Blog

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

Anti-Age at Calendula Clinic is an individual aesthetic-care programme for the skin of the face and body. It combines medical assessment, device-based methods, nutrition, recovery and Ayurvedic treatments. Its aims are skin quality and hydration, skin firmness, facial and body contours, and muscle tone. The stay lasts 7, 14 or 21 days.

The programme follows a sequence: first, the condition of the skin and tissues is assessed; then they are prepared, targeted procedures are selected, and time for recovery is planned. Lymphatic drainage, nutrition and Ayurvedic methods complement device-based treatments. Combinations are chosen according to indications and compatibility, not automatically because of the length of the course.

Day 1. Assessment and planning

The course begins with a medical examination. The doctor takes a medical history, assesses the skin and tissues, identifies contraindications, and agrees an individual treatment plan and recovery intervals. During the course, the doctor-cosmetologist confirms the areas to be treated and schedules the device-based sessions.

The laboratory profile includes high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glucose, insulin and a lipid profile. Where indicated, the HOMA index is calculated — a measure calculated from fasting glucose and insulin levels and used to assess reduced insulin sensitivity. Markers of glycation — changes in proteins under the influence of sugars — may also be assessed.

Bioimpedance analysis assesses the proportions of muscle, fat and water. Equipment-based skin assessment includes evaluation of the epidermis and dermis and digital photographs of the areas to be treated; where equipment is available, it may also include 3D scanning and ultrasound examination of the dermis. The clinic website describes genetic profiling of age-related risks as a test used when indicated, not as a mandatory prediction.

The methods, treatment areas and sequence of procedures are selected based on the assessment, taking into account the person’s goals, medical history, skin condition, contraindications and available equipment.

Days 2–7. Tissue preparation and the first set of procedures

The first week is a complete course in its own right: diagnostics, preparation of the skin and microcirculation, device-based protocols, and a final assessment. The schedule includes the Ayurvedic preparation Pacana, Udvartana, Svedana, lymphatic drainage, procedures for the skin of the face and body, and restorative practices.

Pacana is described in the programme as gentle preparation of the body. Udvartana is a manual massage in which warmed herbal powders are rubbed against the direction of hair growth. The procedure description lists gentle exfoliation, stimulation of lymph flow, softening of the subcutaneous fat layer and improved skin texture. Svedana is herbal steam warming in an enclosed capsule to open the pores and prepare the tissues for device-based treatment.

Apparatus-based lymphatic drainage of the body uses a vacuum-roller method. The programme describes it as a way to reduce intercellular swelling and stimulate venous and lymphatic outflow; sessions are repeated during the course. Abhyanga massage is performed with warmed oils, including sesame and almond oil, and complements skin care and work with the tissues.

For the face, the first week may include HydraFacial hydropeeling, microcurrent therapy, one main HIFU or RF lifting procedure, LED phototherapy, carboxytherapy and electroporation, according to the individual plan. HydraFacial combines vacuum exfoliation of the keratinised epidermis, atraumatic extraction of pores and infusion of serums containing hyaluronic acid and signalling peptides.

The facial microcurrent procedure, called “Hollywood lifting” in the schedule, uses physiological microcurrents at a subsensory level. The programme lists restoration of the cell membrane potential, stimulation of ATP synthesis, lymphatic drainage and toning of the facial muscles.

HIFU is focused ultrasound directed at the deeper tissue layers, down to the musculoaponeurotic system. The programme description refers to ligament contraction and stimulation of the body’s own collagen synthesis. RF is a radiofrequency protocol associated in the programme with skin density and turgor. The doctor determines the method, treatment areas and whether HIFU and RF can be combined.

LED phototherapy uses the red spectrum to stimulate fibroblasts and ATP synthesis, and the blue spectrum to reduce bacterial flora and micro-inflammation. The website separately states that LED is a standalone method; it does not replace photodynamic therapy with a photosensitiser, which requires a separate protocol.

Non-invasive carboxytherapy for the face and neck is described as saturating the dermis with carbon dioxide through the Bohr effect: red blood cells release oxygen to the tissues more actively. Needle-free mesotherapy is performed using transdermal electroporation. Electromagnetic pulses temporarily open the cells’ water channels, through which hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and peptides are delivered into the deeper layers of the dermis.

The body programme may include HI-EMT, body carboxytherapy and treatment of localised areas with cavitation or cryolipolysis. The HI-EMT description states that a session produces up to 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions; electromagnetic muscle stimulation may complement physical activity as part of an individual plan. Cavitation and cryolipolysis are selected for specific localised areas. The doctor selects the method.

The week also includes hair keratherapy with bhringraj and amla oils, breathing and relaxation practices. Shirodhara is a continuous stream of warm oil onto the forehead; the 7-day programme description associates it with effects on brain rhythms and the production of endorphins and serotonin. In the longer itineraries, the procedure is described as sedation of the central nervous system and relief of anxiety.

Nutrition is tailored to provide sufficient protein, omega-3, olive and linseed oils, and avocado; the website also recommends limiting excess rapidly absorbed sugars. Synbiotic support — a combination of probiotics and prebiotics — is selected according to indications and tolerance. The schedule includes walks, gentle yoga and pranayama within the guest’s capabilities.

At the end of the 7-day course, bioimpedance analysis, equipment-based skin assessment and photography are repeated. The doctor-cosmetologist then discusses treatment tolerance, visible changes and home care. According to the programme description, some effects of device-based methods may appear after departure; the follow-up date is planned individually.

Days 8–14. Repeat sessions and recovery

The second week adds a course of device-based protocols, repeat lifting, work on localised areas and muscle tone. Recovery days are scheduled between active treatments.

The schedule adds laser carbon peeling and LPG vacuum-roller massage. During carbon peeling, a carbon nanogel attracts sebum and impurities, which are then removed by laser exposure. The course description lists pore tightening, more even skin tone and a smooth-skin effect. For a repeat session, the programme also lists coagulation of microvessels, lightening of age-related hyperpigmentation and stimulation of collagen fibres.

LPG is a three-dimensional mechanical stimulation of connective tissue using vacuum-roller massage. The programme associates the procedure with smoothing the skin’s microrelief, addressing fibrotic changes and accelerating lymph flow.

Repeat HIFU or RF is planned with regard to compatibility with the first session. The programme materials state that the secondary pulsed treatment is intended to densify the dermal matrix, work on skin laxity in the jowl area and define the neck–chin angle. The doctor determines the method and areas.

Electroporation of the face and neck, LED phototherapy and HI-EMT continue. The summary of the 14-day course lists three HIFU/RF lifting sessions, a course of microcurrent therapy, two carbon-peeling sessions, electroporation, LED phototherapy, repeat HydraFacial treatments and carboxytherapy.

For the body, the 14-day programme summary lists four HI-EMT sessions, three sessions for localised areas using cavitation or cryolipolysis, and five lymphatic-drainage sessions. Vacuum-roller massage and body carboxytherapy are also included.

A deep recovery day includes a medical assessment of wellbeing, muscle tone and skin condition, Abhyanga massage performed by four hands, gentle lymphatic drainage and Shirodhara. Abhyanga by four hands is a synchronised manual treatment of the body with warmed oil. Mukha Abhyanga is manual work along the lines of the face and décolleté; the programme describes it as a lymphatic-drainage massage with a lifting effect.

On day 14, laboratory tests, bioimpedance analysis and equipment-based skin assessment are repeated and compared with the first day. The final consultation includes a review of progress, selection of home care and a schedule of maintenance procedures. The programme description sets the support plan for this course at 3–6 months.

Days 15–21. Further assessment and completion of the courses

The third week continues the 14-day programme and adds a repeat tissue assessment, further device-based sessions and a final strategy.

On day 15, the doctor reassesses the tissues and skin after two weeks of procedures, carries out equipment-based skin diagnostics and photography, then confirms the areas for final treatment. Abhyanga by four hands and the fifth HI-EMT session are scheduled.

On day 16, the third laser carbon-peeling session and Mukha Abhyanga are scheduled. The peeling description lists further evening out of skin tone, pore tightening, lightening of uneven pigmentation and stimulation of collagen fibres. Mukha Abhyanga includes manual lymphatic-drainage lifting of the face and décolleté and work on facial muscle tone.

On day 17, the next HIFU or RF session and the sixth HI-EMT session are performed. The method and areas for lifting are selected based on compatibility with previous sessions and the doctor’s assessment.

Day 18 is set aside for recovery: the doctor assesses wellbeing and muscle tone; the schedule includes royal Abhyanga with damask rose absolute, gentle apparatus-based lymphatic drainage, Shirodhara, and manual massage of the neck-and-shoulder area and feet.

On day 19, treatment of localised areas is completed — with cavitation or cryolipolysis according to the doctor’s assessment — and electroporation of the face and neck is performed. On day 20, the schedule includes final HydraFacial hydropeeling, LED phototherapy and the seventh HI-EMT session; hair keratherapy with amla oil is also listed.

Day 21 includes final clinical diagnostics, an extended laboratory profile, control bioimpedance analysis and equipment-based skin assessment. The results are compared across three checkpoints: days 1, 14 and 21. This is followed by a final consultation with the chief doctor and a personalised plan for home care and maintenance procedures.

The 21-day itinerary summary lists four HIFU/RF sessions according to plan, a course of microcurrent therapy, three laser carbon-peeling sessions, two electroporation sessions, a HydraFacial course, LED phototherapy and carboxytherapy. For the body, it lists eight HI-EMT sessions, four sessions for localised areas, seven lymphatic-drainage sessions, vacuum-roller massage and body carboxytherapy. The programme also includes Udvartana, Abhyanga by four hands, royal Abhyanga, Mukha Abhyanga, Svedana, Shirodhara and hair keratherapy.

The final one-year support strategy includes a home-care protocol with signalling peptides and LONG VITAL cream, a rotation plan for plant oils, recommendations on nutrition, movement and restorative sleep, as well as a schedule of maintenance procedures and follow-up examinations. LONG VITAL serums and cream are for topical care. Injectable GHK-Cu is not part of the standard programme: the website states that safety data are limited and that the suitability of such injectable methods requires a separate medical assessment.

Important conditions

The final course is agreed after the initial examination, taking into account indications, contraindications, tolerance of procedures and available equipment. The listed methods are programme options; this does not mean that every participant undergoes every procedure. Results of device-based methods differ from person to person; some changes may appear after the stay has ended. The doctor therefore discusses follow-up timing individually.

The clinic website describes Anti-Age as a programme for people concerned about a dull complexion, dryness and puffiness, wrinkles and reduced skin firmness, changes in facial contours or localised fat deposits, as well as for those who want to combine aesthetic care with nutrition, rest and support for muscle tone.

Accommodation, procedures and current prices are confirmed when booking. Calendula Clinic is in Siófok, near Lake Balaton: 8600 Siófok, Kende u. 2, Hungary. Telephone: +36 20 261 7447, +36 30 730 4408; email: info@calendula.hu.

Anti-Age programme at Calendula Clinic

The Women’s Health programme: integrative gynaecology, hormonal balance and cellular renewal at every age

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

Women’s health is a finely tuned neuroendocrine ecosystem in which the hypothalamus, adrenal glands, ovaries, immune system and metabolism are closely interconnected. A disruption to this delicate balance can become apparent at any stage of life: from adolescence and the reproductive years through to premenopause and postmenopause.

Many women spend years caught in a cycle: suppressing pain symptoms, endless courses of antibiotics for chronic inflammation, aggressive single doses of hormones, or becoming dependent on psychopharmacological treatment — sleeping pills, tranquillisers and antidepressants. These medicines only temporarily silence the body’s signals, while causing dependence and daytime sluggishness and suppressing the natural mechanisms of self-regulation.

At CALENDULA Clinic, we take a fundamentally different, integrative approach. We have brought together evidence-based European gynaecology and endocrinology, Ayurvedic longevity medicine (Rasayana), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Professor Zalmanov’s capillary therapy, advanced device-based physiotherapy, our own pharmaceutical laboratory and 35 years of experience in therapeutic cooking into a comprehensive clinical protocol.

What are the fundamental advantages of our approach?

Treating inflammatory and hormone-dependent conditions without endless antibiotics:

We address not just a local symptom, but pelvic congestion, hidden tissue swelling, subclinical inflammation and an excessive detoxification burden on the liver.

A considered approach to hormonal treatment (appropriate HRT doses working in synergy with herbs):

We do not reject evidence-based medical approaches and use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when it is needed. However, we prescribe it alongside personalised herbal medicine. Herbal formulas increase cellular receptor sensitivity and normalise the breakdown of hormones in the liver, allowing us to use minimal, gentle, physiological doses without the risk of overburdening the endocrine system.

A gradual, safe transition away from sleeping pills and antidepressants:

One of our most important clinical objectives is to help women come off potent psychotropic medicines that act on the central nervous system. By restoring the biochemistry of sleep, microcirculation and autonomic balance through treatments and herbal elixirs, we restore healthy sleep and emotional stability without side effects or withdrawal symptoms.

Our own licensed pharmaceutical laboratory:

We do not follow standardised treatment formulas. Based on biochemical tests, hormone profiles, inflammatory cytokines and each woman’s constitution (Prakriti), the clinic’s laboratory prepares personalised herbal blends, oil extracts, complex tinctures and suppositories.

Culinary therapy (35 years of experience):

Therapeutic nutrition calms internal “heat” and inflammation, nourishes the tissues according to the principles of TCM and Ayurveda, and strictly controls the glycaemic index to protect against insulin resistance.

Expert care for gynaecological conditions during the reproductive years

The clinic’s programme is not limited to mature women: a substantial part of our clinical practice is devoted to treating chronic conditions in young women and adolescent girls:

Chronic inflammatory conditions of the pelvic organs

Adnexitis (salpingo-oophoritis), endometritis, recurrent vaginitis and persistent leucorrhoea (abnormal vaginal discharge).

Conventional antibiotic treatment often brings only temporary relief, disrupting the microbiota and leading to adhesions.

At CALENDULA, we restore local tissue immunity and microcirculation: we use Kati Basti applications with anti-inflammatory oils over the sacrum, local Yoni Pichu tampon applications with specialised herbal extracts from our laboratory, Zalmanov baths and hirudotherapy. This relieves pelvic venous congestion, promotes the absorption of exudate, eliminates aching pain and restores the natural vaginal microflora.

Endometriosis treatment

Endometriosis is a systemic hormonal and inflammatory disease closely linked to excess oestrogen, oxidative stress and immune dysfunction.

Our programme addresses key mechanisms in its pathogenesis: through the Virechana cleansing protocol and hepatoprotective herbal blends, we optimise oestrogen metabolism in the liver, preventing excessive proliferation of endometriotic lesions.

Acupuncture and hirudotherapy relieve spasms and tissue ischaemia, controlling pelvic pain without the need for continuous use of toxic analgesics.

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and metabolic disorders in young women

Polycystic ovary syndrome in young women most often develops against a background of hidden insulin resistance, excess stress-related cortisol and systemic low-grade inflammation.

Instead of prescribing synthetic contraceptives that temporarily mask the problem, we address the root of the condition: restoring tissue sensitivity to insulin through low-glycaemic meals, thermolysis in Zalmanov baths and Udvartana lymphatic drainage massage.

The laboratory’s specialised metabolic herbal preparations normalise the LH-to-FSH ratio, reduce hyperandrogenism, stop hair loss, clear acne and restore regular ovulation.

Premenopausal and postmenopausal care: harmony, comfort and preserving the body’s resources

For women in the menopausal transition and beyond, the programme provides gentle adaptation to hormonal changes, preventing autonomic disturbances:

Relief from menopausal symptoms: Yellow Zalmanov baths and cooling herbal formulas normalise vascular tone, relieving exhausting hot flushes, blood pressure fluctuations and night sweats.

Protection of intimate tissues and the genitourinary tract: Nourishing Yoni Pichu oil treatments and personalised creams from the laboratory eliminate mucosal dryness and discomfort during intimacy and prevent atrophic urogenital changes.

Prevention of osteoporosis and vascular complications: Monitoring bone resorption markers, correcting nutrient deficiencies and providing gentle support for sex steroid hormones preserve bone strength and protect the vascular system.

