Wellness
Over the years we have established ourselves more firmly on the fields of preventive and curative care. Through Ayurveda and different therapies, we offer treatment to minor and chronic conditions. These can include; blood pressure related issues, skin diseases, digestive disorders and joint and muscles related diseases/impairments.Please see our tab on Ayurveda for more information relating to this.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda, translated from Sanskrit as “the knowledge of life”, is said to be the oldest system of medicine in the world, dating back to the Vedic period of India, at least a few thousand years ago. It is different from our modern concept of medicine, it encompasses not only the body but psychology, philosophy and spirituality. Due to this all-encompassing nature, it is a truly holistic approach to a healthy, happy life.
While many of the greatest developments of Western medical science are seen from curative techniques such as surgery and strong medications, Ayurveda has always paid the greatest attention to preventive care. Health is sustained through close attention to balance in one’s life. This essentially means mindfulness, diet, and lifestyle. Disruptions in health are not seen as only a “body issue”, but also a combination of all the above-mentioned factors. Clinical experience and modern research also point to the effects of lifestyle in most chronic conditions in “lifestyle diseases”. Lifestyle diseases are now responsible for the highest mortality rates and disruption of life. When changes in lifestyle, diet, and behaviour are not enough, Ayurveda has also developed an incredible pharmacopoeia of different herbal preparations of plants, oils, and minerals, which have been used for countless generations for a diversity of diseases. These natural supplements are used in conjunction with different treatments such as massages, purgation, and other physical therapies that allow the body to be cleansed, rejuvenated, and to receive and properly digest the herbs and healthy food. Another key concept in Ayurveda is the understanding that every individual is a unique phenomenon and, at the same time, dependent on all other elements in the world, living or not. This is why the regimens of health in Ayurveda should be tailored according to the individual and taking into consideration the environment, circumstances and their lifestyle. Throughout history, Ayurveda has been divided into eight specialisations, all of which are practised at Plantation Villa (please note only a selection of these are provided at our UK retreat): Kayachikitsa (Medicine) Shakakya Thantra (Otorhinolaryngology / ENT – Ear, Nose, Throat) Shalya Thantra (Surgery) Agadha Thantra (Toxicology) Bhuthavidya (Psychiatry) Kaumarabruthya Thantra (Paediatrics) Rasayana Thantra (Rejuvenation) Vajeekarana Thantra (Aphrodisiac).
Yoga and Meditation
Although modern Yoga has many facets and a diversity of practices, the main principle of Yoga incorporates mindful movement and the integration of the seeming different spheres of the human system, namely body and mind, through the means of breath.
Similar to Ayurveda, the ancient and modern practices learned under the name of Yoga aim at restoring a sense of ease to the human system which enables one to perceive life in a different way, ideally from an experience of freedom in both body and mind.
Weight loss
The experience from Ayurveda is that weight loss happens naturally through the proper functioning of the body and by consuming a diet of wholesome foods, eaten at proper times and without exaggeration in quantity. Many digestive problems can affect the metabolic functions and the signs of improper metabolism are not only seen as weight gain, but also in terms of skin and hair health, feelings of heaviness after eating, bloating, gas, constipation, and pains related to elimination (such as loose stools).
As a holistic method, Ayurveda also understands that mental life is key for maintenance of optimum weight. This is the reason why we look into creating a stress-free environment and work with our guests on their mental wellbeing.
Nutrition
Ayurveda does not emphasize only living a long life, it should also be of high quality. The three pillars for the maintenance of good health are: medicine, good lifestyle (routine, exercise, sleep), and proper nutrition.
While all are important, Ayurveda places high importance on nutrition as it can be the main cause for disease (followed by adverse mind states and wrong views). Also, most foods are also considered medicines in Ayurveda (a clear example being spices), which encourages even more care with diet.
