{"id":32644,"date":"2026-04-09T15:31:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:31:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/ayurveda-the-oldest-longevity-concept-in-the-world-and-why-it-is-so-relevant-right-now\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T15:48:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T13:48:31","slug":"ayurveda-the-oldest-longevity-concept-in-the-world-and-why-it-is-so-relevant-right-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/ayurveda-the-oldest-longevity-concept-in-the-world-and-why-it-is-so-relevant-right-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Ayurveda – The oldest longevity concept in the world, and why it is so relevant right now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Longevity, biohacking, regeneration – these terms are currently dominating the wellness world. But while many trends come and go, a millennia-old tradition has long been dealing with the same questions: how can we not only stay alive longer, but also stay truly healthy?<\/strong> We spoke to Sigrun Laepple<\/strong>, Ayurveda specialist and head of the Ayurveda Rejuvenation Retreat at Giardino Ascona<\/strong>, about doshas, life energy and why a lukewarm glass of water in the morning does more than you might think. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

Ayurveda is not a trend, it is an answer to our time<\/h4>\n\n

When you hear “Ayurveda”, you might think of oil massages and herbal teas. But what is really behind this system that has been practiced for over 5,000 years? <\/p>\n\n

Sigrun Laepple<\/strong> puts it in a nutshell: Ayurveda is booming because its basic principles are both timeless and highly topical. In a world where change is the only stable thing in everyday life, holistic systems are needed. The central keyword in Ayurveda is balance<\/strong>, the harmonious interplay of body, digestion, senses, mind and consciousness. No fighting symptoms, no side effects of expensive medication, no expensive therapies, but strengthening the entire system<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

It is precisely this attitude that makes Ayurveda one of the most convincing longevity concepts<\/strong> of our time.<\/p>\n\n

What does “growing old healthily” really mean?<\/h4>\n\n

Everyone is talking about longevity, but what does Ayurveda actually mean by this? Sigrun Laepple likes to quote a Vaidya, an Ayurvedic doctor: <\/p>\n\n

“In Ayurveda, we want to die healthy.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n

That sounds provocative, but it gets to the heart of the matter. Thanks to better hygiene and medicine, we are living longer, but the question of quality of life<\/strong> has not yet been answered. Medication with side effects, aids, mental decline – these are often considered “normal” in old age. Ayurveda counters this with the conviction that we can enjoy physical and, above all, mental health<\/strong> into old age, depending on our stage of life. “Healthy and full of life in both young and old age” is the real goal. <\/p>\n\n

Regeneration: the underestimated superpower<\/h4>\n\n

Why is rest so important and why do we ignore it so consistently? Laepple explains it from an Ayurvedic perspective: “Most of the body’s cells are renewed between 7 and 28 days. Whether this renewal takes place optimally depends on our metabolic processes. Ayurveda calls the result of optimal cell regeneration ojas<\/strong>, life energy, vitality, immunity and radiance. <\/p>\n\n

Ayurveda recommends the 8-8-8<\/strong> rule: 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work, 8 hours of private life. Regular, conscious breaks allow the mind and body to fulfill their natural tasks. <\/p>\n\n

If you cut out these breaks, you weaken your ojas. Under constant stress, stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol flood the body and the natural metabolic processes are interrupted. In the long term, blockages occur in digestion, tissue and the nervous system. Toxins can no longer be sufficiently excreted. The result: sleep disorders, lack of concentration, exhaustion, illness<\/strong>. A downward spiral that many people are familiar with and which Ayurveda can interrupt with simple, effective remedies. <\/p>\n\n

Doshas: Understanding the language of the body<\/h4>\n\n

Anyone who studies Ayurveda will sooner or later come across the doshas<\/strong>. But what is behind them? <\/p>\n\n

Laepple explains: “Doshas are the functional principles in the body and mind that control all processes, a kind of individual constitution that results from the quantitative distribution of the five elements: Earth, water, fire, air and ether<\/strong>. Each person combines all the elements, but the distribution varies. Dosha literally means “spoiler”, meaning that these principles can easily get out of balance. <\/p>\n\n

An illustrative example: Anyone who spices up their food with lots of chilli on a hot summer’s day, lies in the sun over lunch and eats deep-fried snacks will soon suffer from heartburn, headaches, diarrhea and inflammation. Too much fire in the system. If you already have a lot of fire in your constitution by nature, you will feel it all the more quickly. <\/p>\n\n

Ayurveda therefore looks at the individual constitution and digestive power, but also at cyclical influences<\/strong>: Times of day, seasons, phases of life, weather, environment. Knowledge and a conscious approach can prevent typical age-related complaints long before they arise. <\/p>\n\n

5 Ayurveda routines that anyone can implement immediately<\/h4>\n\n

Ayurveda doesn’t start at the retreat, but at home every morning. Sigrun Laepple recommends: <\/p>\n\n

