Ayurvedic Healing And Beyond

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception to the second birthday, are often described as a critical window of opportunity. During this period, nutrition, health, care and the environment around a child can influence their development and future wellbeing.

In this episode of Ayurvedic Healing & Beyond, Dr Vignesh Devraj is joined by Job Zachariah, who has spent many years working with UNICEF across different parts of India on child health, nutrition, education, sanitation and protection.

They explore why the first 1,000 days matter and the nine key practices that parents, families and communities can focus on during this period, including maternal and child anaemia, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, malnutrition, immunisation, sanitation, safe water, handwashing, nurturing care and maternal education.

Job also shares his experiences of taking these messages to families through doctors, health workers, community initiatives and a programme developed with the IMA in Kerala.

Episode Highlights

The First 1,000 Days

The Nine Key Practices

Breastfeeding & Nutrition

Immunisation & Sanitation

Nurturing Care & Stimulation

The Role Of Family

Reaching More Families

Timestamps

00:00 – 14:20 – Why The First 1,000 Days Matter

14:20 – 29:00 – The Nine Key Practices

29:00 – 48:00 – Nutrition, Breastfeeding & Immunisation

48:00 – 57:00 – Sanitation, Water & Handwashing

57:00 – 1:03:00 – Nurturing Care & Family

1:03:00 – 1:07:55 – Taking The Message Forward

TEDx TALK WITH DR VIGNESH DEVRAJ

In his recent TEDx talk, Dr Vignesh Devraj shares a personal story from his childhood and explores how our emotions, relationships, work, experiences and environment can influence health. He also reflects on the Ayurvedic concept of Swasta and staying connected to our authentic selves.

Watch Dr Vignesh Devraj’s TEDx Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVBf9cUdKF8

The 14-Day Ayurvedic Metabolic Reset

Weight management can involve more than simply changing what you eat. The 14-Day Ayurvedic Metabolic Reset at Sitaram brings together personalised Ayurvedic consultations, therapies, nutrition, movement and lifestyle practices within a structured retreat environment.

The programme offers an opportunity to step away from your usual routine and create space to focus on digestion, metabolism and daily rhythms through personalised Ayurvedic care.

Learn More About The 14-Day Ayurvedic Metabolic Reset -https://sitaramretreat.com/ayurvedic-weight-loss/

About Job Zachariah

Job Zachariah has spent many years working with UNICEF across different parts of India, focusing on child health, nutrition, education, sanitation and protection.

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

One-on-one Ayurvedic consultation:

https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement and emotional well-being. This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes and tools that can be integrated into everyday life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com/

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

Disclaimer: The content discussed in these episodes should not be used as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care.

It’s heartbreaking to see what our brothers and sisters in Nepal are going through. With the little network we’ve built through this channel, I’m sharing a Relief Fund donation link for those who would like to extend their support. I request you all to contribute in whatever way you can, through your time, your prayers, or your financial support.

https://www.sukha-ev.de/aktuelles/hilfe-nach-der-flut-an-der-tibetisch-nepalesischen-grenze/

Deciding to undergo Panchakarma is only the beginning. What happens once you arrive at the retreat can be just as important as the treatment itself.

In this episode of Ayurvedic Healing & Beyond, Dr Vignesh Devraj explains what to expect during a 14- or 21-day Ayurvedic Panchakarma retreat, from the first consultation and the initial days of observation to preparation, treatment, recovery and returning home.

He explains why the treatment is not necessarily decided on the first day, how the body may respond differently once you settle into the retreat environment, and how the three R’s - Relax, Reduce and Rejuvenate - help determine what an individual actually needs.

The episode also explores the role of food, sleep, reduced stimulation, preparation therapies such as Snehapanam, the importance of investigations when clinically relevant, and why recovery and aftercare are essential parts of the process.

Most importantly, Panchakarma is not about following the same protocol for everyone. Two people can spend the same 14 or 21 days at a retreat and receive completely different programmes based on their individual needs.

Episode Highlights

What To Expect At A Retreat

The First Few Days

Relax, Reduce & Rejuvenate

Preparing For Panchakarma

When Purification Begins

Recovery & Rejuvenation

Taking The Changes Home

Timestamps

00:00 – 02:50 – Arriving At A Retreat

02:50 – 05:41 – Why Your Treatment Can Change

05:41 – 09:48 – Relaxation, Food & Daily Routine

09:48 – 13:36 – Preparing For Panchakarma

13:37 – 15:05 – Rejuvenation & Recovery

15:06 – 18:03 – What You May Experience

18:03 – 19:32 – Taking Panchakarma Home

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

One-on-one Ayurvedic consultation: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

Free Ayurvedic consultation for those who are economically challenged: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement and emotional well-being. This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes and tools that can be integrated into everyday life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

Disclaimer: The content discussed in these episodes should not be used as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care.

It’s heartbreaking to see what our brothers and sisters in Nepal are going through. With the little network we’ve built through this channel, I’m sharing a Relief Fund donation link for those who would like to extend their support. I request you all to contribute in whatever way you can, through your time, your prayers, or your financial support.

https://www.sukha-ev.de/aktuelles/hilfe-nach-der-flut-an-der-tibetisch-nepalesischen-grenze/

MENOPAUSE PANCHAKARMA PROGRAM

Women are unaware that painful menopause is directly connected to the imbalances that have been quietly accumulating over many years. To build a better support system for women going through this transition, Sitaram Retreat x Postcard has created a dedicated Menopause Panchakarma Program.

The program includes consultations, Panchakarma therapies, hormonal health support, personalised nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and restorative practices for the mind and body. For more: https://sitaramretreat.com/Prepare_Your_Body_for_Menopause/

Panchakarma is often misunderstood as a set of treatments that everyone receives in the same way. But it is not a fixed package, a spa treatment, or a checklist of therapies.

In this episode of Ayurvedic Healing & Beyond, Dr Vignesh Devraj breaks down what Panchakarma actually means, why it needs to be personalised, and how a physician decides whether someone is ready for an intensive treatment.

The episode explores the Ayurvedic distinction between Shamana and Shodhana, and why reduction, purification, nourishment and recovery all have different roles in a treatment programme. It also introduces the three R’s, Relax, Reduce and Rejuvenate, as a simple way to understand the broader purpose of a well-designed Panchakarma programme.

The conversation looks at why strength, mental resilience, health goals and individual condition matter before undergoing intensive therapies.

Episode Highlights

What Panchakarma Really Means

Shamana, Shodhana & Langana

Relax, Reduce & Replenish

Strength, Resilience & Readiness

The Five Panchakarma Procedures

Retreat Environment & Participation

Preparation, Recovery & Duration

Choosing The Right Retreat

When Panchakarma Is Not Appropriate

Personalised Ayurvedic Treatment

Timestamps

00:00 – 04:59 – What Panchakarma Really Means

04:59 – 08:46 – Shamana, Shodhana & Treatment Readiness

08:46 – 12:15 – Retreat Environment & The Three Rs

12:15 – 15:09 – The Five Procedures & Replenishment

15:09 – 18:48 – Panchakarma Duration, Recovery & Expectations

18:48 – 22:06 – Who Needs Panchakarma & Who Should Avoid It

22:06 – 27:50 – Benefits, Aftercare & Choosing The Right Retreat

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

One-on-one Ayurvedic consultation: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

Free Ayurvedic consultation for those who are economically challenged: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement and emotional well-being. This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes and tools that can be integrated into everyday life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

Disclaimer: The content discussed in these episodes should not be used as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care.

This 13-minute guided meditation invites you to let go of the effort to fall asleep and reconnect with your body's natural ability to rest. Through gentle body awareness, breath observation and subtle inner relaxation, this practice helps you release the tension of the day and create space for deeper rest.

In this episode of Ayurvedic Healing & Beyond, Dr Vignesh Devraj guides you through a gentle meditation and Yoga Nidra practice for sleep, designed to help you settle into rest at the end of the day or gently return to sleep if you wake during the night.

The meditation begins by letting go of the pressure to fall asleep and reconnecting with the body's natural ability to rest. Through slow attention to the body, the breath and the sensations of relaxation, the practice gradually moves you away from the activity of the day and towards stillness.

As the meditation continues, attention is brought gently through different parts of the body, from the head and face to the shoulders, arms, chest, abdomen, hips and feet. There is no need to force relaxation or follow every word. Thoughts can come and go naturally, just like the breath.

