Abhyanga is a 1 ½ hour warm oil massage coming from the ancient healing tradition in India known as Ayurveda. Abhyanga is a form of snehana which is an anointing of the body with oil. In the Indian Sanskrit this word “snehana” is translated as stupendous love and immense tenderness.

The primary purpose of snehana is to give the client a sense of the stupendous love that flows through the universe at all times. The repetition of the strokes conveys the essential nature of wholeness to the person receiving the massage. This outpouring of love is provided by two therapists massaging the body simultaneously, or by one therapist massaging the body in a pattern of rhythmic strokes. The warm oil, soothing herbs or essential oils, and caring strokes calm the nervous system and ease the tensions in the mind. There is a moment of surrender in the massage when the mind is no longer attached to trying to figure out and follow what is being experienced by the body. This is stress relief to the max!  Price is $110.

Shiro-Abhyanga Nasya Treatment or SAN, literally translated means “head massage with a nasal application.” The head massage serves to open the srotas in the head, neck and shoulder regions. Then localized steam is directed towards the face and inhaled by the guest in a steam tent which further opens the sinus passages. Heat is then applied to the face with the use of a hot water bottle.  This treatment requires about an hour.  Price is $65.

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means "the science of life."  It is an ancient art of healing that has been practiced continuously throughout India for over 5,000 years.  It is probably the oldest authentically recorded healing science in existence today.  Though there are many who practice and teach Ayurveda, Drs. Deepak Chopra and David Simon, from The Chopra Center in La Costa, California, and with whom we have studied, are probably the most well-known teachers of these concepts in the United States.  Dr. Chopra has westernized many of the practices so that it is not necessary to become "Indian" or Hindu to practice good Ayurvedic health and live balanced lives.  Our studies with him over the years have been a great learning experience and both Deepak and David are much beloved by us.  We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for the life-changing principles they have shared with us.