As the setting sun cast pink hues through the mist, a masseuse gently stroked my arms while chanting a prayer. Seated on a teak stool, I unexpectedly burst into tears – such was the powerful impact of my first treatment at Ananda in the Himalayas.
This world-renowned Indian wellbeing retreat sits majestically above Rishikesh, recognised globally as the birthplace of yoga. My emotional reaction surprised me – was it jet lag from the demanding journey from London to Dehradun via Delhi? Or perhaps the sheer grandeur of this former maharaja's palace, nestled in eucalyptus-scented Himalayan foothills with the spiritually significant Rishikesh below?
At 52, I'm navigating the challenging waters of menopause, where emotions surface unpredictably. From minor disagreements with my teenager to friendly encounters with neighbourhood dogs, anything can trigger tears. When the opportunity arose to experience Ananda's hormone rebalance programme, I embraced it without hesitation.
The Comprehensive Wellness Programme
My seven-night package included two hours of daily treatments, though this modest description belied the extensive schedule. Throughout my stay, I received eight massages, four traditional Chinese medicine sessions, four Ayurvedic doctor consultations, one enema, and private sessions with yoga, meditation, physiotherapy, and emotional healing specialists.
This represented serious wellness commitment – far beyond Instagram-friendly spa experiences. The programme felt relentless initially, but addressed profound health restoration.
Ayurvedic Diagnosis and Dietary Changes
During my first consultation, doctors identified my constitution as 'vata dosha' – an energy type characterised by dryness that required specific dietary adjustments. My meals shifted to easily digestible, moist, warm foods with limited choices and smaller portions.
Though initially wondering if I'd been placed on a weight management programme by mistake, I learned this approach aimed to prevent gut overload. In Ayurvedic philosophy, digestive health forms the foundation for bodily balance.
I'd naively expected magical restoration of youthful oestrogen levels, but discovered Ayurveda emphasises graceful acceptance while preparing body and mind for life's challenges.
Healing Through Multiple Modalities
As my digestive system adapted, my body released tension through an intensive massage programme. With existing lumbar disc issues, I received multiple back treatments alongside abdominal massages that felt like palliative care for my ovaries.
As befits a 25,000 sq ft spa frequented by King Charles, Kate Winslet and Oprah Winfrey, the massages proved exceptional. However, three treatments on my second day left me completely drained – a common initial experience according to fellow guests.
The programme strongly discouraged sugar, caffeine, alcohol and phone use. Combined with toxin-releasing massages, the first days became a headache-inducing detox period. New guests often appeared bewildered in their crisp white kurta pyjamas, though by day three, most achieved the blissful state suggested by Ananda's name.
Emotional Breakthroughs and Lasting Effects
Traditional Chinese medicine formed another crucial component. I received extensive cupping therapy – so much that my back resembled a Connect Four board – alongside acupuncture sessions using burning mugwort on my stomach.
The acupuncture needles seemed to puncture my anxiety, delivering immediate benefits. By my third session, I felt deliciously giddy.
Emotional healing sessions, essentially hypnosis, transformed my initial scepticism into profound emotional release. Between massages and group activities like sound healing, I shed enough tears to rival the Ganges River flowing through Rishikesh below.
While each guest experiences Ananda differently, my journey proved intensely emotional yet cathartic. The crucial question remained: would this post-retreat glow endure without personal chefs and masseuses?
Maintaining the benefits requires significant willpower – my resolve wavered when the Air India drinks trolley appeared. More significantly, I've decided to reduce my HRT dosage – a seismic step confirming Ananda has guided me toward a healthier path.
