Ayurveda & Yoga – Portugal Sept 25th to 30th

UNLEASH YOUR INNER POWER RETREAT is a 6-day life renewing experience in which we will take you on a journey that is deeply replenishing in the beautiful CASA PALMELA, in Setubal, Portugal.

Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, breath work, lectures, dynamic activities and excursions, all designed to raise your understanding of self-care and self-healing. This experience will elevate your awareness leading to deep healing, replenishment, and strength. You can’t miss it!

OUR LOCATION

Situated in the heart of the Arrábida Natural Park, Hotel Casa Palmela is located in Quinta do Esteval, a luxury house with a history dating back to the seventeenth century.

Pass through the grand gates of Casa Palmela and prepare to be utterly relaxed. A long road lined with vineyards gives you welcome, approaching the one that will be an unforgettable experience.

RETREAT SCHEDULE

Start the day with a transformative yoga, meditation and pranayama classe, enjoy nourishing meals prepared with typical products from the Setúbal region, learn Ayurveda principles and have moments of total relaxation by the pool, Ayurvedic massage, and an meditative sunset boat ride.

And why not explore the best of Portugal with our practices? As part of our schedule, you will get to visit a local winery during the grape harvest (vidima); explore one of the best farmers markets of Portugal with Luciana, your Ayurvedic expert at your side; and also lose yourself in the art of tile making by handcrafting and painting a Portuguese tile in an inward experience.

Leave feeling both refreshed and with a profound sense of awareness of your own unlimited potential, and with the practical tools the experts have gifted you, continue your journey at home

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Private transfer for Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport)
• 6 days, 5 nights in a Luxury Hotel (part of the small luxury hotels of the world)
• Vegetarian food prepared by the hotel chef, using self-sustaining and local ingredients
• Daily Yoga, Meditation, and Pranayama with master teachers Therese and Luciana
• Private ayurveda and Gurdjieff’s work sessions with our experts to setup your personalized wellness program
• Various group activities
• Dynamic Ayurveda nutrition lecture
• Ayurveda self-care lecture
• Yoga Philosophy lecture
• One Ayurvedic massage during your stay
• Boat Journey and Sunset Meditation
• Portuguese tile painting and factory tour
• Mercado do livramento educational tour
• Adega Jose Maria da Fonseca visit and tasting

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Tips – not mandatory in Portugal
• Air fares to portugal (Lisbon)
• Luggage and travel insurance*
• Health insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Transfers not mentioned in the program
• Entrance fees to monuments not mentioned in the program
• In case of payment made by bank transfer, the costs must be paid by the sender.
• credit card payments will have a 3.5% processing fee
• optional 3 days in Lisbon after the retreat (organized by Art of Travel)

*travel insurance is mandatory for all participants

OPTIONAL: EXPLORE LISBON POST-RETREAT TRIP

Designed by Art of Travel

This portion is NOT included in the retreat, but I wouldn’t miss it !!! It is a great way to reintegrate into the outside world and explore the beautiful city of Lisbon with friends.

YOUR HOST

Luciana Ferraz, AP, CHC, RYT-200, AYT

As founder of Blueberry Bunch, Professor at Vidyalaya, Speaker, and Author, Luciana unites her passion and professional background across a range of holistic practices to help people immerse in their health and wellbeing. She empowers clients to implement a healthier lifestyle, hence allowing the body’s natural ability to heal itself and work to its greatest potential.

Her individualized approach is based on the core principles of Ayurveda and bio-individuality; a tailored program designed for each client, along with the support of nutrition, yoga, self-awareness, and other holistic practices.

Luciana holds certifications as an Ayurvedic Practitioner from Kerala Ayurveda Academy in California-India, Ayur-Yoga from The Ayurvedic Institute, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach from IIN in NYC. a long time student of yoga, she studied prana vinyasa, pre-natal, and yoga trance dance under teacher Shiva Rea and other renowned teachers. Luciana completed her Gurukulu studies with Dr. Vasant Lad in Pune, India.  She is also a certified Yoga Alliance Teacher.

