Week 2 of Panchakarma at Maa Yoga Ashram - Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

​Monday, January 4
Yesterday, I finally walked into town, mainly Tapovan and halfway to Rishikesh. When I put on my hiking pants, I had to take in the belt -3 times!  The Panchakarma treatments, along with daily yoga, meditation, pranayama, medicinal herbs, hopeful attitude, and amazing Ayurvedic meals have made me stronger on all levels and I have definitely lost weight and size--it feels like 10 lbs!  Now I really want to stay that additional 3-4 days! 
The treatments have begun a familiar pattern: shirodhara alternating with vasthi.  It always begins with an amazing massage with heated packs of herbs, gram flour, and oil (Snehana). Then either Shirodhara (oil flowing onto the third eye center) or Vasthi (ring of gram dough enclosing heated , herbed oil). The session ends with the herbal steam sauna (Swedana).  In truth, the session ends with me relaxing or napping on my bed!  Aromas of camphor envelope me in the sauna. 
Today I relaxed into the massage, followed by Shirodhara, and finishing with the steam sauna.  A detailed account of these experiences, with photos, can be found in my "Tortilla" post (in progress).

Tuesday, January 5
Yesterday I experienced a new treatment--2 actually!  I was feeling crampy and fatigued from my period, so I declined the Bhasti treatment. Santosh said she would put more heat on my belly and focus more massage there.  Although I was still tired later, I didn't feel the grey, draining, fatigue I felt beforehand.  At the end of the massage, she pulled out this delightful flowery face creme and gave my face a delicious, wrinkle-defying rub.  Then, medicated drops of oil were poured into each of my ear canals, which were then stuffed with cotton to hold the oil in while I melted in the daily steam sauna.  The ear treatment is called Karana Purana, and besides aiding in hearing, it diminishes tinnitus.  It felt wonderful, of course!  All the treatments I used to offer myself in the form of self-care -- daily, weekly, and seasonally -- that I have gotten away from, I will return to and add to my repertoire of healthy habits and regimen of self-care!  www.ayurveda.com/resources/articles/the-daily-routine

Wednesday, January 6
I was supposed to have a job interview with a great, progressive-seeming school located in Kunming today, but the Admin had to reschedule (sigh).  I was so psyched and prepared and excited to land this job, in a town in which I dearly want to reside for the next few years!  Kunming is situated at 2000m, is surrounded by mountains, and sits on the shores of a magnificently huge lake.  Plus, it is a small city, has clean air, and is the locale for many ethnic nationalities, such as the Yi and Bai, to name two.  I skipped yoga this morning so that I would not be too tired for the interview, although I attended pranayama/meditation, and of course relished in my massage.  I felt energized and ready, but no interview--aaargh!!!
...oh, about the massage hehehe... daily rejuvenating oil massage, followed by Shirodhara (which is always followed with a vigorous scalp, forehead, and neck massage), and ending with the menthol steam sauna.  As per the norm, incredible!!  Dr. Raj commented afterward about how healthy I look and that my weight loss is tremendously noticeable!  WhooHoo!  Tomorrow, I will resume Bhasti (oil enema). 

Thursday, January 7
New treatments today.  Nasya with face steam, uncomfortable but no pain.

​Friday, January 8
No treatment today--ventured into the noise of Rishikesh!
Saturday, January 9
Massage, shirodhara, steam sauna.

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Week 3

Monday, massage and steam, bhasti
Tuesday, late afternoon, massage and steam
Wednesday - no treatment - Mooji!
Thursday - Rena filled in for Santosh, massage but no gram bolus, very nice shirodhara (went into dream states), and steam
Friday - no treatment, Mooji
Saturday -