meaning "life"
Ayurveda
meaning "science"
Ayurveda is an ancient natural wellness system from India. More than 5,000 years old, this time-honored tradition of healing awakens your body’s innate intelligence and repair mechanisms. On a practical level, Ayurveda—the “science of life”—helps you find balance through simple daily rituals, diet and herbs. It’s all about you and your own unique needs.
The Doshas
According to Ayurveda, the five natural elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) are present in your mind and body, too—in form of the doshas: Vata (ether, air), Pitta (fire, water), and Kapha (water, earth). These elemental energies influence everything from your physical shape and digestion to the way you process thoughts and emotions.
Vata
Air/Ether
Vata dosha is the Ayurvedic mind-body element associated with air and space. It’s light, cool, and dry in nature, and it governs all movement and processes in your mind and body—including processes like blood flow, elimination, breathing, and the movement of thoughts in your mind.
One of the foundational principles of Ayurveda is that “like increases like,” and opposites balance. Therefore, because Vata dosha is cool, light, and dry, it benefits from things that are warming, grounding, and nurturing.
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Try a Yoga Nidra class or grounding Kapha-style class at Sanctuary.
Take time to nurture yourself and your Vata dosha and schedule a Shirodhara treatment, Indian Head Massage or Abhyanga at our Blue Lotus Spa.
Pitta
Fire/Water
Pitta dosha is hot, sharp, and oily in nature, it benefits from things that are cooling and soothing. Some of the easiest ways to restore balance to Pitta: engaging in cooling activities like swimming, strolling in nature (but not under the hot sun), and doing light-hearted things like spending time with loved-ones and children.
Try a Slow Flow Vinyasa class, Thai Yoga class and Chakra Balancing yoga classes at Sanctuary.
Give yourself an Abhyanga (self-massage with warm oil) each day before bathing, using a cooling oil such as coconut. Or schedule an Abhyanga, Cooling Coconut Lime Body Treatment or Soothing Gel mask add-on at our Blue Lotus Spa.
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Kapha
Water/Earth
Kapha dosha is the Ayurvedic mind-body element associated with earth and water. It’s slow, moist, cool, oily, heavy, smooth, and steady in nature and embodies structure, lubrication, and stability in the mind and body.
Enjoy a little bit of vigorous regular exercise every day.
Try a Vinyasa or HEATED Vinyasa class at Sanctuary.
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Nurture your Kapha dosha at our Blue Lotus Spa and schedule a Charcoal Detox Treatment, facial peel or the Energizing Lemon Body Peel.
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