Over twenty years into this journey, she is fully dedicated to helping clients bring self-care, wellbeing, harmony, and mindfulness into their lives. More about Luciana

GUEST TEACHER

Therese Skovgaard Poulsen

Originally from Denmark / England, Therese is a Sanskrit Scholar from Columbia University in New York, where she also completed her medical training to become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

Her love for yoga and her search for Sanskrit scholars took her to India 27 years ago where she trained to become a Senior Ashtangha Yoga Instructor, and a lay scholar of classical yoga texts and the epic poem, the Bhagavad Gita. She has completed numerous advanced studies with Krishnamacharya , and his two senior student B.K.S. Iyengar, and Sri K. Patthabi Jois. She also did an acupuncture degree with advanced study and clinical internships in China.

Therese’s range of meditation experiences include Vipassana (silent meditations for up to three weeks), Gurdjieff’s work, the Enneagram through Helen Palmer, and A.H. Almaas the diamond heart work.

From these multiple areas of specialization and her first-hand experience with integrative practice and therapy, Therese was beginning to synthesize her unique blend of insights in health and healing into the concepts of harmony and balance in body, mind and spirit.

RETREAT ORGANIZATION

Art of Travel

Julia and Mariana are the founders of Art of Travel, a boutique agency, member of Serandipians by Traveler Made, specialized in client itineraries.

Their purpose is to transform travel dreams into unique trips. They unite consultancy, expertise and networking to surprise and deliver the best experiences to the customers with Small details, care and total dedication to your trip

RESERVATION AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Single Premium Room Package €3,850 Euros (€861.00 Euros deposit required to hold your spot)

Double Premium Room Package €3625 Euros (€908.50 Euros deposit required to hold your spot)

• cancellation by 07/25/2022 – no cancellation costs will be charged*.
• cancellation after 07/26/22 or in case of no-show – 100% of the reservation will be charged.
• €400 Euros deposit are non-refundable*

Payment in full, or deposit + 2 installments (June and August). See the program PDF or contact us for details.

REGISTRATION: send a message to Contato@artoftravel.com.br

All material and information presented by Blueberry Bunch is intended to be used for educational purposes only. The statements made about products, supplements, or treatments have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The information on blueberrybunch.com is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

A guided detox program with Luciana Ferraz

AT A GLANCE

Join this 7-day group cleanse with Luciana Ferraz to rejuvenate your body and mind. As we cleanse and nourish following Ayurvedic and Integrative Nutrition principles, we will explore the six tastes and their significance on our state of balance.

It takes place August 24 – 30, and you’ll receive everything you need for a successful cleanse.

Goals of an Ayurvedic Cleanse:

• Remove physical, mental and emotional ama (toxins) from deep within your system.
• Give your digestive fire (agni) a pause to rekindle itself.
• Halt your exposure to toxic substances.
• Cleanse your body, allowing prana (life energy) to flow freely again.
• Step away from unwanted habits, pause for reflection and create healthier habits.

Other benefits of seasonal cleanses:

• Clarity of mind, greater sense of presence and better focus
• Increased energy and vitality
• Improved sleep quality
• Diminished inflammation, chronic pain and allergies
• Clearer, glowing skin

REGISTRATION, DETAILS AND MORE

Monday, August 24 – 30 | $540

Location: Online + Meal delivery

What’s Included:

BOOK NOW

After booking, please get in touch to let me know what food allergies you have, if you have any.

CLEANSE SCHEDULE

We follow a time-tested protocol based on the core principles of Ayurveda and Integrative Nutrition. This protocol is specifically designed to support detoxification, natural purification and proper nourishment while building digestive strength and integrating self-care routines.

2 Days Before: Webinar

Information to come via WhatsApp about the webinar taking place Saturday, August 22

Days 1 – 2: Purification

Plant-based diet, gentle exercise, breath work, simple meditation practices and self-care routines

Days 3 – 5: Purification – Active Cleanse

A mono-diet of primarily kitchari, gentle exercise, breath work, simple meditation practices, eliminating toxic build-up, self-care routines

Day 6 –7: Reintroduction

Identifying food sensitivities, introducing foods that are rejuvenating and easy to digest, and deepening self-care routines

Afterward: Rasayana, Rejuvenation

Sticking to your health goals; continuing to eat foods that are nourishing, unprocessed, rejuvenating and easy to digest; maintaining your daily self-care practices

QUESTIONS?

