The Modern Ayurvedic Doctor
Subhash Ranade
Pune, India
I met Dr. Ranade after a hysterectomy to eliminate stage IV endometriosis. I had been on a cocktail of medicines and wanted to detoxify at a cellular level. An intensive 21-day Ayurvedic panchakarma seemed ideal, despite encountering several discriminatory vaidyas. One even claimed, “Endometriosis is caused by promiscuous behavior.” Fortunately, I found the calming and knowledgeable Ranade, who has authored over 140 texts on Ayurveda. During our meeting at his modest clinic in Pune, his humor put me at ease as he recommended simple dietary changes and medicines essential for a deep cleanse at Tanman Ayurvedic Research Centre, which he founded. Many Ayurvedic practitioners here use a medical or integrative approach. I sought a vaidya open to examining diseases through various perspectives rather than a strictly traditional lens. During my panchakarma, I underwent oil and milk enemas to eliminate excess vata, one of the three doshas in Ayurveda related to air and space. Vata controls bodily movement, and its blockage can contribute to conditions like endometriosis. This cleanse eradicated the side effects of hormonal treatments—such as brain fog and weight gain—and revitalized my energy. My overall vitality—including skin, hair, and nails—felt rejuvenated. As Ranade states, “Our physicians are rounded because we recognize the benefits and limits of each science.”
The Low-Key Yogi
Sandeep Agarwalla
Rishikesh, India
For Sandeep Agarwalla, a disciple of the Bihar School of Yoga’s Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati, yoga transcends a routine workout; it’s a daily discipline aimed at overcoming the limitations of the body and mind in preparation for meditative practices. I met him at Ananda in the Himalayas, where he serves as the head of yoga. Personalized yoga and meditation sessions at the marble music pavilion, where our Om resonated with flowing water, were a highlight of my experience. Agarwalla highlights the importance of consistency in practice, suggesting micro-practices over grandiose poses like headstands. Simple rituals such as mantra chanting upon waking, followed by a few asanas and pranayama in the morning, coupled with short meditations before sleeping, can create a solid discipline. Despite initially seeking a cure for alopecia, he discovered a change in his energy field and thought processes, a transformation recognized by his friends and family. After teaching across India, he joined Ananda in 2009 and has directed the focus towards meditative practices like pratyahara (the withdrawal of the senses) and dhyana, which serve as an ultimate goal for aspiring yogis.
The Metaphysical Healer
Mar Harrsen
Ojau and Long Island, USA
Mar Harrsen possesses a unique combination of charisma and empathy. Her journey began following years spent battling a chronic illness deemed incurable. After connecting with a group of shamans in Peru in 2014, she discovered wellness through plant and music therapies. Our first encounter, at Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons, was transformative. My time with Harrsen included gong baths and beach-walk meditations, but the experience with her trademark treatment, limpieza—a cleansing ritual involving a hen’s egg and candle work—was particularly remarkable. The egg was drawn across my limbs and then cracked into a glass of water, revealing insights about emotional shock. Harrsen’s ability to interpret these findings, including the energetic significance of the glowing candle wax, offered me profound comfort, particularly after recent trauma.
The Postural Magician
Isabel Tomaz
Cascais, Portugal
Dr. Isabel Tomaz at Portugal’s Palácio Estoril Hotel is a standout among osteopaths. I met her while recovering from a major wrist operation that left me feeling unbalanced. Although the hotel exudes faded glamour, its wellness center is a treasure trove of specialists. Tomaz analyzed my body, tracing issues back to previous surgeries and injuries, and highlighted how a stressed liver could affect shoulder movement. After merely two sessions, I left feeling liberated from discomfort and more in tune with my body. Her emphasis on proper breathing was enlightening, as she explained how it alleviates stress, boosts immunity, and enhances physical well-being.
