FAQ

Aurama is Marina’s vision of living in harmony with nature, focused on human health and quality of life. Based on a holistic worldview, Aurama activities emphasize ways of perception, living, prevention, and healing that promote balance with oneself and the natural world.

Dr Marina Gkiasta is a medical herbalist and holistic therapist. She has studied in depth human history in its inseparable relationship with Nature through a wide range of humanities and environmental sciences and she holds a funded PhD in landscape archaeology. She furthered her exploration of space, time and human nature at molecular level through medical herbalism and she shares her understandings of humans, life and health through personal herbal consultations and holistic therapy sessions, as well as group activities such as workshops, seminars, and nature walks.

Aurama is located in the countryside of the island of Crete, in Greece. Although environmental and cultural richness is being vanishing at an alarming rate, it is still quite unique for the modern Western world.

Aurama offers:

• Personalized herbal medicine consultations and holistic therapy sessions.
• Group sessions, workshops and seminars on holistic health, herbal medicine and classical Indian yoga.
• Herbal medicine formulations.
• Plant education, gardening activities, eco-community and subsistence skills education.
• Herbal and nature walks.

Sessions can be booked through our Contact page or by calling directly. Group sessions can be ordered via email/phone for 4-8 people. For notifications you may subscribe to our list for alerts on educational seminars and healing sessions.

Yes, Marina offers some consultation services online for those who cannot visit in person. Please contact us for details and availability.

Your first consultation will typically last 60-90 minutes. Marina will listen carefully to your health concerns and goals, ask questions about your health history, lifestyle, and current practices. She will recommend herbal formulations, nutritional and lifestyle adjustments, yoga practices if appropriate, or a combination approach based on your individual needs.

Herbal medicine is the use of plants for medicinal purposes. It’s the oldest form of medicine, utilizing the natural healing properties of plants to restore balance in the body (homeostasis) and support natural healing processes. An ever increasing number of scientific publications prove the pharmacological value of medicinal plants and suggest their incorporation to treatment strategies.

When properly prepared and administered, herbal remedies are generally very safe for most people. However, herbs are powerful and should be used with knowledge and respect. During consultation, Marina will discuss any potential interactions with medications you may be taking and consider your specific health conditions.

Our herbal products are hand-made, prepared using traditional methods and combined with modern understanding of plant properties. We use organically grown or ethically wild-harvested plants, primarily from our Paradeisos Garden or carefully selected local sources.

This varies widely depending on the condition, the individual, and the herbs used. Some herbal remedies may provide immediate relief, while others work gradually to address underlying imbalances. Marina will discuss expected timeframes during your consultation.

Marina has studied and practiced classical Indian yoga within the School of Vedanta, focusing on Gnanya and Raja yoga.  She incorporates yoga techniques in her healing practice and teaches asanas (postures), relaxation, pranayama (breath control), and mind concentration/meditation according to individual needs and therapeutic goals. Her approach is holistic, focusing on the unity of mind, body, and spirit.

No, sessions are tailored to all levels, including complete beginners. Marina will guide you through practices appropriate for your experience and physical condition.

Comfortable clothing that allows free movement, a light blanket for the relaxation, and an open mind. If you can, bring your own yoga mat and a high enough cushion for you to sit comfortably on. 

Aurama garden offers healing and educational ground available only to clients and students. There are several, much bigger gardens and nature parks that one can visit as touristic attractions. 

Paradeisos Garden was developed on a marginal, rocky piece of land, that had been overgrazed and sees extreme weather conditions. It is being transformed into a biodiverse ecosystem using sustainable practices. The garden features trees, edible and medicinal plants—both wild and cultivated—and serves as part of Marina’s holistic practice.

Yes, all plants in Paradeisos Garden are grown using organic, biodynamic, and sustainable methods. We do not use chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Holistic means treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just addressing symptoms. At Aurama, we recognize the interconnectedness of all aspects of health and well-being, as well as the connection between humans and nature.

At Aurama, we are conscious of the fact that humans are part of Life evolution on earth, therefore they are part of nature, not separate from it. Our health and well-being depend on maintaining a balanced relationship with the natural world. Even when living in urban environments, it’s important to maintain the healthiest possible connection with nature and our own nature.

Although herbal remedies may often be a safe and efficient alternative to conventional drugs, Aurama’s holistic approach can complement necessary, allopathic medical treatment. We encourage integrating the best of both worlds for optimal health outcomes. It is advisable to inform your healthcare provider about any herbal remedies or complementary practices you undertake. Marina is happy to discuss any questions that may arise by either your doctor or yourself.

Yes, we regularly conduct seminars on holistic health, herbal medicine, yoga, and sustainable living. These range from single-day workshops to more extensive programs.

Our seminars are open to anyone interested in holistic approaches to health and well-being, from complete beginners to practitioners looking to deepen their knowledge.

Certificates of attendance are provided for comprehensive programs. Please note that these are not professional qualifications but recognition of your participation and learning.