Drink:<\/strong> A glass of lukewarm to hot water immediately after getting up. Throughout the day, drink warm water or herbal teas every hour, rule of thumb: 0.03 liters per kilogram of body weight. <\/p>\n\n

Nutrition:<\/strong> Only eat as much as you are actually hungry for.<\/p>\n\n

Breathing:<\/strong> Three to six deep breaths into the abdomen and flanks three times a day.<\/p>\n\n

Exercise:<\/strong> Go for an hour’s walk in nature every day, at an intensity that suits your constitution.<\/p>\n\n

Self-awareness:<\/strong> A short body scan from your head to your feet, how does each part of your body feel? What does it need right now? It sounds banal, but how often do we simply ignore our body’s signals? <\/p>\n\n

Why nutrition changes everything<\/h4>\n\n

“You are what you eat”, this sentence takes on a deeper meaning in Ayurveda. Diet plays a central role in prevention and therapy<\/strong>. Eating too much fat prevents muscle building. Lifeless convenience food robs the body of vital substances. Too much food builds up waste products, too little food saps strength. <\/p>\n\n

The first question of every Ayurveda diagnosis is therefore: What is the state of the individual’s digestive power<\/strong>? This is followed by elimination and constitution. Only these three factors result in a truly customized nutritional recommendation, not a diet for everyone, but a precise diet for the individual<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

What happens in the retreat and what changes?<\/h4>\n\n

If you have never taken part in an Ayurveda retreat<\/strong> before, you may be asking yourself: What can I really expect there?<\/p>\n\n

Laepple is honest: “At the beginning, slight restlessness or headaches can occur due to detoxification processes. If you give up coffee and alcohol beforehand, these reactions are significantly reduced. But after just a few days, most participants report significantly more inner peace, clarity, physical strength, inner strength and zest for life<\/strong>. Not as a short-term vacation effect, but as a real shift in energy levels. <\/p>\n\n

The Giardino Ascona: the ideal place for regeneration<\/h4>\n\n

Not every place is equally suitable for a wellness retreat<\/strong>. The Giardino Ascona<\/strong> is made for this, quite literally: Giardino means garden, and that’s exactly what it is: a piece of nature that invites you to relax. The relaxed atmosphere, fresh air, Mediterranean tranquillity on Lake Maggiore<\/strong> all contribute significantly to regeneration. The hotel’s dipi\u00f9 spa<\/strong> complements the offer with massages, cosmetics, pool, sauna, yoga and meditation, inspired by Ticino and using products from the region. <\/p>\n\n

\n\n

The retreats at a glance – 2026 in the Giardino Ascona<\/h4>\n\n

The Giardino Ascona offers several Ayurveda and wellness retreats<\/strong> in 2026, from short breaks to intensive cures:<\/p>\n\n

Get to know Ayurveda, 3-day retreat<\/strong> Dates: April 10-24 \/ May 3-12 \/ June 14-19 \/ September 6-11 \/ October 2-18 Ideal for beginners and advanced practitioners returning to Ayurveda. Get to know your constitutional type, experience Ayurvedic nutrition, treatments and relaxation. \u2192 Learn more<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

The secret for longevity and regeneration, 6-day Rasayana cure<\/strong> Date: September 20-25, 2026 The Rasayana cure is the intensive form of Ayurveda therapy: detoxification, rejuvenation, activation of self-healing powers, tailored to personal needs. \u2192 Learn more<\/a> <\/p>\n\n

Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat, Essence of Balance<\/strong> Date: May 7-10, 2026, with Ayurveda specialist Mangal Gress \u2192 Find out more<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Bloom and Grow Retreat<\/strong> Date: August 27-29, 2026, with Diana Nicoli \u2192 Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n\n

Ayurveda is the answer to longevity<\/h4>\n\n

Longevity concepts are booming, but many of them draw on a source that has been around for thousands of years. Sigrun Laepple sums it up in one sentence: “Healthy and full of life at a young and old age.”<\/strong> This is not wishful thinking, it is a system that works. And the best place to experience it<\/strong> is on the shores of Lake Maggiore. <\/p>\n\n

\u2192 All Ayurveda retreats and wellness offers<\/strong> at Giardino Ascona can be found here: <\/em>giardinohotels.ch\/en\/ascona\/retreats<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n

Booking inquiries: <\/em>hc.onidraigobfsctd-519d16<\/span>@noitavreser<\/span><\/em><\/a> | Tel. +41 91 785 88 88<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Longevity, biohacking, regeneration – these terms are currently dominating the wellness world. But while many trends come and go, a millennia-old tradition has long been dealing with the same questions: how can we not only stay alive longer, but also stay truly healthy? We spoke to Sigrun Laepple, Ayurveda specialist and head of the Ayurveda […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22630,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[194,107,42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32644","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ascona-resort","category-st-moritz","category-auszeit"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-25 15:38:53","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32644","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32644"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32644\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32648,"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32644\/revisions\/32648"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32644"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32644"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/giardinohotels.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32644"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}