ADAMS, Mass. — The Anahata Schoolhouse on North Summer Street is offer a new service to its yoga patrons — ayurveda.

 

"Ayurveda means the science of life or longevity and it's a 5,000-year-old traditional system of medicine originating in India. It's a universal system of medicine that applies to anybody, anywhere," said certified ayurveda practitioner Hilary Garivaltis. 

 

"It's based on nature, natural laws, and rhythms and principles of nature and understanding that we're all a part of it so learning how we fit into the world around us is so important in ayurveda."

 

Garivaltis has been a leader in ayurveda for 25 years and taught for 12 years at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Strockbridge. 

 

She continues to give workshops and courses, and helps set up programs, including now at the Anahata yoga and healing arts center. This includes offering personal consultations to create customized recommendations on diet, lifestyle and habits.

 

"Ayurveda is really body care, yoga is taking care of the mind, ayurveda is taking care of the body," said Aly Sprague, Anahata's director of ayurveda and yoga programs.

 

"It's extremely individualized, so no one that comes in is going to walk away with the same recommendations, not one person, because we are all made up of varying degrees."