Tuning in to AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is having its moment. Every good reason too as this 5,000-year-old-philosophy is needed now more than ever, writes Kate O’Brien.

- Kate O’Brien

Ayurveda retreat

Ulpotha, Sri Lanka 

Nestled in a sustainable organic farm on an ancient pilgrimage site on the western fringes of Sri Lanka’s cultural region, Ulpotha offers personalised Ayurvedic detoxification programmes alongside daily swimming, yoga, meditation and time to just be. With accommodation in mud-style huts, no electricity, hot water or doors, Ulpotha is not for everyone, but those seeking peace and spiritual renewal tend to become hooked. ulpotha.com

Ayurveda Resort Mandira, Austria

This Ayurvedic clinic resort in Austria’s Styria region offers a comprehensive menu of authentic Ayurvedic programmes from short breaks to full-on traditional Panchakarma detox. There’s acupuncture, daily yoga, meditation and hearty vegetarian menus based on the principles of Indian healing, but adapted to suit western taste and sensibilities. healingholidays.com/accommodation/austria.

Loosely translated as the ‘science of life,’ Ayurveda is a timeless healing system rooted in the natural world and designed to reconnect us with the elements that not only surround us, but course through our brains, bodies and entire beings.