Ayurveda Spa Holidays, Spa Resorts and Ayurveda Health Spas

Health Spa Treatment Types

'The Science of Life'

Ayurveda, ‘the science of life’, began in India and is the oldest known health system in the world. It originated over 5,000 years ago and was put into written form 3,000 years ago in ancient scripts called ‘Veda’. It is a traditional healing system that respects human individuality and recognises that each person’s health is made up of the harmonious interaction of the body, mind and the living environment.

Ayurveda aims to prevent and heal diseases and their symptoms, strengthen the immune system, increase the body's general wellbeing and vitality and delay the ageing process. In Ayurvedic philosphy, the body is comprised of three life energies, or doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These constitutions shape the physical and mental character of each person. Diseases result from the body's imbalance of these three doshas. Imbalances result from everyday living which includes problems such as unhealthy eating, stress, negative feelings, lack of exercise, tension, air and noise pollution. Some of the symptoms of dosha imbalances are tension, insomnia, pain and depression.

While western medicine identifies the disease and then cures the symptoms, Ayurveda is much deeper and seeks to cure the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. The Ayurveda treatment and diet brings the three doshas together on an equal level, thus bringing about harmonious balance within the person.

Ayurvedic treatment programmes are designed for each individual after consultation with the physician. Treatment programmes depend on the guest’s state of health and any existing medical conditions. A basic rejuvenation programme may consist of daily oil massage of head and body, followed by a herbal steam bath or a herbal bath. Other treatments which may be prescribed by the doctor include herbal pastes and poultices, head oil baths, nasal treatment, facial treatment, purgative therapy and acupuncture. Most Ayurveda centres also offer daily yoga and meditation as part of the programme.

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