Ayurveda was first developed 2,500 years ago, at least, amongst the people of a peaceful and learned culture in the Indus Valley, a huge river system that stretches from the western Himalayas down to Arabian Sea, in the northwest corner of the Indian continent.

Ayurveda provides the root text for polarity therapy and one of the root texts for foot reflexology. It is also the source for massage techniques that work as deeply as Rolfing and subtle-energy work similar to Reiki.

PURE OILS
One of the key distinctions of ayurvedic treatments is the use of pure oils that are infused with herbs or essential oils. These oils are not just used as a medium that allows massage strokes to flow, thus producing exquisite relaxation, but are also a vital part of the treatment providing both food for the skin and a restoration of energy balance to the whole body. Such oils are used in ayurvedic face rejuvenation, marma chikitsa, energy work that uses points related to the chakra system, and abhyanga, a massage by more than one therapist that is sometimes followed by a steam and full body exfoliation with herbs.

SHIRODHARA AND KANSA
Along with unique massage techniques, one of the better known ayurvedic spa therapies is shirodhara, where a fine stream of warm oil is poured on the forehead to induce an extra deep state of peace, calm, and clarity. This technique beautifully illustrates the ayurvedic principle of the intimate connection between the mind and body.
Most recently, work that uses kansa, beautiful bronze tools for the face, feet, and body has been introduced with reported benefits such as gentle face lift, instant stress reduction, and pain relief.

DOSHAS
Ayurveda is widely believed to be one of the most complete, ancient, yet continuously practiced forms of medicine on the planet today. It remains relevant, even today, as it is based on timeless principles that can be applied as usefully as it was in ancient times. One such principle is that of the understanding of doshas, subtle energies that give unique form to the body, individual disposition to the mind, and direction to the inner most being. By understanding a client’s dosha balance, the professional can customize treatments that will work best for each client in terms of touch, aroma, music, foods and beverages, product selection, and even sales.