Thank you to Poppy and Someday for the great photo of this treatment.
In India at the Vasant Institute of Ayurveda, I am experiencing panchakarma (pancha means five, and there are five  procedures used).  This 12 day detoxifying and purification has been very interesting and at times intense - generally in a good way.

One of the most unusual treatments for me was yesterday's Netra Basti.  I found the treatment very pleasant, calming and intriguing.  

The wheat dough ring that surrounds the eye is soft, light weight and comfortable.  It is gently moulded around the eye and holds the warm medicated ghee (clarified butter) which is slowly poured into the dough dam and bathes the eyes, which are at first closed.  The therapists then asked me to open my eyes slowly, which was quite easy to do.  Next came some eye exercises - up and down, left and right, corner to corner and then circles one way and then the other - all with eyes opened.  Then the eyes were rested in a closed position.  Another measured amount of warm ghee was administered while eyes were closed.  The dough ring and ghee were carefully and easily removed.  Each eye took about 30 minutes.

Once the ghee was removed the therapist massaged specific marma points (like acupressure points) around the eye area.  It all felt quite nice.

The eyes are a bit foggy after the treatment and sunglasses are worn for a couple hours while the eyes are sensitive to light.  Also it was recommended to not use technology for the remainder of the day.  It was a good tech break for me:)

Netra Basti treatment helps to reduce stress and eye strain - particularly good for these days of heavy computer and smart phone usage.  It also helps with dark circles, dryness of eyes (which I have), conjunctivitis, watering of eyes, painful or swollen eyes.

​Sharing my latest life experiences with you and hoping they are interesting and helpful.
​Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary

Now Available at Amazon Books and check out KP Khalsa excerpt from book below

A Little About Me from What's Possible?
I am Mary Roberts (Padmavati). Discovering a different path at the age of 61, after a lifetime of traditional living was completely unexpected. My rather ordinary life journey became an unlikely adventure. 

My story begins in the same way that many of our stories do - schooling then career path, in my case as a teacher, then marriage...children...divorce...a new, work-hard-play-hard career path in marketing and eventually international trade…all part of the respected, acceptable and typical treadmill of life in our Western culture. The faster we run, the better - or so I thought.

On the surface, before this adventure began, I had it all - lovely condo in one of the nicest parts of Chicago, a loving family and a wide circle of friends. I had attained work success with a nicely titled and high-paying job, had nice clothes and a nice place to live. Yet, I couldn't help but feel that something indefinable was missing.

I began my exploration of the ancient sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda at my local yoga studio in downtown Chicago, and was introduced to new ways of life that fascinated me. I felt compelled to learn more. That interest led me to a week-long Ayurveda conference at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas. 

From that one week vacation, I became a "guinea pig" for a year-long Ayurvedic - Yogic lifestyle study at the Ashram. No caffeine, no alcohol, no meat, eggs, seafood - all vegetarian diet, and I’d be living in a tent!

Somehow, I created the proposal and presented it to KP Khalsa, renowned herbalist and Ayurveda specialist. He is the co author of this book and a well respected author of numerous books on Ayurveda.

I wanted to see what was possible.
As a typical American woman, raised on an abundance of fast, convenience foods, meats, seafood, sugary desserts, and who enjoyed strong coffee, alcohol, constant activity and late nights out with friends; this was a huge leap.  Sleeping in a tent, using communal bathrooms and living a simple, yogic lifestyle seemed inconceivable. Yet I chose to have this experience. 

This book takes you on the year-long journey, with before and after photos, actual journal entries, milestone reports and final results. I’d be honored to share my story with you.
​
Excerpt from the Foreword of What's Possible? 
by Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa

“Living Ayurveda and using Ayurvedic herbalism can keep you well. With this knowledge, you can achieve balanced health, a priceless gift. Imagine a time in the near future when you’re free from sickness, when you haven’t been bothered by even a painful joint or uncomfortable bloating for a long, long time. That future can become your reality.

I’ve seen thousands of patients regain vibrant health, and for my entire adult life I’ve been involved in the revolution that is transforming the health care system in America. Ayurveda and yoga play a big part in that. I am sure you, like other Americans, want to know what you can do to protect yourself from the degeneration, aging and daily irritations that undermine the quality of our lives.

If you have relied on conventional treatments and they are failing you, learn yoga and incorporate Ayurveda in your life, starting today. In this book, you will read about the success story of an admittedly typical American woman who did just that. Committing to the historically potent herbal traditions of India, fused with a modern slant, she found transformation. This could be you. I hope you take to heart what she says about her experience. Admittedly, she spent the year in a concentrated yoga and Ayurveda environment, but there is so much you could do in your own kitchen.”

My evolution of self was life changing in a very positive way, but that transformation did not come without many challenges, lessons and a few humorous experiences that served to humble me throughout the year.
​Read more....

​Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary