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The science of life - Āyurveda
What is Āyurveda?
Āyurveda, originating over 5,000 years ago in India, is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, rooted in the Vedic traditions. Developed through ancient texts like the Charaka Saṃhitā and Suśruta Saṃhitā, it emphasizes balance in body, mind, and spirit through natural therapies, diet, and lifestyle practices.
The word Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद) comes from Sanskrit and is a combination of two words: Āyus (आयुस्) – meaning "life" or "longevity", Veda (वेद) – meaning "knowledge" or "science". Āyurveda translates to "the science of life" or "the knowledge of longevity." It is a holistic system that teaches how to maintain balance and well-being in all aspects of life.
Āyurveda is a fundamental part of this system, providing the essential framework for understanding the body in Tantra and Yoga. Rather than a reductionist approach, Āyurveda offers a holistic, organic perspective that integrates physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By balancing the doṣas, harmonizing nāḍis, and working with dhātus and marma points, practitioners create an optimal foundation for deeper Tantric and Yogic practices. At SKaSTA Ashram, students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of Āyurveda, ensuring that their spiritual journey is supported by a well-balanced body and mind, aligned with the natural rhythms of life.
Ayurvedic Walking Massage
Walking massage is a traditional, meridian-based therapy that uses the feet to deliver deep, therapeutic pressure across the body. Rooted in the wisdom of Ayurveda, this practice offers a profound method for physical rejuvenation and energetic balance. Unlike hand-based massage, walking massage allows for a much broader range of pressure—from gentle to very deep—without exhausting the practitioner. It’s an invaluable tool for yoga teachers to enhance their own health and vitality, while also offering a healing modality to students and clients.
This massage technique is structured around the body's meridian systems, similar to acupuncture or acupressure, but approached through the Ayurvedic lens. The practitioner uses their feet to systematically work through the body, beginning on the right side—the Srishti or creative aspect—and then moving to the left—the Samhara or dissolving aspect. This movement mirrors the tantric understanding of life’s flow: creation into manifestation, then return to source.
Traditional Kaula Tantra and Ayurveda are deeply interwoven. Both understand the body as sacred, a vessel of consciousness and Shakti—the dynamic force of the universe. Walking massage, in this context, is more than a physical treatment; it is a sacred act of devotion and transformation. Through touch, presence, and intention, the practitioner becomes a conduit for healing, guiding the recipient toward wholeness and expanded body awareness.
Āyurveda in Kerala, Kovalam beach
Kerala, known as the birthplace of authentic Āyurveda, offers a unique environment where this ancient healing system thrives, especially in places like Kovalam Beach. Surrounded by lush greenery and the calming Arabian Sea, Kovalam is home to numerous traditional Āyurvedic centers that provide holistic treatments rooted in centuries-old wisdom. Here, Āyurveda is deeply integrated into daily life, with expert practitioners using herbal medicines, rejuvenating therapies, and personalized wellness programs to restore balance in body and mind. Kovalam’s tranquil atmosphere, combined with its rich Āyurvedic heritage, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking healing, relaxation, and spiritual renewal.
Why Study Āyurveda?
Āyurveda, rooted in the same Vedic tradition as Tantra, deepens the understanding of prāṇa and holistic well-being. It promotes living in harmony with nature’s rhythms, aligning body, mind, and soul. Unlike allopathic medicine, Āyurveda focuses on an individual’s unique constitution (prakṛti) and views health as a dynamic balance rather than a fixed disease state.
By studying Āyurveda, you gain insight into the doṣas—vāta, pitta, and kapha—understanding their role in maintaining or disrupting well-being. This knowledge helps address imbalances at their root, fostering true healing rather than merely treating symptoms.
We will have weekly lectures on Ayurveda by local doctors who will also give personal constitution consultation and can recommend any additional course of action for specific needs including:
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Pancakarma treatments for hundreds of chronic and acute ailments
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Lifestyle consultation including suggested diet, daily habits, activity/exercise, etc.
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Herbal supplement therapy