness around the nose etc....my face is just smooth as a baby's.
So,,,will end here...two more days to go.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments #8-9 Down to the Nitty Gritty
I woke the morning of the 15th quite energiezed, with the sun shining, and walked down to my treatment after doing my regular "morning stuff", including some pranayama/meditation/yoga, hot shower, porridge. Today they will begin the internal cleansing regimen and not really looking forward to it.
Treatment #8 - consisted again of a full body massage but the character of the massages has changed I have noted. While each massage is a full body massage, the first week's main emphasis was on the trunk portion of the body, the massages have now moved their emphasis to the extremities. Makes sense if you think of it as cleansing is something which must begin deep within and gradually work its way out....
Following the always lovely massage
I had a full steam box bath but with different herbs than the ones last week. I really enjoy these. And then of course the internal detox began. I will spare you the details, but I had my first enema and will just say that it is not easy. Not because it is terrible unpleasant as I had expected it to be, but it is just completely debilitating energy wise, and also kills the appetite. I could barely eat anything for lunch afterwards, and walking home was difficult. The rest of the next few days I was advised to eat as much of a liquid diet as possible, meaning plain dahl, soups, herbal teas etc., and lots of ghee or melted butter for lubrication. Well, I didn't feel like eating anything at all and had some tea and went to sleep.
In the evening I was a little hungry so had a bowl of plain vegetable soup, and after a short while, simply went to sleep early and slept a full 12 hours.
Treatment #9 - Again, a lovely massage with further emphasis on the extremities and face area, full steam and then an enema. I spoke to Vivek who explained the process and the reasoning behind it. Each day different herbs are used, sometimes with water, sometimes with oil, and each consecutive treatment does further cleaning. He compared the intestine to a pipe which, after years of use gets blocked, even if we eat perfectly and think all is well. The first enema removes the easy stuff, and yesterday was definitely easier than today. Afterwards, what remains in the pipe is the accumulation of years of debris which becomes stuck to the walls like rust on the walls of the pipe, and literally must be "scraped off" a little at a time until everything is removed. This is the purpose of the repeated enemas...
All I can tell you is, it is going to be a horror of 5 more days. This is difficult. I am tired, weak and have no appetite, still have to go back and forth each day, but I must tell you that I have absolutely no pain anywhere in my body for some days now and so it is definitely working. what Vivek further explained, is that most people stop the treatment after the pleasant part and then results are limited in time because the body is still filled with debris. It is this second stage which is supposed to guarantee long lasting results from the panchakarma. Even a year or more. But this of course is something we will have to wait to find out about.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments #4-7 Sum Up of Results to Date
Treatment #4-Deepak did this treatment and it was superb. Amazing hands, perfect touch. Full body not herbal bundles. First they are heated a tapped all over and then he uses them to massage my alternating between his hands and the bundles...heaven! I could use one of these everyday of my life! Then I had an oil drip on my forehead plus a head massage. It is actually amazingly relaxing to my surprise. Then a "sponge" bath while still on the table. Lunch and then home in the rain head full of oil. But I had plenty of hot water and it washed out easily.
Treatment #5- Same wonderful herbal bundle massage with Deepak again and then local steam. Particular careon back but just pure luxury all over. Again lunch and then home.
Treatment #6 - Vivek did this treatment and he has a much lighter touch, seems to use his hands differently, but when I asked he said each person is expert in certain types of massages for certain results which are expected from that particular technique and that is why they change as necessary and as presribed by the doctor. Not just by chance, but with purpose and forethought. Full body massage again but differnt emphasis and particular work on lower back where I mentioned I have some new pain. He says that and my head cold are part of the detox process and the doctor will see me tomorrow anyway.
following the massage, hot towels all over my body and then the forehead drip again.
Today, kitcheri for lunch...supposed to be good when you are sick with colds and flu. Mixture of rice, mung bean dalh and cumin seeds cooked togehter with seasoning.
