Ayurveda Retreat in India: A New Jersey Guest's IVAC Stay
Ms. Reema Hussain travelled from New Jersey, USA, to Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre (IVAC) in Mysuru, arriving on 1 November. She came after a difficult few years that began with a car accident in 2022. In her video, she talks about the doctors who answered her calls within 15 minutes, her daily routine, and why she plans to return.
In this story, you will find:
- Why a guest from the USA chose an Ayurveda retreat in India
- What doctor care felt like, day and night
- Her advice on how long international guests should stay
Guest snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Guest | Ms. Reema Hussain |
| From | New Jersey, USA |
| Arrived at IVAC | 1 November |
| Her doctor | Dr. Belaku Chandu |
| Plans to return | In 3 to 4 months |
Table: Key facts from Ms. Reema Hussain's video testimonial, published December 2025.
Why Did Reema Hussain Travel From the USA to IVAC?
Ms. Reema Hussain came to IVAC after a 2022 car accident that damaged her neck and lower back. In the years that followed, she had orthopaedic care and three major surgeries, and had to close the restaurant where she worked as a chef. She found IVAC while looking for a different kind of care, and travelled from New Jersey to Mysuru.
"Hi, my name is Reema. I'm from New Jersey, America, and I came to Indus Valley Ayurvedic Center in Mysore on the 1st of November." Ms. Reema Hussain, USA
"In 2022, I had a major car accident where my neck spine and lower back were badly damaged." Ms. Reema Hussain, USA
Ayurveda at IVAC is supportive care. It works alongside a guest's existing medical treatment, not in place of it. Anyone with a history like Ms. Hussain's should keep their own doctors informed before and after a stay.
What Was It Like to Arrive at IVAC From the USA?
Arriving at IVAC means meeting a doctor first and settling into a supervised routine. What Ms. Hussain remembers most is how quickly help came. Whenever she called, a doctor was in her room within 15 minutes.
"The doctors were in my room within 15 minutes whenever I called." Ms. Reema Hussain, USA
For an international guest far from home, that kind of access matters. It is one reason she says she is coming back.
What Did Her Daily Routine at IVAC Include?
Ms. Hussain's days at IVAC combined yoga, meditation, fresh vegetarian food, drinks and massages, with daily doctor visits. Each part was planned by her doctors. This mix of movement, calm, food and therapy is the heart of a stay at IVAC.
| Part of the routine | What Ms. Hussain described |
|---|---|
| Yoga | Part of her daily routine |
| Meditation | Part of her daily routine |
| Food | Fresh vegetarian meals |
| Drinks | Served as part of her routine |
| Therapies | Massages |
| Doctor care | Daily check-ins |
Table: Ms. Hussain's routine at IVAC. Your doctor decides what suits you.
Ayurveda is one of India's recognised traditional systems of medicine, regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH.
How Closely Do IVAC's Doctors Follow Each Guest?
At IVAC, doctors see guests every day. Ms. Hussain's care was led by Dr. Belaku Chandu, with daily check-ins through her stay. Doctors were also on call, reaching her room within 15 minutes whenever she asked.
"Dr. Belaku... checked on me every single day." Ms. Reema Hussain, USA
Disclosure: Dr. Belaku Chandu, the author of this article, was Ms. Hussain's doctor during her stay.
Daily contact means small changes can be made quickly. For guests with a complex medical history, it also means someone is watching closely.
How Long Should an International Guest Stay at IVAC?
Ms. Hussain recommends at least two weeks for anyone trying IVAC. A longer stay gives time to settle, follow a routine and work with your doctor. She herself plans to come back within three to four months.
"Tomorrow I'm going back to the US, but I am definitely coming back in 3 to 4 months. I highly recommend people come for at least 2 weeks to try this place." Ms. Reema Hussain, USA
The World Health Organization recognises traditional medicine as part of health care in many countries. Whatever the length of stay, a qualified doctor should guide your plan.
How to Plan Your Ayurveda Retreat in India at IVAC
Planning a stay at IVAC from abroad starts with a conversation with our doctors. Share your full medical history, including surgeries and every medicine you take. Our doctors then recommend a plan and stay length. Do not change any prescribed medicine without your own doctor's advice.
- Speak with our doctors: share your full history, surgeries and medication
- Talk to your own doctor: keep your treating doctors informed about your plans
- Choose your stay length: Ms. Hussain recommends at least 2 weeks
- Fly to Bengaluru: then about three hours by road to Mysuru
- Follow your plan: yoga, meditation, food, therapies and daily doctor visits
Plan your stay at IVAC, Mysuru. Speak with our doctors.
Speak With IVACFrequently Asked Questions
Is IVAC suitable for international guests?
Yes. Guests travel to IVAC in Mysuru from abroad. Ms. Reema Hussain came from New Jersey, USA, and plans to return within three to four months. International guests can fly into Bengaluru, then travel about three hours by road.
How long should I stay at an Ayurveda retreat in India?
It depends on your health and goals, and our doctors recommend a length after your consultation. Ms. Reema Hussain, who travelled from the USA, recommends at least two weeks for anyone trying IVAC.
Are doctors available during the stay?
Yes. Ms. Hussain says doctors reached her room within 15 minutes whenever she called, and her doctor checked on her every day of her stay.
Should I stop my medication before an Ayurveda stay?
No. IVAC's Ayurveda works alongside your existing medical care, not in place of it. Never stop or change prescribed medicine on your own. Share your full medication list with our doctors, and follow the advice of the doctor who prescribed it.
What does a day at IVAC include?
A typical day combines therapies, yoga, meditation and fresh vegetarian food, planned by your doctor. Ms. Hussain's routine also included drinks, massages and daily doctor check-ins.
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.