Beauty at the cellular level, healthy weight and nervous system relaxation

The programme provides comprehensive support for appearance and emotional wellbeing:

Cellular biorevitalisation and skin turgor: Synchronised Abhyanga oil massage, Swedana herbal steam baths, Mukha Lepa masks made from therapeutic powders and rejuvenating Rasayana elixirs replenish dermal lipids and halt age-related deterioration. In synergy with advanced device-based lifting treatments (RF therapy and focused ultrasound), this restores facial freshness and firmness.

Weight management and reduction of swelling: Eliminating fluid retention and visceral fat through pressotherapy, yellow Zalmanov baths and dry Udvartana herbal massage, without strict fasting.

Deep sleep and an anti-stress protocol: The Ayurvedic treatment Shirodhara (pouring warm oil onto the forehead), sound therapy with Tibetan singing bowls, salt room sessions and the laboratory’s calming evening herbal blends restore the natural delta-sleep phase and completely relieve anxiety.

An informed approach to health: knowledge and skills that stay with you

A stay at the clinic helps women listen to and understand their bodies in a new way. Doctors give educational talks on maintaining libido, protecting bone tissue and managing emotions, and teach cooling breathing practices (pranayama) for independent management of autonomic surges.

You return home with an individual health plan, a personal supply of herbal preparations from our laboratory, a balanced diet and a sense of inner calm and lightness.

Rediscover health, femininity and energy with CALENDULA

At any age — whether addressing complex reproductive issues in youth or making a harmonious transition into maturity — your body is capable of self-repair when given the right, safe support.

[Consult an expert and create a personalised Women’s Health programme]

Integrative medicine at CALENDULA Clinic: resetting men’s health, the nervous system and sleep

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

The pace of modern life, stress and metabolic syndrome disrupt endocrine balance, vascular tone and the production of vital hormones. At CALENDULA Clinic, we have combined evidence-based European medicine, Ayurvedic Panchakarma, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Professor Zalmanov’s capillary therapy, gentle somatic practices, emotional decompression and 35 years of experience in our signature cuisine into unified clinical protocols that eliminate the underlying cause of disease.

Our main goal: a gradual transition from chemical medicines to natural therapy

The main goal of integrative treatment at CALENDULA Clinic is a gradual, safe reduction in medication burden, leading to a transition to natural remedies.

A clinical approach to moving away from medication dependence: At the initial stage, evidence-based chemical medicines (antihypertensives, sleeping pills, anxiolytics and erectile function medicines) quickly stabilise an acute condition and protect target organs. As the body undergoes deep cleansing, the capillary network opens up and metabolism normalises, the doses of synthetic medicines are gradually reduced under medical supervision, up to complete discontinuation.

Our own pharmaceutical laboratory: The clinic has its own licensed laboratory, where personalised herbal preparations, complex tinctures, Ayurvedic oils and herbal blends are created to match each patient’s specific test results, biochemical status and constitution (Prakriti). This allows synthetic molecules to be replaced with individually selected natural formulas without withdrawal symptoms.

CALENDULA’s signature cuisine: 35 years of integrating culinary medicine

Nutrition at the clinic is a therapeutic intervention in its own right. Over 35 years of clinical practice, we have refined a unique system of personalised culinary nutrition combining three fundamental medical traditions:

Ayurvedic dietetics: Individual selection of foods according to constitutional types (doshas). Restoring taste receptor sensitivity through a balance of the 6 tastes (Shad Rasa), without excessive salt or sugar.

The TCM approach: Thermodynamic balancing (“warming” and “cooling” foods), supporting the digestive “Spleen Fire” and relieving “Liver Heat”.

European nutritional science: Glycaemic and insulin control, low saturated fat intake, correction of the lipid profile and enrichment of the diet with trace elements to activate cellular metabolism.

Education and emotional wellbeing: an informed approach to healing

To consolidate long-term results and profoundly reset the nervous system, the course includes a range of educational and sensory practices:

Educational talks by doctors: Interactive talks on the anatomy of stress, hormonal health, the principles of longevity, eating habits and practical steps for independently maintaining circadian rhythms at home.

Sound therapy (Sound Healing): Acoustic relaxation using Tibetan singing bowls and resonant frequencies, synchronising the bioelectrical activity of the brain’s hemispheres and inducing deep alpha and theta states.

Halotherapy (salt room): Time spent in a microclimate saturated with dry, micronised salt aerosol to relieve hidden airway inflammation, improve alveolar gas exchange and overall blood oxygenation.

Meditation and breathing techniques (pranayama): Learning mindful relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing and classical pranayama practices (Nadi Shodhana, Bhramari), which patients take home as lasting tools for self-regulation.

Yoga therapy and Qigong: Gentle, safe asanas and Qigong joint exercises to eliminate venous congestion, relieve deep muscle spasms and harmonise the flow of energy.

1. The Male Vitality and Endocrine Balance programme

Comprehensive treatment of erectile dysfunction, metabolic syndrome and androgen deficiency.

Erectile dysfunction is a marker of microcirculatory health, metabolism and testosterone levels. The programme aims to open constricted capillaries, normalise insulin receptor sensitivity, eliminate visceral fat and activate the natural synthesis of male hormones.

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                 DIAGNOSTICS: Hormone profile & Prakriti                      │
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┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│    PHASE 1: Detox & capillary therapy (Zalmanov, Virechana, hirudotherapy)     │
└─────────────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┘
                                      │
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┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PHASE 2: Androgen stimulation (PDE5 ──► laboratory phytoandrogens)            │
└─────────────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┘
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┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PHASE 3: Pelvic floor, salt room, Qigong, Rasayana and balneology             │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

What the protocol includes:

Personalised androgen-supporting cuisine: A low-glycaemic-index diet to overcome insulin resistance. Exclusion of simple sugars; inclusion of aromatase-inhibiting foods (red grape polyphenols), fresh celery, zinc-rich ingredients and spices that accelerate oestrogen metabolism in the liver (turmeric, cardamom).

Balneotherapy according to Professor A. S. Zalmanov’s system:

White emulsion (blood-pressure-raising effect) — stimulates rhythmic capillary pulsations, opens constricted pelvic microvessels and increases arterial inflow.

Yellow solution (blood-pressure-lowering effect) — stimulates deep capillary dilation, burns off metabolic deposits and reduces excessive systemic pressure.

Hyperthermic baths — activate tissue respiration and blood flow to the corpora cavernosa.

Starting with medication and tapering gently: Temporary use of PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil) and metabolic regulators, followed by replacement with stinging nettle root extracts, pycnogenol, tribulus and adaptogens prepared in the laboratory.

Ayurvedic therapy and Panchakarma: A Virechana cleansing course to reduce the burden on the liver and lower aromatase; Kati Basti warming treatments and Matra Basti microenemas with medicinal oils to relieve spasms.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture along the Kidney and Liver meridians, warming with mugwort moxa and Gua Sha massage of the lumbosacral region.

European naturopathy (TEM): Hirudotherapy to eliminate venous congestion, sapropel mud applications and apitherapy complexes (drone brood homogenate).

Practices, breathing and relaxation: Salt room sessions to improve oxygen exchange, Qigong and yoga exercises (Mula Bandha) for the pelvic floor, and talks on androgen health.

About the programme

Erectile dysfunction is not an isolated problem, but a marker of microcirculatory health, metabolism and testosterone levels. The seven-day programme aims to open constricted capillaries, normalise insulin sensitivity, eliminate visceral fat and activate the natural synthesis of male hormones.

The main goal is to stabilise the condition quickly with conventional medication (where necessary), then gradually reduce doses and switch to natural herbal preparations from our own laboratory as detoxification progresses and the capillary network recovers.

What these 7 days include

Diagnostics: Total and free testosterone, LH, FSH, oestradiol, prolactin, SHBG, lipid profile, glucose, insulin, HbA1c and PSA; ultrasound of the pelvic organs and prostate; transrectal ultrasound of the prostate and a digital prostate examination by a urologist-andrologist; Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis and TCM constitutional assessment (Prakriti).

Pharmacotherapy: Where indicated, temporary use of PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil) and metabolic regulators; a gradual de-escalation plan with replacement by nettle root extracts, pycnogenol, tribulus and laboratory-prepared adaptogens.

Herbal medicine: Personalised phytoandrogenic preparations from our own laboratory — dioscorea, seahorse and Vajikarana tonics.

Capillary therapy: White, blood-pressure-raising Zalmanov baths to open constricted pelvic microvessels.

Panchakarma: Gentle Virechana to reduce the burden on the liver and lower aromatase; Kati Basti over the sacrum; medicinal microenemas with herbal oils (Matra Basti) to relieve prostate congestion and improve pelvic circulation.

TCM: Acupuncture along the Kidney and Liver meridians, warming with mugwort moxa and Gua Sha massage of the lumbosacral region.

Massage and manual therapy: Abhyanga, Gua Sha massage, manual therapy of the lumbosacral spine, post-isometric relaxation and Padabhyanga.

Practices: Salt room, Qigong for the kidneys, yoga (Mula Bandha) for the pelvic floor and talks on androgen health.

Signature cuisine: An androgen-supporting menu — low GI, anti-aromatase foods (red grape polyphenols, celery, zinc) and spices for oestrogen metabolism (turmeric, cardamom).

Herbal bar: Herbal blends and drinks prepared especially for you to improve pelvic circulation, increase testosterone and stabilise the nervous system.

Longevity medicine: the biology of active longevity, hormonal balance and preserving male and female potential

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

Is youthfulness what we see in the mirror, or how our body functions? Why do energy and a sense of lightness sometimes fail to return even after rest? Longevity therapy invites us to look deeper — beyond wrinkles and the outward signs of ageing. It is an in-depth, evidence-based science of managing biological age, metabolism, the hormonal axis and cellular viability.

Our body ages systemically: when sleep rhythms are disrupted, stress hormone levels rise, and hidden inflammation and visceral fat accumulate, the blood vessels, endocrine system and reproductive health are the first to suffer — in both men and women.

Below, we explain in detail how the biology of ageing works, why vitality, beauty and sexual wellbeing are inseparable from circadian rhythms, and how the integrative medical approach at our clinic restores the body’s genuine resources for youthfulness.

1. Sleep, circadian rhythms and melatonin: the night-time regeneration laboratory

The centre of our internal biological clock is located in the hypothalamus (the suprachiasmatic nuclei). It responds to natural signals of light and darkness, regulating endocrine gland function, body temperature, vascular tone and cell division.

As darkness falls, the pineal gland synthesises melatonin — the principal regulator of the daily rhythm and one of the body’s most powerful endogenous protectors:

Antioxidant protection of DNA: Melatonin has a unique chemical structure that enables it to neutralise oxygen free radicals, prevent lipid peroxidation and activate the cells’ own protective enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase). This protects cellular DNA from damage, mutations and accelerated breakdown.

Cancer protection for men and women: Melatonin reduces the likelihood of pathological mutations and suppresses tumour processes, as confirmed in clinical studies involving breast cancer risks in women and prostate cancer risks in men.

Synchronising metabolism: Night-time melatonin normalises tissue sensitivity to insulin. People with low night-time melatonin levels have a several-fold higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

What happens in the modern world?

Blue light from smartphones and laptops, artificial evening lighting, air travel and working late deceive the brain. The retina perceives screens as midday sunlight, blocking melatonin production. As a result, the body is deprived of its night-time recovery phase, triggering premature cellular ageing.

2. Cortisol and the stress axis: the hidden cost of chronic tension

While melatonin is the hormone of night-time recovery, cortisol (produced by the adrenal glands under the control of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, HPA) is responsible for mobilisation and adaptation to demands.

In a healthy body, cortisol follows a strict daily schedule:

CAR (cortisol awakening response): Cortisol reaches its physiological peak 30–45 minutes after getting up in the morning, energising the body and activating circulation and attention.

By evening, cortisol must fall to its lowest level, making way for inhibitory processes and melatonin production.

When adaptation turns into exhaustion

With prolonged psychological and emotional stress and insufficient rest, the HPA axis becomes hyperactivated:

Evening cortisol remains high: The person experiences a so-called “tired but wired” state — the body is exhausted, yet sleep is impossible.

Tissue insulin resistance and catabolism: Cortisol breaks down muscle proteins, stimulates the accumulation of sugar in the blood and promotes the retention of visceral fat.

Chronic systemic inflammation: Cells lose sensitivity to regulatory signals, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) are continuously released into the blood, damaging the vascular endothelium and accelerating biological ageing.

Flattening and exhaustion of the rhythm: Over time, the adrenal glands exhaust their adaptive reserve — the morning rise (CAR) declines, giving way to chronic fatigue syndrome, emotional burnout, depressive states and immune deficiency.

3. Reproductive health and sexual longevity: men and women through the lens of Longevity

The reproductive system responds sensitively to any disruption in the “brain–adrenal glands–gonads” chain. Chronic stress drives the adrenal glands to produce cortisol at the expense of sex steroids and youth-associated hormones (such as DHEA). This suppresses the production of pituitary gonadotropins (FSH and LH), directly affecting sexual health in both sexes.

For men: protecting potency, testosterone and the prostate

Testosterone and Leydig cells: Melatonin increases the sensitivity of testicular Leydig cells to luteinising hormone, stimulating physiological testosterone synthesis. Fragmented sleep without deep phases deprives men of the natural night-time testosterone peak, leading to secondary hypogonadism and reduced sexual function.

Semen quality and fertility: Melatonin neutralises free radicals in the reproductive system. In men with insomnia and a habit of falling asleep with a smartphone, sperm motility is impaired by pronounced oxidative damage to the spermatogenic epithelium.

Blood vessels and erectile function: Sleep deprivation suppresses endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity, impairing blood flow in the cavernous tissue.

Prostate protection: Chronically high cortisol disrupts androgen metabolism, raises the PSA marker and provokes non-bacterial inflammation, adenoma and structural disorders of the prostate.

For women: a balanced cycle, fertility, radiant skin and protection against premature ageing

Regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation: Prolonged stress and high cortisol suppress the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropins, causing oestrogen and progesterone imbalances, menstrual irregularities and a decline in ovarian reserve (fertility).

Preventing osteoporosis and vascular risks: Timely support for the oestrogen profile and DHEA balance prevents loss of bone density (osteoporosis), protects the cardiovascular system and supports healthy lipid metabolism.

Collagen synthesis and hair health: Oestrogens, progesterone and growth hormone directly stimulate skin fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, ensuring natural hydration, skin elasticity and hair density. Hormone deficiency immediately manifests as dryness, dermal thinning and gravitational ptosis.

Breast cancer protection: Melatonin’s proven anticarcinogenic activity and the balancing of oestrogen metabolism play a decisive role in preventing breast dysplasia and neoplasms.

4. Obesity and metabolic syndrome: a common enemy of youthfulness, energy and hormones

Obesity is not a matter of aesthetics or the number on the scales, but an active, low-grade systemic inflammatory process.

Visceral adipose tissue around the waist and abdomen functions as an unbalanced endocrine organ:

Adipokines and vascular oedema: Fat cells continuously release inflammatory mediators and leptin, increasing C-reactive protein and damaging the inner lining of blood vessels.

Hormonal imbalances in both sexes:

In men: The enzyme aromatase (cytochrome P450) in adipose tissue converts male testosterone into oestradiol, provoking muscle loss (sarcopenia), feminisation and erectile dysfunction.

In women: Hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance disrupt normal steroid metabolism, contribute to hyperandrogenism, worsen skin and hair condition (acne, thinning hair) and make perimenopause more difficult.

Glycation (“sugaring” of tissues): Persistent glucose spikes cause advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to cross-link elastin and collagen fibres. This stiffens arterial walls, impairs capillary blood flow and deprives tissues of elasticity.

5. The synergy of cleansing and restoration: Panchakarma, Rasayana and Vajikarana

In genuine Longevity medicine, advanced laboratory methods are ideally complemented by centuries-old practices of deep detoxification. Before supplying cells with active elements or stimulating renewal, tissues must be freed from accumulated endogenous waste and metabolic breakdown products.

