Travel
My Panchakarma Experience in Mexico
Ayurveda, the “science of life” in Sanskrit, is more than medicine. It is a roadmap to a “good” life in every sense of the word.
10 Ayurveda Tips I Learned
Everyone who works at Villa Ananda has studied Panchakarma in India (the hardcore way), for years. They are die-hard and know their stuff inside and out. Here are a few of the principles they taught me during my stay:
- Ginger is a natural antibiotic. It also helps with digestion if you eat a few slices of fresh ginger about 10 minutes before your meal. This helps fuel the “fire” in your belly, which can then more easily digest your food.
- Don’t drink liquid during your meal, as it puts out the digestive “fire”.
- Some foods should not be mixed, as it’s harder to digest, such as sweet and savory, or raw and cooked. These should be eaten at least an hour apart.
- Everything in health begins with digestion.
- Cilantro will help with skin and acne, and natural chelation (ie. it pulls toxins and heavy metals from your body).
- Helichrysum is good for getting rid of scars. It’s a common medicine used in Mexico, and it’s effective.
- Turmeric pills will help with digestion and overall health.
- Drink a jug of water every day. Add some lemon to make it detoxifying. If you’re weaning yourself off of sugary drinks, you can sweeten it with honey or maple syrup (yes, I added that last part).
- Rose Geranium balances hormones.
- When foods are as close to their state in nature as possible, that’s when they deliver the most potent nutrition.
The many essential oils and herbs that are mixed specifically for your needs and added to treatments.
The Yoga & Ayurveda Health Spa Experience
If you’re coming to detox, the process can involve anything from a day visit to a three-week-long stay in one of the spa’s two oceanfront casitas, each decorated simply in a serene palate and natural fibers reminiscent of the Greek Islands. On casita has a Queen size bed, and the other has two double beds, each with a small but beautiful bathroom with an open shower and windows.
Morning yoga in the health spa
Each day begins with herbal tea and Yoga Meditation practice in a sunny yoga room overlooking the ocean, with easy stretching poses demonstrated by one of the therapists. Treatments that follow may include herbal colon cleansing, aromatherapy steam, skin brushing, tandem Ayurveda massage, Chakra balancing and Shirodhara. The day begins at 8:00 am and finishes around 3:00 PM with afternoons free to rest, relax, swim, read, journal, whale-watch or walk on the beach.
Ayurveda can be a lifetime study, and frequently is in India, and a review like this one can do no more than provide the merest glimpse into what, for most Westerners, is another world of physical and spiritual experience. And speaking of Westerners, if you prefer more conventional treatments in combination with Ayurveda, or on their own, Villa Ananda offers a full spa menu from mud wraps to aromatherapy massages and organic facials. As it was explained to us, the intent is to provide “wellness in a spa atmosphere.”
With my hubby, before our sweat lodge treatment on the beach
Another guest: a New York Times reporter
The concept of authentic Ayurvedic wellness in a spa atmosphere with Indian-trained and qualified therapists is one that seems sure to catch on. Then again, judging by the fact that the “Olsen Twins” were occupying our casita up until we arrived, maybe it already has.
Lynn Saunders
I went here before alone because I felt like I was at the brink of going crazy because of stress. It was the best decision I’ve ever made!
Kelley Patton
The vacations you always take are really nice. It must be great to always be stress-free because you get to go on nice places like this.
Ada Rodriquez
Villa Ananda is amazing. I went there once with my husband and it was really worth it. I had to book way ahead of time though since they don’t really admit a lot of people all at once. I understand that because it would really ruin the experience. It was the perfect place to unwind though. It was more than just relaxing! I felt like I was in heaven to be honest. I felt like all the worries I had just went away and I just felt so good and I didn’t want to leave. Except for the fact that I was starving already because the food was…. Ugh.
Kaitlyn Liddell
Hhahaha, was the food really that bad?! ?
Jenny Palmer
Their detoxification program must be really great. I bet they only radiate positive chakras there!
LANA Carlson
The pictures are very nice. I bet they really don’t do justice on how beautiful the place really is!
Cassie Johnston
Mexico is LOOOOVEEE.❤️ Would rate it a 10 out of 10 and would go back 100%!
Kayla Carlson
This place isn’t exactly for “treatment”. You know how meditation actually helps your overall health? That’s how the Ayurvedic treatment also works. It relaxes you and helps you “find your center”. There’s also a study that quiet time or quiet places boost brain productivity. There’s something about relaxing activities and places that help us do better when we go back to our normal and busy lives. Villa Ananda is really amazing in doing their job. Hope I could go here in the future.
Chloe skertchly
You’re right, that makes a lot of sense. I guess it’s the ‘bad energy’ that makes us unhealthy anyway.
ANGEL
Does this mean that they don’t book a lot of people? What if a group like my friends go there?
Lucia Lopez
When was incense relaxing? They smell like odd smoke…?
Brooke Carlson
The herbs and the oils really are the key to this. I’m a firm believer that these herbs are not only therapeutic, but also has healing properties.