Articles
EATING, EXERCISE AND MORE AT AN INDIAN HEALTH SPA
By Naz Kermally
Several years ago, my friend Mary and I decided to take a trip to take care of our health -and ourselves. Mary and I met in Bangalore, where a cab driver picked us up for our hour-long journey to Jindal. I found out later that Jindal was just a popular name for this charitable hospital called The Institute of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (INYS).
Today there are hundreds of “Health Spas” catering to clients of all budgets and lifestyles. A stay at INYS is not for those looking for a holiday resort or spa, but a place for those seeking treatment for what ails them. And that is just what it did for me.
I remember driving through a gate into the meticulously manicured gardens with lush green grass and tall trees, and breathing fresh clean air, distinctly different from the pollution in the city.
Upon our afternoon arrival, we were escorted to the admissions area where we were given the “rules” of the hospital. Yes, rules. Such as, no food of any kind was allowed in our room, all our jewelry had to be deposited into their safety box, there was no consumption of alcohol and smoking was strictly prohibited. Medications were also on the contraband list, and mobile phones and laptops were not allowed.
We were shown to our clean and modest accommodations, and met with a naturopathic doctor who prescribed us each a diet based on our needs, conditions and goals. We also met with the Yoga Officer, who guided us through our exercise plan for the duration of our stay.
After a dinner of fresh vegetables and fruit, all organically grown in their own fields around the hospital, we walked around the compound to familiarize ourselves with the various halls, exercise areas, pool, walking trails and more.
Our health regimen started at 5:30 the next morning. Our wake up call was the sound of Bhajans (Indian devotional songs). After a quick wash, it was time to go for our early morning walk, followed by a yoga class. After yoga, many of the visitors met for a laughing session (Hasya Yoga -form of self-triggered laughter) which was quite exhilarating and a great start to the rest of the day.
The first three days were a little hard as we were put on a juice diet to cleanse our bodies. But after the first three days, our meals were a delicious mix of fresh garden salads, sprouts, fruit, and hot meals cooked as per the principals of Naturopathy. Our exercise routines were a yoga class in the morning, lots of walking, amazing massages, acupuncture, hot baths and so much more - all prescribed to fit our individual needs. After two weeks, I had lost a few pounds, and I felt energized and eager to continue with the lifestyle they teach.
We spent time our time there with both the very rich and the poor. We all ate in the same mess hall and the equal treatment of all made me appreciate this place more.
Today, years later, I still do yoga regularly and try to live the healthy lifestyle I learned at Jindal. Eating, exercise and a splatter of spirituality was exactly what I needed.
