Ayurveda
Ayurveda, Yoga’s sister science, defines health in this way: balance and harmony foster the health and well-being of mind, body and spirit. When the bio-energies (doshas) of the body work together harmoniously, the digestive fire (agni) works smoothly and elimination of waste (malas) functions well, a foundation of health and happiness in mind and spirit is created.
Ayurveda is based upon the five elements—Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Tejas), Water (Aap) and Earth (Pruthvi)— and has thousands of years of detailed knowledge about the nature and effect of foods, herbs and seasons. It also understands how the elements combine in the body to govern physical and mental tendencies and how different dietary and lifestyle habits affect our mind, body and spirit.
In their energetic form, the elements combine into bio-energies—the doshas—called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The doshas are the bodily representatives of the great powers (tattwas) of the universe—Vayu, Surya and Soumya—and are responsible for all function in the body.
Vata governs the principal of movement, responsible for smooth function, physical motion and movement of all kinds. Pitta governs the principal of transformation and governs digestion, conversion and regulation of bodily temperature as well as the ability of the intellect to comprehend. Kapha governs the principal of assimilation and is responsible for building and protecting the body.
Ayurvedic Consultations
By appointment. Learn how this ancient health science can help you have better sleep, digestion and elimination, as well how it can help you address lingering health concerns.
Initial consultation
Two hours, $150
Follow-up consultation
One hour, $75
Ayurvedic Treatments
Shirodhara
In this very popular and profoundly relaxing treatment, warm herbalized oil is poured in a gentle stream over the forehead. The oils are allowed to flow over the scalp and through the hair, nourishing them and creating a blissful sensation. As the oil strokes the third eye, it has a balancing effect on the deepest recesses of the brain, stimulating the endocrine system, the pituitary and pineal glands (for hormonal upsets) and pleasure neurotransmitters (for depression or emotional insecurity).
The procedure is also said to synchronise alpha brain waves, enhancing blood circulation to the brain, improving mental clarity and generally releasing deeply trapped ama, or toxins. Calms and purifies, rejuvenates. Can be done alone or combined with abhyanga.
60 minutes $150
Abhyanga
A beautifully relaxing and luxurious full-body warm herbal oil massage. Oil type is chosen based on your body type (warming oils like sesame or almond for vata, cooling oils like coconut or olive oil for pitta, warming oils like mustard or sunflower oil for kapha). The skin is the largest organ of the body. It produces naturally occurring antidepressants, anti-cancer, and anti-aging substances as well as hormones that enhance circulation. (You may get hooked and start doing daily self-massage!)
BENEFITS:
• Increases the softness of the skin and adds lustre to it, in turn giving skin a healthy glow
• Decreases Vata
• Strengthens the Dhatus (the body`s tissues in accordance to the Ayurvedic texts)
• Increases strength and stamina
• Improves vision
• Promotes healthy sleep
60 minutes $150
Or have both for $275!
Be nurtured by our skilled practitioners, who combine expertise with compassion.
Samadosah samagnih ca samadhatumalakriyah
(Balanced dosha, agni, and dhatus, well-functioning elimination)
Prasanna atma-indriaya-mana svastha iti abhidhiyate
(Contented Soul, senses and mind—this is said to be health)
Sushrut Samhita
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