Heal-Good Factor

Overlooking the Mulshi lake and nestled in Misty Valley is the Kerala Ayurvedic Rejuvenation and Research Establishment (KARE). It is just what the doctor ordered if you are stressed out.

In this case, the doctor is an allopath turned Ayurvedic practitioner. Dr Prakash Kalmadi gave up 25 years of practice to train with Dr Srinivasan Nair of CNS Chikitsalayam of Mezhathur, Kerala, and translated his dream into reality at KARE. “Whether you are diseased or well, perfect physical, mental and spiritual well-being is achieved through Ayurveda here,” says Kalmadi, 53. The feeling of wellness seeps in as I drive up the hill and into the quiet, eight-cottage spa. The Mulshi lake breathes serenity, the rain patters incessantly and waterfalls gurgle. I walk up to the cottage that I share with my mother, who has been here for the past 10 days. She has loved every minute of it.

Experienced doctors and masseurs from Kerala are the highlight of KARE, but there are three other superlative features. The spa is immaculately clean; the docs, masseurs and staff are extremely caring; and the vegetarian sattvik food is delicious. (Watch out for the recipes in next week’s column).

“Weight loss is one of our major programmes,” says Sadique Khan, an Ayurvedic doctor. “We have also helped treat asthma and allergic disorders, hypertension, arthritis, spondylosis, migraine, digestive problems and sleep disorders.” Deepika (name changed), a patient here, says, “I have been here for a month, lost 7 kilos, and am enjoying it totally because my weight loss plan is not about starvation at all.”

It’s an integrated system, where diet, toxin-releasing massages, yoga, Ayurvedic medicines and regulated lifestyle all work together to heal.

So you might have boluses in muslin bags, filled with various Ayurvedic herbs, applied all over your body (Njavara or podi kizhi) or medicated buttermilk poured on your forehead from an earthen pot (dhara or shiro).

Is it any wonder I return to Mumbai rejuvenated, like a warrior ready to take on the world?

Cost per day at approx. Rs 2,000 includes massages, food and stay.
Phone: 020-5532757;
Email: pkalmadi@hotmail.com;
http://www.karehealth.com