Jonathan Toews Reflects on Healing Journey in India and the Future of His Hockey Career
Jonathan Toews, one of the most successful and respected figures in the NHL, has faced a life-altering struggle with his health that forced him to step away from hockey. His journey of healing led him to explore alternative therapies, and most recently, a transformative experience in India. Toews, who led the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cups and achieved individual greatness, has now turned his focus to recovering his mind and body after enduring years of health battles.
In December 2020, Toews announced he was stepping away from the game indefinitely due to a mysterious illness that was later diagnosed as chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS). This condition caused him chronic fatigue and inflammation, impacting his ability to play the sport he loved. His health issues worsened with long COVID, and in August 2023, he made the decision to step away from hockey for good, at least for the time being. For someone who had been at the pinnacle of his profession, this was a devastating blow, but Toews sought out alternative methods for healing, leading him to a five-week Ayurvedic detox in India.
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Toews had long struggled with various health issues, dating back to his early years in the NHL. He recalls dealing with digestive and immune system problems, which worsened as his career progressed. By the time the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Toews was already feeling the weight of these issues, culminating in a full breakdown of his body. Despite working with doctors and experimenting with various treatments, nothing seemed to bring him relief. That’s when Ayurveda, an ancient form of alternative medicine rooted in India, entered the picture.
A trusted practitioner suggested Toews try an Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala, the heartland of Ayurvedic medicine, to undergo a Panchakarma detox. Initially skeptical, Toews eventually decided to give it a try. The experience was nothing short of life-changing. The detox program was intense and included a combination of herbal treatments, yoga, meditation, and even induced vomiting as part of the healing process. It was physically and emotionally taxing, but Toews felt a sense of renewal after the experience. His recovery continued throughout the months following his return, with improvements in his physical and mental health.
In the summer of 2024, Toews returned to India for a more intensive five-week Panchakarma treatment. This time, he went into it with more strength and resilience, but the detox was even more challenging than before. The daily regimen was grueling—starting with early morning yoga sessions, followed by massages that were so painful they felt like physical abuse, and intense cleansing treatments, including enemas and the consumption of ghee butter. Despite the hardship, Toews came away from the experience with a newfound sense of well-being.
Through this process, Toews not only focused on the physical aspects of healing but also delved into the emotional and mental layers of his health. He reflects on how his perspective on life has shifted, especially regarding his relationship with hockey. The pressure he once felt to perform at the highest level has eased, and he now approaches life with a sense of gratitude and awareness that he didn’t have before. For Toews, the journey in India was more than just a physical detox; it was a mental and spiritual rebirth that changed how he viewed himself and his future.
As of now, Toews is uncertain about returning to hockey. The road to full recovery is ongoing, but he remains optimistic. The lessons he learned during his healing journey have helped him accept the unpredictable nature of his health and life in general. Whether or not he ever returns to the ice, one thing is clear: Toews has found peace in the pursuit of healing, and he is more in tune with himself than ever before.
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