I also keep forgetting to mention the Papad which is a crispy round thing, looks like shmura matzo...made from mung bean dahl flour and seasoned with balck pepper. Good for colds and digestion and it ends each meal, sort of like dessert.
Treatment #7 - The day dawned terribly cold, windy and rainy but decided to go anyway, as I wanted finish up my first week and meet the doctor. I had a very mild body massage with Vivek as well as hot bundles on my lower back and shoulder neck area which is always stiff. Quite pleasant. Before the massage however, they promised to teach me how to flush out my nostrils pouring water into one and having it come out the other. I had tried that once years ago and all the water ended up in my forward...or down my throat...it was terrible and I was a little hesitant, but they first explained it to me, then did it themselves so I could see, and to my great surprise, I did it and it was easy and brought immediate relief even though one side was completely stopped up. They recommend it every morning when one has a cold a twice a week on a regular basis. I bought a little spouted plastic container to do it with.
Then the doctor came. He was quite pleased with my progress,,,said my pulse was much stronger and balanced, and then presribed further medication for my cold as well as the next weeks treatments.
These will include a massage still every day but afterwards, something to drink and then internal cleansing done with enema...I am REALLY looking forward to that you can be sure! And then a very lite meal each day of soup only for the duration.
Impression of results so far: As the weather has been very cold, raining windy and damp, I would have expected my hip to be bothering me continually, or least paining once in awhile. To my great surprise, from the second day, I have had no pain, not even twinges, at all. So for now, I can only say that something has happened. And I mentioned the immediate solution to my frozen shoulder already. Now we will see how long through the year the results continue....I am taking herbal medication every day, actually the same thing Rumalaya that I have been using for the past two years on the advice of an Indian pharmacist, but now the doctor has recommended Ramalaya Forte for at least the next 5 months. Then to stop and see what happens.
All in all so far, I am quite pleased. I took a break today as I mention in my regular post, and will be back tomorrow to begin my second week.
Namaste and good health to all
Jane
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
India Journal 2006 #7 Feb 12-13 Talk About the Weather!
Well, I'd rather not talk about the weather. What a disappointment. But first let's go back to yesterday and finish up the nice stuff, and then we can talk about the weather for a minute or two.
Monday, Feb 12th, 6 PM
I am now in my room after a very busy day. I've checked the weather on the internet (you can do the same if you want to know what the weather is like here...Google "Dehradun weather" and the first site on the page will be "wunderground. There you can see the weather for 5 days and know what I'm going through.
I checked because I wanted to know if I could give in my winter clothes to the laundry, but I won't be able to do that until at least Saturday. I am wearing ALL of my clothes, and have taken to changing the UNDER piece of clothing since I cannot give them into the wash. But at least they keep me warm. This internet place is nice...it is heated!
My cold is not worse but not good either. Yesterday evening asked the guy in the kitchen to chop up an onion and cover it with honey
and of course he asked what I was going to do with it. When I told him I was going to eat the juice to clear up my cold...he thought that was hysterical and called all the guys over to tell them about the crazy old lady....but they gave it to me and it helped.
Tuesday, Feb 13, 6 PM
I slept well last night and woke up to pouring rain....worse than yesterday and much colder and seriously considered not going to day. It is like Jerusalem...about 10 degrees and windy...really not pleasant! But the doctor was supposed to see me and Vivek said he would also teach me how to put water up one nostril and out the other to clear up my cold and figured that would be good to know. I am also taking my Traumil and have bought Tulasi, which is Ayurveda stuff for immune system and hopefully, once the sun comes out this will simply pass over.
So, I got dressed warm, including my hat (later in the day I finally bought a raincoat which I will use for the next couple of days because even with an umbrella, crossing the bridge you get soaked from the wind driving the rain across at an angle) and took a rickshaw down. When I arrived, Vivek said he had sent me a message on the phone (which I keep closed) that if I wanted to "take rest today" I could as the weather was so bad. But I was happy I went. The power was on the whole time today, so the heater was working and I had my massage, plus really learnt how to do the wsater thing and it helped and also met with the doctor who was very pleased with my progress and presecibed the treatment for the next week. I will write more details when I get around to doing the treatment post.
So I am glad I went, and then stayed hoping the rain would stop and spoke to Vivek who is also very interesting, but finally had no choice and left in pouring rain. Got to the other side, got my rickshaw and got back to the hotel restaurant which was packed with all the other people also looking for a warm place to sit. The rooms are really cold (although mine is not as cold as some I've seen), and so sat and had a couple of glassed of ginger honey tea and finally went to my room.
I don't feel sick or anything, but the running nose is an annoyance and didn't feel like sleeping right away. Listened to music and played cards and finally went to sleep. I am meeting some very interesting people here as well...from Italy, Switzerland, Germany and of course Israelis, and it is not unpleasant to hang around the restaurants in the area here to pass the time when you can't be outdoors.
I am enjoying myself as much as possible under the circumstances, but have nothing exciting to write actually. I've even taken to doing the needlepoint I took with me the last minute (haven't done one of these since I was pregnant with Sahi 26 years ago) but it also passes the time while I'm listening to music.
I've already finished my first book and am into the second...a luxury I don't have time for at home. Basically the day goes by very gently...just would be perfect if it wasn't raining and I could get more use out of the swing outside my room. But if EVERYTHING was perfect when I arrived here, perhaps it would be too much of a shock to my system. This way, at least I get used to the perfect "good life" one step at a time.
So, I will close for now...go off for dinner, and then back to my room where I will turn on the heater, heat of the room, take a hot shower, and climb into my warm bed.
I LOVE to get letters by the way!!!!
Namaste to all
Jane
Monday, February 12, 2007
India Journal 2006 #6 Feb 9-12, 2007
Well, back to catching up where we left off yesterday...hope this will bring me up to date and then it will be easier to continue. Today is Monday to the best of my knowledge...hope not to loose any more days along the way. So we go back to Shabbat, the day I got caught in the rain on the way home. But walking down the road to Ram Jula, the water of the Ganges was an amazing aquamarine, brilliant, clear color. I had to stop and just look at it for awhile on my way down. It rained all day AND all night and the locals say it should have rained like this in December and beginning of January, certainly not now...and they are all surprised by the weather. It did not rain all winter and just started raining now. Sounds like home...but it is really cold and windy and rainy and hopefully it will clear up soon. (Today, Monday, was actually quite nice all day...even saw the sun and sat out for awhile...hope each day gets better and better).
At any rate, I used the shared rickshaw which runs up and down the road between
Ram Jula and Laxman Jula and you just get on any one that has a free seat for 5 rupees. It takes me up the road and then I have another few minute climb up to the "High Banks" area I am living it. Not bad. I actually prefer walking the whole way but the rain was terrible and I've also been advised to do as little walking while doing the treatments, and rest as much as possible. I have taken to wearing my Crocs which I threw in the last minute and they are super comfrotable and since the roads here are good and even cleaner than any place else I've seen so far in India (except for Chennai), I am enjoying wearing them instead of my usual closed sneakers. Also easier when I have to keep taking them on and off in different places. Rishikes as a whole is really clean, and except for the stuff the cows leave (and there are an enormous amount of cows here...more than I've seen anywhere else), there is no dirt on the road whatsoever. so much cleaner than Dharamsala!
On the way home after my 4th treatment, which I will describe in a "treatment post", I stopped to buy shampoo and it took lots of hot water and plenty of shampoo to get my hair back to normal...it was the first treatment with the oil dripping on the forhead business...you can just imagine!
I had asked earlier in the week if it was possible to take walks in the forest and I was laughed out by the people at the guesthouse. They told me it is dangerous to go into the JUNGLE and I thought they meant for reasons of being robbed or attacked by men or something. They said no..."wild animals"!! Well, I didn't know what animals they were talking about but this morning, while looking out at the view across the river from my terrace, I saw on the path below, two enormous wild boar coming down the "jungle" path. so, I know for sure that they are in there and that is enough reason for me to not venture out there alone. But then I was told there are panthers and black bears as well! I spoke to the people at the clinic and they said yes, of course, the panthers even come down into town and the people who cautioned me about roaming the streets late at night are right. The area I am staying is pretty much IN the "jungle" and the animals still roam there. So, for now, I will have to find other places to walk around...but that will all wait until I finish all my treatments.
