Sacred Space – NRC

The first time I looked for information on Ayurveda, one of the oldest treatment methods developed in India over 5,000 years ago, was after a friend told me about a getaway in Bali where I lost eight kilos after two weeks.

I was instantly captivated, dived into it and discovered quite a few junk resorts all over the world. A person who is underweight is worth the money. The Ayurvedic resort in India was one of the places I’ve been stuck in for a long time. I knew Ayurveda, “the science of life” in Sanskrit, by name, but I honestly didn’t know what it meant.

Now I am fully aware of the latest developments, thanks Ayurvedic Kitchen, “80 Prescriptions for Mind and Body” by Ann Higham, alternative medicine practitioner and owner of the Ayurvedic Clinic in Norwich and London. In her introduction she wrote that according to the Ayurvedic tradition, the kitchen is viewed as a sacred space, as a “source of powerful nourishment and healing” and “with proper attention and guidance you can transform your kitchen into a harmonious spa where you can enjoy the most delicious cuisine, and you can prepare healthy meals.”

This seems a lot cheaper than the thousands of euros you have to pay for the luxury resorts I’ve found. But at the resort you are instructed, at home you have to do it yourself. Then they continued.

Higham provides the tools to change your lifestyle with a comprehensive introduction to the teachings with explanations of the ingredients and what Ayurveda says about them, tips, exercises and of course recipes at the end.

It dwells in every season, as your body responds to changes. For warmer summer weather, she recommends foods with cooling properties like cucumber celery juice and quick “warm weather couscous.” We’ll be making this couscous this week. Each recipe in the book is accompanied by an explanation of the function of the ingredients.

I find everything very enjoyable. I have no doubt that what you eat affects your body and mind. For those who want to learn more about Ayurveda, this is an educational recommendation containing surprisingly delicious recipes that are worth trying.