Ayurveda Retreat for Stress: A London Student's 2 Weeks
Ms. Sophie, a 20-year-old from London, spent two weeks at Indus Valley Ayurvedic Centre (IVAC) in Mysuru, from 2 to 17 May 2026. She came to this Ayurveda retreat for stress and digestion after months of balancing university with work. It was her first time at IVAC, and she called it "the most restorative experience."
In this story, you will find:
- How a stressful student and work life led her to Ayurveda
- What daily care from an IVAC doctor looked like
- How she felt by the end of two weeks
Guest snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Guest | Ms. Sophie |
| From | London, UK |
| Age | 20 |
| Stay | 2 to 17 May 2026 (2 weeks) |
| First visit | Yes |
| Her doctor | Dr. Belaku Chandu |
| How she found IVAC | Recommended by her mother |
Table: Key facts from Ms. Sophie's video testimonial, published May 2026.
What Did Ms. Sophie Experience at IVAC?
Ms. Sophie came to IVAC for two weeks, her first stay, looking for relief from the stress of student life in London. She worked closely with Dr. Belaku Chandu, who saw her daily and adjusted her treatments and Ayurvedic medicine. She left waking up "refreshed and full of energy", and plans to return.
"My name is Sophie and I'm from London. I'm 20 years old and this was my first time at IVAC. I've been here for two weeks." Ms. Sophie, London
"My mom recommended IVAC, and after two weeks here, it was the most restorative experience." Ms. Sophie, London
Why Did a 20-Year-Old From London Choose an Ayurveda Retreat?
Ms. Sophie came to IVAC because her digestion was struggling under a stressful routine. Balancing university with work, she skipped meals, slept very little and felt constantly exhausted. Her mother recommended IVAC as a place to reset.
"The reason why I came to IVAC is because I was struggling with my digestion. Back home in London, I lead a very stressful life trying to balance university studies with work." Ms. Sophie, London
"Because of that pressure, I started skipping meals, sleeping very little, and feeling constantly exhausted." Ms. Sophie, London
Many students and young professionals will recognise this routine. Ayurveda looks at daily routine, food and sleep together, which is why a structured stay can help people step back from these patterns.
Ayurveda is one of India's recognised traditional systems of medicine, regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH.
What Is It Like to Work With an IVAC Doctor Every Day?
At IVAC, your doctor sees you every day and adjusts your care as you go. Ms. Sophie's doctor, Dr. Belaku Chandu, changed her daily treatments and Ayurvedic medicine depending on how she felt. She described Dr. Belaku as "so knowledgeable".
"Dr. Belaku sees you every day and tweaks daily treatments and Ayurvedic medicine depending on how you feel." Ms. Sophie, London
Disclosure: Dr. Belaku Chandu, the author of this article, was Ms. Sophie's doctor during her stay.
Daily review matters on a two-week stay. It means the plan follows you, not a fixed schedule.
What Did Her Daily Care Include?
Ms. Sophie's care combined daily treatments, Ayurvedic medicine and doctor review, all planned for her. The plan changed day to day, based on how she felt, and gave her a steadier routine than the one she left behind in London.
| Part of her care | What Ms. Sophie described |
|---|---|
| Doctor care | Daily visits from Dr. Belaku Chandu |
| Treatments | Daily treatments, adjusted by her doctor |
| Ayurvedic medicine | Adjusted day to day |
| Routine | A restorative stay away from a stressful schedule |
Table: What Ms. Sophie's two weeks included. Your doctor decides what suits you.
IVAC's Ayurveda works alongside your existing medical care, not in place of it. Tell your doctor about every medicine you take before your stay begins.
How Did Ms. Sophie Feel After Two Weeks?
By the end of her stay, Ms. Sophie said she was waking up refreshed and full of energy. She was sad to leave and plans to come back to keep supporting her wellbeing. These are her personal experiences, and every guest is different.
"In the mornings I wake up feeling refreshed and full of energy." Ms. Sophie, London
"I am leaving tomorrow and sad to go, but I will be coming back for sure to continue supporting my well-being. I highly recommend this place." Ms. Sophie, London
The World Health Organization recognises traditional medicine as part of health care in many countries. Whatever your reason for coming, a qualified doctor should guide your plan.
How to Plan an Ayurveda Retreat at IVAC From the UK
Planning a stay at IVAC from the UK starts with a conversation with our doctors. Share your health history, your routine and what you want from the stay. Our doctors then recommend a plan and length, such as the two weeks Ms. Sophie chose.
- Speak with our doctors: share your health history, routine and goals
- Choose your stay length: Ms. Sophie stayed two weeks
- Fly to Bengaluru: then about three hours by road to Mysuru
- Meet your doctor: a detailed consultation on arrival
- Follow your plan: daily treatments, Ayurvedic medicine and doctor visits
Plan your stay at IVAC, Mysuru. Speak with our doctors.
Speak With IVACFrequently Asked Questions
Can an Ayurveda retreat help with stress?
An Ayurveda retreat gives you time away from daily pressure, with a routine, food and treatments planned by a doctor. Ms. Sophie came to IVAC from a stressful student and work life in London and described her two weeks as "the most restorative experience". Results differ from person to person.
How long should a first Ayurveda retreat be?
It depends on your health and goals. Our doctors recommend a length after your consultation. Ms. Sophie's first stay at IVAC was two weeks, from 2 to 17 May 2026.
Will my doctor adjust my treatment during the stay?
Yes. Ms. Sophie says Dr. Belaku saw her every day and adjusted her daily treatments and Ayurvedic medicine depending on how she felt.
Is IVAC suitable for young guests?
Yes. Ms. Sophie was 20 when she stayed at IVAC for two weeks. Her mother recommended the centre, and she plans to return.
Can I continue my regular medication during an Ayurveda retreat?
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.