Swami Rama teaching a group seated on a lawn
Knowledge & Wisdom

Wisdom for
Living Well.

Understanding Ayurveda. Applying it to everyday life.

The Science of
Life and Balance

Ayurveda, often described as the science of life, looks at health through the relationship between the individual, their constitution, environment and way of living.

Its principles help us understand why each person is different, what influences balance and how everyday choices can support wellbeing.

Learn More About Ayurveda

Prakriti — Your Constitution

Each individual has a unique constitution that influences physical characteristics, tendencies and responses to diet, lifestyle and environment.

Doshas — The Principles of Balance

Vata, Pitta and Kapha represent functional principles within Ayurveda. Their relative balance varies from person to person and may change with age, lifestyle, diet, season and other influences.

Agni — Digestive & Metabolic Capacity

Agni represents the body’s capacity to digest, assimilate and transform what we consume. Ayurveda considers balanced Agni important to overall wellbeing.

Dhatu & Mala

Ayurveda describes the body’s tissues as Dhatus and its natural waste products as Malas. Their appropriate nourishment, formation and elimination are considered important aspects of balance.

A woman in linen enjoying a cup of herbal tea on a sunlit terrace, with a mortar, herbal oil and fresh herbs on the table

Ayurveda in Everyday Life

Ayurveda is not limited to therapies. It offers a way of understanding how our daily routines, food, sleep, activity and environment influence wellbeing.

Through principles of Dinacharya and Ritucharya, Ayurveda encourages us to align our habits with our individual constitution, stage of life and the changing rhythms of nature.

Dinacharya — Daily Rhythm

Encourages regularity in everyday routines, including waking, eating, activity, rest and sleep, helping create rhythm and stability in daily life.

Ritucharya — Living with the Seasons

Recognises that changes in season influence the body and its needs, encouraging appropriate adjustments in food, activity and daily routines.

Living in balance is therefore not about rigid rules, but about developing awareness, regularity and a way of life that moves in greater harmony with oneself and with nature.

Nourishment with Awareness

In Ayurveda, food is fundamental to health and wellbeing. What nourishes one individual may not suit another; food is therefore understood in relation to constitution, Agni (digestive and metabolic fire), age, season and present state of balance. Ayurveda considers not only what we eat, but how food is prepared, digested and assimilated.

Personalised
Nutrition

Food is understood in relation to your constitution, Agni, age, season and present state of balance.

The Six Tastes
(Shad Rasa)

Ayurveda recognises Shad Rasa — the six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent — and their appropriate place in a balanced diet.

Conscious Eating

The emphasis is on developing a conscious relationship with food — what we eat, how and when we eat, and the awareness with which we eat.

Nourishment is personal. Eating well begins with understanding what is right for you.

The Himalayan Tradition

The Himalayan Tradition, as taught by H.H. Dr. Swami Rama, brings a deeper dimension to the understanding of wellbeing. Through Yoga, breath awareness, relaxation and meditation, attention gradually moves from the physical body towards greater awareness of the breath and mind. At the Ayurveda Centre, these practices may complement Ayurveda care where appropriate, supporting a more integrated understanding of the individual.

Discover The Himalayan Touch
  • Body

    Yoga and mindful movement
    support strength, flexibility and
    physical wellbeing.

  • Breath

    Breath awareness helps calm the
    nervous system and brings greater
    presence to everyday life.

  • Mind

    Relaxation and meditation support
    mental clarity, emotional balance
    and inner wellbeing.

Insights from Our Vaidyas & Experts

Explore perspectives from our Ayurveda physicians (Vaidyas), faculty and experts, translating Ayurveda and related practices into accessible insights for everyday health and wellbeing.

From understanding common health concerns to food and nutrition, seasonal routines, Panchakarma, Yoga, meditation and preventive wellbeing, these insights bring traditional knowledge into the context of everyday life.

View All Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Panchakarma, your stay and planning your visit to the Ayurveda Centre.

What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma procedures are bio-cleansing (shodhana, purification) procedures that help to expel accumulated toxins from the body, whereas other treatments are palliative in nature, treating the body without removing the toxins.

