Headlong into relaxation
Spa Cenvaree's Ayurvedic Shirodhara wellness programme guarantees relief from stress
IF YOU’RE feeling weary and as though you’ve sunk to a point where nothing can possibly energise you, help is at hand through an ancient Indian wellness treatment being offered by Spa Cenvaree of Centara Grand at CentralWorld Bangkok.
The two-hour Ayurvedic Shirodhara Wellness Programme (Bt2,850) comes in two slightly different options: one with both body and head massage and the other with head massage and shirodhara, or the pouring of oil on the forehead.
The Ayurvedic Rejuvenation treatment starts with a full body massage using the marma abhyanga technique, which is designed specifically to drain toxins and stress through lymphatic glands. Using soft – even softer than Swedish massage – and lingering strokes with emphasis on meridians and marma points all over the body, this technique helps invigorate, tone and relieve general muscular aches while stimulating the circulation. This energising yet relaxing all-round treatment also creates a feeling of greater relaxation and wellbeing. Touching and slightly stimulating a marma point changes the body’s biochemistry while stimulation of these inner pathways signals the body to produce exactly what it needs, including hormones and neuro chemicals that heal the body, mind and consciousness.
The oil used is medicated and brewed specially for this Ayurvedic journey. Using sweet almond oil as the base, the spa adds assorted herbs, including cinnamon and clove, for medicinal benefits. The oil is heated and applied directly at marma points to open the pathways while the slight heat stimulates blood flow and loosens the joints.
The second option is the Indian head massage, or shirobhyanga, which has been practised in India for more than 1,000 years. Traditionally the techniques were restricted to the head and hair and aimed at improving the scalp and hair condition of Indian women. Today, the massage incorporates the upper back, shoulders, neck, upper arms and face to treat energy centres and benefit the whole body. Head massage helps loosen the scalp, improves circulation, relieves eyestrain and headache and boosts concentration. Again, warm oil is used to maximise blood flow and send you into a state of total relaxation.
Another option, Ayurvedic Balancing, consists of Indian head massage and shirodhara. In this process, warm oil is poured in a slow, steady stream on your forehead to stimulate the third eye and crown chakras, and hence awaken intuition and inner wisdom. The treatment is known to relieve symptoms of diseases connected with the head, neck, eyes, ears, nose and throat and also helps insomnia and cures headaches. The oil also keeps your hair lustrous and prevents premature greying. Above all, it is profoundly relaxing.
Shirodhara and Indian head massage with oil make your hair very oily, so you might want to refrain from any social event after the session. Try to keep the oil in your hair for at least an hour to maximise the effect. Once you rinse off, your hair will feel silky soft and shiny.
SNOOZE AND SHINE
>>Spa Cenvaree is on 26th floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld Bangkok.
>>It’s open daily from 9am to 11pm. Reservations are recommended. Call (02) 100 1234.
