If you’re new to Ayurveda, you may have heard of a popular Ayurveda cleanse or Ayurveda retreat called Panchakarma.
This style of cleanse is quite restrictive and very structured and while it does offer a lot of incredible benefits, it can sometimes make people a little less fond of Ayurveda, or perhaps a little hesitant to say yes to an Ayurvedic journey!
On our luxury Ayurveda retreat in Bali, our retreat program is very, very different to Panchakarma and other Ayurvedic retreats. Our luxury Ayurveda retreat is far more relaxing, rejuvenating and indulgent, whilst still offering so many incredible benefits that this age-old wisdom offers.
What is a Panchakarma Ayurveda Retreat?
Panchakarma is one of the most commonly-known parts of Ayurveda. It is a five-step mind-body rejuvenation experience that comprises herbal oil treatments, cleansing enemas, and a healing kitchari diet. The aim is to eliminate toxins from the body and rebalance the doshas.
This is a very traditional style of cleansing the body. Many would say that its not for the faint hearted! Its quite an ‘aggressive’ way of cleansing. For a more accessible approach to detoxification without the intensity, our Balinese health retreat combines gentle cleansing with luxury, support and nourishing food.
Traditional Panchakarma requires you to follow this cleanse for 5-21 days (ideally, for the full 21 days). Panchakarma means “five therapies” in Sanskrit. These five therapies are the most detoxifying treatments in Ayurvedic medicine, cleansing all channels of the body and removing toxins with a goal of total purification.
Over the course of the cleansing period, you eat only kitchari, which is a lightly spiced warm lentil and rice dish, often with ghee or castor oil to help cleanse the bowel.
Traditionally in a Panchakarma Ayurveda retreat you will generally be asked not to stimulate the mind- so no phones or technology- and to be very restful and peaceful to allow the body to focus on the cleanse at hand.
A Panchakarma Ayurveda retreat will mainly focus on Herbal oil massages, steam baths, cleansing enemas, nasal administration, gentle laxatives and a specialized Kitchari diet.
Ideally, this is done at least once a year to maintain optimal health.
How does a Luxury Ayurveda Retreat differ from a Panchakarma retreat?
Rest assured- a luxury Ayurveda retreat differs from a Panchakarma retreat in many ways!
If you read the above information and felt like that was absolutely not the Ayurveda experience you were looking for, you’re not alone! On retreat we take the best elements of a cleansing Ayurveda experience and make this a truly enjoyable, nourishing and transformational journey.
We love introducing our guests to the benefits of Ayurveda in a gentle yet powerful way.
Here is how our luxury Ayurveda retreat differs from a Panchakarma retreat:
The Ayurveda Treatments
The treatments are the highlight and defining factor of our Luxury Ayurveda retreat in Bali. During your retreat you will enjoy 5 of the most effective and blissful Ayurveda treatments. We still utilise the age-old medicinal herbs and oils that make Ayurveda so unique and effective. Our therapists administer these beautiful treatments with great care and great experience to ensure you not only enjoy the treatments themselves, but also bask in their benefits.
The 5 treatments are:
UDWARTANA
Udwartana means to energise and elevate the whole body. A specially blended medicated powder that is homemade is deeply massaged into your body using specific palm and finger movements. This treatment is performed to complement a weight loss regime as it tones muscles, stimulates blood circulation and reduces cellulite. By revitalising the skin and sense of touch, it enhances youthfulness.
BAMBOO MASSAGE WITH DRY SKIN BRUSHING
Known for its healing properties, this ancient therapy works on all levels to balance, calm and energise you physically, mentally and spiritually. The treatments starts by dry brushing the skin which increases circulation on the whole body then heated bamboo is used to roll and knead the tissue. Stimulation of the tissue by the bamboo helps to improve detoxification and also improve circulation.
ABHYANGAM MASSAGE
Abhyangam is a full body massage with a natural medicated herbal oil. This is the principal healing tool and the mother of all massages in Ayurveda. It is known to have healing benefits by naturally harmonising body, mind, and spirit.
KATIVASTI
In Ayurveda the waist area of the body is called Kati. In this relaxing treatment, a rectangular leak- proof bowl made of natural dough is built up on your lower back around the lumbo-sacral area. Luke-warm medicated herbal oil is then gently poured in the bowl so it can rest on your lower back. The oil and the receptacle are kept in place for about 30 minutes and after removal, the area is gently massaged. This is beneficial for all spinal ailments, back pain and muscular discomfort.
ELAKIZHI
This Ayurvedic treatment is great for relieving tired muscles and deep seated tension. You will begin the treatment with an Abhyangam (a gentle oil massage) for 10 to 15 minutes. Moringa leaves that have been tied in linen cloth create boluses. This is then gently warmed and the massage is given with warm boluses. The boluses are applied over the body and leave you feeling revived, warm and free of tension. This unique massage improves blood circulation, skin complexion, relieves pain, has anti ageing benefits and aids weight loss.
The Wholesome Meals
You won’t be eating kitchari at every meal on your luxury ayurveda retreat! You will enjoy the full retreat menu which focuses on delicious wholefoods and meals made with local, fresh ingredients by our talented and experienced holistic chefs. We cater to every guests dietary needs so if you would like to focus on a more plant-based menu or exclude onion and garlic which is common for Ayurveda cleanses, we are more than happy to support you with this! Overall though, you will enjoy a balanced week of abundant, delicious and nourishing meals to help you reap the benefits of your Ayurveda retreat.
Your Ayurveda retreat- your way!
There are no rules on your Luxury Ayurveda retreat. We allow you the freedom and flexibility to retreat your way. If you would like to use technology, feel free. If you’d like to enjoy adventures around the island, we would love to organise these for you. If you’d like to simply rest and relax by the pool and take afternoon siestas- you are more than welcome to! Your Luxury Ayurveda retreat is an opportunity to follow your bliss whilst still gaining all the benefits of a rejuvenating Ayurveda journey.
Daily consult and check in with Dr Raj
Our resident Ayurvedic Dr Raj will give you a 1:1 session to identify your unique dosha. You’ll receive personalized lifestyle interventions and tools to help live better with ease and balance.
Are you ready to try a Luxury Ayurveda retreat?!
We believe that our Ayurveda retreat offers women a beautiful and accessible way to experience the benefits and gifts of Ayurveda, whilst still enjoying an abundant and luxurious Bali retreat. The testimonials from our Ayurveda retreat guests are always remarkable -we’ve had guests heal long injuries or ailments, fall pregnant the minute they get back home, or have helped to reduce or alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Of course, everyone’s journey is unique and different, including our founder Jen’s. Read The Ayurveda Chapter to hear her story in her own words.
