My Dry January served as both a mental and physical reset, taking me on a journey to Kerala, India.

10.01.2024

At Spirits Hunters, we advocate for responsible and quality drinking, embracing the philosophy of ‘Learn to Taste.’

Our mission is to educate and guide individuals on the art of tasting, fostering a culture that values the nuanced qualities of spirits. By promoting informed choices and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each drink, we aim to create a positive and enjoyable drinking experience.

The prevailing trend promotes refraining from alcohol for a month to initiate positive habit changes. However, I am of the opinion that this practice need not be limited to a month but should instead become a daily habit.

Recognizing that excess in anything, be it sugar, salt, work stress, or even alcohol, can be detrimental to one’s well-being, my perspective on Dry January is rooted in the awareness that daily moderation is key.

As of December 23rd, I found myself utterly fatigued due to the political atmosphere and excessive workload, leaving me drained.

Seeking rejuvenation, I opted for my inaugural Ayurveda Panchakarma* at Matt India, a cost-effective way to embrace a dry January.

Panchakarma, derived from Sanskrit, is a five-step purification and rejuvenation process integral to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian traditional medicine. While typically a 21-day regimen, even 10 days can yield noticeable effects.

For 2000 euros ! covering the cost of the plane ticket plus 21 days of treatments with room and board.( I chose the more comfortable room option for an additional 12 euros ).

Now, having completed the program, I emerge detoxed, revitalized, and feeling better than ever.

Wondering what Ayurveda is?

Dr. Joy Thattumkal, honored with the Bharathiya Pravasi Malayali Award in 2017, enlightened me. Ayurveda, a natural medical system originating over 3,000 years ago in India, translates to the “knowledge of life.” It revolves around the principles of doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—governing the body’s metabolic functions.

Ayurveda advocates an ideal lifestyle, emphasizing stress management through practices like meditation and pranayama. It recognizes the mind’s profound impact on overall health, promoting emotional balance for holistic well-being.

Addressing liver detoxification, Dr. Shobha explained that Ayurveda treats the entire body, enhancing the body’s natural healing and hepatic functions through herbal medications with hepatoprotective properties.

Matt India, while not a luxurious spa, becomes a second home—a haven where warmth, genuine care from therapists, and top-notch treatments outshine material extravagance. The place attracts people worldwide, run by a family overseeing daily operations with love, thoughtfulness, and professionalism.

My Christmas and New Year celebrations at Matt India were unforgettable, filled with karaoke, dancing, fireworks, delectable food, and even a glass of beer. Therapists Manju and Mercy, akin to caring mothers, made my experience exceptional. At Matt India, one can temporarily escape the world, feel liberated, and undergo a mental and physical reset.

A typical day at Matt India involves yoga with Akhil, communal breakfast, treatments, massages, lunch, more treatments, exploration of backwaters, and communal dinners. It has become my safe space, instilling confidence in both my body and mind.

For those interested, Matt India Medical Centre in Alappuzha, Kerala, is the place to experience authentic Panchakarma Kerala Ayurveda Treatment. The center offers various therapies like Nasyam, Virechanam, Vamana, and Vasti, addressing specific health concerns.

My Dry January in India became more than a dry january ; it became a rejuvenation journey, and Matt India stands as the beacon of this transformative experience.”

Here is their address in case you’re tempted !

This is not a promotional article, just my idea for an alternative a Dry January that you can consider any time of the year.

Matt India Medical Centre Reg : No.890/98, Ezhupunna South, Alappuzha, Kerala, India, Pincode: 688537

joythattumkal@gmail.com

The Matt India Family

Dr Joy Thattumkal, Shiny Joy, Dr Shijo Friedel Joy, Akhila R Nath, Dr Elisabeth Joy

Panchakarma Kerala Ayurveda Treatment

Nasyam

Naysam comprises nasal breathing in of medicines which is effective in all ailments above the cervix and for diseases like paralysis, facial nerve palsy terrible headaches and other neurologic and psychiatrical diseases.

The modern-day study analyzed discloses that the nasal mucous membrane absorbs medicines quicker than any other part of the body. This reality was known to the old sages who circularized this science and that are why ‘Nasya’ is suggested as a very good ailments when in unconscious and comma conditions.

Virechanam (Therapeutic purgation)

Virechanam is the process of cleansing and eliminating of the intestines through the use of laxative medicines. It does away with extra bile toxins from the middle zone of the body. Therefore for many of the digestive ailments, people fall back to this form of discourse. If addressed well by virechanam it neutralizes Ulcers, gastritis, IBS, jaundice, kidney complaints, intestinal colic, and asthma.

Vamana (Therapeutic emesis)

This shodhana therapy helps in eliminating vitiated Kapha dosha from the body. In this procedure, special medication along with milk is given orally in the morning for detoxification.

Vasti (Therapeutic enema)

The word Vasti signifies bladder. Traditionally, cow or buffalo urinary bladders are filled up with medicated liquids and applied for enema. This is how the Ayurveda treatment found its name. The bladder has now been substituted with advanced equipments. As with all the other Panchakarma refining procedures, in Vasti too, preliminary oil and sweat therapies are crucial. Lukewarm and fresh cooked Vasti liquid is put into the colon via the rectum. No damage will happen if the liquid stays inside the colon for long. Normally after 45 minutes or an hour the fluid will be ejected out, which will contains Amam and additional toxins along with the fecal matter.

Vasti

Applying oils medicined with herbs is called Anuvasana Vasti and that in which an herbal decoction is used is called Nirooha vasti. Vasti is adept for unhealthiness’s for intestinal colic, calculus, kidney stones, afflictions of the spleen and many additional diseases induced by a Vata disorder

A list of treatments

Panchakarma

Abhyanga Oil Massage

Herbal Steam Bath

Head Massage

Shirodhara Massage

Sirovasthi Oil Treatment

Pizhichil Ayurveda Massage

Amladhara Treatment

Shiropichu Oil Treatment

Thalapothichil Treatment

Thalam Ayurvedic Treatment