Episode Highlights

Guided Meditation For Sleep

Yoga Nidra & Deep Rest

Reconnecting With Natural Rhythms

Body & Breath Awareness

Letting Go Of Thoughts

Releasing Daily Tension

Creating Space For Rest

Allowing The Body To Rest

A Gentle Practice For The Night

This meditation is intended to be listened to when you are ready to rest. It should not be listened to while driving or doing anything that requires your full attention.

Allow yourself to lie down comfortably, let your body settle and give yourself permission to do nothing more for the night.

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

One-on-one Ayurvedic consultation: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

Free Ayurvedic consultation for those who are economically challenged: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement and emotional well-being. This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes and tools that can be integrated into everyday life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

Disclaimer: The content discussed in these episodes should not be used as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care.

MENOPAUSE PANCHAKARMA PROGRAM

Women are unaware that painful menopause is directly connected to the imbalances that have been quietly accumulating over many years.

To build a better support system for women going through this important transition, Sitaram Retreat x Postcard has created a dedicated Menopause Panchakarma Program.

The program includes consultations, Panchakarma therapies, hormonal health support, personalised nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and restorative practices for the mind and body.

Early Bird Offer Live! Valid for bookings until September 15th, 2026.

Click to know more: https://sitaramretreat.com/Prepare_Your_Body_for_Menopause/

How can Ayurveda support women through menopause, fertility challenges and the many changes that happen across a woman's reproductive life?

In this episode of Ayurvedic Healing & Beyond, Dr Vignesh Devraj is joined by Dr Resmi V Rajagopal, an Ayurvedic physician specialising in women's health and gynaecology, for a conversation on menopause, Panchakarma, fertility, anaemia and everyday lifestyle.

The discussion explores why menopause-related changes cannot be understood through weight alone, and how Agni, digestion, metabolism, sleep, elimination and mental wellbeing influence overall health. They also discuss the role of Vata, Pitta, Kapha and Ojas during the menopausal transition and why Panchakarma needs to be personalised.

The conversation also covers hot flashes, sleep, exercise and lifestyle, including why excessive exercise may sometimes leave women feeling more depleted rather than healthier.

A key part of the episode focuses on Shatavari and why it should not be treated as a universal “wonder herb” for menopause.

The episode also explores fertility and Panchakarma, including Saumanasyam, clarity of mind, and the importance of preparing the body and mind.

Episode Highlights

Menopause, metabolism, Agni & Ojas

Vata, Pitta, Kapha & personalised care

Panchakarma, fertility & Saumanasyam

Hot flashes, exercise & lifestyle

Shatavari, Prakriti & personalisation

Anaemia, fatigue, nutrition & emotional eating

Listening to your body & conscious living

Timestamps

00:00 – 13:28 – Menopause, Weight, Agni & Ojas

13:28 – 22:46 – Hot Flashes, Panchakarma & Lifestyle

22:46 – 30:42 – Exercise, Weight & Shatavari

30:42 – 40:20 – Personalisation & Emotional Wellbeing

40:20 – 47:45 – Fertility, Panchakarma & Saumanasyam

47:45 – 54:38 – Anaemia, Nutrition & Healing

About Dr Resmi V Rajagopal

Dr Resmi V Rajagopal is an Ayurvedic physician specialising in women's health and gynaecology, with a focus on menopause, fertility and personalised Ayurvedic care.

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

One-on-one Ayurvedic consultation: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

Free Ayurvedic consultation for those who are economically challenged: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement and emotional well-being. This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes and tools that can be integrated into everyday life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

Disclaimer: The content discussed in these episodes should not be used as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care.

MENOPAUSE PANCHAKARMA PROGRAM

Women are unaware that painful menopause is directly connected to the imbalances that have been quietly accumulating over many years.

To build a better support system for women going through this important transition, Sitaram Retreat x Postcard has created a dedicated Menopause Panchakarma Program.

The program includes consultations, Panchakarma therapies, hormonal health support, personalised nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and restorative practices for the mind and body.

Early Bird Offer Live! Valid for bookings until September 15th, 2026.

Click to know more: https://sitaramretreat.com/Prepare_Your_Body_for_Menopause/

What does it really mean to take your health seriously?

