Happy Diwali + Fall, from India 🇮🇳🪷🥘

Namaste, friends!

I am going on my sixth week here, at the Panchakarma Center in Kerala, India and it’s been one of the most challenging, yet encouraging experiences in my health journey so far (scroll down to find out more info). And, I can’t believe I got to celebrate Diwali here. Diwali is essentially a story of light triumphing darkness (good over evil) - Feeling this so strongly, as I purge on every level, letting go of what’s been holding be back from lightness, health, abundance, joy and ultimate love (with myself and spirit). Peeling back these layers has been extremely challenging on a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual level. They say that Panchakarmas should be taken as seriously as surgery. However, I can sense the amount of revitalization, lightness and purity that is continuously coming through, making this all worthwhile.

How did I get here? I had the privilege to attend a friend’s wedding (after sitting in the jungle with her in Costa Rica for an Ayahuasca Retreat) and to see family in Toronto, Canada (so lovely after so many years apart due to C19). ….And, since I was already on the East Coast, I was basically halfway to Europe #travelmath. So, a last-minute trip happened. In the midst of that, a friend reminded me that Europe is more than halfway to India, and I’ve been wanting to do a Panchakarma for my health for a while (I had a Lyme flare-up in March… And OMG Lyme Disease is finally recognized by the CDC?! BRB emailing this to all of my doctors who didn’t believe me/us).

And, since I don’t care for overnight, or long flights, I just hadddd to make a stop somewhere in between, right? That happened to be Amsterdam. I then got to tour the mother country, aka Greece from Crete (southern island), all of the way north to the hot springs of Pozar, bordering northern Macedonia (FYROM). And the cherry on top was getting to spend time with my wonderful family on both Crete, and on the mainland, before heading to Istanbul, and then India. It was all so MAGICAL, and exciting.

I know what you’re thinking… Will this eat-pray-loving saga ever end? Probably not. This is a lifestyle that I’m embracing, and loving sharing with you all. I am on a mission, to get to my truest, most authentic self. This is integral in my work as a therapist and healer. The deeper I go, the deeper I can meet, guide, and support others on their own paths. I can only hope this inspires you to do the same.Ok, now scroll down for the full scoop!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO? HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

LOVE TO YOU! ! !

P.S. I’ve got a Podcast ep. and new playlist for you down below. Enjoyyyyyyyyyy!

NEW INTERVIEW!

BQ's Fall 2023 Playlist is here! 🏺vol. 14 // Music to play from your end-of-season Mediterranean rental. Villa not included.

A lot of this was inspired by my v recent road trip through the mother country. And, stoked to have my friend, @j ’s song on here. I got so excited when it popped up on Release Radar a little while ago.

🌎A few of the countries (outside of the US) being rep’d on this one: Colombia, Greece, Vietnam, Mexico, Jamaica, Chile, Peru, Sweden, Netherlands, France, the UK, Spain, Italy, Canada, and more :)

It makes me happy to create/ share thoughtfully curated seasonal playlists filled with songs that have either inspired, or have been discovered during my travels, and other life experiences (thx @shazam). ✨

But, what is a Panchakarma???

According to Ayurveda, health is not defined as being disease-free. It is the state of normalcy of the three doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha, which broadly represent the nervous system, the metabolic system, and the nutritive system.

These doshas keep the human body, mind, and emotions in balance. A disease is manifested when the delicate balance between the doshas is disturbed. An Ayurvedic cleanse draws out the toxins from the body, also drawing out excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the tissues into the digestive tract in order to eliminate them. This, in turn, unblocks the channels and restores balance. This cleanse is known as Panchakarma, which literally means five actions or procedures. It is a method of cleansing the body of all unwanted waste after lubricating the body. This treatment is highly beneficial as it includes preventive and curative actions for various diseases.

A good little summary/ video: https://oneworldayurveda.com/blog/what-is-panchakarma/

A video on some a-la-carte treatments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7D2Sa-wqNI

Can it put Lyme and other Autoimmune diseases into remission?

It sure can. That’s why I’m here. I have over 65 active symptoms (we counted), and Ayurvedic medicine has the capacity to alleviate them all.

“In modern society, many of us are overworked and under‑rested, often eat unsatisfactory meals in a rushed manner, get insufficient exercise, sit at sedentary jobs under artificial light, breathe stale, oxygen‑depleted air, stare into cell phones, take synthetic medicines, and live surrounded by noise, electromagnetic fields, and harmful radiation, far removed from nature. The unavoidable consequence of this lifestyle is the formation and bioaccumulation of toxic substances and residues. They can take a myriad of forms including senescent (dead) cells, mucous secretions, bacterial overgrowths, excessive fats and fatty acids, and many forms of toxins.

Panchakarma detoxification is perhaps the “missing link” to restoring the optimum function of our cells and tissues. Whether undertaken to prevent or treat disease, most individuals who undergo authentic panchakarma will feel physically and mentally revitalized, with a decrease in symptoms of toxicity.”

Check out this Goop article: https://goop.com/wellness/health/panchakarma-lyme-ayurvedic-approach-chronic-disease/

Are you documenting your experience?

I am taking video footage as I do this since I haven’t had much capacity for writing long entries in a journal, but I do have my Begin Within Journal with for bullet health journaling! I haven’t decided if I will move through with publishing videos, and/ or writing about my experience. However, I will let you know if/when I do.

Aren’t you healed from chronic illness?

I wish. I don’t believe we are ever truly ‘healed.’ Healing is an ongoing process that requires attention to the mind-body - emotions,- and spirit. With that said, I believe in radical remission. The goal is to find peace and joy in our daily lives, despite our symptoms.

More specifically, I had a flare-up in March after deciding to go after parasites that were causing various symptoms, and then was exposed to mold. This opened up Pandora’s box, so to speak. I was diagnosed with other items (always fun), and I plateaued on what I was being offered locally and knew it was time to take the next big step. India wasn’t the first thought. I was considering treatment centers in the US, and in Europe (not in conjunction with my trip, but afterward). When my friend brought up going to India as I was making (last minute) plans, it sounded unfathomable, but genius. It is also more affordable than any other treatment I have researched out there.

Why last minute?

Last-minute travel + social plans work best for me. There is definitely some anxiety involved, but I am able to know where my health is right before I leave. This is opposed to having to cancel last minute, like I have had to do, many times before. I also notice it doesn’t give my negativity bias much time to create a story and stop me from going (this has also happened in the past). This goes for social engagements as well (when appropriate).

Weren’t you scared?

Very much so. However, I kept reading all of the positive stories/ outcomes/ research around this. And, neural retraining was at the forefront of my daily activities (still is). Ayurveda is a system of medicine based on the idea that disease is caused by animbalance or stress in a person's consciousness. This is a 5,000-year-old science, and it’s pretty brilliant. Not to mention, the place I’m staying in is run by a couple who are both doctors and who come from a long lineage of doctors before them.

I recommend typing in any symptom and ‘Panchakarma’ to see what comes up. Separately, I was scared to leave my clients. Luckily, everyone was so so so kind, and supportive.

Where are you in the process now?

I am now in the ‘strengthening + rejuvenation + continued detox’ phase. Prior to that, I went through Snehapana (arguably the most difficult portion of this). Generally, most people get here by day 8, or so, but it took me 16 days #sospecial! I was reacting in a very Mast-Cell, or, Pitta (fire)-like way, and they had to slow down everything for me. In addition, they have to stop all treatment during menstruation. I am now getting various treatments to build up my immune system (first softening and then strengthening) and to help restart my digestion (Agni) + I’m back to eating delicious Ayurvedic food, rather than just rice soup. FYI, everyone receives different/ bespoke treatments. No one’s experience is quite the same, and sometimes they change things up (at least for me) on the day of. That’s why I am going with the flow, and trusting what the doctors say.

More info on Snehapana: https://www.ayurgamaya.com/panchakarma-detoxification-day-4-8-snehapana-into-the-deep-dark-woods/

How long will you be there?

I now know I will be here for two months. I initially thought I would only need one month, but that wasn’t the case. I have had chronic illness since a young age, and this isn’t an overnight miracle. These things take time and precision. The doctors have to gauge my presentation and symptoms, each day.

What’s the food like?

As long as you’re not on a rice soup diet, it’s FANTASTIC. Each patient receives meals specific to their dosha imbalance. So, for me, with too much fire (Pitta), I am receiving cooling and moisturizing food. All meals are gluten-free and vegetarian, and super tasty. Though, I do have moments (many) of craving things like popcorn, pizza, cinnamon rolls… lol.

Is this a one-and-done deal?

As I found out, the longer you’ve had your symptoms/ diagnoses, the longer you need to be here, and/or come back for further treatment. What have I witnessed so far? Someone who’s psoriasis went away in just 3 weeks... Someone who was told he would die from his Ulcerative Colitis diagnosis in the near future in his home country, but is here for a second year in a row, and very much alive. Someone else comes by for tune-ups after being saved from his Crohn’s (he said he was on his “deathbed” 10 years ago). Another person is now cancer-free after various visits. Another placed their MS in remission and went from being in a wheelchair to riding a bike.

I won’t lie, this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I keep repeating my different mantras, like… “I can do hard things.” I also know that short-term pain, and long-term gain, are much more preferred to long-term suffering.

Where are you? How did you choose the center?

I am in Kerala (southern India), but I will not be disclosing the name of the center until I, A) Finish up here, and B) Have an opinion on my experience.

What I will say is that this came recommended by a good family friend of one of my clients. Every place I was reaching out to either was full or had terrible communication. This place got back to me right away and had one room left. And, for those who know me, I utilized my astrocartography chart to choose which part of India I wanted to be in for this. Kerala was ideal…

“Crossing Mercury/Jupiter / 2313 km

This conjunction positively affects all communication, philosophical and scientific studies and every type of mental activity. This can also be a platform for successful international connections. It is easy for you to adjust to changed circumstances, to learn new languages and to gain new insights into other cultures. In some ways, Mercury/Jupiter can be seen as some sort of "Gateway to the World".

This positive and open-minded understanding to life not only offers an excellent basis for private and business trips, but also manages to create social contacts. During conversations, you seem full of humour, open-minded and relaxed. You are convincing by appearing knowledgeable, and manage to convey optimism and trust.”

Link to check out your own map (just click anywhere on it and it will give you info: https://www.astro.com/cgi/aclch.cgi?btyp=acm#det=0&cen.x=-118.301&cen.y=33.724&zoom=2&btyp=acm

Are you able to work as you do this?

Most panchakarma centers/ hospitals encourage you to not work, and focus on the treatment and going inward. With that said, I have seen some clients when I’ve had capacity - They unfortunately have to deal with subpar wifi and my perennially greasy hair (idk if there’s enough shampoo in India to get this oil out of my hair).

What else do you do with your time?

One would think we have all of the world to do ALL the things, but it’s a pretty introspective, and not always a comfortable process. I am focused on resting (though, we aren’t supposed to sleep during the day), and aside from work, sometimes I have capacity for chatting with the other patients, feeding and loving on the cows, doing pujas at the local temple, reading, and taking nature strolls. Oh, and I’ve been painting a ton. Stay tuned for a post-PK art show lol (but, seriously, maybe?)

Where are you headed to next?

You are essentially at the status of a newborn baby after this, super pure and sensitive. It’s important to treat yourself as such. The integration is as important as the the actual PK. I am slowly heading back to California from here, visiting a couple of Asian countries (even another Ayurvedic center to ensure I am getting the right food) and Hawaii. Stay tuned for that.

Are you getting back on Instagram?

Maybe. I am not sure how I feel about the app, and it’s been deleted off of my phone for some time, and that feels really good. If I do get back on, how I interact it with it may look different. You may see more of my art and poetry (did you even know I write poetry?), and other random bits and bobs. Whatever is feeling good, rather than, the pressure to post whatever looks good.

Either way, I’m glad you’re here reading this:>

Last thoughts (until next time)

Just as a reminder to all… When we take care of ourselves, we give permission for others to do the same. We also heal for our ancestors who didn’t have the option to do the same. Rest is resistance. Rest is medicine. Rest is radical. Rest is productive. And, you, are worthy and deserving of it.

Sending you all Metta! And, thank you for being here/ reading.

P.S. Please reply, and let me know if you have any questions, and I will be happy to answer them in a future newsletter/ article I am writing about this .

How My Eat-Pray-Love (Myself) Journey Transformed Me

Christina P. Kantzavelos — July 7, 2023

In January, I decided to embark on an Eat-Pray-Love (myself) journey. I felt my healing had hit a plateau, and that I lost myself in a string of unhealthy relationships. And, well, nothing changes if nothing changes. Six months later, I feel like I’ve woken up from a coma. I became the Phoenix rising from the ashes. I walked through the fire, and faced and released a multitude of fears. I tested my own limits, traveled far and wide, emotionally, and physically (seven countries). I sat with Ayahuasca and other plant medicines, a handful of times, and stuck with the “dieta” in preparation and in integration.