To achieve this, Panchakarma — the ancient science of step-by-step cleansing at the cellular level — is gently integrated into the therapeutic protocol:

A foundation for Rasayana (rejuvenation): In the Ayurvedic tradition, Rasayana therapy aims to extend life, strengthen vital energy (ojas) and restore tissues. However, rejuvenation protocols and nutraceuticals are absorbed most fully only after prior deep cleansing of the circulation channels (srotas), as demonstrated by the modern understanding of cellular clearance and autophagy.

A foundation for Vajikarana (sexual support and vitality): Vajikarana therapy addresses reproductive strength, fertility, libido and harmony in intimate life for men and women. Cleansing the body and normalising microcirculation through Panchakarma relieve congestion in the pelvic organs, reviving the natural hormonal response and sexual energy.

6. The extracellular matrix and state-of-the-art device-based aesthetic treatments as the culmination of therapy

Modern Longevity aesthetics works with the extracellular matrix (ECM) — the collagen–elastin framework.

The main mistake of isolated aesthetic treatment is attempting to stimulate depleted skin: when there is hidden inflammation, a deficiency of zinc, vitamin C or magnesium, or insufficient ATP in the mitochondria, fibroblasts simply lack the resources to produce new collagen.

Once the body has been cleansed, inflammation controlled and deficiencies corrected, state-of-the-art device-based aesthetic treatments come into play. In our approach, high-tech treatment platforms act not as a temporary disguise, but as a powerful final catalyst:

RF microneedling and heat shock proteins: Controlled radiofrequency heating induces the synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSP70), which protect mature collagen from degradation by metalloproteinases. In prepared tissues, this technique produces marked density and structural lifting.

Fractional laser thermolysis: Controlled micro-injury activates the TGF-β cascade and stimulates fibroblasts to accelerate the regeneration of a new, youthful matrix.

Ultrasound SMAS lifting: Highly focused ultrasound targets the deep musculoaponeurotic layer, restoring defined facial contours without a surgical scalpel.

Cellular biostimulation (PRP and biorevitalisation): In a cleansed body, platelet growth factors and hyaluronic acid instantly activate fibroblast receptors, providing deep hydration and radiance without the risk of paradoxical oedema.

7. Why do patients choose our clinic for Longevity therapy?

Attempts to regain youthfulness through online advice, haphazard supplement use or spontaneous diets do not produce a systemic effect, and uncontrolled use of preparations often overburdens the organs of detoxification.

Our clinic has created a harmonious environment combining rigorous academic medicine, ancient cleansing traditions and advanced device-based technologies:

In-depth, multilevel laboratory diagnostics:

High-precision chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis of saliva for free cortisol and DHEA at 4–6 sampling points to assess adrenal stress resilience and the pattern of the cortisol awakening response (CAR).

Biomarkers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, 8-OHdG, glutathione) and hidden systemic inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α, high-sensitivity CRP).

Comprehensive assessment of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (HOMA index, glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile) and bioelectrical impedance analysis of body composition.

Personalised genetic tests (cardiovascular disease risks, folate cycle, detoxification).

Systematic, step-by-step care: from detoxification to rejuvenation:

We do more than write prescriptions. We guide patients along a physiological path: from deep cleansing (Panchakarma) and restoration of the gut–brain axis to targeted cellular rejuvenation (Rasayana), sexual revitalisation (Vajikarana) and targeted peptide protection of specific organs.

Safe hormonal and nutraceutical correction:

All prescriptions — from adaptogens to gentle bioidentical hormone therapy — are selected on a strictly individual basis under the supervision of relevant specialists (endocrinologists, urologists and gynaecologists).

The final aesthetic touch:

A body prepared from within responds to state-of-the-art device-based aesthetic protocols with a maximal lifting and radiance effect that lasts for years.

Extend youthfulness, regain energy and confidence in your body

Ageing is a process that can and should be managed. Comprehensive Longevity therapy restores mental clarity, sound sleep, hormonal balance, harmony in intimate life and a sense of fulfilment every day.

[Undergo an initial Longevity assessment and create an individual cellular renewal programme]

The Digestive Recovery programme: CALENDULA’s clinical system for gastrointestinal diagnosis and treatment

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

The health of the whole body begins in the gut. The digestive system does more than process nutrients: it is inseparably linked to immune defences, tissue metabolism, hormonal balance, sleep quality, vitality and emotional resilience. Gastrointestinal dysfunction quickly becomes systemic, leading to chronic fatigue syndrome, reduced performance, brain fog and skin manifestations.

The familiar approach of suppressing individual symptoms with antacids, antispasmodics, laxatives or enzymes offers only a brief respite, keeping patients trapped in a cycle of recurring flare-ups.

At CALENDULA, evidence-based clinical protocols are reinforced by in-depth integrative methods, Ayurvedic detoxification, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and our own pharmaceutical facilities. The Digestive Recovery programme turns gastrointestinal care into a consistent, rigorous and scientifically grounded treatment process.

Who this system is designed for

The programme is designed for patients who need systematic medical care and a clear treatment strategy:

Chronic discomfort: bloating, heaviness, rumbling, heartburn, belching, persistent constipation, a tendency towards diarrhoea or alternating constipation and diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and pain.

Functional diagnoses: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and intestinal motility disorders.

Organ disorders: pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, biliary dyskinesia, congestion, and impaired brush-border digestion and absorption.

Hidden food intolerances, immune reactions, inflammatory damage to mucous membranes and pronounced microbial dysbiosis.

Psychosomatic gastrointestinal dysfunction: a direct relationship between worsening symptoms and stress, anxiety, lack of sleep and disruption of the gut–brain axis.

Situations in which patients have already undergone numerous uncoordinated investigations but still have no clear clinical recovery plan.

1. Initial in-depth diagnostics and clinical risk assessment

Treatment begins with an extended consultation with the clinic’s lead doctor. The doctor assesses the structural condition of the gastrointestinal tract in relation to metabolic status, stress burden, chronotype and the body’s adaptive reserves.

The clinical consultation assesses:

The nature, pattern and duration of symptoms and their direct relationship to food intake.

Stool frequency and consistency, and the severity of reflux, nausea and spasms.

Tolerance of individual nutritional groups and changes in body weight.

Previous gastrointestinal infections, courses of antibiotics, and use of proton pump inhibitors, NSAIDs and supplements.

Family history of gastrointestinal disease and the results of previous investigations.

A structured food and symptom diary is introduced where necessary.

Checking for red flags:

The priority is to rule out conditions requiring urgent intervention: unintentional weight loss, visible or occult blood in the stool, anaemia of unknown cause, night-time pain, persistent fever, difficulty swallowing and signs raising suspicion of cancer. If these are identified, the diagnostic pathway is immediately expanded with input from the relevant specialists.

2. Extended laboratory and instrumental diagnostics

The clinic’s diagnostic panel is based on international evidence-based standards in gastroenterology:

Laboratory investigations

General clinical assessment: full blood count with differential, ESR, biomarkers of systemic inflammatory activity and urinalysis.

Biochemical profile: liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, alkaline phosphatase), bilirubin fractions; pancreatic markers (amylase, lipase); protein metabolism, electrolytes, kidney markers and an extended iron profile (ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity).

Metabolic screening: fasting glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), immunoreactive insulin, HOMA-IR index and a full lipid profile.

Deficiency screening: vitamins B12 and D3, folate, magnesium, selenium, zinc and key trace elements absorbed through the intestinal lining.

In-depth stool analysis: comprehensive stool examination, measurement of faecal calprotectin (an objective marker of intestinal wall inflammation), pancreatic elastase-1, occult blood tests, microbiological culture and high-precision parasitological tests.

Assessment of the microbiota and intestinal barrier: analysis of microbial diversity, fermentation markers, the short-chain fatty acid pool (butyrate, propionate) and epithelial barrier permeability markers.

Breath tests: hydrogen–methane breath testing in accordance with international protocols to confirm SIBO and lactose/fructose malabsorption.

Diagnostic imaging

Expert ultrasound: ultrasound assessment of the liver parenchyma, gallbladder contractility, the condition of the ducts, pancreas and spleen.

Endoscopy (strictly according to clinical indications): video gastroscopy (oesophagogastroduodenoscopy) and video colonoscopy with targeted mucosal biopsy and histological analysis.

Additional methods: MR cholangiography, abdominal CT/MRI, 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring and coeliac disease serology panels.

3. Evidence-based pharmacotherapy and transition to herbal treatment

As specialists in conventional medicine first and foremost, CALENDULA’s doctors actively use the full range of evidence-based pharmaceutical treatments. In cases of acute inflammation, exacerbation of ulcerative disease, decompensated reflux or severe motility disorders, patients are immediately prescribed the necessary medication: modern gastroprotective agents, antispasmodics, prokinetics, enzymes or antibacterial drugs.

In our practice, however, the conventional clinical approach goes beyond simply suppressing symptoms: medication provides a reliable therapeutic bridge through the acute phase. Our strategic goal is complete restoration of organ function and gradually freeing patients from reliance on medication:

Initial pharmacological stage: reliable control of the flare-up with proven medication, guided by laboratory markers.

Integration alongside the protocol: cellular cleansing procedures and proprietary herbal preparations from the clinic’s own laboratory are introduced in parallel. This restores receptor function, the protective mucosal layer and glandular enzyme activity. As the patient’s condition improves, the doctor gradually and safely reduces the doses of synthetic medicines.

Herbal substitution and self-regulation: patients are gently transitioned from chemical medicines to mild herbal formulations.

Complete withdrawal of preparations: as sustained remission of the underlying organ disease is established and the digestive process normalises, supportive herbal preparations are also withdrawn completely, and the body returns to natural self-regulation.

4. A comprehensive programme for restoring gastrointestinal organ function

A personalised therapeutic nutrition protocol (35 years of clinical experience)

Dietary therapy at CALENDULA is strictly individualised, based on objective metabolic data, constitutional type and food tolerance:

Structured therapeutic diets are used, including a temporary low-FODMAP protocol for IBS and SIBO to rapidly relieve fermentation and pain.

Optimisation of bioavailable protein intake, adjustment of fat proportions and controlled introduction of dietary fibre to gently stimulate peristalsis.

Gradual, controlled expansion of the menu and safe reintroduction of previously excluded foods.

Dishes from our signature cuisine are prepared with a precise balance of flavours, warming the digestive tract, kindling the enzymatic fire (Agni) and reducing inflammatory swelling of the mucous membranes.

Microbiota support and regeneration of the intestinal barrier

Targeted use of prebiotic soluble fibres and resistant fermented components.

Prescription of personalised multi-strain probiotics matched to the identified dysbiosis profile.

Nutritional repair of the epithelium to resolve increased intestinal permeability and prevent endotoxins from entering the systemic circulation.

Correction of deficiencies and infusion support

For confirmed deficiencies, precise therapeutic forms of vitamins and trace elements are selected, taking their pharmacological compatibility into account.

Proprietary herbal formulations from the CALENDULA laboratory (TCM and Ayurveda)

In the clinic’s licensed pharmaceutical laboratory, doctors create individual herbal blends, plant extracts and tinctures:

The formulations are based on the synergy of evidence-based phytopharmacology, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine methods, restoring the flow of Spleen Qi and resolving Blood stasis and Dampness.

The formulations stimulate mucin synthesis, normalise bile flow, protect hepatocytes and gently eliminate pathogenic flora without placing a toxic burden on the body.

5. Body-based therapy and regulation of the gut–brain axis

The gut has its own autonomous enteric nervous system, which responds instantly to stress with vascular spasm, bile stasis and visceral hypersensitivity. Proven methods of neurosomatic relief are used to harmonise autonomic tone:

Ayurvedic Shirodhara neurorelaxation: the continuous pouring of warm herbal oil onto the forehead relieves areas of chronic stress-related excitation in the cerebral cortex, reduces cortisol levels and normalises sleep.

Abhyanga oleation and Udvartana herbal massage: relieve spasmodic tension in the abdominal muscles, improve circulation to the internal organs and activate deep lymphatic drainage.

Acupuncture and moxibustion (TCM): targeted stimulation resolves ischaemia of the digestive organs, restores motility and regulates vagal tone.

Health-promoting Qigong and pranayama breathing practices: diaphragmatic breathing provides gentle internal visceral massage, eliminates venous congestion in the portal vein and restores the natural rhythm of peristalsis.

Premium standards of medical care

Personal medical coordinator: comprehensive support throughout inpatient treatment and coordination of the procedure schedule.

A unified digital health profile: all laboratory, instrumental and functional test results organised in a single record.

Multidisciplinary consultation: joint patient management by gastroenterologists, physicians, endocrinologists, TCM specialists, Ayurvedic doctors and dietitians.

Individual adaptation of the therapeutic diet: daily preparation of personalised therapeutic meals by the clinic’s chefs under the treating doctor’s supervision.

Daily medical monitoring of progress: assessment of procedure tolerance, abdominal palpation, stool monitoring and prompt adjustment of prescriptions.

A comprehensive clinical report: a detailed final assessment with clear schedules, dietary recommendations and a step-by-step plan for home.

Post-discharge support: a personalised supply of the laboratory’s herbal preparations to take home, with a schedule for gradual reduction and complete withdrawal.

Restore comfort, lightness and natural energy to your body

A life free from constant pain, bloating and lifelong reliance on medication is an achievable clinical outcome. Entrust your digestive health to the specialists at CALENDULA.

[Undergo in-depth gastrointestinal diagnostics and receive a personalised Digestive Recovery programme]

The Hormonal Health programme: the key to energy, weight, youthfulness and emotional balance

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

Hormones are the body’s invisible conductors, determining our vitality, metabolic rate, depth of sleep, mental clarity, sexual desire and ability to adapt to psychological overload every second.

When delicate endocrine regulation falters, the body sends warning signals. In the rush of everyday life, we often attribute them to overwork, age or temporary difficulties, becoming accustomed to living in a state of exhaustion. Yet the real cause often lies in hidden hormonal axis imbalances, insulin resistance or autoimmune changes.

CALENDULA Clinic has developed the Hormonal Health programme — an in-depth integrative pathway combining evidence-based European endocrinology, advanced diagnostics, physician-led herbal medicine, the Panchakarma detoxification system, Zalmanov capillary therapy and body-oriented neurorehabilitation.

Checklist: do you recognise your body’s signals?

Endocrine disorders rarely occur in isolation. Check for yourself — your body may have been asking for comprehensive help for a long time:

Persistent morning exhaustion: You wake up tired even after a long sleep, yet experience a deceptive surge of alertness around midnight.

Unexplained weight gain: Weight stubbornly accumulates around your waist and abdomen, or refuses to shift despite dietary restrictions and exercise.

“Brain fog” and lapses in concentration: Your memory lets you down, your attention wanders, and familiar tasks require an enormous effort of will.

Emotional swings and loss of resilience: Sudden bursts of irritation, anxiety for no apparent reason, tearfulness and a feeling of being stuck inside.

External signs of metabolic function: Dry skin, facial puffiness in the morning, hair loss and thinning, and brittle nails.

Temperature regulation and vascular tone: Cold extremities, poor tolerance of stuffy conditions, sudden hot flushes and a rapid heartbeat.

Reproductive system disturbances: Irregular or painful periods and severe PMS in women; reduced libido, loss of morning potency and declining muscle tone in men.

Blood sugar “swings”: Uncontrollable cravings for sweets or baked goods, episodes of weakness and trembling when you skip a meal.

If you recognise 2–3 signs, you do not have to accept a lower quality of life — this is a clear reason to undergo expert endocrine screening.

CALENDULA Clinic’s key clinical priorities

Rather than prescribing separate medicines for each individual symptom, we address the root causes of dysfunction:

1. Conventional pharmacotherapy and strict monitoring of side effects

We follow the principles of evidence-based European medicine: if a patient objectively needs foundational pharmaceutical treatment, a doctor will prescribe it.

Foundational treatment for strict indications: Precise selection of medicines for hypothyroidism, antithyroid treatment for an overactive thyroid, medicines to normalise prolactin, and modern metabolic regulators for carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

Continuous monitoring and medication safety: All drug treatment takes place under the strictest laboratory monitoring. We regularly monitor differential blood counts and liver enzymes, ruling out the risks of toxic reactions and adverse effects of pharmacotherapy at an early stage.

