Commentary by JR Sandadi
In an age of wearables, supplements and wellness hacks, many Americans are searching for something deeper — health that restores balance, not just performance. That search recently led me to spend eight days at a traditional Ayurveda center in Kerala, India, undergoing a structured program focused on detox, purgation and rejuvenation.
Ayurveda is not a wellness trend. It is one of the world’s oldest living systems of medicine — over 5,000 years old — rooted in the Vedic understanding that health is not merely the absence of disease but a dynamic balance between body, senses, mind and environment. Its approach is preventive, personalized and deeply systematic, addressing root causes rather than managing symptoms.
The southern state of Kerala, India, has preserved this tradition more completely than anywhere else. Its climate, rich medicinal plant life and uninterrupted lineage of physician families have kept classical Ayurveda alive — distinct from modern spa adaptations.
What struck me most was the discipline of the daily routine. Each day began early with gentle yoga and meditation, aligning breath and awareness before any physical treatment began. Ayurveda places great importance on calming the nervous system first; healing works best when the mind slows down.
Therapies followed a deliberate sequence. The first phase focused on detoxification, using warm herbal oil treatments to loosen toxins stored deep within the tissues. This was followed by a carefully supervised purgation phase, designed to eliminate those toxins in a controlled and purposeful way. The final days were devoted entirely to rejuvenation — cooling, nourishing therapies that rebuilt strength, stabilized digestion and restored balance.
Food played a central role throughout. Meals were simple, fully vegetarian and customized to individual body types. Ingredients were chosen for their physiological effect rather than indulgence. Over time, digestion improved, inflammation reduced, sleep deepened and mental clarity emerged.
Evenings were intentionally quiet — short walks, gentle stretching, meditation and early rest. From morning to night, every element of the day supported healing.
This experience wasn’t about luxury or escape. It was about learning how rhythm, discipline and intelligent sequencing allow the body to heal itself.
For Americans interested in holistic health — whether or not they have any cultural connection to India — Ayurveda offers a powerful reminder: sometimes progress doesn’t come from doing more, but from slowing down, simplifying and restoring balance.
You don’t need to be sick.
You don’t need months away.
Sometimes, a week is enough to return — to rhythm, to balance and to yourself.
JR Sandadi is a Carmel resident and community leader. He serves as chairman of the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, is a member of the Carmel Interfaith Alliance and volunteers with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh. He writes about Sanatana Dharma, interfaith engagement and holistic living.
