May 25, 20261 min read
Arriving at an Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala after years of anxiety, poor sleep, and unresolved addiction issues felt like stepping into a different world. The smell of incense and ghee replaced the smell of alcohol I'd been carrying. Within hours of arrival, I was in a consultation with Dr. Anjali, who asked simple questions and listened without judgment.
The intake process included Abhyanga — a full-body oil massage that lasted 90 minutes. My nervous system, which had been in fight-or-flight for years, finally began to settle. The oil was warm, the hands were skilled, and something in me softened.
This is where the real work begins.