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AYURVEDA MODALITIES
(see other modalities in the next section below Ayurveda modalities)
Abhyanga-Svedhana
I call this the "Mercedes Benz of Massages" because it is like no other. This traditional session is where the body is completely covered with warm oils from head to toe, including the ears, and a few drops of an herbalized oil in the nostrils. Oils are chosen based case by case and as per constitutional needs. Specific strokes and rhythmic patterns help facilitate a trance-like experience that takes individuals to a deeper place of healing from within. The lymphatic system is naturally stimulated here as well. Followed by the massage, a steam sauna treatment helps to detox the body deeper and allows the oils to penetrate. Session time = 1 hour.
"The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much, even if subjected to accidental injuries or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with a pleasant touch, trimmed body parts, and becomes strong, charming, and least affected by old age.— Charaka Samhita: Sutrasthana: V: 88-89"
"Abhyanga should be resorted to daily. It wards off old age, exertion, and aggravation of Vata."
Bliss Session (Shirodhara-Snehana (Abhyanga)-Svedhana)
This combination is an amazing way to treat yourself for the holiday, or any time applicable, and it consists of Shirodhara (stream of warm oil over the forehead) and Abhyanga (full body oil Ayurvedic Massage.) The full massage involves oils designed and warmed per your constitution, followed by a steam sauna treatment. " This combination is a powerful treatment meant to detox and rejuvenate. You'll feel deeply relaxed!”
What better way to treat yourself for the holidays and/or recover from them?
Session Time: approximately 2.5 hours
Note: Please know that this treatment involves Shirodhara which requires you to ensure that the rest of your day is free from digital technologies and interacting with others as much as possible. Shirodhara is a process of resetting the nervous system. Therefore, it is important for you to stay inward the rest of the day, have a light meal after and at an appropriate time, and rest. You can resume normal activities the next day. Bring a hat or head covering for post-treatment protection from the elements. Furthermore, if you are in the first few days of your menses, this treatment is contraindicated.
Note: this treatment is available as a package plan, as it is or the abhyanga separate from the shirodhara, and the Shirodhara oil can be used 2 more times and within a short time frame, using the same oil that is yours. Inquire about details.
Ayurvedic Yoga Therapy Sessions This is a specific approach to using the Yogic scientific system in a therapeutic approach according to Ayurvedic principles to create a unique protocol that can bring you more into health, balance, restoring, and/or maintaining wellness. Session Time = 1 hour
Marshan Nasya This therapeutic treatment tends to be incorporated in some cases within the panchakarma protocol. It involves a shiroabhyanga (oil massage above the clavicles and including the head) where localized steam is applied. Thereafter, there is an administration of nasal oil drops up to a high volume, followed by inhalation of smoke (Dhuman) into the sinus and oral cavity. Additionally, a liter of an herbalized solution is gargled (Gandush). This treatment generally addresses upper respiratory issues, and allergies, along with certain conditions of the neck, shoulders, and head such as frozen shoulder, shoulder pain, stiff neck, stiff head, headaches, and other conditions. This, as with many of the therapies, is determined case by case. Session time = 1.5 hours - 2 hours
Note: If you are in the first few days of your menses, this treatment is contraindicated.