Don’t hesitate to send a message or email me at info@blueberrybunch.com.

All material and information presented by Blueberry Bunch is intended to be used for educational purposes only. The statements made about products, supplements, or treatments have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The information on blueberrybunch.com is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

A guided detox program with Luciana Ferraz

AT A GLANCE

Join this 7-day group cleanse with Luciana Ferraz to kick off the New Year feeling rejuvenated and experiencing greater vitality. It takes place January 20 – 26, and you’ll receive everything you need for a successful cleanse tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

Our focus will be to:

• Remove physical, mental and emotional ama (toxins) from deep within your system.
• Give your digestive fire (agni) a pause to rekindle itself.
• Halt your exposure to toxic substances.
• Cleanse your body, allowing prana (life energy) to flow freely again.
• Step away from unwanted habits, pause for reflection and create space for renewal.

Other benefits of seasonal cleanses:

• Clarity of mind, greater sense of presence and better focus
• Increased energy and vibrancy
• Diminished inflammation, chronic pain and allergies
• Clearer, glowing skin

REGISTRATION, DETAILS AND MORE

Please register for your choice of cleanse.

OPTION 1: 7-Day Reset Cleanse

Monday, January 20 – 26 | $135

Location: Online

What’s included:

• Daily Q&A through WhatsApp group during the program 
• Daily inspirational messages 
• An e-book with shopping lists, recipes and Ayurveda daily practices for your reference
• Curated information to help you transition between phases, including post-cleanse

Food is not included.

BOOK NOW

____

OPTION 2: 7-Day Reset Cleanse & Ayurvedic Consultation

Monday, January 20 – 26  |  $275 

Location: Online

What’s included:

• 90-Minute Ayurvedic Assessment with Luciana Ferraz (Appointment times are limited. Please contact Luciana for availability.)
• Daily Q&A through WhatsApp group during the program 
• Daily inspirational messages 
• An e-book with shopping lists, recipes and Ayurveda daily practices for your reference
• Curated information to help you transition between phases, including post-cleanse

Food is not included.

BOOK NOW

____

ALSO AVAILABLE: Cleanse Essentials

For your convenience, I’ve bundled together 10 Ayurvedic products that support a healthy 7-day cleanse. Price: $128

What’s included:

Daily Massage Oil, Kitchari Spice Mix, Yellow Mung Dal, Organic Ghee, CCF Tea, Tongue Cleaner, Daily Swish, Nasya Oil, Ear Oil, Triphala powder

Ordering:

Before placing your order, please contact me to confirm availability and your preference for delivery or pick-up.

ORDER NOW

CLEANSE SCHEDULE

We follow a time-tested protocol based on the core principles of Ayurveda and Integrative Nutrition. This protocol is specifically designed to support detoxification, natural purification and proper nourishment while building digestive strength and integrating self-care routines.

2 – 3 Days Before: Preparation

Assessing lifestyle and goals, making a commitment, reading your cleansing guide, purchasing Ayurvedic products and goods, preparing foods for day 1

Days 1 – 2: Purification

Plant-based diet, gentle exercise, breath work, simple meditation practices and self-care routines

Days 3 – 5: Purification – Active Cleanse

A mono-diet of primarily kitchari, gentle exercise, breath work, simple meditation practices, eliminating toxic build-up, self-care routines

Day 6 –7: Reintroduction

Identifying food sensitivities, introducing foods that are rejuvenating and easy to digest, and deepening self-care routines

Afterward: Rasayana – Rejuvenation

Sticking to your health goals; continuing to eat foods that are nourishing, unprocessed, rejuvenating and easy to digest; maintaining your daily self-care practices

QUESTIONS?

Don’t hesitate to send a message or email me at info@blueberrybunch.com.

All material and information presented by Blueberry Bunch is intended to be used for educational purposes only. The statements made about products, supplements, or treatments have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The information on blueberrybunch.com is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.

Long days. Outdoor fun. Travel. Relaxation. Summer certainly has its perks. But the heat of summer can also throw you off balance, aggravating your mind and body in many ways. According to Ayurveda, the ancient “science of life,” there are reasons for that—and some helpful practices to keep you calm and cool.

