I HAVE ALWAYS been fascinated by Eastern healing methodology, so I always enjoy linking up with the Ayurveda doctors at Santani Wellness in Kandy, Sri Lanka, to deliver my ‘Ayubowan Retreat.’ Santani is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, nestled in a 48-acre former tea plantation within a pristine forest built to the highest sustainability and eco-standards.
For thousands of years, Ayurvedic texts have described the benefit of physical exercise as ‘sthiratva’, or stability. The Ayubowan Retreat explores the process of self-experimentation in order to optimise physical and mental health; to address fitness, stress, and mid-life crisis.
Ayubowan Retreat – Key Components:
- Personalised Wellness Consultation with resident Ayurveda doctor
- Customised meal plans for rejuvenation of the mind and body
- Small group JUMPGA and KUN-AQUA exercise classes
- Ayurveda therapies to recharge your body and mind (90 minutes per day)
Principles to Live By
In general, Ayurveda recommends that we exercise at just fifty percent of our capacity—until we break a mild sweat on the forehead, under the arms, and along the spine, or until the first sign of dryness in the mouth. This can feel challenging at first but, with time and practice, you will gradually develop a tolerance for more and more intensity to build strength stamina and endurance.
Pillars of Fitness
The training incorporates the five pillars of exercise: Cardio, Balance, Strength, Flexibility, and Mobility, all of which are mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Each pillar is achieved incorporating my exercise programmes: Kun-Aqua (imagine Tai-Chi in the water) and Jumpga (the fitness yoga hybrid).
Balancing the Doshas
The ancient Vedic language of Sanskrit uses the words ‘krida’ (playing, skipping) and ‘vyayama’ (body exertion) for ‘exercise’, and this demonstrates the Ayurvedic principle of balance. Too much activity—to the point of pain—creates imbalance just as much as too little. The way you exercise can be dependent on balancing the three energy forces in the body known as ‘doshas’ and, diving deep into gut health, Ayurveda goes far beyond a pill for your ill.
DOSHAS
Vata body types are naturally on the thin side and are drawn to fast, sweaty cardio sessions. They will greatly benefit from a more balanced, calm, and contemplative practice. Low intensity ‘Jumpga’ is an excellent practice for Vatas because it can increase balance, bone density, mobility, flexibility and muscle mass. Also, because the form is more important than speed, Vatas will benefit from Kun-Aqua Athletic as it can isolate individual muscles during exercise.
Pitta body types are natural athletes with strong stamina. It is important for Pittas to avoid getting overheated. Kun-Aqua meditative walking is a great practice for Pittas because it is mindful and strengthens and stretches your body, while the water keeps you cool. Pittas need to counterbalance their naturally competitive energy with non-competitive, relaxing workouts. Adapting the Jumpga yoga sequence to hold the stretch for longer periods without moving is very therapeutic and relaxing for Pittas.
Kapha body types are naturally slow and steady and working out may feel like physical torture for them even though they have the highest endurance of all the Doshas. To lose weight Kaphas should avoid excess strength-training because it will actually make them heavier. They should do Jumpga HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions where they are doing things like jumping jacks and jump-squats to speed up their metabolism, to trigger their body’s fat-burning potential. If metabolism isn’t increased, the body won’t be burning enough calories to target the fat-cells.
Re-wiring the Body
Another important component of the Ayubowan Retreat is the Transtheoretical Model of Behavioural Change (TTM), which helps influence the mind to achieve a higher degree of physical and mental wellbeing, and all that accompanies it. It incorporates Ayurvedic principles to observe and calibrate your energy – for improved body confidence and self-esteem, and a healthier lifestyle.
To lodge your interest in this Retreat in 2021, please contact: info@meta-age.com
