I have now been in India for nearly 6 weeks. And time is a to relative. In some ways it feels like I have been here for a long long time: I have experienced so much and learned tons of stuff. On the other hand it is only just over a month!
I am now in Hassan at a large Ayurvedic teaching hospital. We are having quite a busy schedule here. Starting with yoga at 7am. I love yoga – I love practicing on my own and in classes; dynamic, vinyasa flow and more meditative practices. And I love teaching yoga in classes and to individuals: This I have been missing while I have been away. The yoga here is often taught by doctors of Naturopathy and Yoga. They have a training which also include massage and acupuncture and lasts for 5 years minimum. The style of yoga is very classical in the sense that they practice an asana for a short while and then relax either standing or in shavasana before going to the next asana. There has not been so much emphasis on alignment which may reflect that yoga asana here is a regular part of a daily routine and people are used to listening to what their body can and can not do. For example our teacher instructs us to practice matsyasana (fish pose) in padmasana which I would generally think is rather advanced! However it is great being taught and I enjoy our morning classes.
After yoga we have placements in Out Patient Departments. Ayurveda has various branches including paediatrics, surgery, psychiatric, women's health and general practice which includes ear, nose and throat, digestive and skin disorders etc.
The hospital has a great Pancha Karma clinic where we learn to do procedures such as vamana (vomiting therapy), virechanan (purgation), basti (enema), abhyanga (oil massage) and other treatments. We have practical sessions on how to prepare the herbs and medicines as well as how to perform them. Most of the in patients have some kind of Pancha Karma treatment which is generally a combination of various treatments leading up to the final cleansing procedure. It is amazing how they use these treatments and how effective it is on so many ailments from diabetes, sciatica, skin problems to insomnia, IBS and arthritis.
We have lectures and discussion as well as research time so our day at the hospital rarely finishes before 7.30pm – 6 days a week! But we enjoy it and we learn so much. It is very inspiring.
One of our main teachers and coordinator is in manasa roga (psychiatry). This hospital is one of the only Ayurvedic Universities to offer a PhD in manasa roga and which also have a psychiatric ward. Here they deal with depression as well as addictions.
And while I am here in India London has seen the yearly Yoga Show and the launch of Om Magazine. I am very excited to be part of the first issue. So if you have a chance have a look in the magazine please read my article on a healthy digestive system and how to keep it in optimum conditions during the festive season!
Namaste
Anja