In this episode of Ayurvedic Healing & Beyond, Dr Vignesh Devraj is joined by Aroon Purie, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group, to explore health, work, purpose, longevity and what it means to live well as we grow older.

Aroon Purie shares how sport first introduced him to the importance of physical health, and how that gradually evolved into a more conscious approach to food, exercise, stretching, recovery and Ayurveda.

He shares simple practices that have changed his mornings, including avoiding his phone after waking, drinking warm water, walking and getting sunlight. Dr Vignesh and Aroon also discuss passion, curiosity and purpose, and why continuing to learn, explore and find meaningful engagement can support wellbeing at every stage of life.

The episode also explores letting go, delegation and values, and how stepping back from work can create space for new pursuits rather than simply leaving a vacuum.

Episode Highlights

Health, movement & conscious eating

Technology, information & digital boundaries

Passion, purpose & staying curious

Longevity, independence & healthy ageing

Letting go, delegation & personal values

Ayurveda, Panchakarma & conscious living

Finding purpose, passion & your own form of meditation

Timestamps

00:00 – 03:19 – Health, Sport & Conscious Living

03:19 – 10:02 – Technology, Stress & Morning Rituals

10:02 – 14:40 – Health, Work, Passion & Curiosity

14:40 – 18:07 – Longevity, Independence & Letting Go

18:07 – 22:08 – Values, Purpose & What’s Next

22:08 – 27:07 – AI, Ayurveda & Panchakarma

27:07 – 29:36 – Health, Body & Finding Your Passion

29:36 – 34:27 – Tennis, Meditation & Living Well

About Aroon Purie

Aroon Purie is the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group. He has played a defining role in Indian media and has led the organisation through major transformations in print, television and digital media.

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

If you are interested in doing a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr Vignesh Devraj, please find the details here: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

If you are economically challenged, please use the form below to request a free Ayurvedic consultation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement, and emotional well-being. In Ayurveda, balancing Vata is considered one of the most important aspects of healing and recovery.

This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes, and simple tools that can be integrated into everyday life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

MENOPAUSE PANCHAKARMA PROGRAM

Women are unaware that painful menopause is directly connected to the imbalances that have been quietly accumulating over many years.

To build a better support system for women going through this important transition, Sitaram Retreat x Postcard has created a dedicated Menopause Panchakarma Program.

The program includes consultations, Panchakarma therapies, hormonal health support, personalised nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and restorative practices for the mind and body.

Early Bird Offer Live! Valid for bookings until September 15th, 2026.

Click to know more: https://sitaramretreat.com/Prepare_Your_Body_for_Menopause/

What does it really mean to be healthy? Is it having a fit body, following the perfect diet, exercising every day, or simply being free from disease?

In this episode of Ayurvedic Healing & Beyond, Dr Vignesh Devraj is joined by Deepti Chandak, a content creator and wellness enthusiast, to explore what it means to build a healthy life while balancing travel, work, and modern demands.

Deepti Chandak shares how she maintains her health while travelling through conscious eating, movement, sleep and recovery. The conversation also explores how food can influence the body and mind, and why conscious choices matter more than perfection.

Dr Vignesh challenges the way we define fitness, success and health, discussing social media, comparison, perfectionism and the pressure to constantly achieve.

The episode looks at the difference between fitness and true health by reflecting on everyday functions, mental clarity and the ability to live without constant anxiety about the body.

Episode Highlights

What does it really mean to be healthy?

Why fitness and health are not the same

Food, the body & the mind

Social media, comparison & contentment

Anxiety, uncertainty & resilience

Ayurveda and modern lifestyle

Understanding Swastha and reconnecting with yourself

Timestamps

00:00 – 12:47 – Travel, Health, Recovery & Food

12:47 – 21:08 – Success, Discipline & Social Media

21:08 – 27:34 – Indulgence, Distraction & Happiness

27:34 – 35:00 – Happiness, Fitness & True Health

35:00 – 44:00 – Anxiety, Resilience & Uncertainty

44:00 – 54:00 – Ayurveda, Modern Life & Retreats

54:00 – 59:49 – Self-Respect & Swastha

About Deepti Chandak

Deepti Chandak (@jivewithdeepti) is a content creator based in Dubai whose work brings together travel, wellness and conscious living.

