Ayu, ‘life’ in Sanskrit, comprises mind, body, senses and soul; ‘veda’ means ‘the knowledge of’ Ayurveda – India’s ancient ‘science of life’ – is an integrated approach to the prevention of disease and the rejuvenation of the body through natural therapies and lifestyle modifications.
The science of Ayurveda focuses on balancing each individual’s combination of vital energies (doshas) to optimise their internal workings (prakriti). Our individual doshas are continually interacting with each other inside our bodies as well as with the doshas in our surrounding environment. By understanding our own constitutions – and how they are affected by what we eat and where we are – Ayurveda enables us to balance our internal workings and maximise the benefits we can gain from the world around us.
AyurMa offers life-changing Ayurvedic programs in a 2.5-acre haven that stretches from the centre of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru to the middle of its sparkling lagoon. Here, Ayurvedic Physicians are supported by an exceptional team of yogis, therapists and the Resort’s chefs, who provide Ayurvedic choices in all four restaurants.
Landaa Giraavaru is the ideal location to explore Ayurveda: a remote, natural wilderness in the pristine Baa Atoll – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – with no pollution or high-rises to spoil the connection between the two predominant elements of space and water.
The space element, associated with creativity and clarity of thought, helps guests focus on their sacred ‘intent’; the water element, due to its heaviness, is symbolic of being grounded and contented: essential prerequisites for rest and repose.
Landaa Giraavaru also benefits from fresh and sea air, seawater, sunshine and lush greenery:
Fresh air cleans our lungs and allows more oxygen to enter our cells, providing increased energy and greater clarity of thought
Sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that increase our ability to absorb oxygen, balance levels of serotonin and leave us relaxed, energised and able to rest more soundly
Seawater contains all 89 known elements present in our bodies and helps heal wounds, reduce infection and promote pain relief. Various elements have nutritional and calming effects on our nerves, encourage good urinary flow, the opening of pores and the removal of toxins via the lymph system (which in turn increases the elasticity/appearance of skin)
The sound of waves alters wave patterns in the brain, soothing and calming the mind
The heat of the sun affects our endocrine system (the part of our body that releases endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that make us feel relaxed). Although care must be taken to avoid overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, some sun can be good for conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis. Sunshine is also a main source of vitamin D, which strengthens the bones, boosts the immune system and helps prevents several autoimmune diseases and the growth/spread of various cancers (including some skin cancers)
The lush greenery of Landaa Giraavaru’s jungle wilderness is calming both physically and mentally. Green acts upon the sympathetic nervous system, relieving headaches and tension, lowering blood pressure and improving sleep
Finally, the Resort’s Ayurvedic treatment rooms are set within a herb garden, where the cool breeze – accompanied by the medicinal aromas – is both healing and elevating.