Our main center is in north central Florida, in the small
historic town of Alachua. In your free time at the retreat
you're blocks from the heart of this cute, rural town. Better
yet, take advantage of the many fantastic freshwater springs,
parks, rivers, and lakes nearby.
We're here to accomodate your needs, so whether you need
a weekend refresher or a full 21 day retreat, let us know
how long we can accommodate you.
Ayurvedic therapy is a truly holistic approach to achieving
and maintaining wellness based on thousands of years of scientific
study.
Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old healing tradition from India
that teaches us how to enrich our lives by staying in harmony
with nature.
Here is a very brief introduction into Ayurvedic theory.
All matter (including the body) is composed of 5 elements
which are the building blocks of existence. Living matter
has three forces comprised of these 5 elements which govern
all psychophysiological processes. These three forces are
called doshas.
The term dosha means 'that which causes things to decay',
reflecting the fact that when out of balance (with our constitutional
nature or our environment), the doshas are the causative forces
in the disease process. The names of the doshas are Vata,
Pitta, and Kapha. The doshas are the 3 primary energetic principles
which regulate every physiological and psychological process
in the bodymind. A harmonious state of the 3 doshas creates
balance in the body, mind, and emotions--homeostasis--and
is the foundation of good health. Any longstanding imbalance
in the doshas manifests as disease.
vataVata means 'that which moves things'; it is sometimes
translated as wind. Vata is comprised of primarily air with
ether being a secondary element. It is the moving force behind
the other 2 doshas, which are considered incapable of movement
without it. It is responsible for all of the body's activities
and sensations. It is responsible for the movement of air
in and out of the lungs, blood through the circulatory system,
and thoughts through the mind. It promotes mental balance
and comprehension.
pittaPitta means 'that which digests things'. It is primarily
fire with water as a secondary element. It is responsible
for all chemical and metabolic transformations in the body,
as well as for heat production. It also governs our ability
to digest ideas and impressions and to perceive the nature
of reality. It stimulates the intellect and kindles the capacity
for enthusiasm.
kaphaKapha provides support and substance to the body. It
comes from a word which means that which holds things together.
It's primary element is water with earth as a secondary element.
It gives strength and stability, both physical and psychological,
and governs human emotions such as love, compassion, forgiveness,
loyalty and patience. Kapha can bestow resistance against
disease and can support the healing process. Where Vata and
Pitta effects are active on the body, Kapha acts to restrict
these two forces and prevent their excessive manifestation.
Together the three doshas govern all the activities of life:
catabolism, (vata), metabolism (pitta), and anabolism (kapha).
When vata is excessive, there will be therefore excess catabolism,
resulting in a breakdown or deterioration of the body's natural
defenses. Excess pitta dosha results in disturbances of metabolism
and heat production including infection. Increases in kapha
dosha results in increased tissue growth and weight gain.
Another fundamental idea in Ayurveda is that of ama. Ama
is the result of all undigested foods (and experiences; even
thoughts!). It begins (usually in the mind) to accumulate
in the GI tract, then overflows into other channels in the
body such as blood vessels, capillaries, and lymphatics where
it can cause obstruction. In addition to grossly physical
effects on the body, ama also has subtler consequences on
the vital energies, mental clarity, and emotions. If allowed
to remain, it eventually becomes toxic and accumulates in
tissues of the body where an individual has a predilection
for disease. As a consequence a disease condition manifests
and we give it a name: Arthritis, high blood pressure, gallstone,
bronchitis, cancer, depression etc.
Disease manifests as the result of excess accumulation of
any of the three doshas or ama. Pancha karma is the therapeutic
means by which excess doshas and ama are eliminated from the
physiology.
treatments available
Panchakarma Ayurvedic Treatment
To gain maximum benefit from the panchakarma experience a
minimum of 5 to 10 days treatment is recommended. During panchakarma,
healing and transformative powers are detoxing, rejuvenating
and balancing your body mind and soul.
Ayurveda Day Spa
Treat yourself to a day of nirvana! Choose from our variety
of balancing and nurturing organic therapies.
Weekend Retreat
Especially packaged for friends and neighbors, if you live
in the area or Jacksonville, Tampa/St. Pete, or Orlando areas,
this is ideal for you. Arrive Friday afternoon or Saturday
morning, and bring a friend or two on a relaxing Ayurveda
spa weekend.
Personal Wellness Retreat
Do you need time to renew yourself, to reflect, to rediscover
yourself? With our Personal Wellness Retreat program, you
choose how to spend your days so you can create exactly the
right experience. You may be looking for time for your own
self-care, or you may like yoga, massage, meditation and healthy
meals. Flexible schedule, custom pricing, aimed at individual
needs.
30-Day Detox to Better Health
Take that powerful first step in the process of a healthy
change. Start with Ayurvedic consultation to learn about yourself
and chalk out a planof action. Includes dietary changes, herbal
supplements, daily meditation and rejuvinating spa care.
Ayurvedic Weight Management
You may just need a little help getting started. Our Jump-start
Program clears the mind, detoxifies the body and allows you
to focus, without distraction, on your health and fitness.
Put yourself on a healthy new path with an 8 day stay at the
Ayurveda Health Retreat.
Other Therapies Available
Alongside the above retreat packages, we also offer a range
of related or extra therapies and services. Combine them with
your stay at the retreat, or visit us just to take advantage
of one or two if you are in the area.
ayurveda health retreat
Panchakarma Ayurvedic Treatment