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

If you are interested in doing a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr Vignesh Devraj, please find the details here: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

If you are economically challenged, please use the form below to request a free Ayurvedic consultation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement, and emotional well-being. In Ayurveda, balancing Vata is considered one of the most important aspects of healing and recovery.

This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes, and simple tools that can be integrated into everyday life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend that the content discussed in these episodes should not be used as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care.

MENOPAUSE PANCHAKARMA PROGRAM

Women are unaware that painful menopause is directly connected to the imbalances that have been quietly accumulating over many years.

To build a better support system for women going through this important transition, Sitaram Retreat x Postcard has created a dedicated Menopause Panchakarma Program.

The program includes consultations, Panchakarma therapies, hormonal health support, personalised nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and restorative practices for the mind and body.

Early Bird Offer Live! Valid for bookings until September 15th, 2026.

Click to know more: https://sitaramretreat.com/Prepare_Your_Body_for_Menopause/

What happens when a disease continues to affect the body even after the body's cells have changed?

Guru Yogi Shivanji introduces the Pancha Koshas, the five layers of human existence, and explains how he approaches chronic and complex conditions by looking beyond visible symptoms. The conversation explores anger, grief, hatred and forgiveness, including the story of a woman with long-standing vitiligo and the role emotional patterns played in her healing journey.

The episode also explores Pranayama, Kumbhaka, breath retention and Bandhas, and Guru Yogi Shivanji's understanding of how breath and Prana influence the mind and body. He explains Pancha Bala Siddhanta and why food, movement, breath and mental focus form an important foundation before medicine.

Episode Highlights

Understanding the Pancha Koshas

The mind, Prana & physical body

Emotional patterns, forgiveness & healing

Pranayama, Kumbhaka & breath retention

Pancha Bala Siddhanta explained

Food, movement, breath & mental focus

The healing village approach

Why healing requires active participation

Timestamps

00:00 – 03:46 – Pancha Koshas, Beliefs & Healing

03:46 – 13:44 – Anger, Grief, Forgiveness & Letting Go

13:44 – 18:57 – Science, Belief & Choosing the Right Doctor

18:57 – 24:43 – Mantra, Focus & Pancha Bala Siddhanta

24:43 – 27:17 – Forgiveness, Healing & Breath

27:17 – 39:42 – Pranayama, Kumbhaka, Bandhas & Prana

39:42 – 42:42 – Inside the Healing Village

42:42 – 44:29 – Living in Tune With Nature

About Guru Yogi Shivanji

Guru Yogi Shivanji is the founder of Indimacy Healing Village in Trivandrum, where he works with an approach that brings together food, movement, breathing, meditation and traditional healing practices.

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

If you are interested in doing a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr Vignesh Devraj, please find the details here: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

If you are economically challenged, please use the form below to request a free Ayurvedic consultation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement, and emotional well-being. In Ayurveda, balancing Vata is considered one of the most important aspects of healing and recovery.

This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes, and simple tools that can be integrated into everyday life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend that the content discussed in these episodes should not be used as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care.

MENOPAUSE PANCHAKARMA PROGRAM

Women are unaware that painful menopause is directly connected to the imbalances that have been quietly accumulating over many years.

To build a better support system for women going through this important transition, Sitaram Retreat x Postcard has created a dedicated Menopause Panchakarma Program.

The program includes consultations, Panchakarma therapies, hormonal health support, personalised nutrition and lifestyle guidance, and restorative practices for the mind and body.

Early Bird Offer Live! Valid for bookings until September 15th, 2026.

Click To know more: https://sitaramretreat.com/Prepare_Your_Body_for_Menopause/

Have you ever wondered why your body feels stiff, heavy, or tired even when you've hardly done anything?

In this episode, Dr Vignesh Devraj explores one of Ayurveda's most well-known therapies, Kizhi, also known as Potli Massage. Far more than a relaxing spa treatment, Kizhi is a therapeutic Ayurvedic procedure designed to restore movement, improve circulation, awaken Prana, and help the body recover from years of physical stagnation.

