There’s a wonderful world of alternative therapies out there just waiting to be discovered. This month, we discover European Ayurveda
Ayurveda – the science of life – is a holistic system of knowledge based on the interrelationships of the body, mind and spirit. It was first developed thousands of years ago by the sages of India, and still continues to be one of the world’s most sophisticated mind-body systems. It offers wisdom designed to help people stay vibrant and healthy while realising their full potential.
Now, an alpine spa has taken things to the next level and developed European Ayuveda. The European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof in Hinteriersee is located 900m above sea level, on the high plateau of the Thiersee Valley, in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps. It’s safe to say that the surroundings are pretty picturesque. The founders are the Mauracher family, and they’re dedicated to integrating the Indian healing system of Ayurveda into a European approach to life.
The concept behind Ayurveda is that there are three life forces, otherwise known as doshas. They are called vata, pitta and kapha. They are present in the human body, and their ratio determines a person’s physical type, personality and state of health. Illness is the result of these life forces getting out of balance. So, if you’re bed bound with the flu, then you have your unbalanced set of life forces to blame!
The aim of Ayurveda is to balance these three life forces. Every treatment starts with a pulse diagnosis. From this, the resort can find out a guest’s constitutional type, and draw up an appropriate individual treatment and nutritional programme accordingly.
What’s great about the European Ayurveda Resort, and what sets it apart from a typical Ayurveda resort in India, is the way that it takes the western lifestyle into consideration. The resort recognises that western lifestyles are full of hustle, bustle, noise, stress and unhealthy diets, and that this affects the life forces.
As Gaurav Sharma, a qualified consultant at the European Ayurveda Resort says: “In today’s society, we see many more vata types, people who are constantly in motion, and pitta types, who are prone to anger. The reason for this lies in the extreme restlessness of everyday life, and increased pressure – especially at work. However, the increased heat production by global warming is also leading to an upsurge in pitta.” If you would like to visit the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof in Hinteriersee, the website is sonnhof-ayurveda.at
On trial
Everything you need to know about your first session
If you’re getting a treatment at the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof, then it’s very likely that you will receive a pulse diagnosis by Ayurveda specialist, Gaurav Sharma. It’s an essential component and foundation of many of the resort’s treatments. Gaurav Sharma will apply his index, middle and ring fingers to the inside of each wrist, feeling the pulse by applying different amounts of pressure. In addition to the pulse diagnosis, expect Gaurav Sharma to ask questions about your diet and digestion, sleeping habits and life in general. He will then give you in-depth dietary and lifestyle advice.
