Ayurveda
Ayurveda is India's traditional system of medicine; the word roughly means knowledge of life. It combines nutrition, herbs, oil treatments, yoga and daily rhythm, all tailored to your constitution type.
- Origin
- India, several thousand years old
- Basic idea
- Three doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha
- Cure
- Panchakarma, usually 14 to 21 nights
- Suits
- Deep rest, stress, a fresh start
Ayurveda is several thousand years old and to this day a recognised medical system in India with its own degree. At its centre are three basic forces, the doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Everyone has their own mix, and nutrition and treatments are tuned to it.
Best known are the oil treatments: Abhyanga, a full-body massage with warm oil, and Shirodhara, in which oil flows in a fine stream over the forehead. The most intensive form is Panchakarma, a cleansing cure usually lasting two to three weeks with a fixed diet and daily treatments.
In Europe the offer ranges from a single massage in the spa to a medically led cure. There are still few high-quality studies on the effectiveness of many Ayurveda practices. Many guests value above all the deep rest and the regular daily routine.
Good to know
- Ask whether an Ayurveda doctor works in the house.
- A genuine Panchakarma cure is more than massages and lasts at least two weeks.
- Take Ayurvedic herbal preparations only from tested sources and after talking to a doctor.
At Luxly
Houses where you can experience it:
Frequently asked questions
What is Panchakarma?
Ayurveda's classic cleansing cure, literally five actions. It usually lasts two to three weeks and combines a fixed diet with daily oil and cleansing treatments.
Can I do Ayurveda for just a weekend?
Yes, as rest with massages and yoga. A genuine cure is not possible in such a short time, though.
Related terms
Updated on 17 October 2026