The Ayurveda Buzz
Ask the Expert
By Tara Donna Grodjesk
Originally published in Skin Deep, June/July 2005.
Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
Q: I'm consider adding ayurvedic therapies to my repertoire. Can you tell me more about them?
A: In the last 15 years, ayurveda has gone from being virtually unknown, to being a core program for many spas. Meaning "the science of life," this ancient Indian medical system is the foundation for many healing modalities, including reflexology, homeopathy, color therapy, gem and crystal therapy, massage, and aromatherapy.
Spas are incorporating treatments adapted or derived from traditional ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies. These treatments utilize herbs and essential oils to help restore balance to the whole being: body, mind, and spirit.
Spa treatments, such as herbal body scrubs, shirodhara, ayurvedic facials, warm herbal oil massage, and ayurvedic massage, are on more and more spa menus. These therapies provide a holistic approach to wellness, a trend spas are embracing, rather than simply the luxury pampering and beauty aspects that used to be the focus.
These treatments appeal to a wide range of spa goers: the spa-savvy clients who are looking for something new and different; aromatherapy buffs who enjoy the use of aromatics in the treatments; yoga enthusiasts who appreciate the sister science and are on a path for balancing body and mind; and health conscious individuals who are attracted to the pure herbal and natural ingredients in the ayurvedic products.
Incorporating ayurvedic treatments into your menu may help you diversify. It's important to note, however, that ayurveda is a thorough system of medicine and should be understood within an appropriate context. Therefore, specialized training is required.
Tara Donna Grodjesk, president of Tara Spa Therapy, Inc., brought ayurvedic treatments into spas in the late '80s. As an innovator in the industry, she designs spa facilities and programs that reflect a holistic philosophy and the highest standards of service (www.taraspa.com).
Copyright 2005. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
Q: I'm consider adding ayurvedic therapies to my repertoire. Can you tell me more about them?
A: In the last 15 years, ayurveda has gone from being virtually unknown, to being a core program for many spas. Meaning "the science of life," this ancient Indian medical system is the foundation for many healing modalities, including reflexology, homeopathy, color therapy, gem and crystal therapy, massage, and aromatherapy.
Spas are incorporating treatments adapted or derived from traditional ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies. These treatments utilize herbs and essential oils to help restore balance to the whole being: body, mind, and spirit.
Spa treatments, such as herbal body scrubs, shirodhara, ayurvedic facials, warm herbal oil massage, and ayurvedic massage, are on more and more spa menus. These therapies provide a holistic approach to wellness, a trend spas are embracing, rather than simply the luxury pampering and beauty aspects that used to be the focus.
These treatments appeal to a wide range of spa goers: the spa-savvy clients who are looking for something new and different; aromatherapy buffs who enjoy the use of aromatics in the treatments; yoga enthusiasts who appreciate the sister science and are on a path for balancing body and mind; and health conscious individuals who are attracted to the pure herbal and natural ingredients in the ayurvedic products.
Incorporating ayurvedic treatments into your menu may help you diversify. It's important to note, however, that ayurveda is a thorough system of medicine and should be understood within an appropriate context. Therefore, specialized training is required.
Tara Donna Grodjesk, president of Tara Spa Therapy, Inc., brought ayurvedic treatments into spas in the late '80s. As an innovator in the industry, she designs spa facilities and programs that reflect a holistic philosophy and the highest standards of service (www.taraspa.com).