Gentle hormone replacement therapy (HRT / bioidentical hormone therapy): Where age-related hormonal correction is needed, we select strictly individual, minimally sufficient doses. The simultaneous use of detox treatments and herbal preparations from the laboratory increases receptor sensitivity and reduces the burden on the liver, protecting the body from side effects and overdose.

2. Treating autoimmune and inflammatory processes (including autoimmune thyroiditis)

Autoimmune thyroiditis and inflammatory processes in the thyroid gland require a highly precise approach.

We do more than monitor antibody titres. Using proprietary herbal preparations from the CALENDULA laboratory, therapeutic dietary treatment and restoration of the intestinal barrier, we reduce systemic immune aggression against the body’s own tissues.

Gentle physiotherapy procedures (magnetotherapy and laser blood irradiation) control local inflammation and restore microcirculation in thyroid tissue without the risk of triggering autoimmune aggression.

3. Overcoming insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

Insulin resistance is a hidden foundation of metabolic ageing, affecting the blood vessels, brain and reproductive organs.

We restore cellular sensitivity to insulin through nutraceutical support, personalised low-glycaemic anti-inflammatory nutrition and metabolic herbal blends.

Udvartana herbal lymphatic drainage massage, pressotherapy and hyperthermic yellow Zalmanov baths accelerate the breakdown of fat stores and eliminate metabolic waste, stabilising glucose and glycated haemoglobin levels.

4. Neuroendocrine rehabilitation: PTSD, chronic stress and occupational burnout

Severe psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and profound occupational burnout disrupt the regulatory stress axis. Constant excessive release of stress hormones exhausts the nervous system, blocks deep sleep phases and disrupts endocrine balance.

Ayurvedic neuroregulation and herbal medicine: Ayurvedic treatments using warm aromatic oils — Shirodhara, Shiro Basti, Netra Basti and other Ayurvedic techniques — help normalise or relax brain centres and relieve the focus of excitation. These treatments work in synergy with herbal medicine, whose many years and millennia of experience have demonstrated a positive effect on nervous system recovery and the strengthening of mental functioning.

Balneology for tranquillity: Iodine-bromine and conifer baths, and Kneipp foot baths with lavender, normalise blood pressure and calm the autonomic nervous system.

Body and breathing practices: Specialised pranayama, hormonal yoga, Qigong and singing bowl sound therapy bring the body out of chronic stress mode. This restores the ability to sleep deeply, mental clarity and the natural rhythm of hormone production.

4 clinical stages of recovery

In-depth hormonal screening: Comprehensive panels assessing the thyroid, adrenal glands (daily stress hormone profile), sex steroids, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, expert ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Cleansing the internal environment (Panchakarma): Snehana oil treatments, Swedana steam baths, Virechana hepatobiliary detoxification and Basti microenemas cleanse receptors and reduce the burden on the liver to support physiological hormone metabolism.

Capillary therapy and herbal correction: Courses of Zalmanov baths open up blood flow to the endocrine organs, while personalised laboratory formulas restore balance.

Stabilisation and monitoring: A personal diet, stress management practices and long-term follow-up by the treating doctor.

Restore your body’s natural balance and zest for life

The endocrine system has an enormous capacity for self-repair when the evidence-based precision of medicine is combined with deep cleansing of the internal environment and gentle support.

[Undergo a comprehensive endocrine check-up and create an individual Hormonal Health programme]

A CALENDULA clinic programme

Panchakarma · Traditional

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

Deep Ayurvedic cleansing — 10–14 days of classical procedures with medical supervision, combined with modern medicine in one programme

Sometimes the body needs more than a pause: it needs a genuine reset. Not a gentle rest for digestion, but deep, traditional Ayurvedic cleansing in which the age-old Panchakarma method is carried out in full, with classical procedures, individual preparation, medical supervision and proper recovery afterwards.

This programme is therapeutic, not preventive. It is carried out when indicated, following medical assessment, and is intended for patients with actual complaints: chronic fatigue, metabolic disturbances, allergic and inflammatory conditions, joint symptoms, skin problems, the effects of stress and sleep disturbances. The aim is not to “cleanse the body over a weekend”, but to give it a real opportunity to return to balance through a traditional Ayurvedic pathway.

At CALENDULA, a clinic with more than 30 years of experience in integrative medicine, traditional Panchakarma is conducted under medical supervision with an Ayurvedic doctor and a Western medicine physician. Oils and herbal preparations from our own laboratory are selected individually, and procedures are adapted to the actual health picture rather than an Ayurvedic “type” considered separately from the diagnosis.

1 · What is traditional Panchakarma?

Panchakarma (Sanskrit for “five actions”) is a classical Ayurvedic system of deep cleansing. Traditionally, it consists of five elimination procedures, each aimed at removing accumulated imbalances — doshas in Ayurvedic terminology — through a specific physiological pathway. Unlike the gentle preventive version, which uses only preparation and supportive procedures, traditional Panchakarma includes full elimination, which is precisely why it requires medical assessment, preparation and monitoring.

The five classical procedures

Vamana — therapeutic cleansing through the upper respiratory tract. It is used mainly for conditions associated with an accumulation of Kapha: chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, bronchial hypersecretion and certain skin conditions. At CALENDULA, it is performed only under strict indications and medical supervision.

Virechana — therapeutic cleansing through the bowel. The most frequently used procedure, it is applied to conditions associated with inflammation, skin manifestations, liver and metabolic disorders, and chronic allergic conditions. It is performed using individually selected herbal therapy, with monitoring of tolerability and recovery.

Basti — Ayurvedic therapeutic enemas with oils and herbal formulations. In Ayurveda, it is considered one of the most effective procedures, particularly for conditions involving bowel dysfunction, joints, neurological manifestations and chronic stress. At CALENDULA, the form is selected individually: oil-based (anuvasana) and cleansing (niruha) variants are used according to indications.

Nasya — administration of herbal formulations through the nose. It is used for chronic sinusitis, impaired sense of smell, headaches, allergic rhinitis and certain conditions affecting the neck and upper body. The formulation and dose are selected individually.

These procedures are not performed indiscriminately or according to a rigid timetable. Following Ayurvedic consultation and medical assessment, the procedures indicated for each patient, their sequence and their intensity are determined. One patient’s programme may consist mainly of Virechana and Basti, while another’s may focus on Nasya and Abhyanga. All five procedures are used infrequently and only when genuinely indicated.

2 · For whom and for which conditions?

Traditional Panchakarma is performed when indicated and after medical assessment. It is suitable for patients with the following complaints and conditions, provided they are not in an acute phase and do not require priority treatment according to Western medical protocols:

Metabolism and digestion

Chronic digestive disturbances, heaviness after meals, bloating, irregular bowel movements and irritable bowel syndrome outside a flare-up.

Metabolic disturbances: mild to moderate insulin resistance, excess body weight, lipid metabolism disorders and gout outside an acute attack.

Food intolerances, cravings for sweet and heavy foods and a feeling of overloaded digestion.

Skin and mucous membranes

Chronic skin conditions outside a flare-up: eczema, stable-phase psoriasis, acne and dermatitis.

A dull complexion, reduced skin tone, chronic swelling and cellulite — as part of overall recovery.

Allergy and inflammation

Allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis and hay fever outside the season of exacerbation.

Chronic inflammatory conditions and subacute conditions outside the acute phase.

Joints and the musculoskeletal system

Chronic joint and back pain outside acute inflammation.

Mild to moderate osteoarthritis, muscle tension and reduced mobility.

The nervous system, sleep and stress

Chronic stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, fatigue and brain fog.

Tension headaches and migraine outside an acute attack, as part of a comprehensive approach.

The consequences of prolonged stress: autonomic instability and stress-related tachycardia.

General well-being and longevity

Low energy, chronic fatigue and inadequate recovery after exertion.

Preventive use in healthy patients with a family history of metabolic and inflammatory diseases, following assessment.

Important: having a condition on this list does not automatically constitute an indication. The doctor decides whether the programme should be undertaken and what it should include after an in-person assessment comprising Ayurvedic consultation, examination and laboratory tests where necessary. Traditional Panchakarma does not replace treatment according to Western medical protocols for a diagnosed condition and is not performed instead of necessary therapy. It may form part of a comprehensive approach, but cannot be the sole method for a serious diagnosis.

3 · The CALENDULA approach to traditional Panchakarma

At CALENDULA, Ayurvedic Panchakarma is not conducted separately from modern medicine, but within an integrative approach. This is the main distinction between a clinic with 30 years of experience and an “Ayurvedic resort”. Ayurveda provides the substance of the procedures, modern medicine provides safety and monitoring, Traditional Chinese Medicine complements the programme when indicated, and CALENDULA’s own herbal laboratory supplies individually prepared products rather than one-size-fits-all formulations from a shelf.

Modern Western medicine

Medical assessment before the programme: history-taking, examination, measurements and, where necessary, laboratory tests — full blood count, biochemistry, inflammatory markers, liver and kidney function, iron metabolism and hormonal assessment when indicated. The aim is to rule out conditions in which deep cleansing is contraindicated or needs adaptation, and to establish the actual health picture rather than only an Ayurvedic type. Medical supervision throughout the programme and a follow-up examination afterwards are safety measures, not formalities.

Ayurveda

Provides the foundation: Ayurvedic consultation, determination of prakriti (constitution) and vikriti (current imbalance), and selection of oils, diet, herbal therapy and the sequence of procedures according to the individual’s condition. Preparation — oil-based Snehana and heat-based Swedana — is carried out fully and for the time required, usually 3–5 days before the main elimination phase. Ayurvedic massages and treatments — Abhyanga, Shirodhara and Udvartana — together with heat procedures and supportive practices are performed by trained specialists under the Ayurvedic doctor’s guidance.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Medical acupuncture may be included according to individual indications, particularly for pain syndromes, sleep disturbances and autonomic instability. It is not compulsory and is prescribed by the doctor following assessment.

The CALENDULA herbal laboratory

The clinic’s own herbal laboratory is a particular area of expertise. Massage oils, herbal formulations for Virechana and Basti, and supportive preparations for the preparation and recovery phases are made for the individual patient, their condition and tolerability. This is part of CALENDULA’s integrative method: products are not standard off-the-shelf preparations, but individually formulated, with assessment of raw material quality and possible interactions with prescribed medication.

We do not choose between East and West. We select the methods you specifically need, and this is particularly important in deep Panchakarma: the same procedure is performed differently for a patient with eczema and a patient with migraine, and that difference determines the outcome.

4 · Programme structure · 10–14 days

The programme follows the three classical Ayurvedic phases in full: proper preparation, actual elimination and proper recovery. The 10–14-day duration is determined individually after the initial assessment. Preparation takes 3–5 days, elimination 3–7 days and recovery 2–4 days.

Phase 1 · Preparation (Purva Karma) — 3–5 days

Snehana — internal and external oleation. An individually selected oil formulation is taken orally according to tolerability and indications, alongside daily Abhyanga oil massages and Shirodhara where needed. The purpose is to saturate the tissues with oil so that subsequent elimination is gentle and tolerable rather than abrupt.

Swedana — heat treatments. Herbal steam, warm wraps and individually selected heat procedures soften and prepare the tissues for elimination.

Transition to Ayurvedic nutrition: kitchari — a mixture of basmati rice and split mung beans with spices — light cooked vegetables, herbal teas and an individually selected diet. This is not fasting: food remains nutritionally complete, but light and warm.

Reducing external demands: minimal screen time, early bedtime, walks by the water and no work activity. Preparation is not a formality but a substantial part of the result; it cannot be skipped.

Phase 2 · Main elimination (Pradhana Karma) — 3–7 days

This phase includes the elimination procedures indicated for the patient, selected by the doctor from the five classical methods: Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya and Raktamoksha. All five are rarely performed; more often, a combination of 2–3 procedures is selected according to the patient’s condition and tolerability.

Virechana — therapeutic elimination through the bowel with individually selected herbal therapy, performed under medical supervision with monitoring of tolerability and recovery.

Basti — a series of individually selected oil-based and/or cleansing Ayurvedic enemas, considered in Ayurveda to be among the most effective procedures for the joints, nervous system and bowel.

Nasya — nasal administration of herbal formulations when indicated for sinusitis, allergy or headaches.

Vamana — performed under strict indications for Kapha-type conditions, with medical supervision.

On elimination days, the patient is monitored; activity is reduced, food is light and supportive, and the daily routine centres on recovery. This is not a case of “have a procedure and then go sightseeing”. These are days when the body is doing serious work and needs rest.

Phase 3 · Recovery (Paschat Karma) — 2–4 days

A gradual return to the usual diet through cooked vegetables, light grains and progressive introduction of protein. The dietary regimen — samsarjana krama — is followed strictly according to an individual schedule.

Restorative procedures: supportive massages, gentle yoga, breathing practices and acupuncture where necessary.

Supportive plant-based preparations from the herbal laboratory, taken as a short course according to individual indications.

A follow-up medical examination and Ayurvedic reassessment: what has changed, what to continue and what to pay attention to.

Written lifestyle recommendations for after the programme: nutrition, sleep, movement, daily routine, stress management and continuation of herbal therapy at home, so the plan can be followed after returning.

5 · What may improve after a successful programme

Traditional Panchakarma has genuine therapeutic potential, but results depend on the starting condition, indications, adherence to the regimen and individual response. The following are the areas that most often improve in clinical practice and the Ayurvedic tradition when the programme is conducted correctly. These are not promises or guarantees, but a guide to what may be expected with medical assessment and appropriate selection.

Digestion and metabolism

Improved digestion, less heaviness after meals, normalised bowel movements and reduced bloating.

Reduced cravings for sweet and heavy foods and a more balanced appetite.

Improved metabolic measures — body weight, lipid profile and mild insulin resistance — as part of a comprehensive approach.

Skin and mucous membranes

Improved skin condition in chronic dermatoses such as eczema and stable-phase psoriasis, with reduced severity and fewer flare-ups.

Improved skin tone and complexion and reduced swelling.

Reduced severity of acne and inflammatory skin manifestations.

Allergies and the respiratory tract

Reduced severity of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, with fewer seasonal exacerbations.

Reduced hypersecretion and nasal congestion.

Joints and the musculoskeletal system

Reduced chronic joint pain and improved mobility.

Less muscle tension and morning stiffness.

The nervous system, sleep and stress

Restored sleep and reduced anxiety and irritability.

Fewer tension headaches and migraine attacks as part of a comprehensive approach.

More energy, less chronic fatigue and improved concentration.

Restored autonomic balance: less stress-related tachycardia and a more even mood.

General well-being

A feeling of lightness, reduced swelling and improved vitality.

A reset of eating habits and lifestyle, with a written plan to continue at home.

Improved skin, hair and overall well-being as part of systemic recovery.

An honest view of results: Panchakarma does not “treat everything”. Serious diseases — type 1 diabetes, active autoimmune diseases, cancer and severe cardiovascular disease — require treatment according to Western medical protocols. Panchakarma may be part of a supportive approach in these cases, but not the primary method. We do not guarantee that a particular disease will disappear. However, with appropriate selection, adherence to the regimen and an individual approach, most patients experience improved well-being and reduced severity of the complaints listed above.

6 · Effectiveness

Panchakarma is one of the world’s oldest medical systems, and over thousands of years of use a clear picture has emerged of what it works for and what it does not. Modern clinical studies of individual procedures and combined programmes show encouraging results for allergic rhinitis, chronic skin conditions, metabolic disorders, pain syndromes and conditions associated with chronic stress. However, the quality of many studies remains limited, and Panchakarma does not qualify as an established treatment under evidence-based medicine criteria for most of these conditions.

At CALENDULA, we are honest about this: Panchakarma is used as a therapeutic system with genuine potential, in addition to — not instead of — evidence-based treatment when needed. The effect of the programme depends on the initial condition, appropriate procedure selection, adherence to the regimen and individual response. We do not promise the disappearance of all disease, but create conditions in which most patients improve and assess the outcome at a follow-up examination.

7 · Contraindications and safety

Traditional Panchakarma is a medical programme with genuine contraindications. We openly identify the conditions in which the programme is not performed or requires adaptation:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Acute illness, fever and acute infections.

An exacerbation of any chronic disease: the programme is conducted during remission, not in the acute phase.

Type 1 diabetes, severe decompensated cardiovascular disease, and severe kidney or liver disorders.

Cancer during active treatment.

Marked exhaustion, cachexia, recent hospitalisation or surgery.

Serious mental disorders in an acute phase.

A history of eating disorders: the regimen and procedures require separate assessment.

Age restrictions: deep Panchakarma is not performed for very elderly patients or children; an adapted version is selected for them.

The doctor makes the final decision on suitability and programme content following an in-person assessment. Contraindications do not mean rejection, but a different route: we will offer an individual programme suited to your condition, and Panchakarma once the contraindications no longer apply or in an adapted form.

8 · Where the programme takes place

CALENDULA Clinic is in Siófok, on the shores of Lake Balaton — 8600 Siófok, Kende u. 2, Hungary. A prolonged deep-cleansing programme needs an environment that itself reduces strain: a mild climate, fresh air, a calm waterside rhythm and no work activity. One Ayurvedic principle is to conduct Panchakarma in surroundings that support recovery. Lake Balaton and its rhythm do exactly that.

The programme is residential: this is not an outpatient visit, but 10–14 days at the clinic with full support. To book an initial consultation, call +36 20 261 7447 or +36 30 730 4408, or email info@calendula.hu. We speak Russian, English and German.

9 · Frequently asked questions

How does it differ from gentle Panchakarma?

Gentle Panchakarma is a preventive programme without elimination procedures: massages, heat treatments, nutrition and herbal therapy. Traditional Panchakarma includes classical elimination procedures — Virechana, Basti and Nasya, with Vamana and Raktamoksha when indicated — is performed for medical indications, lasts 10–14 days and requires preparation and recovery. The gentle version is for healthy people; the traditional version is for those with indications whose condition allows it.

Is this medical treatment?

Traditional Panchakarma has therapeutic potential, but is not a treatment under evidence-based medical protocols for most conditions. It is used as a system with a real effect, in addition to — not instead of — necessary treatment. For a diagnosed condition, the doctor decides whether to include Panchakarma in the plan; it does not replace the main therapy.

Do I need to fast?

No. Food in the programme is light, warm and easily digestible, with an emphasis on kitchari and cooked vegetables. This is not fasting: digestion is given maximum rest on elimination days, but nutrition remains adequate. Fasting is used only to a limited extent in the Ayurvedic tradition and not in this programme.

How many of the five procedures will I have?

The doctor determines this after assessment. All five are rarely used; more often, 2–3 procedures are combined according to your condition and tolerability. Programme content is individual and depends on indications, not on a desire to “do everything”.

Can it be combined with my current medication?

This is discussed with the doctor before the programme begins. Some medicines may affect procedure tolerability or require adjustment. Herbal therapy from our own laboratory is selected with possible interactions in mind. Do not stop prescribed treatment yourself: the decision is made by the doctor.

When will I see results?

Many people notice initial changes during the programme: better sleep, lightness and a more even mood. The main effect develops over 2–4 weeks after completion as recovery progresses; for some conditions involving the skin or metabolism, it may take several months. A follow-up examination 4–6 weeks after the programme is included in the support provided.

10 · Book an initial consultation

The first step is a medical consultation and Ayurvedic assessment to determine whether traditional Panchakarma is suitable for you and, if so, which procedures and duration are appropriate. Book a consultation, and together we will decide which path towards balance suits you: traditional Panchakarma, a personalised recovery programme or a combination of approaches in one waterside clinic with 30 years of experience.

CALENDULA Clinic · 8600 Siófok, Kende u. 2, Hungary · +36 20 261 7447 · info@calendula.hu. Traditional Panchakarma is a therapeutic Ayurvedic system performed when indicated under medical supervision. It is not intended to replace treatment according to evidence-based medical protocols and does not replace medical consultation for a diagnosed condition.

A CALENDULA clinic programme

Gentle Panchakarma

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

A gentle cleansing and recovery programme — prevention, rest and a reset for the body in the traditions of Ayurveda and integrative medicine

Sometimes the body needs a pause rather than a pill. A chance to exhale, slow down and give the body a break from food, stress, screens and the endless pressure to get everything done. Panchakarma is just such a pause: gentle, gradual cleansing used in Ayurveda for centuries to relieve accumulated fatigue and restore lightness, clarity and balance.

This programme does not treat diseases. It is for people who are healthy but feel that things have built up: heaviness, sluggishness, disturbed sleep, dull skin, dietary overload and stress-related fatigue. We create the conditions in which the body can return to balance on its own — without forcing it, without aggressive procedures and without promises to “cleanse everything in three days”.

At CALENDULA, Panchakarma follows the clinic’s own method: diagnostics → personalised programme → cleansing and recovery → assessment of results → ongoing support. Ayurveda provides the substance of the procedures, modern medicine ensures safety, and CALENDULA’s own herbal laboratory supplies plant-based preparations selected specifically for you.

1 · What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma (Sanskrit for “five actions”) is a traditional Ayurvedic system for cleansing and restoring the body. Classically, it consists of five procedures, but in this gentle preventive version we do not perform deep elimination procedures: these require thorough medical assessment and extensive preparation and are carried out only under strict indications. Instead, we use Snehana (preparatory oleation), Swedana (heat treatments), nutrition, herbal therapy and gentle Ayurvedic procedures — methods that achieve a cleansing effect through gentle elimination, digestive rest and tissue recovery rather than aggressive intervention.

In our context, “cleansing” means physiological rest and recovery: easing the digestive workload, supporting the mucous membranes and skin, gently removing excess fluid, reducing swelling and restoring sleep and vitality. This is not an online “detox diet”, fasting or laxatives. It is a gentle Ayurvedic approach adapted to the realities of modern life.

2 · Who this programme is for

Gentle Panchakarma at CALENDULA is a preventive and restorative programme for people who are generally healthy but feel the effects of accumulated strain and want a reset.

You feel tired, heavy and sluggish — without a specific disease, but with a noticeable decline in your well-being.

Disturbed sleep, daytime sluggishness, accumulated stress and increased irritability.

Dietary overload: overeating, cravings for sweet and heavy foods, and a feeling that your digestion is overloaded.

Mild swelling, a feeling of heaviness in the body, reduced skin tone and a dull complexion.

You want a reset after an intense period of work, emotional strain, travel or the festive season.

You are ready to set aside a few days for yourself by the water, in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

What this programme does not do: it does not treat chronic diseases, replace treatment for a diagnosed condition or promise “complete removal of toxins” in the popular sense. It is not suitable for patients with acute conditions or serious coexisting illnesses. If you have specific diagnoses, we recommend a medical assessment first and an individually selected treatment programme, with Panchakarma used as part of a broader pathway.

3 · The CALENDULA approach to Panchakarma

At CALENDULA, a clinic with more than 30 years of experience in integrative and preventive medicine, Ayurveda works alongside modern Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine rather than separately. This means that gentle Panchakarma is designed around safety: before the programme begins, a brief medical assessment rules out conditions in which cleansing is inadvisable and adapts the procedures to your actual state of health, rather than to an Ayurvedic “type” considered in isolation.

Modern Western medicine

A brief initial assessment includes measurements, medical history and identification of conditions in which Panchakarma is inadvisable: pregnancy, acute illness, exacerbations of chronic disease, marked weakness, fever and serious coexisting conditions. Basic laboratory tests are performed where necessary. This is not a formality but a safety measure: we need to know that cleansing genuinely suits the person rather than imposing an additional burden.

Ayurveda

Provides the foundation of the programme: an Ayurvedic consultation, assessment of the doshas — constitution and current condition — and selection of oils, nutrition, herbal therapy and procedures according to individual needs. Ayurvedic procedures at CALENDULA — Abhyanga (oil massage), Shirodhara (a gentle stream of warm oil onto the forehead), Udvartana (powder massage), heat treatments and supportive practices — are performed by trained specialists and adapted to each person.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Complements the programme according to individual indications: medical acupuncture to support sleep, relieve tension and restore balance in the autonomic nervous system. It is not compulsory and is available as an option when indicated following medical assessment.

The CALENDULA herbal laboratory

The clinic’s own herbal laboratory and production of plant-based preparations are a particular area of expertise. In Panchakarma, this means that herbal blends, massage oils and supportive preparations are made for the individual rather than taken “off the shelf”. Every preparation is assessed for tolerability, quality and possible interactions as part of CALENDULA’s integrative approach.

We do not choose between East and West. We choose the methods you specifically need — and this is particularly important in Panchakarma: the same procedure is approached differently for a tired office worker and someone with excess stomach acid.

4 · What the programme includes

Gentle Panchakarma means 5–7 days by the water, at a calm pace, without work demands or rushing. The programme follows three Ayurvedic phases — preparation, the main phase and recovery — but in this gentle version all three proceed softly, without abrupt interventions.

Stage 1 · Preparation (Purva Karma)

A brief medical assessment and Ayurvedic consultation: constitutional type, current condition, tolerability and goals.

Snehana — preparatory oleation: warm Abhyanga oil massages, gradual introduction of Ayurvedic nutrition and the start of herbal therapy from our own laboratory.

A transition to light, warm, easily digestible food — a traditional Ayurvedic diet emphasising cooked vegetables, grains, light soups and herbal teas.

Reducing external demands: recommendations to minimise screen time, go to bed early and walk by the water.

Stage 2 · The main phase (Pradhan Karma — gentle version)

Here we do not perform the classical elimination procedures — Vamana, Virechana, Basti in its full form, Nasya or Raktamoksha. These require extensive preparation and medical assessment and are performed only under strict indications. The gentle version uses a mild combination of:

Abhyanga — an individually selected full-body oil massage, daily or every other day.

Shirodhara — a gentle stream of warm herbal oil onto the forehead; one of the most calming and restorative Ayurvedic procedures, particularly for sleep and the nervous system.

Udvartana — massage with herbal powders to support skin tone and gently stimulate lymph flow.

Swedana — mild heat treatments: herbal steam and warm wraps, individually selected according to tolerability.

Gentle supportive procedures: herbal teas, mild supportive formulations from the herbal laboratory and, where necessary, Nasya — herbal drops administered into the nose — in its gentlest form.

Breathing practices and gentle yoga — adapted to your actual level, without forcing progress.

Food in this phase is light and warm: a mono-diet of kitchari, a mixture of basmati rice and split mung beans with spices, adapted individually where necessary. This is not fasting: the body receives everything it needs while digestion gets a rest.

Stage 3 · Recovery (Paschat Karma)

A gradual return to your usual diet through cooked vegetables and light grains, progressively introducing protein and familiar foods.

Supportive plant-based preparations from the herbal laboratory — a short course according to individual indications.

Written lifestyle recommendations for after the programme — nutrition, sleep, movement and stress management — so you can continue at home.

A follow-up conversation with the doctor and Ayurvedic specialist: what has changed, what to continue and what to pay attention to.

5 · What you gain from the programme

A feeling of lightness and reduced swelling through easing the digestive workload and supporting fluid elimination.

Restored sleep and reduced nervous tension — Shirodhara and oil treatments combined with rest by the water have a pronounced effect.

More even skin condition and tone — Udvartana and oil treatments support the skin and microcirculation.

A reset of eating habits — leaving the programme with a clear nutrition plan rather than an Instagram detox.

An understanding of your type and individual recommendations — the Ayurvedic consultation provides guidance tailored to your condition rather than abstract advice.

And most importantly — a pause. A few days without having to rush anywhere or be “productive”, when you could simply be: in a peaceful place by the water, in the hands of trained professionals, in a clinic with 30 years of experience.

6 · Where the programme takes place

CALENDULA Clinic is in Siófok, on the shores of Lake Balaton — 8600 Siófok, Kende u. 2, Hungary. The mild climate, fresh air, peaceful waterside setting and distance from your usual surroundings are not merely a pleasant backdrop, but a genuine part of the Ayurvedic programme. One of Ayurveda’s key principles is to carry out cleansing in an environment that itself reduces strain; Lake Balaton and its rhythm do exactly that.

The programme is available on an outpatient or residential basis; the format and duration are determined individually after the initial consultation. To book a consultation, call +36 20 261 7447 or +36 30 730 4408, or email info@calendula.hu. We speak Russian, English and German.

7 · Who the programme is not suitable for

Gentle Panchakarma is a programme for healthy people. We are honest about when it is unsuitable and offer an alternative:

Pregnancy — cleansing, even gentle cleansing, is not performed during this period.

Acute illness, fever or an exacerbation of a chronic condition.

Marked weakness, exhaustion, recent hospitalisation or the postoperative period.

Serious coexisting conditions — decompensated cardiovascular disease, severe kidney or liver disorders, or cancer during active treatment.

A history of eating disorders — for these patients, the dietary regimen and body massage require a separate medical assessment.

If any of these apply, this is not a rejection but a sign that a different route is needed: we will offer an individual programme suited to your condition. Panchakarma remains an option later, once the contraindications no longer apply.

8 · Frequently asked questions

Is this a detox?

“Detox” in its popular sense is a marketing term. What we do in gentle Panchakarma is provide physiological rest and recovery: easing the digestive workload, supporting the skin and mucous membranes, gently eliminating fluid and restoring sleep. It is not “flushing out toxins”, but creating conditions in which the body returns to balance on its own.

Do I need to fast?

No. Fasting is used very sparingly in the Ayurvedic tradition and not in gentle programmes. Food in this programme is light, warm and easily digestible, with an emphasis on kitchari and cooked vegetables. It is not about depriving the body of food but simplifying it: the body receives everything it needs while digestion gets a pause.

Will I lose weight?

Weight loss is not the aim of the programme, and it would be inappropriate to promise it. Patients often finish feeling lighter because digestion has been eased and swelling reduced, but this is not a weight-loss method. If weight management is your goal, we recommend a personalised metabolic health programme, with Panchakarma as part of the journey rather than a “weight-loss course”.

Is this medical treatment?

No. Gentle Panchakarma is a preventive and restorative programme that makes no claim to treat diseases. If you have specific diagnoses, we recommend medical assessment and an individual treatment programme first. Panchakarma may then become part of a broader plan, but does not replace it.

Is it suitable if I have no experience of Ayurveda?

Yes. The programme is designed so that you become familiar with Ayurveda naturally, through your body and the procedures rather than through theory. After the initial Ayurvedic consultation, you receive clear personal recommendations, without any obligation to adopt an Ayurvedic lifestyle permanently.

Can I come with someone close to me?

Yes — the residential option in Siófok makes this possible. Couples or friends often take part at the same time; each receives an individual programme following their own Ayurvedic consultation.

9 · Book an initial consultation

The first step is a brief conversation with a doctor and an Ayurvedic specialist to establish whether gentle Panchakarma is right for you and, if so, to select an individual option. Book a consultation and together we will decide which route towards balance suits you: gentle Panchakarma, a personalised recovery programme or something else.

CALENDULA Clinic · 8600 Siófok, Kende u. 2, Hungary · +36 20 261 7447 · info@calendula.hu. Gentle Panchakarma is a preventive and restorative programme; it is not intended to treat diseases and does not replace a medical consultation for a diagnosed condition.

Device-based aesthetic treatments at CALENDULA Clinic: rejuvenation and body-contouring technologies by Lake Balaton

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

Beauty is not a temporary mask over fatigue, but a natural reflection of a healthy body, a clean internal environment and balanced cellular metabolism. At CALENDULA, device-based aesthetic medicine brings advanced international technologies together with clinical diagnostics, Ayurvedic protocols, therapeutic nutrition and preventive medicine in a single treatment pathway.

We fundamentally reject the idea of a “treatment for treatment’s sake”. At our clinic, with more than 30 years of experience, every device-based intervention is selected strictly according to objective skin analysis and bioelectrical impedance body-composition data. The device works with the body, not instead of it, awakening its natural capacity for regeneration and collagen synthesis.

Our high-tech equipment: what each technology does

The clinic’s equipment includes advanced platforms from Korean engineering company EunSung, the Austrian–Italian ULTRATONE system and specialist diagnostic systems. Each device addresses a precisely defined range of aesthetic and physiological needs:

1. Expert diagnostics — the foundation for prescribing treatments

Observ Face Analysis (digital multispectral skin analysis):

Multispectral imaging in several optical modes (daylight, ultraviolet, polarised and cross-polarised light). It reveals what cannot be seen with the naked eye: hidden UV pigmentation in deeper layers, dilated capillary networks, dehydration levels, sebum activity, wrinkle depth and hydration reserves. It creates an objective facial map for targeted serum selection and monitoring changes over time.

InBody 270s (medical body-composition analyser):

In 30 seconds, it provides a clinically accurate bioelectrical impedance assessment: the overall ratio of fat to muscle tissue, segmental distribution of volumes across the limbs and trunk, visceral fat level, phase angle and basal metabolic rate. It allows us to check that body contouring reduces fat mass and stagnant lymph while preserving the supporting musculature.

Denziometer (bone densitometry):

The gold standard for assessing bone mineral density. It enables timely detection of osteopenia and osteoporosis at an asymptomatic stage, which is especially valuable for women in perimenopause and postmenopause, and for patients over 50.

2. Face: deep cleansing, hydrodermabrasion and cellular nourishment

EunSung HydraBeauty2 (a flagship for atraumatic hydropeeling and detoxification):

A multifunctional platform combining six interconnected technologies: vacuum aqua peeling, microvibration, electroporation, hydrogen therapy, ultrasound and soothing LED light.

What it does: Gently dissolves impurities, cleanses and tightens pores, carefully exfoliates dead skin cells, hydrates tissues and delivers serums deeply without needle punctures.

Result: A fresh, radiant complexion, restored moisture balance and clear skin immediately after treatment, with no recovery period.

EunSung SmartLine (comprehensive device-based care):

A system with seven specialised attachments for basic aesthetic support.

What it does: Combines ultrasonic cleansing, ionic penetration of active nourishing solutions, micromassage and soothing cryotherapy. Suitable even for highly reactive and sensitive skin, preparing tissues for deeper stimulating treatments.

EunSung DR.LIGHT (high-intensity photodynamic LED therapy):

Light therapy using three therapeutic wavelengths:

Blue spectrum (415 nm): A powerful antibacterial effect, controlling breakouts and acne.

Red spectrum (625 nm): Stimulation of fibroblasts and activation of the body’s own collagen production.

Infrared spectrum (830 nm): Reduction of swelling and deep inflammation, and faster healing after peels, lasers and ultrasound lifting.

3. Face: non-invasive lifting and collagen stimulation

EunSung HIFU Pen (ultrasound SMAS lifting):

High-intensity focused ultrasound that penetrates through the upper skin layers directly into the musculoaponeurotic layer (SMAS) at depths of 1.5 to 13 mm.

What it does: Creates thermal coagulation points, immediately tightening the facial framework and initiating months of new collagen synthesis.

Result: Non-surgical lifting of the jawline, reduction of a double chin, smoothing of nasolabial folds and lifting of the cheeks. The effect develops over 2–3 months and lasts from 1 to 2 years.

EunSung ComfortDual (radiofrequency RF lifting and cavitation):

A system for controlled deep heating of the dermis.

What it does: Heat stimulates fibroblasts, tightens weakened, stretched collagen fibres and restores skin density.

Result: Elimination of laxity, improved elasticity and smoother skin texture without pain, epidermal damage or a recovery period.

4. Body and face: contouring, muscle tone and reducing swelling

EunSung LipoZero (device-based body sculpting):

A multimodal system for non-surgical treatment of problem areas: abdomen, flanks, thighs, buttocks and upper arms.

What it does: Targets local fat deposits and fibrotic cellulite, activates local lipolysis and improves microcirculation. The procedure helps reduce volume in areas resistant to exercise and dieting, and tightens stretched skin.

ULTRATONE Futura Pro (intelligent biostimulation):

An Italian system combining bioelectrical muscle stimulation, microcurrent therapy and ultrasound.

What it does: Passively “activates” the body’s deep skeletal muscles, stimulates lymphatic drainage, strengthens the supporting musculature and tightens contours. On the face, microcurrent protocols restore facial muscle tone and relieve congestive puffiness.

How the CALENDULA programme works: 5 steps towards lasting results

In-depth device-based diagnostics:

Creating a multispectral skin map with Observ, bioelectrical impedance body-composition screening with InBody 270s and, where necessary, densitometry. A specialist consultation based on objective data.

An individual treatment pathway:

Developing a personalised treatment plan: defining the cleansing sequence, depth of treatment, stimulation parameters and intervals between sessions.

High-tech treatment sessions:

All protocols are carried out by certified specialists under continuous medical supervision, with ongoing assessment of tissue adaptation.

Integrative support from within (nutrition and nutraceuticals):

Any device-based stimulation requires building materials. To enable the skin to produce collagen and the muscles to gain tone, the programme is supplemented with personalised recommendations on bioavailable protein, antioxidants, trace elements, hydration and sleep.

Follow-up screening and a home-care protocol:

Repeat scans with Observ and InBody clearly document the changes. Patients receive individual recommendations for maintenance care to preserve skin freshness and density over the long term.

The programme’s main pathways

The Basic Care and Radiance pathway: Deep atraumatic cleansing, hydration, pore detoxification and cellular phototherapy (HydraBeauty2 + DR.LIGHT + Observ).

The Anti-Age Contouring and Lifting pathway: Densifying the extracellular matrix, non-surgical SMAS lifting and restoring facial contours (HIFU Pen + ComfortDual + DR.LIGHT + HydraBeauty2).

The Body Sculpting and Tone pathway: Local reduction of stubborn fat pockets, strengthening the supporting musculature and lymphatic drainage (LipoZero + ULTRATONE Futura Pro with ongoing InBody monitoring).

The Comprehensive Aesthetic Reset pathway: Full integration of device-based methods for the face and body with the clinic’s cleansing treatments (Panchakarma), Zalmanov baths, microbiome restoration and signature cuisine.

The synergy of modern technology and medical experience

Device-based aesthetic treatments at CALENDULA offer the opportunity to turn back time without aggressive surgery, lengthy recovery or one-size-fits-all solutions.

[Book a computerised skin analysis and create an individual aesthetic programme]

Metabolic syndrome: the anatomy of a hidden threat and the path to systemic recovery

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

Metabolic syndrome is not an isolated disease, but a complex combination of interrelated metabolic and neuroendocrine disturbances. A person may spend years attributing an expanding waistline, blood pressure fluctuations or declining energy to stress and age, unaware that a single pathological chain is already unfolding within the body.

At the heart of metabolic syndrome lies insulin resistance — a loss of cellular sensitivity to insulin. To push glucose into resistant tissues, the pancreas begins producing ever-increasing amounts of insulin (hyperinsulinaemia). Over time, this mechanism exhausts the body, turning metabolism into a vicious cycle of chronic self-destruction.

How metabolic syndrome develops: perspectives from science and ancient medical systems

Modern evidence-based medicine and traditional health systems (Ayurveda and TCM) describe the root of the problem in strikingly similar terms.

In Ayurveda, metabolic disturbances are known as Medoroga (disease of adipose tissue) and Prameha (disorders of carbohydrate metabolism). The cause is a weakening of the digestive and cellular fire (Agni). As a result, incompletely broken-down metabolic products turn into Ama — endogenous toxins and metabolic waste.

Cell membrane blockade: Ama circulates in the bloodstream and settles on cell membranes, blocking their transport and barrier functions. The membrane becomes “deaf” and stops responding to regulatory signals.

A hormonal trap: Cells stop responding to insulin and leptin (the satiety hormone). The body demands more and more carbohydrates, creating irresistible sugar cravings and a false sense of hunger.

Chronic cortisol stress: High cortisol levels worsen insulin resistance and stimulate the deposition of the most dangerous type of fat — visceral fat.

Why metabolic syndrome is dangerous and which diseases it includes

Metabolic syndrome delivers a coordinated attack on target organs: the heart, kidneys, brain, blood vessels and reproductive system. It ties several serious conditions together:

Abdominal and visceral obesity: Fat around the internal organs and an increased waist circumference (more than 80 cm in women and more than 94–102 cm in men) are not a cosmetic problem, but an aggressive source of systemic low-grade inflammation. Adipocytes release inflammatory cytokines that damage blood vessels.

Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes: Persistent hyperinsulinaemia exhausts pancreatic beta cells, leading to sustained hyperglycaemia, glycation of vascular collagen and severe vascular complications (diabetic angiopathy and neuropathy).

Arterial hypertension: Peripheral vascular spasm, sodium retention and sympathetic nervous system overactivity lead to a sustained rise in blood pressure above 130/80 mmHg.

Early atherosclerosis and dyslipidaemia: Products of disturbed metabolism and oxidative stress damage the inner lining of the arteries (endothelium). The body attempts to “patch” these micro-injuries with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, forming plaques that narrow the vessels and lead to heart attack and stroke.

Hyperuricaemia and gout: Impaired elimination of uric acid by the kidneys and liver causes it to crystallise in the joints, resulting in painful inflammatory attacks.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis): The liver undergoes degeneration, losing its ability to process cholesterol and metabolise hormones.

Sexual and reproductive dysfunction:

In men: Aromatase in visceral fat converts testosterone into oestradiol, triggering androgen deficiency, loss of muscle mass, erectile dysfunction and infertility.

In women: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual disturbances, infertility and, later in life, severe menopausal metabolic syndrome with intense hot flushes and rapid weight gain.

Expert selection of conventional medicines, safety and the goal of reducing medication burden

At CALENDULA Clinic, we follow strict standards of evidence-based European medicine. We do not blindly discontinue essential medicines; we select them carefully and conduct ongoing laboratory monitoring across all the key components of metabolic syndrome:

Antihypertensive therapy: Precise selection of medicines to normalise vascular tone and protect the heart and kidneys, with continuous blood pressure monitoring.

Hypoglycaemic and glucose-lowering medicines: Carefully calibrated pharmacotherapy for carbohydrate metabolism disorders, with regular assessment of blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin sensitivity.

Lipid-lowering and organ-protective medicines: Correction of the lipid profile and protection of the liver, with regular monitoring of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and renal filtration.

Our main goal is not a lifelong increase in tablets, but a gradual reduction in medication burden.

As the body is deeply cleansed, the vascular network recovers and cellular metabolism normalises, doses of synthetic medicines are gradually reduced under strict medical supervision. The ultimate aim of treatment is a gentle transition to personalised, mild herbal therapy from the clinic’s own laboratory, stabilising metabolism and protecting target organs without toxic side effects.

CALENDULA Clinic’s integrative method: systemic healing of metabolism

At CALENDULA Clinic, we address the biological foundations of disease, combining the rigour of European clinical diagnostics with powerful natural technologies for deep cleansing and regeneration:

1. Deep cellular cleansing (Panchakarma)

The classical detoxification programme removes metabolic Ama from deep tissues:

Internal and external oil treatment (Snehana) binds fat-soluble toxins.

Gentle steam warming (Swedana) opens the pores and lymphatic pathways.

Therapeutic cleansing of the intestines and liver (Virechana) reduces the burden on the hepatobiliary system, restoring metabolic clearance.

This frees cell membranes: cells can once again “hear” insulin and leptin without obstruction, initiating a natural reduction in blood sugar and suppression of pathological appetite.

2. Hydrotherapy, Zalmanov capillary therapy and water treatments

In metabolic syndrome, tissues suffer from hypoxia caused by peripheral vascular spasm:

Zalmanov turpentine baths: Yellow baths promote deep thermolysis of fat deposits, accelerated burning of metabolic waste and a reduction in blood pressure, while white baths restore microcirculation and capillary pulsation.

Water-based balneotherapy methods: Iodine-bromine and conifer baths and Kneipp contrast water protocols normalise autonomic nervous system function, relieve peripheral vascular spasm and stimulate lymphatic drainage.

Blood vessels regain their lost elasticity, normalising blood flow without the need for excessively high medication doses.

3. Therapeutic movement: Qigong, yoga and individual therapeutic exercise

Exhausting strength overload that depletes the adrenal glands and raises cortisol is contraindicated in metabolic syndrome:

Health-promoting Qigong: Gentle, wave-like movements restore the harmonious flow of energy along the Liver, Kidney and Spleen meridians, stimulate microcirculation in internal organs and gently regulate autonomic tone.

Adaptive and hormonal yoga: Carefully selected asanas improve blood supply to the endocrine glands and abdominal organs, eliminate hypoxia and pelvic congestion without a stress-related blood pressure spike.

Individual therapeutic exercise and sessions with a rehabilitation specialist: Individually dosed kinesitherapy programmes gently activate the metabolism of skeletal muscle — the main user of glucose. This safely lowers blood sugar, strengthens the supporting musculature, reduces joint loading and accelerates the burning of visceral fat.

4. Personalised herbal medicine (our own laboratory)

We do not use one-size-fits-all dietary supplements. Our accredited pharmaceutical laboratory creates individual medicinal herbal blends, tinctures and oil extracts:

Natural formulas gently lower glucose and uric acid levels, restore the liver’s ability to process cholesterol and protect the vascular endothelium from atherosclerotic damage.

As the body’s own resources recover, herbal preparations take on the leading supportive role, allowing medication burden to be minimised.

5. Specialised bodywork and device-based support

Udvartana massage: Intensive body treatment with blends of therapeutic dry herbs, spices and minerals breaks down subcutaneous fat deposits, removes stagnant interstitial fluid and eliminates lymphatic swelling.

Device-assisted lymphatic drainage and pressotherapy: Reduce swelling and improve venous return.

Laser platforms and physiotherapy: Improve blood fluidity and restore nerve conduction in diabetic polyneuropathy.

6. Low-glycaemic therapeutic cuisine (35 years of experience)

Nutrition at the clinic is full-fledged culinary therapy. The diet is individually designed: it kindles the enzymatic fire (Agni), is rich in antioxidants and fibre, does not trigger sharp glucose spikes and protects muscle mass while accelerating the burning of dangerous visceral fat.

7. Relieving cortisol stress and restoring sleep

Shirodhara (pouring warm herbal oil onto the forehead), acupuncture sessions and pranayama breathing practices normalise the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, calm chronic stress and block excessive cortisol release, relieving autonomic vascular spasms.

What do you achieve through the course?

Cellular renewal: Restoration of sensitivity to your own insulin and elimination of hyperinsulinaemia.

Healthy, lasting weight loss: A reduced waist circumference and the burning of visceral fat without starvation or a rebound effect.

Cleansing and protecting blood vessels: Lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and protection of the kidneys, heart and vascular endothelium from the progression of atherosclerosis.

Stabilisation of blood pressure and blood sugar with a gentle transition away from pharmacotherapy: Reliable control of blood pressure and glycaemia, with a step-by-step reduction in conventional medication doses through to a transition to safe herbal complexes.

Renewed hormonal vitality: Increased free testosterone in men, a normalised cycle and comfort in mature years for women, and a surge of pure energy and mental clarity.

After completing the residential course in a comfortable setting on the shores of Lake Balaton, you receive an individual health plan: a home nutrition protocol, a personal supply of herbal preparations from our laboratory, a set of therapeutic exercises and a clear schedule for follow-up tests to maintain long-term results.

Take a step towards genuine metabolic health

Do not let hidden metabolic disturbances develop into irreversible vascular catastrophes. Entrust your body’s reset to the integrative medicine of CALENDULA Clinic.

[Undergo comprehensive metabolic diagnostics and create an individual treatment programme]

Musculoskeletal treatment programme: 30 years of clinical experience at CALENDULA

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

Chronic neck stiffness, shooting lower back pain, numb fingers or aching knees and hips are not isolated conditions in their own right, but signs of a deep-seated systemic dysfunction. Most people suppress them for years with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain-relieving ointments, yet temporary relief inevitably gives way to another, more severe flare-up. The reason is simple: relieving pain does not stop tissue destruction.

