The Philosophy Behind Euphoria Retreat

Euphoria Retreat is a place of healing and transformation, deeply authentic in its nature and philosophy. Their core concept draws inspiration from a number of sources, East and West: Taoist and Hellenic philosophy as well as Chinese and Hippocratic medicine.

Staying true to the healing traditions of Ancient Greece, which gave birth to the philosophy and the practice of Hippocratic medicine (and adopted Ef zin - ‘living well’ - as its guiding principle), they have embraced the notion of a balanced life and a healthy spiritual connection. The principles of what we today call a healing spa were, after all, first practised at the healing temples of Asclepieion.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

The Ancient Hellenic and Chinese civilisations may have been far apart geographically, but both shared a common understanding of the cosmos and of human nature and nurtured their love for inner peace and holistic balance. In what is more than a cosmic coincidence the two civilisations developed philosophies of wellbeing that were similar in many ways.

The emphasis of the holon - or ‘whole’- of Hippocratic medicine goes hand in hand with Taoist spirituality, which also embraces wholeness and unity. Both focus on bringing mental, physical and emotional harmony.

Likewise, Ancient Greece’s five elements can be compared to their Taoist counterparts – water/ydor, wood/aer, fire/pyr, earth/gaia, metal/aethir.

The five elements form the cornerstone of Euphoria's healing philosophy. They are incorporated into the architecture and design of the indoor and outdoor spaces and the facilities of the retreat, with areas dedicated to particular elements and their related energies.

Most importantly, the five elements are at the heart of their Signature Treatments and Retreats, personalised to address the needs of each guest in order to bring balance and harmony across all three levels of existence: emotional, physical and spiritual.

HEALING THROUGH JOY

But Ancient Greek and Chinese philosophies also differ in ways that are important to the Euphoria Retreat experience. For Ancient Greek philosophers, life was to be celebrated, with happiness and joy being central to achieving harmony and life change. Hence their name, Euphoria.

Eastern philosophy, by contrast, often places an emphasis on suffering as being necessary for catharsis.

Likewise, Ancient Greek philosophers emphasised the need for individual responsibility, not just to the state but also to yourself. It is this personal choice that you will need to embrace if you are to achieve your goals.

As Euphoria says: Your life, your journey.