Janu Dhara This treatment involves a localized pouring of oil over the knee. The dhara itself is what is known as the constant stream of a pour. Similarly, a dhara can be applied to other locations related to joints in general. The name preceding dhara is the location such as Skandha Dhara (shoulder joint), Amsa dhara, particular marma point near the neck and shoulder region. Session time = 1 hour
Pinda Sveda Pinda (bolus) Sveda (fomentation/sweating) involves a combination of herbal content wrapped in a cotton cloth, containing oil/milk, and is applied over the body from head to toe, or in specific areas as needed. This treatment addresses and is not limited to injuries, lower back stiffness, sciatica, musculoskeletal issues, swelling, stiffness, bone issues, joint issues, osteoarthritis, stagnation, pain, certain types of inflammation, and metabolic challenges. Session time = 1 hour
Churna Pottali Churna (dry powder) Pottali (Pinda=Bolus) involves a combination of herbal content wrapped in a cotton cloth, primarily a dry heat treatment, and is applied over the body from head to toe, or in specific areas as needed. This treatment addresses and is not limited to injuries, lower back stiffness, sciatica, musculoskeletal issues, swelling, stiffness, bone issues, joint issues, osteoarthritis, stagnation, pain, certain types of inflammation, and metabolic challenges. This treatment is similar to the Pinda Sveda except Pinda is more of a “wet” treatment and Churna Pottali is a “dry” treatment Session time = 1 hour
Valuka Pottali Valuka (sand) Pottali (Pinda=Bolus) involves sand wrapped in a cotton cloth, primarily a dry heat treatment, and is applied over the body from head to toe, or in specific areas as needed. This treatment addresses and is not limited to injuries, lower back stiffness, sciatica, musculoskeletal issues, swelling, stiffness, bone issues, joint issues, osteoarthritis, stagnation, pain, certain types of inflammation, and metabolic challenges. This treatment is similar to the Pinda Sveda except Pinda is more of a “wet” treatment and Churna Pottali is a “dry” treatment Session time = 1 hour
Shirodhara Therapy A steady stream of warm herbalized oil is poured onto your forehead, promoting positive brain waves, calming the mind, and creating a deep sense of relaxation. (Great for insomnia, anxiety/stress, and epilepsy.) Session Time = 1 hour
**Note: Bring a hat or head covering for post-treatment protection from the elements. This treatment is available as a package plan, as the Shirodhara oil can be used 2 more times and within a short time frame, using the same oil that is yours. Inquire about details.)
**Note: Please know that this treatment requires you to ensure that the rest of your day is free from digital technologies and interacting with others as much as possible. Shirodhara is a process of resetting the nervous system. Therefore, it is important for you to stay inward the rest of the day, have a light meal after and at an appropriate time, and rest. You can resume normal activities the next day.
Note: If you are in the first few days of your menses, this treatment is contraindicated.
Marma Therapy Similar to acupuncture, Marma therapy is a more precise system of working with the channels (lymph, blood, cellular intelligence) and overall physiology through special treatment of specific points. Marma means "hidden or secret" and by definition, a Marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. These points regulate the flow of information, nutrients, and toxins throughout the human body. According to Dr. Lad, "A marma is a vital energy point accessed on the skin's surface, serving as a bridge between body, mind, and spirit. When you touch a marma point, you can change your body's biochemistry and unfold radical, alchemical changes in your psycho-biological makeup". Session Time = 1 hour
Ghati Yantra (Ayurvedic cupping) is a form of Raktamokshan (bloodletting, in Ayurveda) Traditionally, this technique involved either a direct incision of a particular area/areas and blood would begin to release, or a leach, horn, gourd or specific device similar to cups that created a vacuum or suction were used to engage blood and tissues. In this practice, a light coat of oil is applied to the focused area and specific cups are put on the skin that creates suction. This causes the tissue beneath the cup to be drawn up and swell causing an increase in blood flow to the affected area. Enhanced blood flow under the cups draws impurities and toxins away from the nearby tissues and organs towards the surface for elimination; and can be useful in various conditions, and not exclusive to, requiring an immediate release of tension, discomfort, and stagnation. Note: This treatment applies to indicated cases, is more serious and sensitive, and is determined case by case. Session Time = 1 hour
**NOTE: As is common with standard cupping procedures, bruising is observed for an average of a week. Don’t be alarmed as these will/should resolve on their own. An ointment or herb may be suggested to expedite the process.
Pichu
This treatment consists of an authentic localized traditional treatment for relieving stress and stiffness in your joints or back. Cotton and linen pads ‘Pichu’, soaked in hot medicated oils are gently placed on sore joints or back to offer immediate relief from pain and discomfort. The warmth of the soaked pads seeps into the body and induces a deep sense of relief. Short, gentle, and rhythmic massage strokes followed by a medicated herbal pack further alleviate stress and enhance the healing process. Emerge from this treatment with renewed agility and comfort.
At least three treatments of Pichu are recommended for maximum benefit.
Treatments are approximately 1 hour which also includes massage of extremities and head.
