WHEN Thomas Tuchel was unceremoniously sacked by Chelsea, he looked for a factory reset.
The England boss, 51, found it in India and began a remarkable spiritual journey in 2022.
He spent three weeks at the incredible Sitaram Beach Retreat, where he engaged in the practices of Ayurveda – an ancient Indian healing system that prioritizes holistic wellness and healing.
There, Tuchel focused all his attention on yoga, meditation and personal reflection
The German tactician had a difficult year both professionally and personally.
Not only was he fired by the Blues, his marriage to his long-time partner Sissi was annulled in court.
He then faced criticism for his love life and moved on with a Brazilian beauty 13 years younger than him.
Tuchel sat down with guru Dr Vignesh Devraj to discuss how the experience changed him.
He said in a video clip: “I trained myself not to read about myself because the more I thought about it, the more I was affected by it, also by praise, not also by criticism.
“Criticism stays with you whether you want it or not, and I don't want it. Ultimately I asked myself, 'Why should I read anything about my team or my game and who should know better than me?'
“I have been getting closer to Ayurveda through meditation for a long time and have been introduced to the lifestyle – with the routine associated with it – of this philosophy.
“I've always had a good feeling about it. I've had a very demanding year, both privately and personally.”
Health benefits
Sitaram Beach Retreat is located in a beautiful, serene setting and overlooks the shores of the Arabian Sea.
Luxury rooms include stone or wooden cottages, as well as premium villas.
Prices start around £3,000 for a 14 day package, but rise depending on the different treatments you may want.
Sitaram Ayurveda offers the Panchakarma treatment, an Ayurvedic treatment method that specializes in the intensive removal of waste products from our body at the cellular level.
It is said that Panchakarma treatment helps in rejuvenating the body by detoxifying and purifying at the cellular level, thereby boosting the body's immunity.
It is also believed to cure pain due to inflammation such as joint pain, arthritis, gout, knee pain, back pain and help in losing excess weight from your body.
In short, it cleanses the impurities of the human body to restore the balance of body, mind, heart and soul.
There are of course even more extreme Panchakarma procedural measures.
One of them, called Vamanam, is an induced vomiting procedure performed to release the toxins in the upper part of the body.
There are also TWO different enemas called Kashayavasti and Metravasti – designed to eliminate and normalize the disturbed Vata in the lower part of the body.
The reason for this is to promote strength and restore general well-being.
Tuchel's own experience
It is not known what procedures Tuchel followed.
However, during his 21-day stay he was able to leave the pressures of the football world behind him.
He embraced a minimalist lifestyle and engaged with local culture.
It all led to him finding a sense of peace and introspection where he reflected on his career, his coaching methods and what he wanted to do next.
In his interview with Dr. Vignesh Devraj, he revealed his struggles.
Shortly after his arrival, Tuchel went without sugar for six days.
That meant giving up sweet treats, including his favorite, chocolate, as he came to terms with a new diet.
Admittedly, the first 72 hours were challenging.
He confessed to feeling 'irritable' and 'restless', which could be similar to the final months of his Chelsea tenure when he became frustrated with the Todd Boehly regime.
But by the end of the stay, he appeared at ease with the world in the 41-minute clip.
However, he does admit that he did drink some hot ghee during his therapy.
Dressed in an unbuttoned shirt, he told Dr Vignesh Devraj: “I was getting a bit grumpy. There was no sugar and drinking ghee was not very pleasant.
“I wasn't in the best mood, but I wanted to be here. Now I feel a difference. And when I look in the mirror I see that I have lost some kilos.
“It has been my wish to come here for a long time, one of my assistants did it five or six years ago and we still talk about it.
“So now is the time for a little break and a new start in my life. I'm very glad I did it.
“It's nice to be heard, the butterflies are so big, the view of the sea… to hear the sound of it.
“How the place is set up, the memories, the temperature, the location, having this kind of routine, having this limited amount of distractions and being with yourself.
“It actually gives me a lot of confidence in the basic sense of me.
“After three weeks I am very aware of myself and I am happy with myself.
“I allow myself to be happy and not force things.
“I feel healthy and it was a kind of ceremony to close things down, but also to start them up again.”
That looks like what England need after Gareth Southgate's successful tenure.
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