The World of Ayurveda
Ayurveda originated in Southern India around 5,000 years ago. The word Ayurveda translates to the “science of life”. In Ayurveda there is the belief that the body is comprised of the five elements; ether, space, fire, water and earth. The five elements are represented in three categories called the doshas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Ayurveda believes that every person has their own unique doshic make-up similar to fingerprints. One dosha always is dominant within a person’s doshic make-up. The doshas can be seen within every attribute of the person, even the skin.
Ayurveda’s philosophy on skin is that the skin eats. The skin is the body’s largest organ and it digests everything that is topically applied. The skin functions as an organ and will show what is going on internally. Problem skin is the body’s expression of internal in balance. Proper nourishment of the skin will help the skin better function as an organ, help the skin look vibrant and healthy. To remedy severe problem skin changes have to be made internally as well with diet and lifestyle.
Vata
Vata is made up of the two elements space and air.
People with Vata as their primary dosha tend to be thin, with a slender frame and prominent joints, delicate skin that is naturally dry, and dry voluminous hair. Their skin is usually very dry, thin and tends to age prematurely. Vata skin needs lots of nourishment to stay vibrant and youthful.
Pitta
Pitta is made up of the two elements fire and water.
People with Pitta as their primary dosha tend to be of medium proportions, with a frame that is neither petite nor heavy. Pitta skin is usually sensitive, warm to the touch, has a very fair complexion with reddish undertones. Pitta skin should be nourished with gently cooling agents.
Kapha
Kapha is made up of the two elements water and earth.
People with Kapha as their primary dosha tend to be of larger proportions, with a robust frame and padded joints, thick smooth skin that may tend towards oiliness, and rich, wavy hair. Kapha skin should be nourished, but not stripped dry of its natural oils.
Ayurvedic Treatments
Marma Massage
A soft, flowing massage with warm tri-doshic oil stimulates and balances the marma points. 1.5 hr/145
Ubtan Beauty Body Cleanse
A blend of flowers, nuts, herbs, fruits and grain powders is created according to each client’s dosha.
45 min/85; add on: 30 min/50
Shirodhara
A soothing treatment of warm oil poured continuously onto the forehead. 1 hr/95; add on: 45 min/75
Kati Basti
A dam of dough is made and placed on the sacral-lumbar region and warm, herbally-medicated oil is poured inside.
45 min/70; 3 pack: 180
Prustha Basti
A dam of dough is placed along the spine and filled with herbally-medicated oil. 45 min/75; 3 pack: 195
Scalp Massage
Warm dosha-specific oil conditions the scalp and hair.
30 min/55; add on to facial: 45
Ayurvedic Vadana Treatment
Two mask treatment including a custom-made mask of organic flowers, nuts, legumes, milks and herbs.
1.5 hr/105; anti-aging: 115
Karna Purana and Nasya Treatment
application of oils to the ear and nose to clear the head and relieve neck and jaw tension
30 min/55; add-on/45
Ayurvedic Skin Care Consultation
Schedule a few minutes with our Ayurvedic body worker and learn a variety of holistic treatments ranging from exercises to at-home skin care treatments.45 min/45
Holly Kirk, Director of Spa Services
Holly received her core training at the Massage Therapy Institute of Oklahoma where she completed their 500 hour Massage Therapist Program in 1999. After finishing the program, she further expanded her massage skills by getting trained in Prenatal Massage, Sports Massage, and Geriatric Massage. In recent years, Holly has focused upon learning Ayurvedic Massage techniques, and she completed training specifically in the area of Ayurvedic Bodywork from the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her latest training has been in Thai Yoga Massage.
Holly is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She resides in Tahlequah with her husband and their two children.
Your Dosha Quiz
Find out your body type with this quiz – bring it in or send it to spa@thecanebrake.com
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