My Ayurveda Internship in India: Learning at Megdhara Hospital, Jamnagar
Last year, a very special opportunity appeared on my path. The school Vida Veda, where I am currently undertaking further studies in Ayurveda, announced an internship program at Megdhara Hospital, in Jamnagar, India, open for applications for January 2026.
The moment I read the announcement, my heart knew. Studying and practicing Ayurveda in India, within an authentic Ayurvedic hospital and alongside experienced doctors, has been a long-held dream of mine. To be close to where this ancient medicine was born, lived, and refined over thousands of years felt deeply meaningful. I applied without hesitation.
After going through the selection process, I received the news that I had been accepted. I remember that day so clearly — I was thrilled, grateful, and honestly a little overwhelmed. Alongside the excitement, practical questions naturally arose: How would this work with my family? With my work? With life back home?
When I shared the news with my family, I was met with nothing but love and support. Everyone encouraged me to follow this dream, and that support made all the difference. From there, I began taking things step by step, trusting the process, and slowly everything started to fall into place.
Arriving in Mother India
On January 4th, 2026, I stepped onto Indian soil for the very first time. From that moment, my heart was full. I landed in Mumbai and traveled the next day to Jamnagar, where Megdhara Hospital is located.
Together with other Brazilian patients who had come for Panchakarma treatments, we were warmly welcomed by Dr. Dhara, Dr. Mehul, and their beautiful team. Soon after, I met my beloved teacher Matheus Macedo in person for the very first time. After seeing someone for so long through a screen, meeting face to face felt surreal — and very real.
Almost immediately, we began following consultations for the first two patients we would accompany throughout their full 21-day treatment journey. There was little time to pause or process emotions — I was fully immersed. Ayurveda was everywhere: in the consultations, the therapies, the hospital rhythms, and the daily learning. I was soaking it all in — the culture, the smells, the colors, the textures, and the depth of lived practice.
Daily Rituals and Deep Learning
From the second day onward, our mornings began with Havan at 6:30 am, dedicated to the Ashwini Kumaras — the twin divine physicians of Ayurveda. In Vedic tradition, the Ashwins are known as celestial healers, associated with rejuvenation, vitality, and the healing sciences. We gathered around the sacred fire, chanted the Ashwini mantra, and offered herbs into the flames, cultivating presence, gratitude, and intention for healing.
Every morning we practiced Dinacharya, grounding ourselves before the day unfolded. Alongside this, we attended classes with Dr. Dhara and Dr. Mehul, while patients moved in and out of the hospital. We observed, learned, assisted, and practiced therapies hands-on.
One of the highlights for me was learning how to prepare medicines. I was especially happy to learn how to make Haridra, one of my favorite formulations. We also prepared Brahmi hair oil, Eladi vati, Gulkand, Vasa juice, and Pinda preparations, among many others. Being involved in the preparation of medicines from raw ingredients was deeply grounding and reaffirmed my love for this path.
Every afternoon, we had clinical rounds with Matheus Macedo. His way of explaining complex concepts is clear, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in both classical texts and lived experience. Listening to him respond to questions and guide patient care was incredibly enriching and inspiring.
Shared Experience and Community
I was also blessed with the most wonderful roommate and fellow Paricharaka (doctor’s assistant), Milena. Sharing this experience with her was truly special. We shared laughter, gratitude, tears, morning Dinacharyas, and little adventures around Jamnagar. Later on, Danni joined us in the Paricharaka role, adding even more joy and companionship to our days.
Our patients were equally inspiring — committed, graceful, and trusting of the process, even through the challenging or “wobbly” moments that are a natural part of deep healing work.
Returning Home, Carrying It All With Me
My time in India was full, intense, and incredibly rich. It is a chapter I will always carry in my heart with gratitude and joy. I made beautiful connections and truly hope to return one day — perhaps when the new Megdhara Hospital opens in the Jamnagar hinterland in 2029.
Coming home to Byron Bay was equally moving. Being welcomed back by my family with the warmest hugs, kisses, and stories of a beautiful summer spent with their dad and grandparents filled my heart completely. My precious boys — I missed them deeply.
What’s Next at VIDA Ayurveda
Now, as I return to my practice at VIDA Ayurveda, I feel renewed and ready. Ready to welcome clients back, to share stories, and to gently integrate fresh learnings into my work.
I’m also preparing for our Autumn Cleanse (dates to be announced soon) and for a very special dream coming true: the Agni Protocol Retreat, taking place here in Byron Bay in August. We will be welcoming Matheus Macedo to Australia for the very first time — his first visit to “Kangaroo Land”! It will be a truly special and powerful experience, and I would love for you to be part of it.
I feel deeply excited for all the goodness that 2026 is bringing. I look forward to connecting with you this year — and if you’d like to get in touch, I’m here.
With gratitude,