Ayurvedic Treatments
ABHYANGAM
A traditional therapeutic and Ayurvedic massage with warm oil –
Pacifies the doshas and relieves fatigue; provides stamina, increased circulation, improvement in muscle tone and healthy sleep; enhances the complexion promoting soft and smooth skin, eliminates impurities and toxins, relieves tension, promotes longevity and nourishes the body.
An Abhyanga encourages the movement of toxins from the deeper tissues into the gastrointestinal tract where they can be efficiently eliminated, and stimulates the circulation of the blood and lymph.
Herbal oils are chosen for your particular body type or dosha
MARMA
A marma pressure point massage-
Balances the emotional, spiritual and physical, resulting in clarity, calmness and confidence.
The marma points, similar to Chinese acupressure point, are found at junctures of the body where two or more tissues, muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints meet.
The marma point is placed at a junction of different channels of Prana movements in the body.
Prana or Chi is the subtle vital energy or life force that pervades every part of the body, nurturing every cell of the being.
There are 107 marma points corresponding to the seven chakras (energy centres) and radiating out along the torso and limbs. The 108 marma point is considered to be the mind.
When the marma points are cleared, the healing flow of Prana travels freely to all the vital organs and via energy channels (meridians or nadis) to promote health and wellbeing.
KIZHI THERAPY
A Kizhi is a warm herbal poultice or pouch, which is applied to the body, to both detoxify and heal.
Specially selected ingredients such as herbs, plants and roots for the doshic type are tied in cloth, steamed for a few minutes and then dipped in medicated herbal oil and applied to the body.
On application, the heat induces sweating, thereby helping to bring the toxins to the surface of the skin, then while the pores are open the skin absorbs the properties of the herbs for healing.
CHAMPI
Seated Indian marma head, upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face massage-
A head massage is very healing, rejuvenating, stimulating and conditioning of the hair/scalp. It calms the nervous system , releases mental and emotional stress, improves the supply of blood to the brain, improves circulation, dissipates accumulated toxins, opens pranic channels, improves memory, clarity of mind, better eyesight and concentration and clearing of the sinuses.
Optional – Champi or head massage can be added on before Abhyanga to stimulate the vital energy points in the skull, thereby increasing the flow of subtle energies in the body to comfort, nurture and relax the mind, body and spirit.
The head is anointed with oil suited to your doshic type.
PADABHYANGA
The foot bath with a salt scrub treatment benefits more than just the feet as it revitalizes the nervous system, improves circulation and provides a feeling of general wellbeing.
The foot marma massage with oil corresponds with the pressure points located on the soles of the feet as they are connected with the energy channels to internal organs.
The foot ritual is given before or during a treatment to cleanse, exfoliate and alleviate rough skin, reducing stiffness and fatigue, enhancing sleep and leaving the whole body profoundly relaxed.
HASTABHYANGA
A hand massage with herbal pastes/scrubs or tonics/oils are an excellent way to stimulate marma points and energy channels, therefore releasing toxins and invigorating ojas.
As with the face and feet, certain points on the hands are associated with various organs and systems within the body, so a hand massage is stimulating for all of the vital organs.
The hand ritual is given before or during a treatment for deep cleansing as well as relaxation.
SIRODHARA
Siro (‘head’) and dhara (‘pouring of herbal liquids on specific body parts’), denotes the continuous pouring of herbal oils, milk, buttermilk or ghee depending on your doshic type over the head and scalp. The liquids are poured on the upper forehead to soothe and balance the nervous system, alleviating mental tension, insomnia and calming the mind.
A steady rhythmic flow of warm liquid is poured onto the third eye between the eye brows and forehead.
Oil stroking on the third eye has a balancing effect on the deepest recesses of the brain and is profoundly relaxing.
The best time to receive a sirodhara is early in the morning for a period of up to 21 consecutive days, depending on the client.
Sirodhara for 53 minutes pacifies Vata dosha conditions such as insomnia, headache, insecurity, fear and nervous strain. It is performed for 43 minutes on people with an overactive Pitta dosha condition to calm and cool overactive minds. The treatment is only 31 minutes on a person with a predominate Kapha dosha as they may fall asleep in this treatment.
In general, Sirodhara treats many varied conditions, such as ear, nose and throat disturbances, glandular problems and hypertension, to name a few conditions.
During this treatment the nervous system unwinds, busy minds become clear and tired bodies are refreshed.
Sirodhara can be combined with Deha-dhara, where two or four therapists pour a continuous flow of oil over the entire body.
AYURVEDIC MARMA POINT FACIAL CARE
Ayurvedic marma point facial care includes head, hand and foot massage. The secret to lasting beauty is ojas or the subtle quality of vigour or vitality that is the essence of the seven dhatus or tissues of the body. If ojas is strong and healthy, a radiant inner self manifests itself in one’s outer physical appearance.
An Ayurvedic marma point facial is designed for outer beauty, detoxification and healing.
The Ayurvedic skin care treatment is cleansing, purifying, hydrating, revitalizing, nurturing, stimulating of circulation, toning, nourishing and protecting to bring vitality to the entire complexion.
All Ayurvedic marma point facial care products are good enough to eat and includes fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, nuts, milk, yogurt or honey, rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
The facial ingredients are selected according to the season, skin type and dosha to nourish tone, soothe and moisturize the skin leaving it feeling soft, supple and radiating an inner glow.
RASASHASTRA
Healing with gems, crystals, metals and minerals to increase the life force or prana-
Body Scrubs and Polishes
A blend of salt and herbs are combined with oil and massaged all over the body to increase circulation, open pores, boost metabolism and open the skin to receive the properties contained within the scrub or polish. This exfoliates the skin's surface of dead cells that build up on the outer layer leaving the skin smoother, brighter and more translucent.
Traditionally, Indians used dry powder or clay scrubs and polishes to reduce water retention and improve the elimination of waste products.
Mainly natural Himalayan salt crystals are used in the body scrub and polishes as it removes dry skin, increases circulation, energisze, detoxify and leaves the body smooth and soft. It also, re-mineralizes beneath the skin's surface, so is detoxifying and invigorating as the same time. The scrubs and polishes are made to suit your particular body type and usually mixed with rose, geranium, jasmine (mogra) or lavender petals or essential oils for an alluring Indian scent.