Health

Wellness Unlimited

As the world battles COVID-19, it is time to renew your vows with wellness and focus on your health at some of India’s best wellness getaways with Bindu Gopal Rao who takes us through some of India’s best wellness centres.

There is probably no better time than now to take a break from the monotony that the pandemic has brought in our lives. And if this break can help you achieve health and wellness goals, with all safety protocols in place, it is like the cherry on the cake. We list five of India’s best wellness destinations that you can check out here. Take a look!

Kairali -The Ayurvedic Healing Village

Part of the Kairali Ayurvedic Group, the Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village was established on solid grounds of Ayurveda. Since its inception in 1998, by Mr K.V. Ramesh and Mrs Gita Ramesh, Kairali has built on the achievements of its forefathers, developing its overall infrastructure. It is one of the leading Ayurvedic health retreats in Asia and winner of multiple Global awards. Recognised among the best wellness centres in the world, it delivers high quality natural Ayurvedic therapy by providing luxury Ayurvedic spas. Headed and managed by qualified Ayurvedic doctors, The Ayurvedic Healing Village is a hospital built in a resort environment, imparting authentic Ayurveda treatments based on the inherent ability of the human body to rejuvenate, heal and restore its natural balance.

The Ayurvedic Healing Village is a hospital built in a resort environment, imparting authentic Ayurveda treatments based on the inherent ability of the human body to rejuvenate, heal and restore its natural balance.

Based on the basic fact that one heals better if the environment is beautiful from the moment one enters the resort/hospital, the entire environment is nurtured to heal. Kairali’s Preventive and Regenerative program provides relief to an individual suffering from migraine, sinusitis, stress and strain, whereas the detoxification treatments ease hypertension. There are also several other programs like the weight loss program, and Panchkarma therapy, arthritis treatment among other lifestyle-oriented ailments. The centre caters to a varied global audience from countries such as Germany, UK, Middle East, India, Japan, Sweden, America, Canada etc) and has given over two lakh treatments till date.

For more details: https://www.ayurvedichealingvillage.com/

Niraamaya Wellness Retreats

Niraamaya Wellness Retreats has been an embodiment of wellness and luxury, operating in India’s most sought-after destinations. Niraamaya Spa is one of the most luxurious and authentic Ayurveda wellness centres in India offering classical programs meant for those who prefer intensive therapy protocols as well as lifestyle programs for a leisurely wellness experience. They provide elaborate and detailed Ayurveda treatments, traditional Kerala therapies and skincare treatments along with a selection of signature International therapies, integrating various natural therapeutic traditions from all over the world under one roof. “Every Niraamaya guest is handheld by our team of wellness experts to create bespoke wellness immersions that combine personalised sessions, traditional Ayurvedic therapies, healthy movement, and focused diet routines. While our intense 7 to 21-day Ayurveda programs are at the core of our offering, guests can also enjoy short interventional Ayurvedic experiences focused on relaxation and rejuvenation. We have also recently introduced path-breaking functional medicine programs. These programs have been developed to specifically target the four critical lifestyle issues—diabetes, obesity, stress, and hypertension— which are currently afflicting the planet and are the root cause of 90% other morbidities. These programs are meant to specifically reverse and cure rather than just prevent. Our flagship immunity rejuvenation program is a game-changer that will ensure that you are set on the path to true wellness and good health,” avers Allen Machado, COO, Niraamaya Wellness Retreats.

For more details: https://www.niraamaya.com/

Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre

An institute that made a landmark in health sciences, Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre (IVAC) is undeniably the proud possession of the heritage city of Mysore. Today, IVAC has transformed into a dynamic global healthcare centre and a training centre (IVF). Its services are reaching out to clients in over 65 countries. With a dedicated team of doctors and therapists, the centre has helped thousands of people tread the path of holistic health. In the last four to five years, IVAC has reached out to many patients who needed Ayurveda healing and has provided service to heal them. IVAC is well known for treating diseases like PCOS, Tinnitus, Hypothyroidism, Psoriasis, Acne, Digestive issues, Obesity, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes and Disc herniation with a success rate of 70% cases. That’s the reason this KMPEA licensed & ISO certified Ayurveda destination centre receives 70% of its customer as repeat and referrals. IVAC has established an NGO called IVF to train Ayurveda therapy to the needy youth of Karnataka for free along with food and accommodation. This helps to strengthen a weak part of society and caters to the trained manpower needed in this growing wellness industry.

For more details: https://www.ayurindus.com/

Dharana at Shillim

This is one of the foremost eco-wellness retreats nestled in the serene landscape of the Sahyadri mountain range in the Western Ghats. It offers a comprehensive bespoke healing regime focusing on Yoga, Ayurveda, Spirituality, Naturopathy, Environmental Practices, and a Balanced diet. With the world as we know it having changed, Dharana at Shillim introduces two new wellness programs with their Hilton CleanStay™ program to adapt to this ever-changing dynamic. Take a new path towards boosting your immunity by natural methods of adopting the Dharana Way of Life with their five to seven night program—The Dharana Rasayana Retreat. This program will aid your immunity and also mental as well as physical strength, thus preventing the onset of any ailments or diseases. It addresses the detrimental effects of degenerative lifestyle elements such as improper sleep, unhealthy diet and activities through a goal-based integrative program and constant counselling.

Dharana at Shillim offers a comprehensive bespoke healing regime focusing on Yoga, Ayurveda, Spirituality, Naturopathy, Environmental Practices, and a Balanced diet.

It encompasses holistic methodologies of Ayurveda, Dietetics, Conflict Resolution and Exercise Physiology to optimise cell vitality, tissue repair and immune enhancement. The Dharana Resilience Retreat helps you embark on and adopt the transformational Dharana Way of Life which focuses on mindful thinking and encourages healthy eating habits to lead you on the path to optimal stress relief. During the five to seven-night course of the retreat, the Dharana experts guide you through the precise methods and approach to reset your thought process, embrace reality and immerse yourself into both inner and outer nature that is required to combat stress. The program is designed to help you manage your response to the external world, help embrace and cultivate a resilient mindset even after the completion of the program.

For more details: https://www.dharanaretreat.com/

The Tamara

The Elevation Spa at The Tamara Coorg is a place where time comes to a standstill as you are surrounded by the sylvan environs. This is where you will discover an oasis of tranquillity as you soak yourself into the various wellness regimens that include holistic practices. The Elevation Spa implements a concept of wellness called “antar mauna” which means inner silence. During your stay, the retreat invites you to embark on a holistic journey to discover the tranquillity within you. At this award-winning spa and wellness centre they have an exclusive line of spa products that complement the range of treatments and therapies perfectly. Their products offer ultimate relaxation, revitalisation, detoxification, and inner strength. Located ideally in Kodaikanal and Coorg, the properties are ideal for wellness getaways.

December 24, 2020

#Health, #Retreat, #Spa, #wellness

Healing with Strength: The Inspiring Journey of Dr. Rebecca Pinto

Based in Bangalore, Dr. Rebecca Pinto is a physiotherapist by qualification, but as she says, “My life has been shaped far more by experience than by textbooks.” Losing her mother at a young age, Rebecca grew up in a single-parent household with her father. Financial constraints were not abstract concepts; they were lived realities. “I saw what a lack of money really does, not just to your lifestyle, but to your peace, your choices, even your relationships,” she shares. That early exposure instilled two beliefs: financial independence creates freedom, but happiness remains a choice. Known among friends as vibrant and dependable, she describes herself as “caring, witty, and observant.” Her critics may call her detached, but she believes that detachment “has helped me survive more than anything else.” Health Beyond Information Today, Dr. Pinto wears multiple hats: physiotherapist, nutritionist, and content creator. But her mission extends beyond treatment plans. She challenges deeply ingrained habits. “When you understand health, you don’t just treat people, you change how they live,” she explains. Content creation began casually, a simple experiment. But the moment people began telling her, “This helped me,” the weight shifted. “That’s when it stopped being content and became responsibility.” For Rebecca, health isn’t about longevity alone. “It’s about living without constantly feeling tired, inflamed, or uncomfortable, which unfortunately has become normal.” Clarity Over Comfort In an industry flooded with trends, her voice stands out for its directness. “Most people don’t change because they lack information. They don’t change because no one has made them question their habits.” She positions herself deliberately between comfort and awareness. Her approach is simple, sometimes blunt, but always rooted in science. “If something is harming you, I’ll say it, even if it’s something you enjoy.” Her audience associates her with two defining qualities: clarity and

