Costa Rica´s Best Guide Online Magazine

by Jill Ruttenberg, registered AHG herbalist, owner of AmaTierra Retreat & Wellness Center of wellness. The ecosystem in this country itself just hums along, creating an energy field of wellness. And the laid-back, Pura Vida lifestyle lends itself to a happier, more relaxed atmosphere where people can let their hair down, relax and be themselves. As the owner of one of the first wellness centers in Costa Rica, I often joke that all the yoga, the meditation and the therapies we offer here at AmaTierra are just a tiny adjunct to the abundance of waterfalls of healing energy already overflowing in the jungle. But of course, therapeutic modalities have their impact and value, too. Since a few pioneers brought yoga to Costa Rica in the 1970 ’ s, the country has grown to become one of the most popular places in the world to practice yoga and learn to teach it, second only to India, yoga ’ s birthplace. 51% of the country of Costa Rica is forest land, with over 1900 different species of trees. Start with that, and think of how much oxygen is put out into the air here for us humans to breathe. This, in itself enhances our health. The negative ions in the air are calming and healing, and these particles are abundant in the forests, oceans, rivers and in the rain that falls here. Fruits, ripened right on the trees, give us very powerful antioxidants that sustain our bodies, and provide a lifestyle of healthy eating. The activities one can choose that immerse us in nature are numerous — hikes through the rainforest to see wildlife and ancient trees, bathing in pure waterfalls, riding bikes and horses, surfing and swimming, all contribute to “a life of holistic health” contained in the definition WELLNESS IN COSTA RICA I sometimes think the word “Wellness” was created in Costa Rica. There is a powerful healing energy in this country that is the perfect backdrop for any and all spa treatments, body-mind therapies, relaxation weekends — just about anything that contributes to what we call “wellness”. Just what is “wellness”? It may be easier to say what it is NOT: It is not just the absence of disease, not just physical health or having a “fit” body. The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.” Yoga and meditation are enhanced by Costa Rica´s natural healing energy.

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COSTA RICA ´ S BEST GUIDE MAGAZINE

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