Skinny Dip

FROM Central Pune to Misty Valley, Mulshi Lake, is 45 km. And looking out of the car8217;s window, I can see, amidst the blurred landscape,...

FROM Central Pune to Misty Valley, Mulshi Lake, is 45 km. And looking out of the car8217;s window, I can see, amidst the blurred landscape, clusters of cosmos8212;a bright, burnt yellow variety of wild flower, offset by ivory white pampas grass. Eight hours and you8217;d be in Goa. But it8217;s a different kind of nirvana I seek today.

My chauffeur is Dr Prakash Kalmadi, an allopath for over 25 years and the man behind Kerala Ayurvedic Rejuvenation and Research Establishment KARE. Complete recovery of severe spondylosis in five sittings with Dr Srinivasan Nair of the century-old CNS Chikitsalayam in Mezhathure, Kerala, converted him. But he8217;s not so staunch. 8216;8216;Combine the best from all the vatis,8217;8217; he suggests.

nbsp;	TO THE TEA

		nbsp;	How to Make Herbal Brew 8226; Buy lemon grass, dry ginger and mint from any ayurvedic shop. Mix well. 8226; Boil water. Add the mix. Add jaggery or rock sugar to taste. 8226; No need to strain. 8226; Let the concoction cool. 8226; Sip and feel rejuvenated.	nbsp;

Actress Moon Moon Sen is a regular, 8220;who8221;, says Kalmadi, 8220;looks 10 years younger when she leaves.8221; Mulshi Lake is 50 km long, shaped like a horseshoe with the forks pointing west. We drive up a rocky path towards green-curtained, brick-red cottages. A mild incense of dhoop pervades the place.

I8217;m peered at closely by the housekeeping-in-charge and sent for a diet consultation. The consultation determines your body type and constitution. Sujala herbal water is then ingested to flush the system before we start. A few incisive questions peg me as a combination of Pitta-Vata. Pulse, blood-pressure etc checked, the treatment starts.

It8217;s in a soft, chatai-roofed room with a small puja corner. In the attached bath, I put on a loincloth and wrap a thin towel, while two female masseuses wait for me outside.

I8217;m seated on a small-statured chair for the hair oil massage, the decoction for which is prepared over two days in a coconut oil base. Twenty-five to 30 herbs work their magic in circular motions. I8217;m already feeling calm.

Ten minutes and it8217;s time for the abhyangam body oil massage. I lie face down, on a droni a single piece of logwood of the jackfruit tree, believed to have healing properties, the masseuses on either side. They are going to use sesame oil mixed with herbs that balance and cool the constitution, and strengthen the bones and muscles. A little oil trickles onto my lower back. The temperature is just right. Sturdy hands manipulate the length of my back. As the women work on my arms, shoulders and legs, in a rhythmic, smooth-flowing motion, keeping pace with one another, I close my eyes and enter a drug-like trance.

The lepanam mud pack is next. A deep terracotta cup contains triphala antiseptic, metabolises fat, anantmul rejuvenator, bala, nagarmutha body cleansers, chandan and ushir cools, improves complexion, among others in a water and rosewater base 1:1 ratio. They smooth it all over me. Ten minutes should improve blood circulation, absorb excess body heat and rejuvenate the skin. I close my eyes and listen to Raag Todi on the recorder.

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Ten minutes later, the pack, now icky, is attacked with lukewarm water, and it comes off easily, leaving behind silky, smooth skin. After the application of an anti-allergy herbal powder on the top of my head prevents colds, and after the process is complete, I catch a glance in the mirror. My skin is definitely glowing.

It8217;s late evening and there8217;s a full moon over the mountains. After a blend of herbal tea, a saatvic dinner beckons. A certain PK Lim from Malaysia practises alternative therapies. He tells me he wouldn8217;t mind opening a KARE back home.

It would do them good, I think, as we drive back to Pune, the road lit only by the car8217;s headlights.