Ayurveda
A Holistic Approach to Balance and Well-Being
What Is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, originated in India more than 5,000 years ago.
Its purpose can be summed up in the following verse:
“Swasthsya Swasthya Rakshana Aaturasya Vikara Prakshamanam”
(Sushruta, circa 100 BCE)
which means: to preserve the health of those who are healthy and to help those who are ill.
In Ayurveda, health is not simply the absence of illness, but a state of balance between body, mind, and spirit.
To learn more about the benefits of Ayurveda, please feel free to contact us.
The Path to Balance
Physical health is maintained by living in harmony with the natural rhythms of life — daily routines (dinacharya), seasonal cycles (ritucharya), and proper nutrition.
For mental and emotional well-being, it is important to follow sadvritta — principles of ethical and mindful living.
When we live in harmony with these natural rhythms, the body and mind remain balanced, creating the conditions for health and leaving less room for illness to develop.
The Three Pillars of Health
Ayurveda identifies three essential pillars that support the body and sustain vitality:
Ahara
(nutrition)
Food is the foundation of life and a source of strength, vitality, and health.
Nidra
(sleep)
Sleep restores the body and brings clarity of mind, strength, and a sense of well-being.
Brahmacharya — Vital Energy
A conscious and healthy relationship with our own life energy.
Ivona Peček, Hemwati
Ayurvedic Consultant
She graduated from the Yoga in Daily Life Ayurveda Academy and received a diploma from Tilak Maharashtra University in India in 2007, where she gained a deep understanding of Ayurvedic medicine and the traditional principles of health and balance of body, mind, and spirit.
As an Ayurvedic consultant, she is dedicated to sharing knowledge about natural approaches to healing, prevention, and maintaining vitality through mindfulness, nutrition, and living in harmony with nature.
Since 2008, she has also been teaching yoga according to the Yoga in Daily Life where she passionately shares her many years of experience working with students of different ages and needs. Her teaching combines ancient wisdom with a practical, modern approach to personal growth and inner peace.
She has participated in international gatherings and conferences, where she represented Croatia and delivered lectures on yoga and Ayurveda:
- 2nd International Yoga Conference, New Delhi, June 2017 – Croatian delegate
- 8th World Ayurveda Congress, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, December 2018 – Lecturer
- World AYUSH Expo, Maharashtra, Mumbai, August 2019 – Lecturer
Through more than 200 workshops on Ayurveda and vegetarian cooking held over the past 18 years, she has shared her knowledge, optimism, and positive outlook on life.
Her work inspires people to find their own path to health, balance, and inner strength through yoga, mindfulness, and Ayurveda.
At every session, she encourages people to listen to their bodies, understand their needs, and adopt rituals that support long-term well-being.
Ivona’s dedication to Ayurveda deepened further through her collaboration with Dr. Sukumar Sardeshmukh, one of the most highly respected Ayurvedic doctors in India. Through their collaboration, Ivona had the opportunity to learn directly from an expert who comes from a long-standing family tradition of Ayurvedic medicine. This collaboration has enabled her to combine ancient knowledge with practical approaches suited to modern life. Together, they work to promote Ayurveda in Croatia through workshops, individual consultations, and educational programs.
The Three Doshas – Three Energies of Life
Everything that exists in the universe is composed of five elements – earth, water, fire, air, and space (Panchamahabhuta).
Their combinations within our bodies form three fundamental energies – the doshas.
Vata – The Energy of Movement
It consists of air and space.
It governs breathing, movement, circulation, and thought.
When in balance, it brings creativity and lightness.
When out of balance, it can cause anxiety, insomnia, constipation, and a feeling of coldness.
Vata thrives on warmth, routine, oils, and calm.
Pitta – The Energy of Fire and Transformation
Associated with digestion, metabolism, and mental clarity.
When in balance, it brings courage, determination, and radiance.
When out of balance, it can cause anger, heartburn, inflammation, and overheating.
Pitta thrives on coolness, balance and gentleness.
Kapha – The Energy of Stability and Connection
It consists of water and earth.
It gives the body structure, strength, calm and loyalty.
When Kapha increases, it can lead to sluggishness, fluid retention, and heaviness.
Kapha thrives on movement, warmth and light food.
Agni – The Inner Fire of Life
At the heart of our health lies Agni, the digestive fire that governs our metabolism, warmth, and vital energy.
When Agni is strong, digestion, immunity, and mood are balanced.
When Agni is weak, it can lead to fatigue, bloating, undigested food, and illness.
Herbs and spices such as ginger, cumin, coriander, fennel, and cardamom naturally strengthen and cleanse the digestive fire.
Panchakarma – Five Steps of Cleansing
One of the unique features of Ayurveda is Panchakarma – a system of five therapies for deep cleansing of the body and mind:
- Vamana – Therapeutic Vomiting
- Virechana – Therapeutic Purgation
- Nasyam – Administration of Medicinal Oils Through the Nose
- Basti – Herbal Enema
- Raktamokshana – Blood Purification
The result? Mental clarity, radiant skin, strength, and vitality.
Ayurvedic Massages and Treatments
Ayurveda uses oil, touch and warmth as fundamental methods of healing.
The most well-known treatments are:
Abhyanga – Warm Oil Massage
Warm sesame or almond oil is massaged into the body using rhythmic movements.
It deeply relaxes, stimulates circulation and detoxification, nourishes the skin, and strengthens the immune system.
In Ayurveda, touch is not merely physical – it is the language of awareness, a way of connecting body and spirit.
Shiro Abhyanga – Head Massage
Calms the mind, promotes hair growth and helps relieve stress and insomnia.
Balances energy and restores mental clarity.
Gentle movements release tension accumulated in the neck, shoulders and scalp.
Other Ayurvedic Treatments We Offer:
Udvartana – Herbal Exfoliation
It is recommended for cellulite, fat deposits, improving skin texture and relieving feelings of heaviness and lethargy.
Janu Basti – Knee Treatment
helps relieve knee problems associated with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and may help reduce inflammation
Kati Basti – Lower Back Therapy
helps with back problems, sciatica, arthritis, osteoporosis and menstrual discomfort
Netra Tarpana – Eye Treatment
helps with dry and red eyes, recurring inflammation, and eye fatigue
Nasya – Sinus Detoxification
helps ease breathing, clears the sinuses, and relieves headaches, migraines, neck stiffness and facial paralysis