Hello All! Sending you big, loving hugs from India 🇮🇳🪷🥘

This bloomed right outside of my door on the second day… A reminder that all seeds must first grow in the dark.

I know some of you are at the edge of your seat to know…. what I am doing here.

I am here completing a Panchakarma (more on that down below). It is something I’ve considered for a long while but didn’t believe I had the courage, the time to take off, or the capacity to fly so far away. However, when I decided to head to Europe to see family and take care of some paperwork there, a friend reminded me I was more than halfway to India.

But, aren’t you healed from chronic illness?

I wish. I don’t believe we are ever truly ‘healed.’ Healing is an ongoing process that requires attention to the mind-body - emotions,- and spirit. With that said, I believe in radical remission. The goal is to find peace and joy in our daily lives, despite our symptoms.

More specifically, I had a flare-up in March after deciding to go after parasites that were causing various symptoms. This opened up Pandora’s box, so to speak. I was diagnosed with other items (always fun), and I plateaued on what I was being offered locally and knew it was time to take the next big step. India wasn’t the first thought. I was considering treatment centers in the US, and in Europe (not in conjunction with my trip, but afterward). When my friend brought up going to India as I was making (last minute) plans, it sounded unfathomable, but genius. It is also more affordable than any other treatment I have researched out there.

Why last minute?

Last-minute travel + social plans work best for me. There is definitely some anxiety involved, but I am able to know where my health is right before I leave. This is opposed to having to cancel last minute, like I have had to do, many times before. I also notice it doesn’t give my negativity bias much time to create a story and stop me from going (this has also happened in the past). This goes for social engagements as well (when appropriate).

Weren’t you scared?

Very much so. However, I kept reading all of the positive stories/ outcomes/research around this. And, neural retraining was at the forefront of my daily activities (still is). Ayurveda is a system of medicine based on the idea that disease is caused by animbalance or stress in a person's consciousness. This is a 5,000-year-old science, and it’s pretty brilliant. Not to mention, the place I’m staying in is run by a couple who are both doctors and who come from a long lineage of doctors before them.

I recommend typing in any symptom and ‘Panchakarma’ to see what comes up. Separately, I was scared to leave my clients. Luckily, everyone was so so so kind, and supportive.

Okay, but what is a Panchakarma???

According to Ayurveda, health is not defined as being disease-free. It is the state of normalcy of the three doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha, which broadly represent the nervous system, the metabolic system, and the nutritive system.

These doshas keep the human body, mind, and emotions in balance. A disease is manifested when the delicate balance between the doshas is disturbed. An Ayurvedic cleanse draws out the toxins from the body, also drawing out excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the tissues into the digestive tract in order to eliminate them. This, in turn, unblocks the channels and restores balance. This cleanse is known as Panchakarma, which literally means five actions or procedures. It is a method of cleansing the body of all unwanted waste after lubricating the body. This treatment is highly beneficial as it includes preventive and curative actions for various diseases.

A good little summary/ video: https://oneworldayurveda.com/blog/what-is-panchakarma/

A video on some a-la-carte treatments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7D2Sa-wqNI

Can it put Lyme and other Autoimmune diseases into remission?

It sure can. That’s why I’m here. I have over 65 active symptoms (we counted), and Ayurvedic medicine has the capacity to alleviate them all.

“In modern society, many of us are overworked and under‑rested, often eat unsatisfactory meals in a rushed manner, get insufficient exercise, sit at sedentary jobs under artificial light, breathe stale, oxygen‑depleted air, stare into cell phones, take synthetic medicines, and live surrounded by noise, electromagnetic fields, and harmful radiation, far removed from nature. The unavoidable consequence of this lifestyle is the formation and bioaccumulation of toxic substances and residues. They can take a myriad of forms including senescent (dead) cells, mucous secretions, bacterial overgrowths, excessive fats and fatty acids, and many forms of toxins.

Panchakarma detoxification is perhaps the “missing link” to restoring the optimum function of our cells and tissues. Whether undertaken to prevent or treat disease, most individuals who undergo authentic panchakarma will feel physically and mentally revitalized, with a decrease in symptoms of toxicity.”

Check out this Goop article: https://goop.com/wellness/health/panchakarma-lyme-ayurvedic-approach-chronic-disease/

Where are you in the process now?

I just got through Snehapana (arguably the most difficult portion of this). Generally, most people get here by day 8, or so, but it took me 16 days #sospecial! I was reacting in a very Mast-Cell, or, Pitta-like way, and they had to slow down everything for me. In addition, they have to stop all treatment during menstruation. I am now getting various treatments to build up my immune system (first softening and then strengthening) and to help restart my digestion (Agni) + I’m back to eating delicious Ayurvedic food, rather than just rice soup. FYI, everyone receives different/ bespoke treatments. No one’s experience is quite the same, and sometimes they change things up (at least for me) on the day of. That’s why I am going with the flow, and trusting what the doctors say.

More info on Snehapana: https://www.ayurgamaya.com/panchakarma-detoxification-day-4-8-snehapana-into-the-deep-dark-woods/

How long will you be there?