Sunday was also raining and chilly and almost didn't go down to my treatment, but in the end I went and coming back was already a little warmer and even had tea in an outdoor cafe which I tried for the first time. I had left my room in the morning wearing just about every piece of clothing I took with me. tites under my jeans, 2 pair of sox and my woolen booties on top of them. Thermal undershirt and 2 shirts, and light sweater, by sweatshirt and then my fleece jacket on top. and on the way down I bought a woolen hat to wear. And on top of it all, my shawel. Walking across the bridge was so windy, and quite scarey as it kind of swayed in the wind!
Just to comment about the treatments in general...my frozen shoulder is completely gone after only 2 treatments where it normally takes a few MONTHS to go away...even using acupuncture, osteopathy and complete rest. I've never taken the cortisone shots or pills the doc recommends and basically it seems that it doesn't go away until the inflammation dies down. And here, it was gone in 2 days!. My hip also seems to be fine even though it is so chilly and damp and all the walking I am doing, much of it up hills and steps.
Had a really fun time with Deepak today, one of the therapists as well as my yoga instructor, after his fabulous massage. While eating lunch, which consisted solely of chapati and squash like vegetable, we began talking about culture, language, etc. and I added a few more words in Hindi to my list. Trouble is, when I try to use them, people talk to me in English...like in Israel...if you sound like you don't really know Hebrew, everyone will answer you in English. They thought it was quite funny when I mentioned I learnt a little Hindi by watching Zee TV and when I told the young girl, 16 years old, who cooks and helps out there that I watch Jaab Love Hua and Kasamse, she burst out laughing!!! So now I can say things like "see you tomorrow", "see you later", "little bit", happy, cold, rain and "what is your name", "how are you", "have a nice day", thank you, in addition to the words I had already learned from the TV.
Also received my Indian phone number after providing them with a copy of my passport, visa, proof of address and picture.
Today I woke up with a cold again and my lower back is paining me terribly...something I never suffer from. So I complained to Vivek who said this is good...all part of the detoxification....and to rest as much as possible....he worked alot on my back and tomorrow I see the doctor to find out what the rest of the sessions will be.
So will end here...more tomorrow now that I am caught up.
Namaste
Friday, February 09, 2007
Ayurveda Panchakarma Treatments #1-3
Feb. 6-9, 2007
I have decided to write separate posts describing my treatments here so that those of you who are interested in that aspect of this trip can simply skip to the categories and easily find only these posts.
So this is the first one and will just very briefly descirbe what these treatments are and then write about the first 3 treatments which I have had so far, in short.
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian medicine, thousands of years old, and I've been involved in certain aspects of it for several years now. If you want more specific information, simply Google it and you will find all you need to read about it.
After doing treatments in the past in India, I have decided to do a full panchakarma treatment here which will take two weeks. in short, it is a general detoxification of the body and then specifically used to treat individual problems. I will be specifically treated for my arthrities which has gotten much worse over the past winter. So, here we go.
The first day I was taken from my Ashram by motorbike (!) to the clinic for my meeting with the doctor. He examined me, using questions, pulse, eyes, tongue and nails to make his diagnosis. He then goes on to prescribe the specifics of the treatments as well as diet changes which he feels necessary, yoga suitable to my condition, pranayama and meditation. After concluding that my basic diet is surprisingly perfect for my body type and condition, and making a few simple suggestions, I was told to return the next day for my first treatment.
The biggest addition to my diet is quite lovely. Three tablespoons of melted butter in my food, twice a day! Or whole wheat toast for breakfast with 3 tablespoons of melted butter if I feel like it instead of porridge.
Other small changes but nothing spectacular, so that at least will not be very difficult for me to continue once I get home. He claimed that pommegranates are very good for me, as is avocado, dried fruits and nuts, hot milk with spices and honey in it (lovely) and other interesting suggestions. I'm quite pleased.
Now, my first treatment was the following morning and consisted of the follwoing:
It was a fabulous full ayurveda massage and then a steam box. The only way I can describe this contraption was to take you back, to those who remember, old TV shows where people were put into these boxes with a towel on their head and then a dial was turned and they were steamed. In on "Lucy" episode, she got stuck in one and it was quite funny. I also think one was used in a James Bond movie to kill someone but whatever.
This was simply a wooden box that I was closed into and then steamed until i began to sweat and then told to massage my body so that the oils would be absorbed thoroughly and my body would get full benefit from them. It also raises circulation to the service further detoxifying...it was really nice. Following that I was told that most people take a cold "bath" (same idea as sauna and then ice water) but in my case they would give me luke warm "bath". Turned out to be one small bucket of cold water to pour over myself and then get dried and dressed. Well, they say this is a very important part of the treatment, so of course I did it.
Then I was given lunch which will be part of the treatemnt each day. Chapati, dahl and rice of course, with melted butter poured over the dahl. Quite delicious actually sitting on the floor with Vivek who is in charge, Deepak the yoga instructor and the sweet massage therapist. Nice end to the first day.
My second treatment was of course the next day and included again a full body massage, then hot herbal bundle massage for specific problematic areas and this was done by the director, Vivek himslef. Then steam box again for longer even than the first day but no bath....just sat there until I sweated so much that all the excess oil dripped off me and then I just towel dried myself very easily. Then up to the roof for a 15 minute sunbathe, and then down to lunch which also included a little hotter food all meant to heat up my body from inside and out. another lovely day.
Third Treatment today consisted of a localized massage concentrating on the hip area, lower back and shoulder neck area followed by the heated herbal bundles again...this time done by TWO people working on me....what luxury1 Then just local steaming of the problematic areas and a very light lunch...no rice today. They jokingly said that each day the food would get less until I was paying for no food! Joking of course, but each day the food is cooked in a way that supplements the treatment of the day.
I also had my first yoga session today and Deepak gave me a full workout which works my entire body but is so gentle and easy on the joints that it is amazing. It was worth coming just for that!
So, I will end this post here and write another after I've done another few treatments.
If you have any questions, either comment here or e-mail and I'll be happy to go into more details for you.
Namaste
Jane
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
India Journal 2006 #3-January 30, 2007-Saab Kuch Milega
Well, as you can see, I did not make it to India in 2006 as originally planned, but I will be leaving this Sunday, February 4th with Royal Jordanian Airlines via Amman and reaching Delhi the following morning. From the airport I will be whisked off by taxi to an Ashram in Rishikesh which has an Ayurveda Clinic. I will spend a few weeks there doing personalized panchakarma treatments for my health in general and my my arthritis in particular and will keep you updated re: the treatments and results.
I then will probably hang around Rishikesh a little longer to explore the area and when I have had enough there, imagine I will head off to Delhi to do some shopping and then up to McLeod for as long as I feel the need.
I am planning to stay in India until June, so much can happen. As they say "Saab Kuch Milega".
This all is happening just a few days after my 60th birthday and the lovely "almost" surprise party my family made for me...
Below a picture of all that I leave behind, and the only thing which makes these trips to India so difficult. 
If not for these amazing, lovely, wonderful people, I would probably never feel the need to leave India for more than a couple of weeks at a time.
So, I will keep you all updated as to all the surprises this new journey holds in store, and hope we enjoy this trip as much as we all enjoyed the previous ones.
The blog gives me the option of labels, so I will be labeling each post, and those that contain lots of details re: food for example, will be labeled "food" so if you do not want to read about what I eat, just don't read those posts!! This will also make it possible to pick and choose what you want to read from the labels on the sidebar.
So enjoy, and write back. I LOVE to get letters while away.
My love to all - Namaste
Jane
