Pillow Talk with beauty expert Daniela Frutiger

Joanna Peyer for Pillow & Pepper: Daniela, you and your team of experts developed the holistic Ayurveda concept for the Giardino hotels in Ascona, St. Moritz and Zurich. How did you come up with the idea?

Daniela Frutiger: The idea was born when we noted that the number of guests sensitive or allergic to things was increasing, as was their desire not to return home from their holidays with extra weight on their hips. Guests have much higher expectations in their vacations these days, and are prepared to take responsibility for their own health. What we have to offer is professional counselling on how to optimise your dietary habits to make it easier for you to get through the day and to raise your energy level.

How did you discover Ayurveda? When did you personally start practising Ayurveda?

Daniela Frutiger: I've tried many things; for me, Ayurveda is the most straightforward approach I know, you can simply add it to your day. Without any radical diets; because it is really a philosophy of life. Ayurveda, the right kind of diet, yoga and meditation will make it much easier for you to manage day-to-day stress. You look better, and simply feel more energised. I've always been fascinated by medicinal plants, and it's now been 20 years that I did my first ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka.

The literal meaning of Ayurveda is “wisdom of life.” In what ways has Ayurveda changed your life?

Daniela Frutiger: I'm more aware of how I handle myself; I pay closer attention to what I eat, and to where the food comes from. It's quality over quantity! In addition, I'm more aware about the way I move. I used to be into extreme sports, whereas now I seek balance, along with relaxation and pausing when doing yoga or meditating. It strengthens your nerves.

It is often said that Ayurveda and yoga are two sides of the same coin. Could this mean that even a yogi with many years of experience in asanas (yoga exercises) has not truly embraced the “true” meaning of yoga if he or she ignores Ayurveda?

Daniela Frutiger: Yes, I'm sure you could say that in some cases, because Ayurveda and yoga definitely go together. Ayurveda serves as the foundation on which yoga builds. If you limit yourself to advanced yoga exercises but neglect your diet and your health you will not achieve the purpose of yoga, which is to become one with yourself and your environment.

What would you say is the true secret of Ayurveda?

Daniela Frutiger: Ayurveda engages all aspects of life – from your conception all the way to your passing – and has valuable advice for each stage in life. Ayurveda presents us with recommendations to help us maintain and enhance our health as well as remedy any ailments we may have. This explains why Ayurvedic medicine has lost nothing of its currency over the past 5,000 years, and has stood the test of time. Ayurveda simply covers everything! An Ayurvedic doctor in India will only earn his keep as long as his patients remain in good health. If they fall ill, the Ayurvedic practitioner will be considered a failure!

How does a classic Ayurvedic cure day at the Giardino unfold?

Daniela Frutiger: It starts with you getting up early, swishing oil and cleansing your tongue, doing yoga for 75 minutes, having a carefully composed breakfast, getting Ayurvedic treatments or listening to talks, and spending time outdoors. Next, you have lunch, prepared according to your dietary requirements, at the Hide & Seek, retire for a siesta, perhaps go for more Ayurvedic treatments and sweat therapy or counselling. In the evening, you go back to yoga or meditation, have a dinner that matches your body type, and turn in as early as possible for a good night's rest.

What does your food intake consist of during a Ayurveda detox retreat? Do you fast?

Daniela Frutiger: You do not have to fast, it is not something Ayurveda requires. Part of your consultation with a physician is to draft a nutrition plan together with the kitchen. If you keep a proper diet – one that serves your needs – you will automatically maintain your ideal weight. You will quickly attain a state of well-being that extends to all levels of your being – body, mind and soul.

How long should a course of Ayurvedic treatments take at the least to ensure you feel a positive change?

Daniela Frutiger: It always depends on what state your body and spirit are in. Ideally, you should do a one-week detoxification program every spring and fall. If you suffer from illness or fatigue, I recommend a panchakarma cure of two to three weeks.

Isn't is hard to keep an Ayurvedic diet in a western environment?

Daniela Frutiger: Actually, it isn't hard at all. The beautiful thing about Ayurveda is that it wants you to use seasonal and regional produce at all times. So you can take an Ayurvedic approach anywhere, regardless of country, culture and climate. The basic principle is always to maintain a diet fine-tuned to your own body's makeup.

Do your children follow an Ayurvedic diet as well?

Daniela Frutiger: As a trained pharmaceutical assistant, I know perfectly well how many chemicals we ingest through food these days. I have tried to raise my children on organic food as much as possible, including fresh produce from the farmers' market or the health food section. Also, I've always tried to get by without potent medical drugs, if in any way possible. My children know what is good for them. They can easily tell junk food apart from a lovingly prepared meal.

And what is the intrinsic message of Ayurveda to modern western civilisation?

Daniela Frutiger: Show more awareness and respect for your fellow human beings and the natural world.