Health

Dr Ritika Sinha: Transforming Healthcare with Rocket Health

Dr Ritika Sinha was born and raised in Gaya, Bihar, and is now based in Bangalore. She comes from a family of doctors, her mother a gynaecologist and her father a surgeon, who runs a hospital in Bihar. Growing up in a medical household meant early exposure to patient care, long hours, and the operational realities of healthcare delivery. “Healthcare was never abstract for me,” she reflects. “I saw firsthand what responsibility toward patients actually looks like.” A major turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she helped launch a pilot initiative to support patients across India. That experience exposed significant gaps in access and continuity of care, particularly in mental health. “It really opened my eyes to how broken the system can be,” she says. “It changed how I saw my role as a doctor.” In a bold move, she decided to step away from the traditional clinical path just before her postgraduate entrance exams to build Rocket Health full-time. “It was scary,” she admits, “but I had absolute clarity.” Normalising Mental Healthcare Dr Sinha is a doctor-turned-entrepreneur and co-founder of Rocket Health, a digital mental healthcare company focused on therapy, psychiatry, and integrated care. The motivation behind the company was clear: mental healthcare has long been misunderstood and stigmatised. “People think therapy is only for extreme situations,” she explains. “We want to normalise it, to make it as routine as going to the gym or seeing a physician. For her, the mission is deeply personal and systemic at the same time. Mental health, she notes, influences every dimension of life, relationships, work, confidence, and decision-making. “As more people are opening up to these conversations, the care available to them must be credible and high-quality,” she emphasises. Quality at Scale Dr. Sinha’s role centres on building healthcare systems

Health

Decoding Modern Mental Health

In a world where stress, digital overload, and rising expectations shape our everyday lives, mental well-being has become more crucial than ever. Experts like Dr. Sarthak Dave and Dr. Era Dutta break down the modern pressures affecting our minds and offer clear, science-backed ways to cope. Understanding Anxiety TodayDr. Sarthak Dave Breaks Down Myths, Warning Signs & Everyday Coping Tools Dr. Sarthak Dave, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), is one of India’s most trusted voices in mental health. Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he is the founder of Vibha Healing Center, a safe, accessible space for individuals seeking support and guidance. In this conversation, he sheds light on anxiety what people misunderstand most, when stress becomes a clinical concern, and how simple, science-backed tools can help restore balance. 1. What’s the most misunderstood aspect of anxiety today? Two misconceptions stand out. First, many people believe their level of anxiety is the only “real” version of anxiety. So they often struggle to understand or accept that someone else might experience it far more intensely. Second, people assume anxiety must always have an external cause. But clinical anxiety often arises from internal factors hormonal changes, genetics, or neurotransmitter imbalances. In such cases, changing your environment won’t fix the issue. Addressing the biological changes is what helps. 2. When does “normal stress” turn into a clinical concern? Stress is a natural human response. But it becomes a clinical issue when it causes socio-occupational or socio-academic dysfunction meaning your ability to function in daily life is affected. If you’re unable to eat, sleep, concentrate, work, study, or connect with people the way you used to, that’s a red flag. Additionally, if symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks and continue to worsen rather than resolve, they should be taken seriously. In such situations, stress is no longer

Health

Wedding Wellness with Luke Coutinho: Starting the Journey

Luke Coutinho, India’s leading Integrative Lifestyle Expert, believes that true wedding prep goes far beyond fitting into an outfit or chasing picture-perfect looks. For him, it’s about building strength, balance, and inner calm that lasts well beyond the wedding day. Here, he shares his holistic wellness guide for brides and grooms stepping into this new chapter. From a holistic health perspective, how early should brides and grooms start preparing their bodies for the wedding? I’ve always believed that wedding prep should start with the inside. If we’re talking about sustainable energy, balanced hormones, strong immunity, or calm emotional states it’s not a 15-day crash course. It’s a rhythm you build. Ideally, I encourage couples to begin six to 12 months in advance. That gives us space to work on the deeper layers like gut repair, sleep cycles, metabolic health, and emotional resilience. Even three months can make a real difference if done right. But more than timelines, I believe in intention. Whether you start 12 months or six weeks before, ask yourself: Am I just trying to look good for a day, or do I want to feel well through all the days that follow? How can couples set wellness goals that go beyond just looking good in wedding photos?It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics wanting to fit into a certain outfit or chase a number on the scale. But real wellness is about how you feel your energy, your digestion, your mood, your ability to stay calm amidst the chaos. I always tell couples: Don’t make the goal about shrinking your body. Make it about strengthening your health, supporting your hormones, and building the emotional resilience to actually enjoy your wedding. When you feel good inside, it shows up outside on your skin, in your eyes, and