Each time I assume something about this process, I am quite humbled. One of those assumptions is I would arrive, consult with the doctor, and know how long I would need. As I mentioned, it took me more than double the time to get where I am. I could be here just a few more weeks to another month, or longer. The doctors have to gauge my presentation and symptoms each day.

What’s the food like?

As long as you’re not on a rice soup diet, it’s FANTASTIC. Each patient receives meals specific to their dosha imbalance. So, for me, with too much fire (Pitta), I am receiving cooling and moisturizing food. All meals are gluten-free and vegetarian.

Is this a one-and-done deal?

As I found out, the longer you’ve had your symptoms/ diagnoses, the longer you need to be here, and/or come back for further treatment. What have I witnessed so far? Someone who’s psoriasis went away in just 3 weeks... Someone who was told he would die from his Ulcerative Colitis diagnosis in the near future, but is here for a second year in a row, and very much alive. Someone else comes by for tune-ups after being saved from his Crohn’s (he said he was on his “deathbed” 10 years ago). Another person is now cancer-free after various visits. Another placed their MS in remission and went from being in a wheelchair to riding a bike.

I won’t lie, this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I keep repeating my different mantras, like… “I can do hard things.” I also know that short-term pain, and long-term gain, are much more preferred to long-term suffering.

Where are you? How did you choose the center?

I am in Kerala (southern India), but I will not be disclosing the name of the center until I, A) Finish up here, and B) Have an opinion on my experience.

What I will say is that this came recommended by a good family friend of one of my clients. Every place I was reaching out to either was full or had terrible communication. This place got back to me right away and had one room left. And, for those who know me, I utilized my astrocartography chart to choose which part of India I wanted to be in for this. Kerala was ideal…

“Crossing Mercury/Jupiter / 2313 km

This conjunction positively affects all communication, philosophical and scientific studies and every type of mental activity. This can also be a platform for successful international connections. It is easy for you to adjust to changed circumstances, to learn new languages and to gain new insights into other cultures. In some ways, Mercury/Jupiter can be seen as some sort of "Gateway to the World".

This positive and open-minded understanding to life not only offers an excellent basis for private and business trips, but also manages to create social contacts. During conversations, you seem full of humour, open-minded and relaxed. You are convincing by appearing knowledgeable, and manage to convey optimism and trust.”

Link to check out your own map: https://www.astro.com/cgi/aclch.cgi?btyp=acm#det=0&cen.x=-118.301&cen.y=33.724&zoom=2&btyp=acm

Are you documenting your experience?

I am taking video footage as I do this since I haven’t had much capacity for writing in a journal. I haven’t decided if I will move through with publishing videos, and/ or writing about my experience. However, I will let you know if/when I do.

Are you able to work as you do this?

Most panchakarma centers/ hospitals encourage you to not work, and focus on the treatment and going inward. With that said, I have seen some clients when I’ve had capacity. If you’re a client - Look out for my last-minute emails.

Last thoughts (until next time)…

I am on a mission, to continuously peel back layers, to get to my truest, most authentic self. This is also integral in my work as a therapist, and healer. The deeper I go, the deeper I can meet, guide and support my clients on their own paths.

If you’re a client of mine, I would like to thank you for your kindness, patience, and support as I do this for my health. It felt like a huge risk to take this time off, especially after already being gone for a while. However, every single one of you showed me pure love, care, and enthusiasm. I can cry just thinking about how grateful and honored I am to be a part of your journey. I really am so blessed.

Just as a reminder to all… When we take care of ourselves, we give permission for others to do the same. We also heal for our ancestors who didn’t have the option to do the same. Rest is resistance. Rest is medicine. Rest is radical. Rest is productive. And, you, are worthy and deserving of it.

Love you all <3 Christina

P.S. Please reply, and let me know if you have any questions, and I will be happy to answer them in a future newsletter.

P.P.S. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6XVzHvFVn/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Did you hear the good news about Chronic Lyme? It is now recognized by the CDC! I would LOVE to send this to every doctor who said Chronic Lyme Disease isn’t real to me, my clients, and my loved ones (and ty to my lovely client who this my way).

JOIN US ON 11/17 AT 6 PM PST!

AGAIN, THIS IS FREE + VIRTUAL (AND YOUR CAMERA DOES NOT NEED TO BE ON) AND IS OPEN TO ANYONE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS, INCLUDING THEIR LOVED ONES. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!

MORE INFO: https://www.bayarealyme.org/san-diego-lyme-alliance/

LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85485921859?pwd=VUFGSGlHdDV4UkYydnNNUDhQQXhoQT09

Christina was featured in the I Love the Way You Lyme podcast!

Liste HERE<3

Did you know a small portion of every therapy or coach visit is donated to The Trevor Project? They provide information & support to LGBTQ 
young people 24/7, all year round (and, my phenomenal VA, Rebecca, who is a LCSW in works, volunteers for their hotline… She’s the best). Anyway, everyday is Pride around these parts :>

I AM HONORED TO HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR A SOCIAL HEALTH NETWORK’S (PREVIOUSLY WEGO HEALTH) HEALTHCARE COLLABORATOR AWARD

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOTE FOR ME, PLEASE CLICK HERE

(TY in advance! )

What I am listening to^^^