Pain in the spine and joints is only the tip of the iceberg. Modern preventive and restorative medicine identifies four key theories of pathogenesis that explain why joints deteriorate and the spine suffers:

Mechanical theory: Imbalances in body alignment, scoliotic deformities, postural disorders, a sedentary lifestyle or excessive physical strain lead to uneven pressure distribution. Persistent protective muscle spasm (guarding) develops, restricting movement in the segment, compressing blood vessels and accelerating mechanical wear of the intervertebral discs and joint surfaces.

Metabolic theory: Cartilage has no blood vessels of its own and renews itself through diffusion. Metabolic disturbances, capillary spasm, insulin resistance and visceral fat accumulation lead to tissue swelling, chronic hypoxia and disruption of the coordinated activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts (the cells responsible for building and breaking down bone tissue). As a result, cartilage becomes thinner and bone loses density.

Inflammatory-infectious and autoimmune theory: In many cases, disease is triggered by hidden infectious agents (Borrelia, herpes-group viruses, cytomegalovirus, chlamydia) or a malfunction of the body’s own immune system. In rheumatoid processes and autoimmunity, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membranes and connective tissue matrix, sustaining low-grade destructive inflammation for years.

Genetic theory: Congenital connective tissue characteristics, dysplasia, anatomical skeletal abnormalities and genetically determined idiopathic scoliosis that manifests in childhood. Genetic weakness of the ligaments requires early preventive protection and the development of reliable muscular support.

At CALENDULA, advanced spinal neurology, top-class device-based physiotherapy, manual biomechanics, capillary therapy and Ayurvedic cleansing are combined in a single therapeutic pathway. Our 30 years of experience enable us to address all four pathogenic mechanisms effectively: restoring mechanics, cleansing the metabolic environment, suppressing hidden inflammation and compensating for genetic vulnerability.

1. The foundation: in-depth investigation of underlying causes and spinal neurology

Neurological syndromes associated with spinal disorders account for almost half of all nervous system diseases. Spinal osteochondrosis, disc protrusions, herniated discs, spondyloarthrosis, nerve root pain and vertebral artery syndrome require a detailed search for the primary source.

The diagnostic stage includes:

Examination and consultation with a neurologist specialising in spinal disorders, including assessment of reflexes, gait biomechanics and the degree of muscle guarding.

Expert imaging methods: MRI of the intervertebral discs, the muscles and ligaments of the joints, and the blood vessels of the head; radiography; and ultrasound of the neck vessels.

Segmental assessment of autonomic and trophic disturbances across the body’s metameres.

2. Immediate care: rapid and safe relief of acute pain

Patients should not have to endure debilitating pain. Targeted anti-inflammatory therapy is used to break the vicious cycle of “pain → muscle spasm → increased pain”:

Local medication blocks: precise, targeted administration of anaesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs directly to the source of the problem — around a nerve, at a compressed nerve root, into muscular trigger points, facet joints or periarticular bursae. The medication acts immediately and locally, without irritating the gastrointestinal tract or burdening the liver.

BTL-6000 high-intensity laser: penetrates significantly deeper than standard physiotherapy lasers, instantly reducing inflammatory swelling, relieving acute pain and stimulating natural cartilage bioregeneration without injections.

High-intensity magnetic therapy with SIS (Super Inductive System): a focused magnetic field of up to 2.5 Tesla relieves deep muscle tension, improves local blood flow and blocks pain signals at spinal cord level from the first minutes of treatment.

3. Anatomical decompression and restoration of movement biomechanics

Once acute pain subsides, treatment moves on to mechanically releasing compressed nerves, blood vessels and joint surfaces:

Computer-controlled cyclic traction (BTL-6000 Traction): programmable mechanical spinal traction that differs fundamentally from dangerous manual manipulations. The device smoothly regulates traction force and the angle of application with millimetre precision for the specific region — cervical, thoracic or lumbar. The distance between the vertebrae increases and negative pressure develops within the damaged disc, drawing the herniated protrusion back in, freeing the nerve root and blood vessels and allowing nutrient-rich fluid to flow into the cartilage.

Defanotherapy: an original system of gentle traction and impulse techniques. The doctor identifies hidden areas of muscle guarding, eliminates pathological restrictions in spinal motion segments and activates reserve muscles, creating anatomically correct muscular support without surgery.

Gentle manual therapy and post-isometric relaxation (PIR): delicate mobilisation of the bones and ligaments. Rather than “forcing joints back into place”, the doctor alternates brief isometric muscle contraction with passive relaxation to release long-standing spasms. Patients learn PIR techniques so they can maintain freedom of movement independently at home.

Metameric neurotherapy and reflex therapy: treatment of biologically active points and segmental body metameres using acupuncture, warming with mugwort sticks, electro-laser stimulation and microinjections of neurotrophic medication. The method normalises sensation, restores innervation of the limbs and eliminates referred visceral pain.

4. Biological regeneration of tissues and joints

Cellular renewal technologies are used for osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, scapulohumeral periarthritis, tendon injuries and ligament degeneration:

PRP therapy (plasma lifting): intra-articular injection of the patient’s own plasma enriched with their platelets. Natural growth factors activate dormant cartilage cells, stimulate endogenous collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation and prevent further joint destruction.

Structural collagen injections: targeted replenishment of protein deficiencies in connective tissue, restoring mechanical strength and elasticity to cartilage, menisci and tendons.

Shockwave therapy (DUOLITH SD1): a combination of focused and radial shockwaves breaks down fibrous adhesions, calcifications, heel spurs and areas of scar adhesion, greatly enhancing the local microvascular network.

Electrophoresis and electrical muscle stimulation: deep, targeted delivery of chondroprotective agents directly into the joint space and maintenance of muscle tone when mobility is limited.

5. Metabolic cleansing and capillary therapy: addressing the systemic cause

The main difference between CALENDULA and traditional orthopaedic centres lies in its understanding of the internal environment: cartilage deteriorates in an acidic, inflamed and toxin-laden environment. To initiate regeneration, the body needs to be cleansed from within:

Ayurvedic Panchakarma: a classic five-procedure deep-cleansing protocol under a doctor’s supervision. Oleation (Snehana) and herbal steam barrels (Swedana) bind and remove fat-soluble endotoxins, relieving the toxic burden on periarticular tissues. Abhyanga oil massage and Udvartana massage with powdered spices reduce tissue swelling and inflammation.

Dr A. S. Zalmanov’s capillary therapy: white and yellow turpentine emulsion baths open millions of constricted capillaries, restoring a powerful flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to poorly perfused ligaments and joint capsules, while also removing salts and waste products.

Medical herbal therapy and therapeutic cuisine: an anti-inflammatory diet and individual herbal blends restore uric acid metabolism, balance the microbiome and suppress systemic inflammatory foci.

Neurosomatic balance (Shirodhara and mindfulness practices): pouring warm herbal oil onto the forehead relieves areas of overexcitation in the cerebral cortex, normalises sleep at night and reduces levels of stress-related cortisol that causes back muscles to spasm.

Conditions addressed by the programme

Spinal disorders: herniated and protruding intervertebral discs in any region, widespread spinal osteochondrosis, deforming spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis, grade I–III scoliosis, kyphosis, instability of spinal motion segments, low back pain, neck pain, thoracic spinal pain, sciatica, radiculopathies, vertebral artery syndrome and coccydynia.

Joint conditions: grade I–II deforming osteoarthritis of the hip (coxarthrosis) and knee (gonarthrosis), scapulohumeral periarthritis, bursitis, epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”), tendinopathies, Achilles tendon pain, impingement syndrome and heel spurs.

Neurological complications: persistent tension headaches and cervicogenic migraines, intercostal neuralgia, neuritis (including of the facial nerve), nerve entrapment syndromes (carpal tunnel syndrome), paresis, and spastic and atonic muscle conditions.

Rehabilitation: gentle restoration of mobility after spinal and joint surgery, rehabilitation following severe everyday and sports injuries, and treatment of the consequences of perinatal central nervous system injury and postural disorders in children.

The stages of your journey towards freedom of movement

Consultation and in-depth diagnostics: identifying the true causes of pain, assessing neurological deficits and imaging the condition of discs and joints.

Emergency pain relief: targeted blocks, SIS pulsed magnetic therapy, high-intensity laser treatment and procedures to reduce swelling.

In-depth biomechanical correction: programmable BTL Traction, defanotherapy, manual techniques and metameric therapy.

Bioregeneration and repair: PRP plasma lifting, collagen therapy and shockwave tissue stimulation.

Systemic cleansing of the body: a course of Panchakarma procedures, Zalmanov baths, personalised herbal therapy and anti-inflammatory nutrition.

Consolidating results and handing over control: teaching individual PIR exercises, developing stable natural muscular support and providing long-term recommendations for independently maintaining a healthy back.

Restore flexibility, ease of movement and a pain-free life to your body

Chronic back and joint pain is not a life sentence or a reason to accept surgery or lifelong medication. Integrative medicine at CALENDULA addresses the root cause of disease, restoring the joy of an active and fulfilling life.

[Book an expert diagnostic assessment and undertake a personalised spine and joint recovery programme]

The Respiratory Health programme

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

Comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and recovery for recurrent respiratory tract infections, chronic cough, obstructive lung diseases, impaired gas exchange and post-infectious conditions

1. The programme concept

Philosophy

The Respiratory Health programme is a comprehensive clinical pathway for patients with recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections, chronic cough, breathlessness, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), impaired nasal breathing, reduced exercise tolerance and signs of possible gas exchange abnormalities.

The programme combines evidence-based respiratory medicine, ENT assessment, functional diagnostics, respiratory rehabilitation, risk factor management, nutrition, sleep support and carefully selected integrative methods. The aim is not simply to reduce symptoms temporarily, but to identify their main causes, reduce the risk of exacerbations, restore functional reserves and improve quality of life.

Post-COVID syndrome is an important, but not the only, focus of the programme. In some patients, COVID-19 triggers prolonged breathlessness, cough, sleep disturbances, fatigue, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, dysautonomia or reduced endurance. All symptoms nevertheless require differential diagnosis: asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, anaemia, sleep disorders, thromboembolic complications and other conditions must be ruled out.

Main objectives

Identify the causes of recurrent infections and prolonged recovery after acute viral respiratory infections, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia and other illnesses.

Identify or rule out bronchial asthma, COPD, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, chronic rhinosinusitis and other causes of cough and breathlessness.

Assess lung function, exercise tolerance, oxygen saturation and possible gas exchange abnormalities.

Identify factors that sustain airway inflammation: allergies, smoking, vaping, occupational exposures, sleep disorders, reflux, deficiencies and chronic inflammatory foci.

Develop a personalised plan for medical treatment, rehabilitation, prevention of exacerbations and a safe return to physical activity.

2. Who the programme is for

Patients with recurrent viral upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis or tracheobronchitis.

People with a persistent cough after acute viral respiratory infection, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia or bronchitis.

Patients with breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness or reduced exercise tolerance.

People diagnosed with bronchial asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis.

Patients with possible hidden hypoxia: falling oxygen saturation during exercise, night-time symptoms, snoring, suspected sleep apnoea or marked daytime sleepiness.

People with post-COVID syndrome and persistent respiratory, autonomic, cognitive or fatigue-related symptoms.

Patients recovering from pneumonia, hospitalisation, oxygen support or prolonged inactivity.

3. Recurrent infections and respiratory reserves

Repeated respiratory tract infections

Recurrent infections do not always mean “low immunity” in the everyday sense. Their frequency and severity may be linked to chronic mucosal inflammation, allergies, impaired nasal breathing, asthma, exposure to tobacco smoke or irritants, sleep disorders, inadequate recovery, coexisting diseases and lifestyle factors.

Clinical assessment considers the number of infection episodes in the past year, their duration, the presence of fever or pneumonia, the need for antibiotics, the nature of the cough and sputum, seasonality, links to allergens and physical activity, and the speed of recovery after illness.

When more extensive diagnostics are needed

Frequent, severe or unusually prolonged infections.

Repeated pneumonia or multiple courses of antibiotics.

A cough persisting for more than a few weeks.

Coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, prolonged fever or night sweats.

Marked breathlessness, reduced oxygen saturation or recurrent bronchospasm.

Suspected immunodeficiency, bronchiectasis, asthma, COPD or interstitial lung disease.

4. Obstructive lung diseases

Bronchial asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness

Asthma may first appear after a viral infection or remain disguised as “frequent bronchitis” for a long time. Possible signs include episodes of wheezing, attacks of breathlessness, a night-time or morning cough, chest tightness, and worsening symptoms in the cold, on exposure to allergens or strong smells, or during exercise.

Initial assessment includes spirometry with a bronchodilator reversibility test. If suspicion remains despite normal spirometry, peak flow monitoring with a symptom diary, additional functional tests and consultation with a respiratory specialist may be used. Integrative methods may complement treatment but do not replace inhaled anti-inflammatory therapy for asthma.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COPD should be ruled out in the presence of chronic cough, sputum, breathlessness, reduced endurance, smoking, vaping or ongoing exposure to dust, gases and chemicals. The diagnosis is confirmed by post-bronchodilator spirometry; lung volumes, diffusing capacity, oxygen saturation, exercise tolerance and imaging findings are assessed where necessary.

Management includes smoking cessation, vaccination, inhaled therapy when indicated, pulmonary rehabilitation, regular physical activity and prevention of exacerbations. Nebuliser treatments, mucolytics and physiotherapy are prescribed individually rather than automatically.

5. Chronic hypoxia and gas exchange abnormalities

Normal oxygen saturation at rest does not always rule out reduced oxygenation during physical activity or sleep. Possible signs include reduced endurance, breathlessness during normal activities, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, tachycardia, poor recovery after exercise and waking at night feeling short of breath.

A subjective feeling of air hunger is not always linked to hypoxaemia. It can also result from hyperventilation, a dysfunctional breathing pattern, anxiety, anaemia, deconditioning or cardiovascular causes. Measurements are therefore always interpreted in the context of the full clinical picture.

Possible investigations

Pulse oximetry at rest and during graded exercise.

A six-minute walk test with heart rate and SpO₂ monitoring.

Spirometry, a bronchodilator reversibility test and assessment of lung diffusing capacity.

Blood gas analysis when indicated.

Overnight pulse oximetry, respiratory monitoring or polysomnography when sleep-disordered breathing is suspected.

ECG, echocardiography and laboratory tests for anaemia, deficiencies and inflammatory conditions.

6. The upper respiratory tract

Chronic nasal congestion, mouth breathing, postnasal drip, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis can sustain a cough, impair sleep, cause a feeling of breathlessness and increase susceptibility to infections. Upper airway assessment is an important part of the programme, especially with frequent sinusitis, impaired sense of smell, snoring and a persistent cough.

Depending on symptoms, an ENT consultation, nasal endoscopy, assessment of an allergic component and imaging of the paranasal sinuses may be required. Management may include nasal irrigation with isotonic solutions, local anti-inflammatory therapy when indicated, allergy treatment and correction of structural abnormalities.

7. Post-COVID syndrome

The place of post-COVID syndrome within the programme

Post-COVID syndrome is a condition in which symptoms persist or develop after COVID-19 infection and cannot be explained solely by the acute infectious process. It can affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, immune and metabolic systems, requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

For some patients, breathlessness and reduced endurance predominate; for others, fatigue, sleep disturbances, tachycardia, anxiety, brain fog or a marked worsening of symptoms after exertion are the main problems. It is important not to attribute every complaint automatically to post-COVID syndrome: the clinical programme must identify reversible and potentially dangerous causes of symptoms.

Possible manifestations

Breathlessness when walking, talking or climbing stairs.

A dry, irritating or residual cough.

A feeling of being unable to take a full breath, chest tightness and episodes of hyperventilation.

Post-infectious fatigue, muscle weakness and reduced exercise tolerance.

Post-exertional symptom worsening after physical, emotional or cognitive activity.

Tachycardia, palpitations, orthostatic intolerance and autonomic instability.

Sleep disturbances, anxiety, headaches, impaired concentration and memory.

