PK Exploration | The Search for a Sanctuary: Why I Chose Panchakarma at SoHum

While I knew I needed a reset, the path to finding the right place was a journey in itself. I started by looking into various wellness retreats, from Canyon Ranch to “Ayurvedic” centers in Virginia, North Carolina, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. I wasn’t just looking for a getaway; I was looking for a specific type of experience that offered both grounding and presence.

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The Nudge Toward Panchakarma

The idea of a deeper cleanse took root after I read Kunal Gupta’s White Pajamas. While I had the basic foundations of Ayurveda from my yoga teacher training at Beloved Yoga, the book opened my eyes to the transformative power of panchakarma (PK). PK is a profound Ayurvedic process of releasing physical, emotional, and mental toxins (known as “ama” in Ayurvedic terminology).

 

As I explored my options, I kept coming back to the panchakarma experience at SoHum Mountain Healing Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville. There was a pull toward the region’s natural beauty, and the fact that the resort is situated in an “energetic vortex” added a layer of resonance. I wanted to be in a place where the land itself supported the “temple restoration” my body was about to undertake.

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Seeking Authenticity and Customization

The deciding factor for me was the level of Ayurvedic authenticity. Many places offer “Ayurvedic-inspired” spa treatments, but I wanted the real deal. I reached out for a consultation call with Candice at SoHum, and that conversation sealed the decision.

We talked through the program’s individual customization and how the protocol is tailored to each guest’s needs. Hearing about the direct involvement of Dr. Vasant Lad  – a true pioneer who has dedicated his life to sharing Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom – convinced me that this wasn’t just a fancy spa getaway; it was an authentic healing environment. I watched The Doctor from India to better understand just how blessed I was to have Dr. Lad guiding my path.

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A Goddess to Lead the Way

One of the most beautiful details that sets SoHum apart is how they view the physical space. Each guest room is individually named after a Goddess, with its own unique energy, color palette, and decor. I spent some time exploring the options, seeking the room that felt most aligned with my intention of releasing stress and welcoming peace.

I eventually chose Isis, a room that felt incredibly nurturing with its blue-green walls and windows on three sides. Being able to watch the sunrise from my bed was exactly what my soul needed. The room description captured my attention: “Isis, the Egyptian goddess of healing and magic, weaves an atmosphere of enchantment and renewal.” It felt as though the space was already calling to me, promising the enchantment and renewal I so desperately lacked in December.

I also considered Ganga, inspired by the sacred flow of the holy river, and Saraswati, inspired by the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts. Now that I’ve seen (almost) all the rooms at the resort in person, I know I made the right choice for me for this experience, but it will be hard to choose a room for next time! Every room at SoHum is a unique sanctuary designed to hold space for the individual journey happening within its walls.

Preparing for the Pause

With the Isis room booked and the dates set, the adventure felt official. I was no longer just dreaming of a reset; I was committed to one. It was time to turn my attention to the preparation, as the process of releasing begins weeks before you set foot into the resort.

In my next post, I’ll share my pre-PK prep: the design call with Dr. Lad, curating my packing list, and my dietary days of melted ghee and kitchari.

Read part 3: PK Prep | Pre-Saturation: Ghee, Guidance, and Group Calls

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