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I have been living with an auto-immune condition for the past two years called lichen sclerosus. I have been doing my best to figure out how to care for myself amidst the responsibilities of my life, but have not found real relief. This brings up a sense of urgency and desire to do something intensive while I have time off from teaching this summer.
I started my healing journey with reproductive health issues as a teenager. Taking birth control for several years in an attempt to regulate my cycles and alleviate the cramps and excessive bleeding. I developed insomnia and when I began going through peri-menopause in my mid 20’s. In the last 6 years I have gone through menopause, which has come with more intense insomnia, hot flashes, fluctuating energy levels, and mood swings. I have seen dozens of health professionals, acupuncturists, specialized physicians, OBGYNs etc over the past 16 years. Two winters ago, I was diagnosed with the auto-immune condition, lichen sclerosis.
Through my research into lichen sclerosus I have found that many people are affected by it and that there are not many solutions offered by western medicine. Powerful steroids and synthetic hormones are the most common options. I tried both these things and had major side effects. Since then, I have been working with various holistic practitioners and have been able to slow the quick progression I had been experiencing.
In the last year I have been seeing a naturopath, an acupuncturist, a Chi Nei Tsang practitioner who specializes in reproductive health, and an ayurvedic doctor. They all agree that I would benefit greatly from undergoing a month-long Panchakarma treatment and that it is important to address my symptoms in a cohesive way as soon as possible. Being under the care of one person in an intensive program is ideal.
Panchakarma is the purification therapy used in Ayurvedic medicine. The word panchakarma means five actions and refers to five procedures intended to intensively cleanse and restore balance to the body, mind, and emotions. Each day there is a schedule of meeting with the doctor, massage, herbal treatments, and rest. It is an opportunity to focus completely on healing and rejuvenation for a month. I am excited for the focus not only on my biology, but also on my emotions and nervous system.
In the United States, this treatment is costly- ranging from $300-$500 per day. Luckily, one of my doctors referred me to a Panchakarma clinic in India which costs $45 per day and comes highly recommended. It is called Arogyaniketana and is located in the rain forest in Southern India. http://arogyaniketana.com
I feel that I will need support on this journey, so I am asking for help in getting my partner, River, to India to be with me. There has been a lot of sadness, anger, and fear that I have been working with around my health. The Pancha Karma treatment, or any period of spending most of one’s time focusing on health concerns, can be intense and I imagine that I could feel very alone without a friend to share the intimate details of my experience. I also will feel much safer in India with a traveling companion.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. It is vulnerable and powerful to be known in this way.
These are the costs that we are asking for support with.
(2) Plane tickets from San Fran-Mumbai = $1650
Pancha Karma for 28 days $45/day = $1260
River’s room & board at the clinic $15/day = $420
Two of the things that River and I really like to do together is paint and spend time with medicinal herbs. We would like to offer art and herbal salves as a thank you for donating to support our journey.
I started my healing journey with reproductive health issues as a teenager. Taking birth control for several years in an attempt to regulate my cycles and alleviate the cramps and excessive bleeding. I developed insomnia and when I began going through peri-menopause in my mid 20’s. In the last 6 years I have gone through menopause, which has come with more intense insomnia, hot flashes, fluctuating energy levels, and mood swings. I have seen dozens of health professionals, acupuncturists, specialized physicians, OBGYNs etc over the past 16 years. Two winters ago, I was diagnosed with the auto-immune condition, lichen sclerosis.
Through my research into lichen sclerosus I have found that many people are affected by it and that there are not many solutions offered by western medicine. Powerful steroids and synthetic hormones are the most common options. I tried both these things and had major side effects. Since then, I have been working with various holistic practitioners and have been able to slow the quick progression I had been experiencing.
In the last year I have been seeing a naturopath, an acupuncturist, a Chi Nei Tsang practitioner who specializes in reproductive health, and an ayurvedic doctor. They all agree that I would benefit greatly from undergoing a month-long Panchakarma treatment and that it is important to address my symptoms in a cohesive way as soon as possible. Being under the care of one person in an intensive program is ideal.
Panchakarma is the purification therapy used in Ayurvedic medicine. The word panchakarma means five actions and refers to five procedures intended to intensively cleanse and restore balance to the body, mind, and emotions. Each day there is a schedule of meeting with the doctor, massage, herbal treatments, and rest. It is an opportunity to focus completely on healing and rejuvenation for a month. I am excited for the focus not only on my biology, but also on my emotions and nervous system.
In the United States, this treatment is costly- ranging from $300-$500 per day. Luckily, one of my doctors referred me to a Panchakarma clinic in India which costs $45 per day and comes highly recommended. It is called Arogyaniketana and is located in the rain forest in Southern India. http://arogyaniketana.com
I feel that I will need support on this journey, so I am asking for help in getting my partner, River, to India to be with me. There has been a lot of sadness, anger, and fear that I have been working with around my health. The Pancha Karma treatment, or any period of spending most of one’s time focusing on health concerns, can be intense and I imagine that I could feel very alone without a friend to share the intimate details of my experience. I also will feel much safer in India with a traveling companion.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. It is vulnerable and powerful to be known in this way.
These are the costs that we are asking for support with.
(2) Plane tickets from San Fran-Mumbai = $1650
Pancha Karma for 28 days $45/day = $1260
River’s room & board at the clinic $15/day = $420
Two of the things that River and I really like to do together is paint and spend time with medicinal herbs. We would like to offer art and herbal salves as a thank you for donating to support our journey.