Shiro Pichu
This treatment consists of an authentic localized traditional treatment for addressing anxiety, PTSD, migraines, dry scalp, headaches, hair fall, some head injuries, mental health support, support for the mind, sleep issues, sensory straining, and reduced stress. A cotton gauze pad ‘Pichu’, soaked in hot medicated oils, is gently placed on the head to offer immediate relief from pain and discomfort. Sometimes his gauze pad is tied on top of the head for a period of time, on a case-by-case basis. The warmth of the soaked pads seeps into the scalp and induces a deep sense of relief. Short, gentle, and rhythmic massage strokes are performed on the neck, shoulders, and head, followed by the Shiro Pichu application, as your back is massaged.
At least three treatments of Pichu are recommended for maximum benefit.
Treatments are approximately 1 hour
**Note: Please know that this treatment generally requires you to ensure that the rest of your day is free from digital technologies and interacting with others as much as possible. Shirodhara is a process of resetting the nervous system. Therefore, it is important for you to stay inward the rest of the day, have a light meal after and at an appropriate time, and rest. You can resume normal activities the next day.
Mini Abhyanga (oil massage) and Svedhana (steam)
This session is similar to the full abhyanga but with short, gentle, and rhythmic massage strokes followed by steam therapy. Since this is the mini version of the full abhyanga there is less oil, fewer strokes, no oil application to the ears or oil in the sinus’.
This treatment benefits inflammation, pain mangement, can also support aspects of cleansing, discomfort in the joints, and general support of circulation. It also helps to relieve stress in the body.
a medicated herbal pack further alleviate stress and enhance the healing process. Emerge from this treatment with renewed agility and comfort.
Session Time: 45-50 minutes
Rupa Chikitsa (Chromo or Color therapy)
This Ayurvedic therapy involves the amazing but subtle usage of a specific color or colors projected through a light field and placed over the body to stimulate various levels of the body by attending to the doshic (bodily humor) imbalance, bodily tissue(s) requiring a shift in health, chakra and auric field balancing, producing biochemical, psycho-spiritual benefits. Session Time = 1 hour
Ayurvedic Massage and SaunaTherapy Increases circulation cleanses the lymphatic system, detoxifies, and revitalizes the body. Warm oils are uniquely blended per your constitutional type. Also combined is Marma Therapy which enhances the healing capacity of the body by balancing specific subtle points and pathways. A sauna treatment is also the final step to enhancing the effects of this bodywork. Session Time = 1.5 - 2hrs.
Shirobasti (head purification) is a therapy designed to address issues such as anxiety, insomnia, dry/itchy/flakey scalp, nervousness, memory issues, cranial nerve imbalances, stress and so much more. A cap is fastened to the head and oils specific to your constitution and imbalances are poured in and maintained for a certain period of time. Session Time = 1 hour
Ayurvedic Face Treatments
Nature's facelift designed to help slow the aging process and restore your natural beauty. This is what I would like to call a "Natural Facelift." From exfoliation to moisturizing, fresh fruits, herbs and oils are used according to your unique skin type. Session Time = 75 min.
Kati Basti (Lower back "cleanse")
A special technique aimed at providing relief to the lower back using warm medicated oils or herbal decoctions when bathing the lower back for 20 to 30 minutes. Helps with chronic and acute backaches, Prolapsed disc, Lumbar Spondylosis, Osteoporosis, Sciatica. Session Time = 1 hour
Hridaya Basti (Heart "cleanse")
This therapy at the heart helps nourish, strengthen, and balance heart functions, and rejuvenate the heart. It strengthens the heart muscle, increases the contractile force of the heart organ, and benefits ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. This treatment relieves deep-seated anger and sadness. This also tends to help with frozen shoulder, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Bathing the heart for 20-30 min with medicated oils in a dam placed over the heart.
Session Time = 1 hour
Netra Basti (Eye cleanse)
An Ayurvedic therapy to prevent and treat a variety of eye ailments naturally. This Ayurvedic eye treatment involves bathing the eyes in plain or medicated ghee (clarified butter). The ghee is retained within a dam made of dough for approximately 30 minutes. Netra Basti addresses many eye-related issues such as fatigue, lazy eyes, and distorted vision, removes wrinkles, and calms the nervous system. Session Time = 1 hour (includes 30 mins. of the treatment and approximately 20 mins. of pre/post dialogue/assessment/recommendations)
**NOTE: on days of this treatment, all electronic technologies are to be avoided until the next day, which includes computers, phones, and tvs. This is to protect the eyes after such a treatment.
