Ayurveda Retreat for Senior Citizens: A 22-Day Stay
Shivadevi Siddanna Manur, a retired banker from Dharwad, Karnataka, came to Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre (IVAC) in Mysuru for a 15-day stay and extended it to 22 days. She now recommends IVAC as an Ayurveda retreat for senior citizens and busy professionals who need rest. In her video, she speaks about her doctor, her therapist, daily yoga and Yoga Nidra, and the peace of the setting.
In this story, you will find:
- Why a retired banker chose a long Ayurvedic stay
- What her daily routine of diet, yoga and Yoga Nidra looked like
- Who she recommends IVAC to, and why
Guest snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Guest | Shivadevi Siddanna Manur |
| Background | Retired banker |
| From | Dharwad, Karnataka |
| Planned stay | 15 days |
| Actual stay | 22 days |
| Her doctor | Dr. Shilpa Shreenivas |
| Her therapist | Manjula |
Table: Key facts from Shivadevi Siddanna Manur's video testimonial, published December 2025.
What Did Shivadevi Siddanna Manur Experience at IVAC?
Shivadevi Siddanna Manur booked 15 days at IVAC and stayed 22. She credits a clean, calm setting, a personalised Ayurvedic diet, doctors available around the clock, daily yoga and Yoga Nidra, and a therapist whose prayer before every session set a positive tone. Within a week, her family noticed how healthy she looked on video calls.
"I booked a stay for 15 days at IVAC and was assigned to Dr. Shilpa. Seeing the immediate positive impact, I extended my stay to 22 days." Shivadevi Siddanna Manur
"Within 6 to 7 days, my family noticed how healthy I looked on video calls." Shivadevi Siddanna Manur
These are her personal experiences. Every guest is assessed individually, and results differ from person to person.
Why Did a Retired Banker Choose an Ayurvedic Stay?
After retiring, Shivadevi kept an active routine of exercise, walking and yoga. Over three to four months, her health slipped. Poor sleep left her dizzy and tired, and she found it hard to exercise or eat well. She chose a longer Ayurvedic stay to rest and reset.
"After retirement, I was punctual with exercise, walking, and yoga, but for the past 3 to 4 months, my health was deteriorating." Shivadevi Siddanna Manur
Ayurveda is one of India's recognised traditional systems of medicine, regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH. At IVAC, it works alongside your existing medical care, not in place of it. Anyone managing ongoing conditions should keep their own doctor informed.
Who Cared for Her at IVAC?
At IVAC, each guest is assigned a doctor who plans and reviews their care. Shivadevi was assigned to Dr. Shilpa Shreenivas. Her therapist, Manjula, began every treatment session with a prayer, which Shivadevi says created "immense positive energy". Doctors were available 24 hours a day.
"The cleanliness, hygiene, dining, and prayer before every treatment session by therapist Manjula created immense positive energy." Shivadevi Siddanna Manur
Small rituals like this matter on a long stay. They make treatment feel personal, not mechanical.
What Did Her Daily Routine Include?
Shivadevi's days combined a personalised Ayurvedic diet, daily yoga, Yoga Nidra and treatments, with doctors on call at all times. Yoga Nidra is a guided relaxation practice, often called "yogic sleep", done lying down. Together with peaceful surroundings, this routine gave her time to rest fully.
| Part of the routine | What she described |
|---|---|
| Diet | A personalised Ayurvedic diet |
| Yoga | Daily yoga |
| Yoga Nidra | A daily guided relaxation practice |
| Treatments | Sessions that began with a prayer by her therapist |
| Doctor access | Doctors available 24/7 |
| Setting | Clean, hygienic and surrounded by nature |
Table: Shivadevi's daily routine at IVAC. Your doctor decides what suits you.
The World Health Organization recognises traditional medicine as part of health care in many countries.
Why Did She Extend Her Stay From 15 to 22 Days?
Shivadevi extended her stay because she felt a positive change early on. A longer stay gives your doctor more time to review and adjust your care, and gives you more time to settle into a new routine.
| Planned | Actual | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of stay | 15 days | 22 days |
| Reason | Initial booking | She felt an early positive impact |
Table: How Shivadevi's stay changed.
She now recommends IVAC for two groups in particular:
"I earnestly urge everyone, especially stressed working professionals and senior citizens, to visit IVAC for rest and recuperation." Shivadevi Siddanna Manur
How to Plan an Ayurveda Retreat at IVAC for Senior Citizens
Planning a stay at IVAC starts with a conversation with our doctors. Share your full health history and every medicine you take, especially if you manage ongoing conditions. The doctor then recommends a plan and a stay length, which can be extended, as Shivadevi did.
- Speak with our doctors: share your full history and medication
- Talk to your own doctor: keep them informed about your plans
- Choose your stay length: your doctor suggests what suits you
- Travel to Mysuru: about three hours by road from Bengaluru
- Follow your routine: diet, yoga, Yoga Nidra and treatments, with doctors on call
Plan your stay at IVAC, Mysuru. Speak with our doctors.
Speak With IVACFrequently Asked Questions
Is IVAC suitable for senior citizens?
Yes. Shivadevi Siddanna Manur, a retired banker, stayed at IVAC for 22 days and recommends it especially for senior citizens and stressed working professionals. Our doctors plan each stay around the guest's health and medication.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is a guided relaxation practice, often called "yogic sleep". It is done lying down, with an instructor guiding attention through the body and breath. At IVAC, Shivadevi practised Yoga Nidra daily alongside regular yoga.
Are doctors available at night?
Shivadevi says doctors were available 24/7 during her stay. Every guest at IVAC is assigned a doctor who plans and reviews their care.
Can I extend my stay at IVAC?
Shivadevi booked 15 days and extended to 22. If you want to stay longer, speak with your doctor during your stay about what suits your plan.
Can I continue my regular medication during an Ayurveda stay?
IVAC's Ayurveda works alongside your existing medical care, not in place of it. Tell our doctors about every medicine you take. Do not stop or change any prescribed medicine without advice from the doctor who prescribed it.
About the Author
Dr. Belaku Chandu is a Senior Ayurvedic Consultant at Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre (IVAC), Mysuru. Her work focuses on musculoskeletal disorders, digestive imbalances, autoimmune conditions and personalised Ayurvedic care. She takes an integrative approach that looks closely at the root causes behind each guest's health concerns.
Guest experiences are personal and individual results vary. Our doctors will assess your case before recommending any treatment. Consult a qualified doctor before making changes to your health routine or medication.