In a heartfelt interview, former NHL superstar Jonathan Toews has opened up about his ongoing health struggles and his life-changing experience at an Ayurvedic retreat in India. The captain of the Chicago Blackhawks, known for his remarkable career and future Hall of Fame status, has battled chronic health issues since 2009, drastically impacting his career and personal life.

Toews began his journey of self-discovery during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I always thought my fatigue and digestive issues were normal,” he reflects. However, after facing persistent sickness and sleep deprivation during his NHL career, he realized something was indeed wrong. "It all hit me at once, and I had to take a deeper look into my health," Toews said, explaining how burnout and a virus pushed him to seek solutions.

His introduction to Ayurveda—a holistic healing system from India—came in the summer of 2023 when he began working with an Ayurvedic practitioner who recommended a detox retreat in Kerala, the birthplace of this ancient practice. Despite his initial skepticism about the intense Panchakarma detox, Toews embraced the journey, which included rigorous treatments such as ghee butter consumption, massages, and even induced vomiting—all aimed at purging toxins from the body.

“I thought it was ridiculous at first,” Toews confessed. “But when I decided to take a step back from hockey, everything fell into place, and I found myself ready for a change.” His visit coincided with a friend’s wedding in Italy, presenting the perfect opportunity for a month-long retreat.

Reflecting on his experience in India, Toews admitted the process was grueling yet transformative. “It was an emotional and physical rollercoaster. The first two weeks alone were about preparing my body for deeper detoxification.” His days were filled with intense therapies, early morning yoga, meditation, and a strict vegetarian diet that led to considerable weight loss but also left him feeling lighter and healthier.

One significant practice was the deepana treatment, essential for rekindling digestion, coupled with the infamous ghee butter sessions which acted as a powerful detox agent. "By day three, I really felt the effects of the treatment. It was tough, but the sense of accomplishment afterward was unlike any other,” Toews stated.

His skepticism gradually dissipated as he began to recognize the profound impact of Ayurvedic principles on his wellness. “This wasn’t just about what I put into my body. It transformed my mindset and my approach to life,” he noted. The retreat encouraged him to disconnect from technology and reflect on core emotional and mental patterns that had contributed to his health struggles.

As Toews contemplates returning to the NHL, he is determined to integrate these holistic practices into his daily life. “There’s still a part of me that wants to compete, and I believe I can come back stronger than ever. I’m not done yet,” he asserted with optimism.

The road ahead seems promising as Toews continues to weave the lessons learned through Ayurveda into both his physical health and mental well-being. His resilience serves as an inspiring reminder that wellness can often require stepping back to seek deeper roots—both physically and emotionally.

Will we see Jonathan Toews back on the ice again? Only time will tell, but for now, he is embracing each day as a chance for growth and healing.