What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, also known as ayurvedic medicine, is an ancient healing science that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Ayurveda translates to “the science of life” in Sanskrit, emphasising good health, illness prevention, and treatment through lifestyle practises such as massage, meditation, yoga, and dietary changes, as well as the use of herbal remedies. Despite being one of the oldest medical systems in the world, it is still used and widely respected today. Many of the principles have created alternative methods for treating many chronic diseases, including diabetes, arthritis – even heart disease.
What is Ayurveda based on?
Based on the belief that disease is caused by a mental or emotional imbalance or stress, Ayurvedic retreats improve good health and well-being through a delicate balance of mind, body, spirit, and the environment through certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies.
According to Ayurvedic practitioners, everyone is made up of the five basic elements found in the universe: space, air, fire, water, and earth. In the human body, these combine to form three life forces or energies known as doshas, having control over how your body functions. The Doshas are Vata dosha (space and air), Pitta dosha (fire and water), and Kapha dosha (earth and water). When a person is born, they have a unique combination of the three doshas, with one being more powerful than the others. Your dosha balance is thought to affect your chances of getting sick and the health issues you develop.
How is Ayurveda used today?
Ayurveda combines our modern lifestyle and health-conscious habits with ancient wisdom about the use of natural substances, medicines and herbs to help us live a healthy, happy, stress-free and disease-free life.
Typically, an Ayurvedic practitioner will tailor a treatment plan to each individual. They take into account the person’s particular physical and emotional makeup, as well as the individual’s primary life forces and the balance of all three. The emphasis is on maintaining energy balance through diet, exercise, and mindfulness, which they believe is critical to overall health. Herbs and other plants, including oils and common spices, massage therapy, yoga and meditation are used extensively in Ayurvedic treatment. Goals of Ayurveda aid the person by eliminating impurities, reducing symptoms, increasing resistance to disease, reducing worry, and increasing harmony in life.
What are the benefits of Ayurveda?
Ayurvedic healing is meant for everyone, regardless of age or health condition, to help with health maintenance, stress reduction, and the improvement of flexibility, strength and stamina. With several life-altering benefits, the primary benefits of Ayurveda include body cleansing, maintaining a healthy weight and alleviating symptoms of illness and disease.
- Cleanse the Body
In Ayurveda, panchakarma is the process of eliminating bodily toxins through methods such as enemas, oil massages, blood letting and purgation. Food and toxins that obstruct efficient bodily functions can be eliminated by administering these components to the human body.
- Weight Loss and Maintenance
Excess body fat can be reduced with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes facilitated by Ayurvedic treatments. Weight is not a major concern in Ayurveda, but eating habits are. It is possible to achieve a toned body by allowing the body to detox through appropriate dietary restrictions.
- Lower Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Symptoms of Illness and Diseases
Ayurvedic diets and relaxation techniques can help reduce plaque buildup. Herbs, vitamins, minerals, and proteins are combined in an appropriate dosage and given at the correct time to prevent and treat immune-related issues. Ayurvedic herbs and essential oils help to increase blood flow, complement blood circulation and draw toxins from the body through the skin.
- Healthy and Glowing Skin and Hair
Ayurveda claims that a balanced meal, toning exercises and Ayurvedic supplements are enough to promote a healthy skin and scalp. General dietary guidelines in Ayurveda focus on consumption of fresh food taking into account your dosha type, medical history, regional produce, customs and traditions.
- Stress Reduction
With a fast-paced lifestyle that leaves little time for rejuvenation or relaxation, Ayurveda ensures stress and anxiety reduction. The body can calm down, detoxify, and rejuvenate itself with regular yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, massages and herbal treatments. Yoga strengthens the autonomic nervous system, allowing you to focus and stay energised throughout the day. Breathing exercises keep infections at bay and allow the cells to receive plenty of oxygen, allowing them to become more aware. Shirodhara, Abhyangam, Shiroabhyangam and Padabhyangam can all be used to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Reduce Inflammation
The digestive system begins to strengthen as you begin to eat according to your dosha type. Toxins in the blood and digestive tract are reduced by eating certain foods at the right times. As a result, you’ll feel more energised, have more vitality, and have less lethargy and mood swings.
The best luxury retreats for ayurveda
Get inspired by Health Travel’s handpicked Ayurveda luxury retreats dedicated to the wise and ancient healing art for a health-boosting experience, whether they are in rolling sand dunes of Israel or peaceful garden blending into the surrounding countryside in India.
‘’Balance is the natural order, the imbalance is disorder. Health is order, the disease is disorder.’’
Ayurveda Retreat in India, Amanbagh
Discover the world’s oldest holistic healing system in its birthplace in India on the luxury Ayurveda retreat. Set in a lush estate of fruit, eucalyptus and palm trees at the Amanbagh, indulge in a completely personalised wellness programme created after a consultation with Amanbagh’s resident Ayurvedic doctor.
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation in India, Six Senses Fort Barwara
Improve your vitality, strengthen your immune system, and discover an Ayurveda Rejuvenation retreat in a magnificent 14th-century fort with a scenic backdrop of the lake and temple at Six Senses Fort Barwara.
Holistic Detox Retreat in India, Ananda in the Himalayas
Surround yourself in the beautiful Sal forests with views overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and the Ganges River valley. Start your Holistic Detox journey at one of the best luxury wellness retreats in the world. Detoxification is all about relaxing your digestive system, improving blood circulation, energising the liver to filter toxins optimally, cleansing the colon and nourishing the entire body with essential nutrients.
To achieve this, Ananda in Himalayas uses aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, a body-specific diet and individualised personal fitness sessions that focus on exercises to improve circulation.
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation in Israel, Six Senses Shaharut
Deep in Israel’s Negev desert, where the infinite blue sky meets the mesmerising golden dunes, sits Six Senses Shaharut – a magnificent jewel in the dramatic rockface. The dazzling setting and signature spa breathe vitality into your soul, for a refreshing escape in the great outdoors. The 7-night Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Retreat utilises the ancient science of life and longevity to transform your wellbeing, an ideal experience for anyone seeking a deeper connection with their body and mind.
Booking your luxury Ayurveda retreat
Begin your Ayurvedic healing journey with our Wellness Travel Specialists. Contact us via our online form or directly on WhatsApp to allow us to tailor the best retreat for your individual wellness goals.