What summer has to do with Ayurveda

Before we dive into Ayurvedic practices for restoring your balance, it will help to have some background. To put it simply, Ayurveda can show you how your body reacts to the elements around you and within you, plus what you can do about it.

The season of pitta/fire

All five of the primary elements (air, fire, water, earth and ether) and the three doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) exist in everything and everyone, but in different proportions. That means each season—and person—have elements and a dosha that are predominant, making them unique.

Summer aligns with the pitta dosha and the element of fire because of its hot, penetrating, sharp and oily qualities.

How pitta can affect you

The pitta within you is closely related to your digestion, metabolism, body temperature, thoughts, emotions and more. These can be prone to imbalance as you’re exposed to summer’s heat and other pitta qualities. This is especially true if pitta is your primary dosha.

When your doshas are aggravated, there can be many physical and emotional signs.

Signs of excess pitta

• Uncomfortably warm
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Skin irritation and rashes
• Loose stools and diarrhea
• Red, inflamed or light-sensitive eyes
• Inflammation
• Infections
• Impatience and intolerance
• Irritability and anger

Even if you experience these already, they may show more often when pitta is aggravated.

5 tips to help balance pitta in the summer

In Ayurveda, it’s believed that “like increases like.” So things that are hot, penetrating, sharp and oily (pitta characteristics) can aggravate your body and mind during the summer. Try to cut back on them and increase what’s opposite of pitta—calm and cool—to keep your body and mind in harmony with this season.

1. Choose cooling foods and drinks.

This is the most effective way to balance pitta. Good choices include:

• Sweet fruits like pears, melons, mangos, apples, grapes, dates, figs and prunes (Avoid citrus and other sour fruits.)
• Sweet or bitter vegetables like peas, sweet potato, cucumber, leafy greens, celery, zucchini, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower (Cut back on pungent varieties like onions, chili peppers, tomatoes and eggplant.)
• Cooling or astringent spices and herbs like neem, shavarti, amalaki, burdock, cilantro, parsley and fennel (Avoid cayenne, garlic, chili pepper, mustard seeds and dried ginger.)
• Cool (not iced) beverages like water, coconut water and coconut milk. Teas like chamomile, mint and coriander seed can be good if room temperature or cool. (Avoid caffeine and alcohol, especially beer and wine.)

2. Cool down your exercise.

Adjust your physical activity during summer for optimal balance.

• Time of day: ideally early morning when it’s not as hot, especially if exercising outside, otherwise in a cooler environment
• Intensity: no more than 50 percent of your maximum capacity
• Refreshing activities to consider: swimming, gentle yoga like moon salutations (instead of sun salutations), walking, hiking and cycling

3. Limit heat exposure.

In addition to being mindful of exercise timing, you should also:

• Minimize all sun exposure during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear sunscreen if you go outside when the sun’s rays are the strongest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to avoid a pitta-aggravating sunburn and other effects of the sun. Sunscreens are definitely not created equal, so check out EWG’s guide to safer sunscreens.
• Avoid hot tubs or steam rooms.

4. Take it easy.

To balance pitta, it’s especially important to prioritize self-care, calm your mind and slow down.

• Go inward. Meditate or practice personal prayer or reflection, daily.
• Be mindful of your emotions. Observe your feelings and how you react. Try to be patient and tolerant, and turn your focus toward positive thoughts.
• Take deep breaths. Whenever you have to wait, deal with an unpleasant situation or simply want to enjoy more calm, try to take long, slow, deep breaths.
• Relax. Make time each day for rest and relaxation. Listen to peaceful music, or enjoy silent moments. Lie on a blanket and take in the beauty of the moon and stars.

5. Follow an Ayurvedic daily routine that’s pitta pacifying.

Another powerful way to harmonize your mind and body is with a daily routine that’s in alignment with the natural rhythms of day and night. Check out my previous blog post for 11 day-starters that promote overall balance and health.

Start to experiment with these cooling suggestions and you’ll be on your way to harnessing all the wonderful qualities of summer with fewer pitta-related aggravations.

Until next time, here’s to a cool, calm and balanced summer!

Luciana

All material and information presented by Blueberry Bunch is intended to be used for educational purposes only. The statements made about products, supplements, or treatments have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The information on bluberrybunch.com is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle.