Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a nature-based holistic system of healing that originated more than 5000 years ago in India. The aim of Ayurveda is to remove the cause of imbalances and integrate body-mind and consciousness. In Ayurvedic philosophy, personal health and environmental health are intimately connected. Modalities include nutrition, herbs, massage, lifestyle (Yoga, meditation etc.). Ayurveda can prevent illness and treat disorders, restoring health and promoting well-being.

What is Dosha?

The three doshas govern all of the bodily functions. Vata- the energy of movement, Pitta- the energy of digestion and metabolism, Kapha- the energy of lubrication and structure. These Doshas are comprised of the five basic elements and the quality these elements represent. Dosha determines the unique constitution of an individual. These three metabolic and energetic principles are connected to the mind-body and their biological functions.

What is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma can be translated as five therapeutic measures. It is a process of eliminating Ama (toxins) and evacuating vitiated Dosha from the channels and tissues. This purification restores cellular intelligence and activates the body's self healing capacity.

Purvakarma is the preparatory phase where the body is prepared for Panchakarma with a cleansing diet, herbs, oil massages and fomentation (steam treatments).

The five main actions in Panchakarma consist of Virechana (purgation), Nasya (nasal oil treatment), Vamana (emesis), Basti (medicated enema), and Raktamoksha (blood purification). Not all five actions are necessarily used as the treatment plan is always customized. Panchakarma is effective in relieving and improving health imbalances as well as preventing disorders and maintaining good physical and mental health.

What is body-mind or somatic therapy?

Body-mind therapy can include verbal suggestions combined with touch to increase awareness. The body can be used as a gateway to consciousness as it remembers everything. Awareness of stress, trauma and unprocessed emotions, stuck in the body, increases as clients become more aware of their breath, thoughts and feelings. Recognizing and acknowledging these holding patterns aids in releasing them from the body, healing the body, the mind, the emotions.

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra is a deeply meditative state that is also called conscious yogic sleep. This body-mind relaxation is induced with specific guided visualizations. One hour of Yoga Nidra is is said to have the same restorative effect on the nervous system as a full night's sleep.

What is a Marma Massage?

Marmas are subtle energy points on the body that can be manipulated and treated (similar to Acupressure). There are 108 major Marma points. Massaging this vital anatomical points increases vitality and the flow of prana (chi or energy), balancing the physiology. Marma therapy can be subtle or use deeper pressure. The treatment can include applying specific herbal or aromatic oils on the select points. Marma therapy can have profound effects that range from deep tension release to a sense of calm and tranquility.