Changes in smell and taste, worsening allergic rhinitis, sinusitis or bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Principles of recovery

Rehabilitation after COVID-19 is based on gradual progression and safety. Intensive training or forced increases in activity are unsuitable for patients with marked fatigue, tachycardia, oxygen desaturation or post-exertional symptom worsening. Management uses graded activity, pacing, monitoring of symptoms, heart rate and oxygen saturation, and measures to improve sleep, nutrition and breathing patterns and correct identified deficiencies.

8. An integrative approach

Why it matters

Respiratory symptoms rarely exist in isolation. Infection frequency, the severity of breathlessness and the speed of recovery may depend on upper airway health, sleep, allergies, muscular deconditioning, anxiety, nutrition, body weight, smoking, chronic stress and coexisting cardiovascular or metabolic factors.

An integrative approach is not opposed to standard medicine. Its purpose is to broaden clinical assessment and complement core treatment with measures that improve adherence, recovery, exercise tolerance and risk factor control. Any additional interventions are prescribed after assessing contraindications, drug interactions and the patient’s actual goals.

Components of integrative support

Respiratory rehabilitation: diaphragmatic breathing, prolonged exhalation, correction of hyperventilation patterns and respiratory muscle training.

Graded physical activity: walking, therapeutic exercise, chest mobility exercises and gradual muscle strengthening.

Sleep and stress management: sleep hygiene, relaxation methods, gentle mindfulness practices, adapted yoga or Qigong.

Nutritional support: adequate protein, fibre and fluid intake and correction of confirmed deficiencies.

Medical herbal therapy and nutraceuticals: only on an individual basis, with assessment of tolerability, product quality and drug interactions.

ENT support: restoring nasal breathing, controlling allergic inflammation and managing chronic rhinosinusitis.

Behavioural and environmental measures: stopping smoking and vaping, reducing exposure to irritants and learning to monitor symptoms independently.

Safety boundaries

Integrative methods do not replace inhaled therapy for asthma and COPD, oxygen therapy for confirmed hypoxaemia, antibacterial treatment for established bacterial infection, treatment of exacerbations or emergency medical care. Their role is to complement evidence-based treatment and support sustained recovery.

9. The diagnostic pathway

Stage 1. Initial assessment

History of infections over the past 12 months, smoking, vaping, allergies, occupational exposures, medication and vaccination.

Assessment of cough, sputum, breathlessness, exercise tolerance, sleep, snoring, daytime sleepiness, anxiety and post-exertional symptom worsening.

Measurement of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and SpO₂ at rest, with monitoring over time where necessary.

Assessment of current physical activity levels and functional limitations.

Stage 2. Basic diagnostics

Full blood count with differential, inflammatory markers, ferritin and iron metabolism markers.

Vitamin D, vitamin B12, protein metabolism markers and liver and kidney function tests when indicated.

Spirometry, pulse oximetry, ECG and exercise tolerance testing.

Assessment of immunoglobulins and other immune status parameters where the clinical picture warrants it.

Stage 3. Extended assessment

Spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility testing, peak flow measurement, lung diffusing capacity and body plethysmography.

A six-minute walk test and chest imaging when indicated.

Overnight pulse oximetry and sleep studies.

ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography and consultations with a respiratory specialist, ENT specialist, allergist or cardiologist.

10. The recovery programme

Stage 1. Medical stabilisation

At this stage, the cause of symptoms is established, dangerous conditions are ruled out and baseline treatment is adjusted. Where necessary, treatment addresses asthma, COPD, chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis, reflux, anaemia, deficiencies, sleep disorders and cardiovascular factors.

Stage 2. Respiratory rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is individualised: breathing control training, diaphragmatic breathing, prolonged exhalation, respiratory muscle training, gentle chest mobilisation, graded walking and gradual improvement in functional endurance.

Stage 3. Metabolic and nutritional support

The nutrition plan aims to maintain muscle mass, ensure adequate protein intake, correct deficiencies and reduce factors that impair recovery. Nutraceuticals and herbal therapy are used only after individual assessment and do not replace prescribed medication.

Stage 4. Monitoring

Infection frequency, cough, breathlessness, episodes of bronchospasm, exercise tolerance, sleep, heart rate, oxygen saturation and the need for rescue treatment are monitored over time. The programme is adjusted according to follow-up findings, usually every 4–6 weeks or sooner if the condition worsens.

11. Red flags

Urgent in-person medical assessment is required for the following symptoms:

Breathlessness at rest, inability to speak in full sentences or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing.

A significant or rapid fall in oxygen saturation, or blue lips.

Chest pain or pressure, fainting or sudden marked tachycardia.

Coughing up blood, high fever or purulent sputum with a worsening overall condition.

Sudden weakness, speech difficulties or confusion.

Swelling of one leg together with sudden breathlessness or chest pain.

12. Frequently asked questions

When should I seek help through the programme?

Reasons to seek help include frequent infections, a persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, reduced endurance, snoring, night-time awakenings, suspected low oxygen saturation and prolonged recovery after pneumonia or COVID-19.

Could frequent bronchitis actually be asthma?

Yes. Repeated episodes of cough, wheezing, bronchospasm and night-time symptoms require lung function assessment and exclusion of asthma, especially when allergies are present or symptoms are linked to exercise and cold air.

Can hypoxia occur if oxygen saturation is normal at rest?

Yes. Gas exchange abnormalities may appear only during exercise or sleep. In these situations, pulse oximetry monitoring, a walk test and a sleep study are performed when indicated.

Does every patient need inhalation treatments, physiotherapy or nutraceuticals?

No. All treatment is prescribed according to indications and after assessment of the diagnosis, the nature of the cough, the presence of bronchospasm, oxygen saturation, cardiovascular status and possible contraindications.

How should I return to exercise after COVID-19?

The return should be gradual. With marked fatigue, tachycardia, oxygen desaturation or post-exertional symptom worsening, pacing is used: short periods of activity alternate with rest, and activity is increased only when tolerance remains stable.

The Respiratory Health programme is a personalised pathway towards restoring breathing, resistance to infections, physical activity and quality of life.

The Nervous System and Sleep programme: comprehensive treatment and sleep restoration at CALENDULA Clinic

Dr Dmitry Skopintsev

The autonomic nervous system is an independent regulator that continuously controls heart rhythm, vascular tone, breathing, digestion, body temperature and sleep phases. Normally, the body switches harmoniously between two modes: sympathetic (“activity and defence”) and parasympathetic (“rest, recovery and digestion”).

Prolonged stress, emotional overload, past infections and occupational burnout disrupt this mechanism. The sympathetic branch becomes continuously overactivated: blood vessels constrict, the adrenal glands are exhausted by the constant release of cortisol and adrenaline, melatonin synthesis is disrupted and sleep architecture breaks down.

CALENDULA Clinic has developed the comprehensive Nervous System and Sleep programme. As specialists first and foremost in conventional medicine, the clinic’s doctors actively use the full range of evidence-based medicines, reinforcing them with Zalmanov capillary therapy, Ayurvedic detoxification, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbal medicine from our own laboratory and somatosensory practices. Our goal is not merely to suppress symptoms temporarily with sleeping pills and sedatives, but to restore nervous tissue’s capacity for natural inhibition and self-regulation.

Symptoms addressed by the programme

The programme helps patients overcome systemic neurovegetative disorders:

Vegetative-vascular dystonia and cardiac neurosis: Sudden hot flushes or chills, cold extremities, sweating, unexplained blood pressure fluctuations, episodes of tachycardia, a feeling of insufficient air and a lump in the throat.

Psychological and emotional overload: Chronic anxiety, inner tension, irritability, panic attacks, burnout syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Chronic sleep disorders (insomnia): Difficulty falling asleep, frequent night-time awakenings, superficial sleep without a deep-rest phase, and a feeling of exhaustion and heaviness in the morning.

Medication dependence: The need to take tranquillisers, hypnotics or sleeping medicines regularly to fall asleep and control anxiety.

Visceral spasms: Spasmodic abdominal pain, diaphragmatic tension and functional digestive disturbances associated with stress.

1. Clinical and somatosensory diagnostics

To identify the true cause of the imbalance, the assessment combines evidence-based clinical methods with traditional functional diagnostics:

Medical examination: Neurological assessment of reflexes, cranial nerve function, skeletal and paraspinal muscle tone, and Ayurvedic and TCM pulse diagnosis (assessment of dosha balance and internal organ syndromes).

Laboratory monitoring of neuroendocrine axes: Assessment of the daily cortisol profile, thyroid function, electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, calcium), ferritin, B vitamins and vitamin D3 levels.

Autonomic function tests: Orthostatic tests, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and heart rate variability monitoring to objectively assess the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.

Sleep profile: Analysis of sleep structure, circadian rhythms and factors preventing night-time recovery of nervous tissue (Majja Dhatu).

2. Evidence-based pharmacotherapy and herbal replacement: a pathway to reducing medication burden

CALENDULA Clinic’s doctors actively use proven medicines to manage acute conditions safely. For pronounced panic attacks, sharp blood pressure fluctuations, tachycardia or persistent insomnia, they prescribe daytime anxiolytics, mild β-blockers, sleeping medicines or melatonin receptor regulators.

Medication support is used as a temporary stage of treatment. The programme’s strategic goal is a planned, safe reduction in medication doses, through to complete discontinuation:

Controlling an acute crisis: Reliable medication-based stabilisation of vascular and nervous system tone.

Adjunctive protocol support: Introducing personalised herbal blends from the clinic’s own accredited laboratory. Formulations based on Jatamansi, Shankhpushpi, wild jujube (Suan Zao Ren Tang), Ashwagandha, passionflower, hop cones and lemon balm stimulate the body’s own GABA synthesis, restoring natural inhibitory processes.

Gradual withdrawal: Under the treating doctor’s supervision, sedative and sleeping medicine doses are reduced step by step until fully discontinued, eliminating the risk of rebound symptoms.

3. Ayurvedic neuroregulation and deep relaxation

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, autonomic dysfunction and insomnia are linked to overactivation of Vata dosha, which depletes nervous tissue (Majja Dhatu). Specialised oil techniques are used to nourish this tissue and deeply relax the cerebral cortex:

Shirodhara: Rhythmic pouring of warm herbal oil onto the forehead relieves centres of chronic stress-related excitation in the brain, stimulates alpha and theta waves and restores the regulation of autonomic centres.

Shiro Abhyanga and Shiro Basti: Gentle oil treatment of the head and the application of medicinal oils held in a special cone normalise cerebral circulation and relieve intracranial tension.

Padabhyanga: Traditional foot massage using warmed oils on reflex points corresponding to the nervous system, promoting rapid evening relaxation and the onset of sleep.

Nasya treatment: Administration of herbal and oil-based drops (Kshirabala 101) through the nasal passages to improve microcirculation in the tissues of the head and nourish sensory centres.

Abhyanga and Swedana: Synchronised oil treatment of the body followed by herbal warming in a steam barrel removes metabolites, relieves spasmodic tension in skeletal muscles and harmonises nervous system tone.

4. Zalmanov capillary therapy and balneology

Autonomic disturbances are accompanied by capillary spasm and tissue ischaemia. The clinic’s balneological treatments gently regulate vascular responses:

Yellow Zalmanov turpentine baths (blood-pressure-lowering): Open the capillary network, warm tissues deeply, lower blood pressure in sympathetic overactivity and reduce the burden on the vasomotor centre.

White Zalmanov turpentine baths: Train vascular wall tone through rhythmic capillary pulsation, eliminating hypotension and asthenic syndrome.

Dry carbon dioxide baths and conifer baths: Increase vagal tone (nervus vagus), eliminating tachycardia and psychological and emotional tension.

Evening herbal baths: Baths with lavender, lemon balm and hop cone extracts provide transdermal sedation, relax the neck and shoulder muscles and prepare the body for sleep.

Kneipp contrast protocols: Stimulate circulation and strengthen the nervous system’s adaptive reserves.

5. Acupuncture and reflexotherapy (TCM)

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, panic states, heightened anxiety and insomnia are associated with disrupted energy circulation between the Heart, Kidney and Liver meridians:

Points for calming the Shen spirit: Microneedle stimulation of Shenmen and Neiguan points eliminates tachycardia, diaphragmatic tension and anxiety.

Sleep points (Anmian and Yongquan): Evening stimulation of the area behind the ear and the centre of the sole redirects blood flow downwards from the head, reducing cortical excitability and making it easier to fall asleep.

Auriculotherapy: Placement of microneedles in reflex zones of the outer ear for prolonged protection against stress reactions.

6. Circadian calming cuisine (35 years of experience)

The clinic’s diet is selected according to biological rhythms and the nervous system’s need for nutritional support:

A calming menu: Warm, soft, easily digestible food rich in natural tryptophan, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. Hidden neurostimulants are excluded from the diet: caffeine, glutamates and refined sugar.

The 3-hour rule: An early, light dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime reduces the burden on the liver and pancreas, preventing night-time cortisol and blood sugar spikes.

A therapeutic evening drink: Warm milk (plant-based or cow’s milk) with ghee, nutmeg and phytonutrients for the natural production of GABA and melatonin.

7. Restoring sleep architecture and relieving psychosomatic tension

Yoga Nidra: A practice of deep, conscious relaxation at the boundary between sleep and wakefulness, effectively relieving the burden on nervous centres.

Singing bowl sound therapy: Acoustic frequency vibrations slow cortical activity to alpha and theta rhythms, releasing somatic muscle blocks.

Salt room (halotherapy): A clean saline microclimate calms breathing and oxygenates tissues.

Qigong (Zhan Zhuang practice) and pranayama breathing: Nadi Shodhana breathing balances sympathetic and parasympathetic tone, restoring emotional stability.

Sleep hygiene: Individual recommendations on lighting patterns, temperature settings and aromatherapy using natural essential oils (Swiss stone pine, lavender).

Results of the Nervous System and Sleep programme

The comprehensive course at CALENDULA Clinic resets an exhausted nervous system and restores the body’s natural regulatory mechanisms. On completing the programme, patients achieve lasting physiological and emotional results:

Deep, uninterrupted sleep and restored sleep architecture: Difficulty falling asleep is eliminated, and anxious night-time awakenings cease. Sleep becomes deep and sound, the physiological REM phase returns, and waking in the morning brings a sense of genuine rest and alertness rather than exhaustion.

Balance of the autonomic nervous system (ANS): Chronic sympathetic overactivity — dominant overactivation of the “fight or flight” system — is eliminated. The vagus nerve (nervus vagus) is activated, restoring the body’s natural ability to relax, recover and conserve its resources.

Control of autonomic crises and somatic symptoms: Spontaneous panic attacks cease, heart rhythm normalises without episodes of unexplained tachycardia, and blood pressure stabilises. Somatic manifestations of dystonia disappear: cold sweating, a feeling of insufficient air, a lump in the throat, cold extremities and stress-related diaphragmatic spasms.

Fresh perception and sharp thinking: Relief of intracranial tension, normalisation of cerebral blood flow and night-time detoxification of nervous tissue (Majja Dhatu) clear “brain fog”. Strong concentration, rapid information processing, clear thinking and reliable memory return.

Reduced medication burden and freedom from dependence: Regular medical supervision enables a gradual, safe reduction in doses or complete discontinuation of tranquillisers, β-blockers and sleeping medicines without rebound symptoms or secondary anxiety.

Strong emotional resilience and protection against stress: Baseline cortisol falls, and inner anxiety and irritability are relieved. The body stops reacting sharply to external triggers, developing stable psychological and emotional immunity.

Release of muscle blocks and visceral relaxation: Chronic spasms in the neck, shoulder and occipital areas are eliminated, the function of digestive organs affected by stress-related spasms normalises, and free diaphragmatic breathing is restored.

A personal strategy for maintaining balance: Patients leave with an individual health plan, a supply of tailored herbal blends from the clinic’s own laboratory, self-regulation skills (breathing techniques, Yoga Nidra) and clear sleep hygiene rules to maintain their progress at home.

Regain deep sleep, calm and inner balance

A life without constant anxiety, panic attacks, night-time awakenings and medication dependence is an achievable result of comprehensive treatment. Entrust the recovery of your nervous system to the doctors of CALENDULA Clinic on the shores of Lake Balaton.

[Undergo an in-depth assessment and create an individual Nervous System and Sleep programme]