Svedhana Therapy (Sudation Therapy)
This type of therapy involves sitting in a wet sauna, either mixed with herbs/oils or plain water. In Ayurveda, svedana is used to relieve excess doshas (biological humors) from the body, establishing a state of balance that promotes general health. This type of treatment generally follows a specialized massage in order to encourage proper lymphatic drainage, muscular and organ detoxification, and potential weight loss. Session Time = 1 hour
Ruksha Therapy (Dry heat Therapy sweating)
This type of therapy involves sitting in an infrared sauna. In Ayurveda, svedana is used to relieve excess doshas (biological humors) from the body, establishing a state of balance that promotes general health. This type of treatment generally follows a specialized massage in order to encourage proper lymphatic drainage, muscular and organ detoxification, and potential weight loss. Session Time = 1 hour
Karna Purna (Ear oleation)
Hearing is connected to the air element, so the ear is where Vata collects. Treating the ear with warm sesame oil and massage is an effective way of calming the nervous system. Effective treatment for reducing Vata, jaw tension, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), sinus infections, sore throats, colds, and head congestion. Session Time = 30 - 45 min.
Nasya Karma (Nasal cleanse/treatment)
Nasya or nasal therapy is a potent method to purify and nurture the mind and senses. Nasya is also used to nurture - herbal oils applied to the nasal passages heighten the sense of smell, promote complexion, improve memory and enhance creativity. Session Time = 30 - 45 min
Garshana and Svedhana (dry massage with steam)
This is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment, featuring a dry lymphatic skin brushing with bare hands or traditionally a silk glove, followed by an herbal oil treatment. The brushing (garshana) increases circulation, promotes lymphatic activity, cleans the skin, and stimulates the removal of accumulated toxins. Svedhana (steam treatment) involves entering into a sauna in order to support the detoxification further. Session Time = 1 hour
Udvartana and Svedhana (dry powder massage with steam)
This is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment, featuring a dry lymphatic skin brushing with bare hands and an herbal powder blend, followed by an herbal oil treatment. The brushing (garshana) increases circulation, promotes lymphatic activity, cleans the skin, and stimulates the removal of accumulated toxins. Svedhana (steam treatment) involves entering into a sauna in order to support the detoxification further. Session Time = 1 hour
Hot Stone Massage (Shila Abhyanga)
Stone massage therapy uses heated stones to stimulate and/or calm the body. The hardness of the stones allows the therapist to address specific problem areas with more detailed work or deeper pressure. Designed to support circulation and promote lymphatic drainage. Session Time = 1 hour
PanchaKarma
In Ayurveda, Panchakarma is considered non-surgical surgery where cellular metabolic toxicity, developed from emotional and biological accumulations is safely and specifically removed from the body layer by layer. Panchakarma (five cleansing actions) involves an intense process where a specific protocol is designed to meet your individual needs and support your health from the inside out. According to Ayurveda "Panchakarma adds 15 years to a person’s life." Panchakarma begins with a consultation to determine where you are with health and in reference to where the toxins are. Daily treatments are implemented, along with herbs so that the body is ready to eliminate these toxins via certain routes of the gastrointestinal tract, and then any one or more of the five cleansing actions involved in panchakarma is provided and supervised. Room and board are available for this retreat and can be anywhere from 3,5,7,9 days. Meals may or may not be included, depending on the individual's case. Additionally, Panchakarma is done on a case-by-case basis and not all who inquire are eligible. "It is strongly suggested to have PK done seasonally or at least once a year." Contact me for further inquiries, and you can google Panchakarma for more details. Time = Time = 3 or 5 days
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OTHER MODALITIES:
Swedish Massage
Manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, including skin, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Most often performed with oil. Techniques include stroking, vibrations, shaking, effleurage (light long strokes), petrissage (circular manipulation), tapotement (percussive techniques), and rocking. Relaxes, energizes, balances, loosens the tissues, increases oxygen flow throughout the blood, and releases toxins from the muscles. Session Time = 1 hour or 1.5 hours
Dr. Antonio’s Signature Massage
This massage, similar to the Swedish Massage but a step up, is where Antonio applies an integration of bodywork and massage techniques learned and developed over many years, which includes working with an individual on various levels of body-mind-spirit and energy (typically known as tantric practice) using breath techniques at certain points to help them connect and go deeper into their sense of self in a profound way. While supporting a sense of wholeness and cellular pleasure, tension seems to melt away as the stress is released from the individual leaving the body energized, heightened, expanded, more open, peaceful, and deeply relaxed at the same time.
