What To Expect On An Ayurvedic Retreat

What exactly is Ayurveda? 

Ayurveda, which translates as ‘the science of life’, can be traced back over five millennia. It is a sophisticated healthcare system with historical roots in India that focuses on achieving balance to the body, mind and spirit. The principles of this ancient wisdom remind us that the entire web of life is intricately interwoven, with the emphasis on total wellness and not just, as it is with modern medicine, on the physical body.

What can you expect on an Ayurvedic retreat? What is the process? 

Diagnosis

Any treatment offered at begins with the three kinds of diagnostic procedures in keeping with the pure Ayurveda treatments. These are: 1) Darshana – Observing, 2) Sparshana physical examination and 3) Prasna – Interrogating. The Vaidya determines your Doshas or body constitution through extensive examination of the individual, using these methods of diagnosis and arrives at a specific course of treatment.

Treatment therapies 

For every individual, treatments begin only after the Vaidya (doctor) does a full examination according to the Ayurvedic diagnostic techniques. They then arrive at a diagnosis, and according to each unique requirement prescribe the ideal course of treatment for the individual and his ailment. Due to this individualised approach, it is most ideal for patients to consult with the Vaidya/doctor before booking an Ayurvedic retreat, so that you will be able to do the full course of treatment required for total healing. One thing to note, is that the vast majority of Ayurvedic retreats remain faithful to centuries-old, authentic Ayurveda principles. This means that female guests are always treated by female therapists and male guests by male therapists.

Medicines

The therapeutic treatments are supported by special internal herbal medicines. Following the traditional Ayurvedic principles, medicines, both for external and internal use, are prepared at the Ayurvdic retreat’s facilities from organically grown local herbs at the herbal garden. These are freshly picked for use by the gardeners who care for them with love and attention. This enhances their effectiveness. The medicines are prepared at the Ayurveda kitchen based on hygienic and traditional practices. In fact, a well thought-out scientific principle is applied to the use of all these medicines which are prepared using intensive and lengthy procedures using select ingredients and with a lot of spiritual dedication. Their consumption as per the physician’s instructions is very important and mandatory to the healing process.

The food

Diet and lifestyle being core aspects of the Ayurvedic healing process, are integral to the treatment. There are many specific guidelines to be followed while consuming food as Ayurveda distinguishes six different tastes or Rasas which interact with the five elements in the body. Food is an intrinsic factor in balancing the bio-energies according to each individual’s body constitution and the balance of five elements. Ayurveda also strongly recommends the consumption of fresh and organic food and encourages mindful or meditative eating by which the full essence of food can be assimilated by the body in an aware, fully engaged and respectful manner. For example, as part of the Manashanthi treatment at Kalari Rasayana and Kalari Kovilakom, these basic principles are strictly followed with their doctor prescribing a Sattvic diet for each person, which has a corrective and revitalising effect. The chef at their kitchens on his part closely follows the doctor’s instructions for each individual’s diet and accordingly prepares his meals using freshly plucked vegetable organically grown at the herb garden, which in turn is tended to with care by a staff tuned to the healing ethos.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient Indian physical, mental and spiritual practice with the origins dating back to the 5th or 6th century BC. It means to ‘integrate’ ‘combine’ or ‘unite’ and it addresses ways of integrating the body, senses, life force, the mind and the consciousness. Yoga is thus used to complement the Ayurveda treatment process with slow and steady asanas that give absolute control of the mind and help to sharpen it. This kind of yoga is accessible to all and is light so as to support the treatment process. There is no age limit and no previous knowledge or experience required.

Meditation

With Ayurveda’s thrust on internal healing, meditation as a practice in disciplining the mind and the thinking process is made a core part of the treatment at an Ayurveda retreat. Meditation techniques are used to calm and relax both the mind and the body since both the mind and the body are closely tuned to each other. One of the effective techniques of meditation used is Candlelight Meditation in which a group sits around a burning candle and gazes at the flame for several minutes focusing on it as long as possible and praying together. The focus here is on controlling the mind. Initially, some may find it difficult to concentrate and may even get a little disturbed. But with a few days of practice, he or she will be able to focus better. This meditation and breathing exercise – Pranayama — has a calming and rejuvenating effect.

Where can I go to experience Ayurveda?

India: Six Senses Vana I Ananda In The Himalayas I Soukya
Sri Lanka: Santani Wellness Kandy I Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort
Europe: Ayurveda Resort Mandira I Ayurveda Parkschlosschen

So there you have it, we hope you've enjoyed reading about what to expect on an Ayurvedic retreat and that it has inspired you to take the next step and book a stay at one of our award-winning Ayurveda retreats.