The Inspirational Bodyworker
Stefano Battaglia
South Tyrol, Italy
My introduction to Stefano Battaglia occurred in 2016 at the Vair Spa, where he was recognized for his exceptional bodywork. He possesses the remarkable ability to sense unspoken trauma, which he demonstrated during my treatment when he uncovered past abuse and emotional pain without a single word exchanged. Battaglia’s approach resonates with the saying of Bessel van der Kolk, “Trauma victims cannot recover until they become familiar with and befriend sensations in their bodies.” After reconnecting with him multiple times, I can attest to his profound impact on healing and self-discovery.
The Functional Medical Expert
George Leon
Mystras, Greece
George Leon specializes in metabolic biophysics and nutritional biochemistry, offering insights into various metabolic disorders at the Euphoria Retreat. His research into individual metabolisms, particularly through epigenetics, resulted in a tailored nutrition and exercise program that addressed my weight gain concerns, attributed to hormonal imbalances. His guidance allowed me to regain control over my metabolism through a personalized diet plan, affirming the ancient wisdom, “Let food be thy medicine.”
The Spiritual Mystic
Yamuna
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Yamuna, a blend of Chinese-German-Indigenous Costa Rican heritage, combines multiple healing methodologies. My initial meeting with him began with ritualistic practices like the use of conch shells and incense. Influenced by various traditions, including Ayurveda and reiki, his therapies often involve emotional release techniques that can lead to profound catharsis.
The Grief Guru
Donna Lancaster
UK and Online
After a breakdown prompted her to explore complex emotions, Donna Lancaster established the Bridge Retreat with Gabby Kreuger and now extends her healing approaches through online self-development courses. She emphasizes that grief transcends bereavement to encompass any substantial loss, advocating for radical honesty and emotional healing through deep bodywork and self-reflection.
The Uplifting Psychologist
Bruno Ribeiro
Alicante, Spain
After a challenging stint at the Sha Wellness Clinic, I discovered the exceptional guidance of Professor Bruno Ribeiro, an uplifting psychologist specializing in cognitive and emotional health development. His blend of psychological analysis alongside innovative therapies like Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation left me feeling rejuvenated and uplifted, showcasing the intricate connection between mental wellness and emotional healing.
The Gong Master
Leo Cosendai
London, UK
Leo Cosendai, an accomplished gong master and sound healer, captivates his clients with transformative sound therapy. My experience in his atmospheric sound baths allowed me to explore the deep relaxation that sound frequencies can offer. His recent initiative, an intimate sound cave with the world’s largest gongs, enhances this unique experience through expertly curated sessions.
The Joy Bringer
Ibu Heny Ferawati
Sayan, Bali
Encountering Ibu Heny Ferawati at the Four Seasons Resort in Sayan was a long-anticipated experience. Her playful and nurturing approach merges spiritual teachings with practical life lessons, creating an uplifting environment for personal growth and exploration through various meditation techniques.
The Horse Whisperer
Andreas Liefooghe
London, UK
Dr. Andreas Liefooghe combines his expertise in psychotherapy with his passion for horses to unlock emotions during therapeutic sessions. The intuitive nature of horses facilitates a unique healing process, empowering individuals to confront and process emotional barriers.
The Stellar Fasciatherapist
Patrick Provost
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Patrick Provost melds his background in osteopathy with fasciatherapy, possessing a remarkable ability to alleviate physical and emotional tension through gentle touch. His techniques entail stimulating the fascia to release energy blockages, promoting rejuvenation and well-being.
The Temazcal Guide
Yaotekatl Luis Zepeda
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Yaotekatl Luis Zepeda is a modern healer who utilizes traditional methods within contemporary frameworks. His Temazcal ceremonies incorporate ancient rituals that provoke emotional release and intense cleansing of the spirit, offering participants renewed clarity and purpose.
The Blind Healer
Ibu Ketut Mursi
Ubud, Bali
Within the serene environment of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, I experienced the intuitive guidance of Ibu Ketut Mursi. Her blind insights, interwoven within a unique healing session, provided profound clarity and encouragement, ensuring I left with a sense of peace.
The TCM Leader
Troy Sing
Hong Kong, China
Troy Sing, a celebrated Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, specializes in reproductive health, employing acupuncture and herbal remedies to restore balance. His insights regarding fertility and overall health have made significant impacts on many individuals seeking holistic wellness.
