It is said that a sound mind resides in a sound body and I have been wont to neglect mine on occasion. Out of concern for my wellbeing (and my sanity), I went to see Dr. Chandy George at the Balance 360 wellness spa in Dubai to find out more about age-old Indian therapies and to indulge in some much needed Ayurvedic time out.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda teaches us how to live nicely, in a very healthy manner, for a good, long life. It’s a therapy that is based on your body type. Our bodies—and actually everything else—are made up of the five elements of the universe: air, space, water, earth, and fire. Accordingly, there are invisible elemental energies or “Doshas” that control our body’s functions. These are called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. There is always one that is more dominant than the rest and that will define a person’s body type. There is a 5,000-year-old technique used to discover this and that is to measure the rate, rhythm, volume, tension, and flow of the pulse with three of the hand’s fingers—where each one represents an energy. A Vata person is typically thinner: he is more active, he dreams a lot, and he doesn’t need much exercise. A Kapha person is much heavier: he is lethargic, he sleeps a lot, and he needs more intense exercise. A Pitta person is fiery: he has perfect digestion and he is a well-balanced individual. In Ayurveda, if the stomach is fine, then everything is fine. So food intake should be the first thing to look at. We really are what we eat in this sense.
How can Ayurveda be used to enhance a beauty regime?
If the inside is taken care of and all is well then it will show on the outside. But of course, there are external therapies, which can enhance, cleanse, and revitalize the body and skin. For example, all natural, freshly made herbal body wraps, facials, and massages. If you want to go for a full deep cleanse detox, then we need to start by assessing you and then regulate your food accordingly.
How are Ayurvedic treatments different to regular spa treatments?
We use special blends of medicated oils taken from 5,000-year-old recipes that have been time tested and customized according to each specific concern and body type. We make everything fresh—using herbs, fruits, and spices from masks, to wraps, to scrubs.
What are your top tips for someone who wants to start making healthier lifestyle choices?
First, you have to look at the type of food you eat, the quantity and the timing. The second thing is to exercise according to your body’s needs. This can be assessed by your Ayurvedic expert, who will in turn evaluate your lifestyle and body type. Nowadays, exercise should not only be for the body but for the mind, as well. In Ayurveda, this is done through breathing exercises called pranayama; also, meditation and yoga are practiced to reduce stress and clear the mind. The third is external therapies—massages, for example. Pampering is needed every now and then.
I had just heard it from the horses mouth (so to speak) and I was going to take Dr. George’s orders as literally as possible. Monthly massages are an essential part of my well being and should not be taken lightly! With this in mind, I promptly prepared myself for the warm herbal poultice massage in the peaceful surroundings of the Balance 360 spa. Tucked away in the unlikely location of the Oasis Center in Dubai, this spa really is a hidden gem with exceptional service and ambiance worthy of a five star hotel.
The treatment began with ten minutes sitting in an oxygenated steam room (similar to a sauna but without the dizziness or shortness of breath.) The poultice is a mixture of herbal powders tightly packed, tied into gauze, and then dipped into hot oil. For the next hour, my therapist used the poultice to lightly drum all over and rub the stiffness out of my sore muscles. Although initially painful due to high tension, the heat was very soothing and the light drumming ensured immersive, full-body relaxation.
The Verdict: Coupled with the unique steam room and the wind down post-treatment with lemon and ginger tea, this massage is ideal for those in need of some uninterrupted me time.
