At a time when everything is going green, new age values are increasing, and everything global reads ‘india calling’ – Soukya, a holistic and wellness retreat, run by world renowned Dr. Isaac Mathai come as a forerunner.
Yes! At last, a smoke free and alcohol free retreat like the one I am going to actually exists. And I am driving towards it. Braving the pollution of Mumbai, battling the viral cold/sore throat syndrome that no doctor yet has been able to cure, I head towards the “Soukya International Holistic Health Centre”.

Interestingly, it is in one of my favorite cities – Bengaluru. Well! Not exactly! It is actually located in Samethanahalli (off Whitefield), an hour’s drive from the airport, and one actually drives into landscaped gardens, an oasis of green that instantly feels like a slice of nirvana. As I enter the lobby, I get a spa like feel, with the staff totally in polite attendance, the silence and the lemon grass both vying for one’s attention. But my reverie is broken as the General Manager gently reminds me that they focus more on the medical and healing aspects here.

Soukya is, as I perceive it, a residential luxury spa that was created in 2003 and has maintained its stance all these years, catering to celebrities, both national and international. Famous people like the Ambanis, Deepak Chopra, Sarah Ferguson, owners of Aveda, the Hermes clan, Tina Turner, Sting, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Maharaja Gaj Singh, Mallika Sarabhai, Alanis Morisette, Camillia Parker Bowles with King Charles, the late George Harrison, and Bishop Desmond Tutu have been here to experience the Centre’s facilities. Not surprising at all, considering that the Government of India also has honoured it with the “Best Wellness Centre” award in 2010.

Having been a native of South India, I understand that the name “Soukya” has been derived from soukhyam, meaning ‘wellness’ in Sanskrit. It clearly endorses that a sound body has a sound mind, and a sound mind has a sound body. Here, one is able to find a combination of Asian alternative sciences like –
Ayurveda – An ancient Indian traditional medicine which treats degenerative and neurological conditions, liver disorders, rheumatic and chronic conditions, weight loss, stress and rejuvenation.
Panchakarma – This is an intensive therapeutic program that involves detoxification with beneficial results in neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
Homeopathy – Medicine that has no side effects as it is derived from natural and herbal sources. Helps cure diseases and autoimmune disorders.
Naturopathy – Natural resources like food, herbs, earth, water, and air allow the body to heal itself. This form of treatment helps chronic diseases like asthma, arthritis, gastro Intestinal and hypertension.
Hydrotherapy – Water, used internally and externally, in all its forms, helps circulatory problems, and muscle/joint pains

Mud Therapy – Mud has a cooling effect on any part of the body it is applied to.
Acupressure – Oriental Healing Technique using the application of pressure to specific points. This helps to relieve pain, fatigue and musculoskeletal problems.
Reflexology – Reflex points in the hands and feet co-relating to individual organs of the body are used to cure insomnia, menstrual problems and pains.
Acupuncture – Fine needles painlessly applied to specific energy points, stimulate energy flow. This helps ease migraines, sciatica and asthmas/sinusitis.
Auriculotherapy – Stimulation of the ear points, helps addictions and digestive disorders.
Nutrition – Using food as medicine, helps nutritional deficiencies, combats allergies, digestive disorders, and builds resistance to disease.
Yoga Therapy and Meditation – Yogasanas, kriyas, and breathing.

IN SOME CASES, DOCTORS ACTUALLY RECOMMEND A VISIT TO SOUKYA TO REDUCE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF HARSH MEDICAL TREATMENTS AND TO PROVIDE COMFORT IN THE LAST PHASE OF THEIR JOURNEY

Previously published in FWD Life

Image Credits : Maya Lalchandani, Soukya