A Journey of Discovery – the Ayurveda Health Week in Seelisberg

2026 August 31

An Ayurvedic health week in Seelisberg, Switzerland: That was the grand prize in our raffle celebrating the 25th anniversary of Maharishi Ayurveda Products. For the winner, Marjo Engbers-Bardoel, this millennia-old system of medicine was completely new territory. What was her experience like during her first steps with Ayurveda?

This panorama alone is not an everyday sight for the Dutch: massive mountain ranges as far as the eye can see, snow-capped peaks, the shimmering mountain lakes. But when Marjo Engbers-Bardoel and her sister Dory arrived in Switzerland on that Saturday in March, many more impressions awaited them, impressions that would be quite different from what they were used to. Marjo Engbers-Bardoel had won the grand prize in our anniversary raffle: an Ayurvedic health week for two at the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Center in Seelisberg, high above Lake Lucerne, personally accompanied and cared for by a team from Maharishi Ayurveda Products. A completely new experience for the two sisters, who had never previously come into contact with Ayurveda. Accordingly, they eagerly settled into their room at the Hotel Pilgerheim, where the health center is located.

Abhyanga, Udvarthana, Kalari Marma Uzhichil

The very next morning, the two sisters started with simple, invigorating yoga exercises, known as "asanas." Throughout the week, Marjo and Dory essentially received "private lessons" during their morning practice, as they were the only yoga novices in Seelisberg. However, the relaxing effect of the asanas was soon surpassed by "abhyanga," the Ayurvedic oil massage. During the traditional treatment, performed simultaneously and in complete silence by two therapists, Marjo felt "so totally relaxed that I fell asleep right away." The sisters were able to enjoy the oil massage several times. "For me, the abhyanga becomes more intense every day and releases blockages," Dory reported, while Marjo completely lost track of time. Also on the program: the full-body exfoliating massage “Udvarthana,” “Svedana” (a herbal steam bath), a “light” treatment with gemstones, and a Kalari Marma Uzhichil massage from the ancient Kerala tradition, which is said to improve the free flow of energy in the body. Marjo and Dory found the “Shirodhara,” the pouring of medicinal oil onto the forehead, particularly pleasant and calming. On the last day, the two were pampered with beauty treatments from the Maharishi Ayurveda beauty line “Radiant Health.”

But Ayurveda is far more than just beneficial treatments and exercises. It's a holistic system that can maintain natural balance, and therefore health and vitality, well into old age. Marjo and Dory learned this on their second day. Dr. Sophie Beall, the head physician of the health center, conducted an intensive Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis with each of them. Which dosha (What are doshas?) is particularly pronounced in each of them? What does this knowledge mean for their daily lives, their personalities, and their overall health? Are there early signs of imbalances that aren't yet obvious? "Dr. Beall explained everything very clearly and confirmed my intuition," Marjo said, clearly impressed. "Now I really want to learn more about the doshas in Ayurveda."

"The whole day runs more smoothly"

Marjo and Dory had ample opportunity to explore the extensive program of activities that rounded out the health week. Regular lectures, covering topics such as light therapy, Ayurvedic products, and meditation, gradually familiarized the sisters with the various aspects of Ayurveda. Dr. Oliver Werner, one of the managing directors of Maharishi Ayurveda Products, personally delivered the lecture on the Ayurvedic purification therapy Panchakarma.

In the conference hall of the former Hotel Sonnenberg, Marjo and Dory followed in the footsteps of Ayurveda's beginnings in the West, for it was here that many international conferences took place in the early 1980s, attended by India's leading Ayurvedic doctors and experts. At that time, India's top Vaidyas, together with the Indian scholar Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, compiled the ancient traditions of Ayurveda to revive lost approaches and therapies in their entirety, creating a recognized system: Maharishi Ayurveda.

“It’s all so easy and simple, somehow natural. As if we’ve known it for ages…” the two summarized their intensive experiences with the millennia-old healing wisdom at the end of their Ayurveda week. Dory enthused, “We’ve literally rejuvenated ourselves; it’s even noticeable on the outside.” Marjo emphasized, “It wasn’t just a benefit for one week, but for life. Ayurveda is so wonderful! We learned so much that we now want to implement for ourselves and our families. For example, regarding nutrition and also our daily routine. I’ve noticed that the whole day runs more smoothly when I get up a little earlier in the morning and take some time for myself—for example, for an oil massage or yoga. This ‘date with myself’ is invaluable; afterward, I have plenty of energy for my family and children.”

Marjo and Dory took the first step right in Seelisberg: They brought with them a variety of spices and herbs – for their Ayurvedic cooking at home.

Here you can find a recipe from the Ayurveda Health Week to try at home.