Ayurveda is having its moment. loosely translated as the “science of life,” this timeless healing system is rooted in the natural world and designed to reconnect us with the natural elements. here’s all you need to know about the ancient practice which can help achieve emotional and physical balance, as well as four retreats to visit …
At its core, Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old philosophy, is based on the body having the correct balance of nature’s basic fundamentals – earth, fire, water, air and space – which express themselves in the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Knowing your dosha and specific imbalances will dictate your unique prescription for health and vitality.
Sunita Passi is one of the industry’s most knowledgeable Ayurvedic practitioners and founder of Tri Dosha Skincare in the UK. She believes that as people are becoming more accountable for their own health, Ayurveda is coming centre stage. “Also, this time on earth is one where we are starting to recognise and release unresolved trauma and alongside this a conscious collective awakening is taking place with the principles of Ayurveda being very much a part of it all. With Ayurveda, there is so much we can do for ourselves to enhance daily life, as it treats both milder issues and chronic complaints, while also teaching us about physical and emotional balance and opening up various aspects of our unconscious minds – in all, it’s a powerful path to a happier, healthier and longer life.”
Dublin-based Donn Brennan (www.ayurveda.ie) is an Ayurvedic practitioner and qualified general practitioner who has spent the past 30 years translating Ayurvedic concepts into the Irish context. He has noted that Irish people are far more receptive to aspects of Ayurveda than many other nationalities, and once they begin to realise its lifelong benefits they tend to thoroughly embrace the teachings in their daily lives. “Perhaps there is a lingering folk memory of Ayurvedic wisdom threaded into ancient Celtic rituals,” he suggests.
As more people are searching for natural ways of healing themselves and living in a kinder and better way these wisdom based practices are catching on. After all, Ayurveda doesn’t preach, it simply guides you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and nature.
Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
Loving the planet as you love yourself is the ethos of The Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru located on a private island in the Baa Atoll in the Maldives, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that attracts whale sharks and the world’s largest gathering of manta rays. Spirituality lies at the heart of Ayurma, the resort’s Ayurvedic spa and its nurturing energy permeates the entire island. Here, Dr Arun Tomson and his team of highly qualified doctors, naturopaths and therapists gently take patients’ pulses while subtly tuning into their minds. Then drawing on the four pillars of Planetary Wellbeing, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy and Wellness, they design bespoke therapeutic programmes for adults and adolescents combining chakra balancing and stress-relieving massages with facials, yoga, breathwork, Ayurvedic herbs and tinctures and dosha-specific foods, all the while inviting guests to cultivate care for themselves, the oceans and the entire planet. This is the place where those slouched shoulders and frustrated minds visibly open and release – even feisty teenagers find some ease and appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds them.
A joyful dose of morning yoga therapy is prescribed for all guests with lively waterside sun salutations and fun anti-gravity sessions where you hang like bats and fly with wings while swaying to the effervescent chirping of the birds. Outside of the spa, there is plenty to keep families entertained with turtle safaris, swimming with manta rays, educational talks at the Marine Discovery Centre where injured turtles are nursed back to health and the recently launched their Trainee Biologist Programme designed to immerse teenagers in ground breaking conservation and research initiatives. Then as the sun sets over the Indian ocean, the evening Rahumathuge Vaguthu or Earth Blessing ritual begins. This celebrates the earth’s gifts through song and dance. “AyurMa was founded on the basis that nothing operates in isolation and the more we connect with the Earth, the more we heal her, and the more able she can heal us in return,” Dr Tomson explains, “and this approach is anchored in everything we do.” www.fourseasons.com
Ananda Spa, India
At the foothills of the Himalayas and close to the ashram town of Rishikesh, Ananda is the place to simply be in the home of the gods where the cleansing properties of the Ganges are at their most powerful. Packages are available from one to three weeks, inclusive of traditional massage and Shirodhara therapies as well as more complex, doctor-assisted programmes, all designed to cleanse and recharge both body and mind; www.anandaspa.com.
Ulpotha, Sri Lanka
Nestled in a sustainable organic farm on an ancient pilgrimage site on the western fringes of Sri Lanka’s cultural region, Ulpotha’s relaxed natural environment, home-grown cuisine and authentic Ayurvedic lifestyle draws those seeking to live closer to nature. Here, personalised Ayurvedic detoxification programmes are prescribed alongside daily swimming, yoga, meditation and time to just be. Some of the world’s most renowned masseurs and yogis run workshops through the year so it is the perfect opportunity to learn from the best. With accommodation in mud-style huts, no electricity, hot water or doors, Ulpotha is not for everyone, but those seeking peace and spiritual renewal tend to become hooked; www.ulpotha.com.
Ayurveda Resort Mandira, Austria
A relative newcomer to the European spa scene, this Ayurvedic clinic resort opened in Austria’s Styria region in 2021 and is perfect for those not wanting to travel far to experience authentic Ayurveda combined with healing thermal waters of Bad Waltersdorf. From short breaks to full-on traditional Panchakarma detox, with acupuncture, daily yoga, meditation and hearty vegetarian menus based on the principles of Indian healing but adapted to suit western taste and sensibilities; www.healingholidays.com.
