Ayurveda as a personalised approach to health

Ayurveda, often referred to as the "science of life," is founded on the principle that each person is unique, with their own distinctive constitution, or dosha. By understanding one's dosha—Vata, Pitta, or Kapha—Ayurvedic practitioners tailor recommendations to harmonise the body, mind, and spirit, promoting radical health from within.

Dr. Sam Watts MCMA, Dip.Ayu, MSc, BSc (Hons), PhD of Mind Body Medical is a lead Ayurvedic consultant and one of the health practitioners on the Goodwood Active Longevity Retreat, shares the significance of Ayurveda in today's wellness landscape. "Ayurveda goes beyond the one-size-fits-all approach," he explains. "It provides personalised recommendations based on an individual's unique constitution, lifestyle and environment."

"Think of Ayurveda as your body's user manual," Dr. Sam shares “setting the tone for a profound exploration of ancient wisdom brought into our modern everyday living.”

"Ayurveda provides a profound understanding of our body's unique needs." Dr Sam explains, "By garnering personalised insights, individuals can navigate lifestyle choices that nurture their wellbeing and resilience through a holistic approach to living well.”

Ayurveda for preventative health

Ayurveda emphasises the importance of prevention over cure, advocating for a holistic approach to health that encompasses diet, lifestyle, and mindfulness practices. "In Ayurveda, we focus on nurturing the gut, as it is the cornerstone of overall health," says Dr Sam, "A balanced gut microbiome not only supports digestion but also influences mood, immunity and longevity."

Recent scientific research corroborates the efficacy of Ayurvedic principles in promoting gut health and overall wellbeing. Studies have shown that Ayurvedic herbs and formulations, such as triphala and ashwagandha, possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting digestive function and enhancing resilience to stress.

The science-backed approach to Ayurveda

As Dr Sam states, “Clinical studies show their capacity to slow down in some cases, reverse ageing, suppress the seeds of disease and promote energy and vitality in the body.”

"Ayurveda is not just a system of medicine; it's a way of life—one that promotes balance, harmony, and longevity. By embracing Ayurvedic principles, we can unlock the secrets to vibrant health and wellbeing, ensuring a life lived to its fullest potential."

Ayurvedic medicine serves as a timeless roadmap to gut health, longevity and holistic wellbeing. Rooted in tradition yet supported by modern research, Ayurveda offers a personalised approach to living that empowers individuals to take charge of their health and wellbeing.

At Goodwood’s Active Longevity Retreat, you are invited on a transformative journey towards health and vitality, guided, in part, by the wisdom of Ayurveda and the expertise of our world-class experts who support your journey towards maximising your healthy years.

Find out more about the Goodwood Active Longevity Retreat here.

References

Rao RV. Ayurveda and the science of aging. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2018 Jul-Sep;9(3):225-232. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.10.002. Epub 2017 Dec 21. PMID: 29276113; PMCID: PMC6148064.

Peterson CT, Denniston K, Chopra D. Therapeutic Uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic Medicine. J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Aug;23(8):607-614. doi: 10.1089/acm.2017.0083. Epub 2017 Jul 11. PMID: 28696777; PMCID: PMC5567597.

Kumar S, Dobos GJ, Rampp T. The Significance of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jul;22(3):494-501. doi: 10.1177/2156587216671392. Epub 2016 Oct 5. PMID: 27707902; PMCID: PMC5871155.

Patwardhan B. Bridging Ayurveda with evidence-based scientific approaches in medicine. EPMA J. 2014 Nov 1;5(1):19. doi: 10.1186/1878-5085-5-19. PMID: 25395997; PMCID: PMC4230501.