last updated on 01/31/2026
Ayurveda is an Indian healing art with a long tradition. Translated, the term means “knowledge of life.” However, life looks very different in different cultures.
In the early years, it slowly became clearer to us that the needs of Indians and Europeans differ. This is how we ultimately developed the concept of European Ayurveda®.
At a Glance: What is European Ayurveda?
European Ayurveda® is a modern evolution of the traditional Indian healing art. To achieve this, Ayurvedic principles are combined with Western needs, current science, and regional products. With the right nutrition, yoga, massages, and retreats, your inner balance is realigned. The goal is a holistic regeneration of body and mind.
Read more about European Ayurveda:
- Your European Ayurveda® Food Table
- Ayurvedic Herbs: The 10 Most Important Medicinal Plants
- Ayurvedic Nutrition: Basics & Tips for Balancing the Doshas
- Ayurveda & Yoga: Body, Mind, and Soul in Harmony
- Holistic Health with European Ayurveda® – The Holistic Approach for Modern People
Ayurveda in India and Europe: What are the differences?
Life in India and Europe is different in many ways. The differences in terms of climate, culture, and dietary habits are quite obvious.
But the stresses people are exposed to are also different: in India, physical strain is higher, while in Europe, a large part of the problems are of emotional origin.
Ayurveda always treats the body, mind, and soul, but in India, the focus is more on the physical level. European Ayurveda®, on the other hand, looks a little different. For Europeans, we must focus more strongly on emotional stress.
We try to combine the teachings of Ayurveda with our culture in Europe. This allows us to work with our valuable local resources while still drawing from the deep knowledge of the Indian philosophy of life.
“European Ayurveda combines the depth of Ayurvedic knowledge with the needs of modern European life. This is precisely where its special power and suitability for everyday life lie.”
Elisabeth Naschberger-Mauracher, European Ayurveda Expert & Managing Director of the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof in Tyrol
Yoga and Massages in European Ayurveda®
People in the Western world are constantly comparing themselves to others. They mostly live in the future and are literally driven.
That is why they also need, for example, slower, gentler Ayurvedic massages, where they can find peace and relax.
We also set different priorities in yoga. We have therefore decided to offer mindful yoga programs and yoga sessions – also more for the mind, because for Europeans, the mind always wants to be occupied.
The asanas we practice with our guests are more about experiencing and feeling one’s own body, rather than performance, acrobatics, or maximum flexibility. Breathing is also very important in this process.
Nutrition in European Ayurveda®
In addition to restorative exercises for the mind, the body should also find peace. For this, the right Ayurvedic nutrition is important. But everyone eats differently.
The dishes we offer should not only satisfy hunger but also sustainably nourish the body, mind, and soul. We have therefore made adjustments.
The Indian diet is too foreign and complicated for us; it contains too many unknown spices. There is a real philosophy behind this diet regarding when to use which spice and in which combination. And so it became clear to us that we had to find a more practical and easier-to-understand path.
It was always important to us to offer something that can easily be continued at home. We use regional foods that people are familiar with. And we are sparing with unfamiliar spices – also because our bodies are overwhelmed by them if they have essentially only known salt and pepper until now.
The recipes must not be overly complicated either, otherwise no one will dare to try them. Simple, practical, and understandable: this is the direction in which we have developed our Ayurvedic nutrition.
Ayurveda Cookbook for Home
Discover the cookbook “I feel really good with Ayurveda” for your home now – with 60 simple and healthy recipes from the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof!
Meditation and Mindset in European Ayurveda®
Meditation is also a specific matter. In India, many people are used to meditating for long periods, simply sitting still on a cushion.
Most Europeans do not find this easy. They need guided meditations, perhaps a little music and a scent. They respond to this and find it much easier to relax.
We have therefore developed short meditation exercises that can be done in between, and designed the rituals so that they are easier for Europeans to integrate into everyday life. Ultimately, it is always about meeting people where they are.
Finally, mindset is also very important. In European Ayurveda, we make sure to send out positive and grateful thoughts. Because we know that everything is energy.
Experience European Ayurveda® at Sonnhof Tyrol
Would you like to immerse yourself in European Ayurveda®? At Hotel Sonnhof in Tyrol, you can enjoy various Ayurveda retreats and programs and bring your body, mind, and soul back into harmony.
Whether you want to shed the stress of everyday work or cleanse your body through a comprehensive detox retreat. Through our personal consultation, you are sure to find the right program for you!
