Ayurvedic Treatments
Marma Therapy
Marma point therapy is an energy healing practice that emerged within the 5000-year-old Ayurvedic system of healing. It is based upon an elaborate energetic matrix that is commonly believed to have been the foundation for later point therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, and reflexology. Marma points are often referred to as the junction points of consciousness and matter. When prana flows freely from the nadis into the marma points, there is health. If, however, the energy becomes stagnant or its flow is disrupted, health is impaired. Marma therapy works to clear stagnation in the vital energy points and thus increase vitality within the corresponding body parts. Because marma techniques work at the level of raw prana (prana that has not yet been differentiated into its various functions within the human body), its ability to facilitate physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing is immense. Flushing energy within the marma points can activate the body’s inner pharmacy, shifting one’s biochemistry and causing the unfoldment of radical, alchemical changes. Marma point therapy may offer the following benefits:
- Enhances immunity
- Clears emotional blockages
- Increases energy level
- Provides pain relief
- Improves digestion, assimilation, and elimination
- Encourages deep, revitalizing sleep
- Increases circulation to the skin
- Amplifies creativity
- Releases trauma
- Expands intuition
- Facilitates the experience of deep peace
- Strengthens internal organs
- Balances doshas
- Slows the aging process
There are several methods by which marma points can be stimulated. Our trained Ayurvedic practitioner will be able to recommend which method will meet your specific needs. In this one-hour treatment Abhyanga, essential oils, gemstones and crystals, and light therapy may be used. Marma therapy is a complementary healthcare practice that works alongside your primary care. Marma is not used to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.
Ayurvedic Facial
Ayurveda is one of the best solutions for regular skincare. Instead of opting for chemical-laden facials which provide a temporary glow, Ayurvedic facials help enhance radiance from within. An Ayurvedic facial is a relaxing, purifying, nourishing, hydrating, and rejuvenating experience. It leaves you with the luminous glow you’ve always dreamed of. Skin types in Ayurveda are made on the basis of the doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The root of skin problems could be due to an aggravated dosha. Just as each dosha has its own characteristics, each dosha skin type has its own characteristics. Most likely, your skin will be similar to your prevalent dosha.
The doshas are a combination of the five elements (Pancha mahabhutas).
- Vata Constitution: Akash (Ether or Space) + Vayu (Air)
- Pitta Constitution: Agni (Fire) + Jala (Water)
- Kapha Constitution: Prithvi (Earth) + Jala (Water)
A person’s Ayurvedic skin type can be Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, or sometimes a combination of two of these. Over time, your skin type may become imbalanced because of external factors like climate, diet, lifestyle habits, or environmental pollution. Hormonal changes may also mask your original skin type.
This is what you can expect from our one-hour personalized Ayurvedic facial:
- Cleanse + Steam + Purify
- Tone + Hydrate
- Nourish + Rejuvenate
- Moisturize
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a classical and well-established ayurvedic procedure of slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil or other liquids on the forehead. This procedure induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance. The word shirodhara originates from two Sanskrit words, shiro (head) and dhara (flow). It is a form of treatment in which warm, herbalized Ayurvedic oil is poured onto your forehead. Initially, the oil is streamed in dosha-specific patterns from the right to the left temple. After several minutes, the stream is set to the middle of the forehead where it flows continuously for the duration of the treatment. The oil pour lasts approximately 30 minutes and is preceded by abhyanga which includes cranial activation and scalp manipulation. Shirodhara may reduce stress and anxiety, awaken intuition, improve sleep quality, and pacify Vata dosha. This is a one-hour treatment provided by our Ayurvedic practitioner.
Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a form of Ayurvedic therapy that involves the application of Dosha-specific warm herb-infused oil on the entire body from the head to the toe. The oil is commonly pre-mixed with herbs for specific conditions. Our Ayurvedic practitioner will base the oil selection on your Dosha type. Abhyanga is best as a part of your dinacharya (daily practices) to maintain good health and well-being. Abhyanga may aid in joint health, nourish the dhatus (body tissues), bring aggravated doshas back into balance, and improve the condition of dry, coarse hair and flaky skin. Abhyanga can be done as part of the steps of Panchakarma therapy, especially in the first stage: Purva Karma (pre-treatment), or as its own therapy. It is often followed by swedana therapy (sweat therapy) or a warm bath. Abhyanga is vigorous and intended to open up the minor Srotas, remove Ama (toxins) through the skin, melt Kleshma (fat secretions blocking the Srotas), and cleanse and moisturize the skin. Abhyanga can also be used to soothe Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Dosha imbalances which will bring deep relaxation to the body and a peaceful mind. In order to correct a specific Dosha imbalance, a Dosha-specific base and herb oil concoction may be used. This is a one-hour service provided by our Ayurvedic practitioner.
Ayurvedic Garshana
The traditional Ayurvedic practice of Garshana (dry-brushing), promotes lymphatic cleansing and is a powerful way to support the natural process of detoxification in the body. Garshana is traditionally done using raw silk gloves. This technique is recommended especially for people who have signs of ama, which may include lethargy, sluggishness, feelings of physical or mental dullness, constipation, and a taxed immune system. Dry brushing is also an excellent practice for the Kapha time of year, from late winter into Spring. Snow is melting, water has saturated the earth, and flower pollen is carried on the breeze—this is the time of year when Kapha can begin to accumulate in the lymph or the sinuses and create stagnation throughout the body. Garshana can be a stand-alone 15-minute treatment or added before Marma Therapy, Shirodhara, Abhyanga, or an Ayurvedic Facial. You will receive the raw silk Garshana gloves to take home after your treatment.