Panchakarma includes five purificatory procedures for removing toxins from the body:

  • Medicated emesis (Vamana) – for removing aggravated Kapha and Pitta.
  • Medicated purgation (Virechana) – for Pitta.
  • Medicated oil enema (Anuvasana Basti) – for Vata.
  • Medicated decoction enema (Niruha Basti) – for Vata.
  • Medicated nasal drops (Nasya) – for all diseases of the head and neck region.
What are the benefits of Panchakarma?

The most important benefit of the purificatory process is the removal of toxins from the body, which helps cells regenerate quickly, and the person gains good strength, immunity and vitality. Every system of the body starts to function normally, which helps in maintaining normalcy and better health.

Can I receive treatment during the days of menstrual flow?

Treatment is not recommended during the periods, but if they occur during a long stay, we can tailor the cleansing programme to the needs of the individual patient.

Does Panchakarma offer instant relief in my condition?

Panchakarma first relieves the body of toxins, and its healing effects begin to show gradually. In certain conditions, such as musculoskeletal problems, various kinds of arthritis and neurological problems, you may notice immediate relief and positive changes.

Can a healthy person do Panchakarma?

Yes. People in optimum health can also undergo Panchakarma. Due to faulty dietary habits and lifestyle, we accumulate toxins inside our body. Panchakarma is a natural detox procedure, so a healthy person can also join the programme for detox, relaxation, rejuvenation and promotion of health. It can increase immunity, vigour and vitality, which can prevent the onset of disease. Prevention is always better than cure.

What is a typical daily schedule during my Panchakarma treatment?
  • 6:30 AM Lemon water followed by a walk
  • 7:00 AM Diaphragmatic breathing, joints & glands exercises and relaxation
  • 7:45 AM Breakfast
  • 8:30 AM Optional prayers at the Dhanvantari temple (presiding deity of Ayurveda)
  • 9:00 AM Consultation with doctors (individual consultation time varies as per appointment)
  • 9:30 – 11:00 AM Ayurvedic treatment sessions
  • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Rest
  • 1:30 – 2:00 PM Lunch
  • 2:30 – 4:30 PM Therapies
  • 3:30 – 4:30 PM Diaphragmatic breathing, joints & glands exercises and relaxation
  • 4:30 PM Tea
  • 5:30 PM Walk
  • 6:30 PM Diaphragmatic breathing, joints & glands exercises and relaxation
  • 7:30 PM Supper
  • 8:00 – 9:00 PM Self-study
  • 9:00 PM Sleep
  • 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM Silence

Timings of individual treatments may vary depending on patient load and the slot allocated for therapy, before noon or after noon.

Where do I fly into?

You can fly from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant) Airport, which is only 5 kilometres from our Centre. You can hire a taxi from the airport to the Ayurveda Centre at Himalayan Hospital and reach it within 10 minutes.

What are the check-in and check-out times?
  • Check in preferably between 9 AM and 1 PM if you want therapy on the day of arrival.
  • Check in up to 4 PM if earlier is not possible, but no therapy will be provided on the day of arrival.
  • Check-in on Sunday is not possible.
  • Check-out time is 9 AM, after a complimentary breakfast.
What do I need to do before planning to come for Panchakarma?

Smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited at the Ayurveda Centre, so it is advisable to quit these habits before you join the programme, and also to practise vegetarianism.

Can I extend my stay at the Ayurveda Centre?

Yes. Depending on availability, you can extend your stay after discussion with your consultant physician.

How do I make payment?

Payment can be made on arrival by cash or credit card (Visa card for foreign currency). For advance booking, deposit 50 percent and inform us of the transfer details so we can verify receipt of funds. Please do not wire any funds until your booking has been approved by the Ayurveda Centre.

Do you start the treatment on the same day of admission?

Generally, if the patient arrives before noon, treatment can be arranged on the same day. If arriving in the afternoon, therapy can be planned from the next day. We do not take new guests on Sundays and national holidays.

What should I bring when I come for treatment?

Please bring all relevant medical reports and clothing for daily use. Modest, casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Please bring your own toiletries if you have a specific preference.

Have another question? Contact our team and we will be glad to help.

PRĀṆAMEVA JAYATE

Wisdom Finds Meaning When It Is Lived.