Dr Vignesh explains why modern lifestyles have engineered movement out of our daily lives, how prolonged sitting affects the body and mind, and why stiffness is often a sign of blocked flow rather than simply ageing. He also explores the Ayurvedic understanding of Vata, the importance of movement as a sign of life, and the science behind how warmth, herbs, rhythmic stimulation, and touch influence circulation, the lymphatic system, the nervous system, and overall healing.

If you're dealing with chronic stiffness, muscular tightness, poor posture, or simply want to understand how traditional Ayurvedic therapies work, this is for you..

Episode Highlights

Why modern lifestyles leave the body feeling stuck

Understanding Vata, Prana & the importance of movement

What Kizhi (Potli Massage) really is

How Kizhi supports circulation, lymphatic drainage & the nervous system

Why touch is an important part of healing

When Kizhi is recommended and why proper assessment matters

Timestamps

00:00 – 04:27 – Why the Body Feel Stuck

04:27 – 08:04 – Understanding Kizhi Potli Massage

08:04 – 11:58 – Movement, Touch & Prana

11:58 – 14:16 – The Science Behind Kizhi Therapy

14:16 – 16:23 – Is Kizhi Right For You?

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

If you are interested in doing a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr Vignesh Devraj, please find the details here: https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

If you are economically challenged, please use the form below to request a free Ayurvedic consultation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement, and emotional well-being. In Ayurveda, balancing Vata is considered one of the most important aspects of healing and recovery.

This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes, and simple tools that can be integrated into everyday life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

Leave your review and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a new episode. Thank you

Disclaimer: We recommend these episodes should not be used as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care.

What if healing begins long before medicine reaches the body?

In this episode, Dr Vignesh Devraj sits down with Guru Yogi Shivanji exploring mantra, consciousness, healing, and the relationship between the physical and subtle dimensions of our existence.

Together, they discuss why Ayurveda views the mind as the bridge between the body and consciousness, the limitations of our senses, and how ancient teachings often describe reality in ways that resonate with emerging ideas in modern science.

The conversation also explores the meaning of detachment, the purpose of spiritual practice, how breath influences the mind, and why many of our emotional and physical patterns begin long before symptoms appear. Rather than asking listeners to believe blindly, this episode invites us to question, observe, and experience these teachings for ourselves.

Episode Highlights

From scepticism to spiritual inquiry

Mantra: Medicine for the mind

Body, mind, and consciousness

Pancha Kosha, Sthula and Sukshma explained

The limits of sensory perception

Quantum physics Vs ancient wisdom

Awareness & attention influence healing

The three states of consciousness

Timestamps

00:00 – 07:42 – From Scepticism to the Science of Mantra

07:42 – 15:30 – Body, Mind & Consciousness: The Missing Link

15:30 – 24:20 – Pancha Kosha, Sukshma Sharira & The Nature of Reality

24:20 – 34:10 – Spirituality, Detachment & The Meaning of a Tyagi

34:10 – 45:25 – Mantra, Quantum Physics & The Power of Thought

45:25 – 54:45 – Healing the Mind, Breaking Patterns & The Role of Breath

54:45 – 01:01:11 – Consciousness, Liberation & A Preview of Episode 2

About Guru Yogi Shivanji

Guru Yogi Shivanji is a teacher of Siddha wisdom, yoga, mantra, and consciousness whose work integrates ancient Indian spiritual traditions with practical approaches to inner transformation. Through decades of study, practice, and teaching, he explores the relationship between the body, mind, breath, and consciousness, helping seekers understand the deeper principles behind healing and self-realisation.

About Dr Vignesh Devraj

Dr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, Kerala, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.

If you are interested in doing a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr Vignesh Devraj, please find the details here:

https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-ist

If you are economically challenged, please use the form below to request a free Ayurvedic consultation:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform

BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA – ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

Vata governs Prana, the nervous system, movement, and our emotional well-being. In Ayurveda, balancing Vata is considered one of the most important aspects of healing. This comprehensive online course includes over 6 hours of practical teachings, downloadable notes, and simple tools you can integrate into daily life.

Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/

For further information, kindly visit: www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreat.com

Instagram – @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevraj

Twitter – @VigneshDevraj

We truly hope you are enjoying our content. Leave your review and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a new episode. Thank you for your support.

Disclaimer: We strongly recommend that the content discussed in these episodes should not be used as medical advice or as a substitute for professional medical care.