Session Time = 1 hour or 1.5 hours
Visionary CranioSacral Session
These sessions differ somewhat from traditional advanced craniosacral therapy, in that the traditional sessions tend to follow more of a medical model with some room for unknown and deeper emotionally based revelations to be unwound in the body. Whereas, the shamanic visionary component allows an individual to go even deeper by truly softening and letting go. It's not to say that traditional practitioners may not have developed a keen sense of intuition in guiding someone through an inner journey but the shamanic version holds a different space. One that relies on the visionary perspective, stepping outside of all boxes and exploring an avenue of the soul, transcending beyond the body and yet witnessing how certain contacts made to and around the body can facilitate profound healing at a soul level and through the layers of the body. There's something amazing about the simplicity in simply holding space and connecting with a still point. From the shamanic perspective, combined with craniosacral techniques alchemy is set in motion. Within this, we can imagine that the bones are the keys that unlock the unknown; where we travel down corridors and open to windows and doors to more subtle realms of body, mind, and spirit. During this session you will also be given a few drops of essence from the collection of Sacred Forms, created by Mana Jampa of Divine Light Sanctuary (SacredForms.com), to support your journey inward and your unraveling process to self-discovery. Session time = 2 hours (approximately)
CranioSacral Therapy (Standard Version)
This model of craniosacral is more in line with a traditional medical model of Osteopathy, designed by Dr. John Upledger. CranioSacral Therapy reminds us of how everything is connected in the body and involves a subtle approach through therapeutic touch. CST is designed to align the body's physiological processes and energies as it protects and nourishes the central nervous system, having a deep and profound effect on the whole body. "CranioSacral Therapy is a very gentle, light-touch approach that releases tensions in the central nervous system so that every other system in the body can relax, self-correct and free itself of pain and discomfort". - Sharon Desjarlais Session Time = 1 hour
Thai Bodywork
Sometimes called “lazy man's” yoga is a type of treatment to engage the body's health systems, known as meridian's (lines of energy currents), through a series of stretches as the individual remains in a resting position. Thai massage is a type of massage in Thai style that involves stretching and deep massage. This form of bodywork is usually performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used. Session Time = 1 hour
Shiatsu (Acupressure)
Shiatsu means "finger pressure" and is a Japanese bodywork technique involving finger pressure at specific points on the body mainly to balance “energy” in the body. The major focus is on prevention by keeping the body healthy. Helps to harmonize the underlying channels of the body, calms the mind, and strengthens/restores you to a state of balance, through pressure points. All work is conducted on a floor mat. Session Time = 1 hour
Japanese Footbath
Feet are bathed in warm water, some pressure-point work is applied, exfoliation and cleansing are the major points of this treatment. Restores the integrity of the feet. Stimulates the entire body from the feet up, you can feel grounded and lite at the same time. Session Time = 45min.
Reiki Session
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. Session Time = 1 hour
Chi Nei Tsang (with general massage)
Chi Nei Tsang, or CNT, is an ancient form of detoxifying, energizing, abdominal massage. Chi, the life-force energy, moves through the body's internal channels, nervous system, blood vessels, and lymph glands. These systems concentrate and cross paths in the abdomen, which acts as their control. Tensions, worries, and stresses of the day, month, or year accumulate and are seldom dispersed. These disturbances can cause physical tangling and knotting of the nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. The result is the gradual obstruction of energy circulation, which may lead to any number of maladies including, but not limited to, indigestion, constipation, bloating, insomnia, whole-body toxicity, poor skin quality, and an inability to lose weight.
This technique is incorporated into a general massage session so that the whole body feels connected. Session time = 1 hour