Ayurveda & Yoga retreat, March 2016 (TBC), Somerset
June 24, 2015
Refresh body, mind and soul by escaping to the countryside for a rejuvenating retreat. Immerse yourself in Ayurveda and Yoga, enjoy nourishing food and explore the stunning Somerset countryside around Joanna’s home in Somerset. She believes in learning through doing, and having lots of laughs along the way. The maximum group size is 8 so plenty of individual attention and time for massages and Ayurvedic consultations.
Venue: The Weavers House, Batcombe BA4 6AB. Please see here for more on the venue and nearby places of interest. Guest will be in either the main Weavers House or The Cider House annex. Both are beautifully restored Grade 2 Listed buildings (mix of comfortable twin, double and single accommodation). There are two sitting rooms with log burners to relax in if the evenings are chilly, or else a large garden if its warm.
Ayurvedic Food: Delicious, nourishing and digestible so vegetarian, wheat/sugar free with vegetables from the garden and eggs from our hens. Milk is organic and unpasteurised, from the local farm but Almond milk will also be available. Brunch will offer home-made granola, coconut milk yoghurt, frittata, with home-made spelt and rye sourdough bread. Please advise of any additional dietary requirements in advance.
“The yoga was wonderful. Joanna is a creative, gentle, thoughtful teacher – the classes were varied and sensitive to the needs of the moment”
“The weekend provided an intensive yoga and meditation practice which was suitable for beginners to advanced alike, with time for relaxation and lovely company.”
“A very friendly, comfortable, beautiful venue. The food was nutritions, creative and plentiful. The Yoga was well paced, with good knowledge and the Yoga space was beautiful. The weekend exceeded my expectations in every way!”
“Your cooking is so inspirational. I loved the food you prepared for us. It really changed my life. I have never really been into diet fads so I didn’t give food the credit it deserved. After experiencing your approach it made me realise how it can have such an effect on your well being if you take a holistic approach and make some changes for life. So I thank you from my soul once again, and so does my body!”
Weekend Schedule (may alter slightly):
- From 4pm: Arrival
- 6-7.30pm: Restorative Yoga
- 7.30pm: Delicious Ayurvedic dinner
Saturday
- 8-9:30am: Meditation then energising yoga
- 9.45am: Healthy brunch
- 10.45-1.45: Health consultations, massages, free time
- 1.45pm: Snack and guided walk in the valley
- 3:45-5.45: Ayurvedic Body Care Workshop
- 6-7.15: Restorative Yoga/ Short Yoga Nidra
- 7:30pm: Dinner, followed by showing of BBC documentary on Ayurveda
Sunday
- 8-9:30am: Meditation then energising yoga
- 9.45am: Healthy brunch
- 10.30-12.30: Ayurvedic Nutrition Workshop
- 12.45pm: Lunch
- 1.45 -3.45: Health consultations, massages, free time
- 3.45pm: Chai and treats
Ayurvedic Nutrition Workshop
Draws on both Ayurvedic and Yogic principles. If food is indeed medicine, what is the best diet for you and your individual dosha?
- How to nurture our digestion (‘agni) and reduce the effects of improperly digested food (‘ama)
- Three three types of digestive imbalance seen in Ayurveda
- Why modern wheat and pasteurised dairy is hard to digest
- How to make your own spelt sourdough bread
- How Ayurvedic cooking is about principles so get creative.
- A gentle detox using Ayurvedic detox nectar: mung bean soup
- Preparing kitchari, a Tridoshic vegetable curry, raita, ghee, fresh chutney and a healthy ‘raw’ treat
- Take home samples such as fresh curry leaves
Ayurveda Body care Workshop
Ayurveda is a very practical science and this workshop offers a chance to play. It covers:
- Dosha questionnaire to assess your Ayurvedic type
- The Ayurvedic daily routine- cleansing the 5 senses- including how to use a neti pot and tongue scraper
- How to turn your bathroom into an Ayurvedic spa
- Making a simple skin product from ingredients good enough to eat, to take home.
- How to give yourself a free daily massage
Yoga
Joanna teaches Sivananda inspired Hatha yoga according to Ayurvedic principals. Sivananda yoga has a complete approach with pranayama, sun salutes, inversions, forward bends and backbends, twisting, balancing and standing poses, chanting, and a full final relaxation (which is when the Ayurvedic doshas are balanced by your practice). She is also inspired by Restorative yoga, Yoga Nidra and different meditation techniques. The Yoga can be adapted for all abilities, including pregnancy.
Massages and Health Consultations
Joanna and fellow Ayurvedic massage therapist Gwen Corbet are available to give warm oil massage, Indian head massages and Health consultations (not included in the retreat package)
Ayurvedic 1:1 Health Consultation (60 minutes for £50): The focus is on diet and lifestyle approaches to help balance the doshas. The pulse and tongue are also assessed to help read symptoms of imbalance. Herbal remedies may also be advised to address the root cause of imbalance and treat current symptoms. A detox plan may be advised. Ayurveda places great importance on even the smallest signs of things ‘not being quite right’ so come with all your questions. Please note a health questionnaire will be sent in advance of the weekend for those booking a consultation with Joanna.
Ayurvedic Massage with warm oil (60 minutes for £40): A deep massage using firm, deep strokes to reduce imbalances in the body, as well as being relaxing and rejuvenating. Ideal with stress, anxiety, exhaustion and all Vata dosha disorders (eg: nervous system imbalance, muscular and joint pain, tension).
Indian head massage massage (45 minutes for £35): A seated massage which relaxes, detoxifies, de-stresses, encourages healthy hair growth and balances the body’s energy system. This treatment includes work on the upper back, arms, shoulders, head, neck and face. It’s especially good for eyestrain, migraine, tension headaches, blocked sinuses, irritability, insomnia, and knotted shoulders. It triggers endorphin release, leading to contentment, happiness, and an increased alpha state of brain.
Booking and payment
Investment for this tailored retreat (8 people max.) is £300 pp for twin or double room and £350 pp single room. This includes:
- 2 nights accommodation in the Weavers House/ The Old Cider House
- All food, drinks and snacks
- Two Ayurveda workshops with handouts and samples to take home
- 4 Yoga sessions and a guided walk
To secure your place, please email [email protected] for a booking form. Please send a cheque made payable to Joanna Webber, to The Weavers House, Kale Street, Batcombe BA4 6AB. Or make a BACS payment (please request details). Please pay either the full amount, or a 50% deposit with the remainder due by 22 nd July.
See you in Batcombe!
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