What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine, originating in India more than 3,000 years ago, and is considered one of the oldest medical disciplines in the world. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge or science) and translates to the 'Knowledge of life'. Based on the idea that disease develops due to an imbalance in the body or stress in one's consciousness, Ayurveda primarily encourages lifestyle change and uses natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and environment.

The concepts of universal interconnectedness, the body's constitution (Prakriti), and life forces (doshas) and their balance with natures elements of earth, fire, water and air form the basis of ayurvedic medicine. The goal of its treatments is to aid the return of an individual's dosha to harmony by eliminating imbalance and stress, reducing impurities, and increasing disease resistance.

Widely respected across Asia, Ayurveda is considered equal to conventional western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathy and has experienced a new lease in recent decades. Its practitioners undergo years of rigorous, state-recognised training in Ayurvedic medical colleges, which too have seen a resurgence in recent years, with many more people studying the discipline as more and more of the world turns to natural therapies.

A thorough medical consultation establishes a diagnosis and a programme of treatment which draws on the healing power of herbs, medicinal plants, spices and essential oils. Internal purification, special diets, steam baths, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation form an integral part of holistic treatment.

Is Ayurveda right for Travellers?

Everyone enjoys travel, but explorations, discoveries and absorption of new and exciting cultural experiences can be tiring, so it's no surprise that many head for a Spa to relax, unwind and relieve fatigue at the end of their journey. While conventional massage will do all this, choose an ayurvedic massage, and you enter a whole different realm of relaxation.

After a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor and entering the treatment room, many first-timers are concerned by the absence of a cushioned massage table, soft fluffy towels and are left wondering, how they might relax on a hard-wood bed with nothing more than a slither of muslin, to cover their dignity. Concerns quickly fade as gentle prayers are read over soft music, and feet get bathed in warm, scented water.

The real experience begins when warm, soothing oil is poured gently and a pair of masseurs work swiftly on your body in synchronised harmony. As both sides of mind and body begin to relax, all thoughts and worries of life fade, including those, of sliding off the massage table, as you surrender to a state of complete bliss. At the end of the massage, most people are so relaxed they readily accept the offer of help to get off the massage table and be washed by a therapist before enjoying a herbal infusion and listening to yogic chants.

You remain in a meditative state long after with silken skin, beautifully lubricated joints, muscles toned and the entire body rejuvenated.

To enjoy an Ayurvedic experience yourself or find out more:

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