A Little Bit of Ayurveda

“Pad-ma Ab-hy-anga” and “Shir-o-dhara.” I typed those words, slowly, into my phone’s calendar not too long ago. Loosely translated, they are Ayurvedic massages: the first massage focused on the feet “Pada,” and "Padma" meaning lotus flower; with the second massage on the head, “Shiro.”

Ayurvedic treatments aren’t at the top of many spa menus in the western world, but you can find them at Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat & Spa, a serene spot tucked in the Northumberland hills, about 15 minutes northeast of Cobourg, Ontario. Northumberland Heights offers traditional massage, facials and other relaxation treatments, but I was told their holistic Ayurvedic therapies are well worth trying – “Ayurveda” being one of the world's oldest whole-body healing systems, developed over 3,000 years ago in India. 

Ayurveda focuses on various doshas (energies and elements) in the body. It can include massage and the use of heated oil, which acts as a carrier agent to dispense any benefits from the Indian herbs and spices in the oil for the therapy.

Putting Your Best Feet Forward

(Padma Abhyanga – pronounced pad-ma ah-bhee-yahn-gah)

Will this tickle? What if my feet are overly sensitive? What kind of pressure and tools are used?

I'm seated in the spa's private Ayurvedic treatment room, comfortable on a large padded chair. I'm wearing a spa robe with stretchy shorts underneath (an old pair I brought with me).

This 60-minute Ayurvedic treatment focuses on the feet, but my calves and thighs will be massaged to help open the pathways to the nervous system and other parts of the body.

My therapist, Keshab, has been doing Ayurvedic treatments for 15 years after starting his training in Nepal in 2002, and then travelling to India to complete his specialty working under a doctor of Ayurvedic medicine.

Potlis Packed with Herbs 

Keshab asks me to explain my health concerns as noted on my form. He then leaves me to mix his herbal powder which forms an integral part of this Abhyanga (massage). 

The smell in the room is calming and already a little bit heady due to the black sesame oil warming in a cast iron pan.                                 

Keshab returns. He puts two sacks (or “potlis”) of powder in the pan. The gauze sacks contain ingredients selected from about 40 herbs, which Keshab has ordered from India to form the basis of his treatments. The herbs and spices he is using for me were mixed together to target stiff and sore joints.

How It Feels

First my bare feet are dipped in warm water and bathed. Then each foot is lifted and lightly scrubbed with sea salt. Keshab tells me this is a ritual done in parts of India to welcome a special guest into one’s home. This takes only five minutes as the oil in the pan heats to the desired temperature so the cheesecloth sacks can then be taken from there.

Over the remaining hour, each foot is deeply massaged, and each toe joint worked in a circular fashion. Based on individual tolerance, each heel receives a series of strong pokes with a blunt wooden tool to apply pressure to target my bothersome sciatic area. (I agreed to strong pressure because, overall, I felt I would personally receive the most benefit. That pressure, however, is not for the faint-of-feet.)

Next, Keshab uses the wooden tool to apply medium pressure to the inside of my foot, then the outside of my foot, with the intention of helping to stimulate my spine and my back. (My arches are normally ticklish, but not so when this tool and technique are used.) Then there’s more work on my feet and calves with expert swirling and pounding of the herb-filled sacks.

I have never had this much focus on my feet with pressure and movement (sometimes vigorous). I can feel it awakening my nerve endings there. At the end of the treatment, my nurtured feet feel very subtle, and have the aroma of madras spice and sage.

Carved wooden table for Ayurvedic treatments.

Warm Oil on Your Head

(Shirodhara – pronounced shir-o-dar-ahh)

How fast will the liquid flow? How warm will the oil be? And how will I be able to get it out of my hair at the end? These are all questions that get asked at Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat & Spa. 

Shirodhara (Head-Flow) is an Ayurvedic technique that involves liquid – usually oil, milk, buttermilk, or water – being poured over the forehead. It's typically combined with a body, scalp, or head massage. Ayurvedic head massage uses a variety of pressure techniques that focus on your head, shoulders, and neck regions.

How It Feels

The private treatment room is a little daunting at first. The copper vessel that hangs above the carved wooden table stands out. But I’m able to settle, lying on the flat surface facing the vessel – the pot that will dispense the warm sesame oil onto my forehead.

Above the waist, I’m wearing a soft paper bandeau provided by the spa to cover up my chest. A sheet for complete draping is not practical since part of my treatment (by request) will include a sampling of Kizhi (which uses warm potlis pounded over the body).

My eyes are closed. My hair (shoulder-length) is pulled back behind me but left loose. I focus on slow, relaxed breaths to take in the earthy fragrance of the herbs infused in the sesame oil.

More than a Scalp Massage

My therapist starts to massage my scalp. The oil dripping directly above me onto my forehead feels warm and very thick as it runs through my scalp. Drizzles trickle around my temples, but are then rubbed in by my therapist. The oil starts to seep into my hair. (About 1.5 litres is used in total.) Through massage, the oils can enter the skin, reaching the tissues which relate to the Dhatus.

I’m in a relaxed state over the next hour, but do not sleep because of the medium pressure and deliberate kneading and lengthening movements applied to my neck, upper chest and arms. The touch is firm on my scalp and my hair follicles get the extra attention they deserve. I learn that there can be a gentle pressure used for Vata, a deeper one for Pitta, and an even deeper pressure for Kapha, depending on which of these three doshas are being treated for a better balance.

At the end of my session I ask, “Should I leave the oil in my hair?” and I’m told “Absolutely.” My therapist also advises that the next several hours should be slow and relaxed.

I do as instructed, and wrap my hair in one of the spa towels. I pad off to the lounge to pick out some herbal tea. It’s the middle of the afternoon and I head back to my room. Once there, I put another towel on my pillow case for good measure, rest my heavy head, and fall into a nice, deep sleep.

Copper vessel to dispense treatment oils.

The Benefits of Ayurveda

Less tension in my body afterwards was obvious, as well as much softer skin and hair. As outlined by many wellness sources, other benefits with repeated treatment can include:

• Reduced insomnia, anxiety, and stress due to the calming of various disturbances of the autonomic nervous system
• Decreased migraine and vascular headaches
• Increased mental clarity and comprehension
• Reduced levels of pain and inflammation
• Improved blood circulation in the body
• For Shirodhara: Nourished roots, scalp and hair follicles 

What to Know Before You Go

Give yourself the added gift of time.

If possible, leave the night/day open for yourself after your treatment(s). I found these treatments both required more preparation, and more quiet time to follow than traditional western massages. Afterwards, you can expect to be sleepy, and should drink plenty of water and/or gentle, cleansing herbal tea. 

Discuss your preferences for therapy when booking.

After many massages and recent hospital surgeries, I was comfortable with a male massage therapist. But if you suspect this will be an issue for you, inquire when booking. Also discuss any personal issues you may have about draping with towels, sheets, etc.

A bit more on stretchy shorts.

Not everyone is comfortable without clothing under their robe. For your foot massage, you might want to wear a pair of old comfortable shorts if you have them. Oil may get on this garment so you want a pair that's not high on your fashion list. Discuss your comfort zones for treatment ahead of time with your therapist.

Ask for assistance when getting on and off the treatment table.

Other than the foot massage, your treatment will likely be carried out on the Ayurvedic treatment table. Your massage will involve lots of oil, so take your time and get assistance getting on and off the table to be extra careful.

How to treat your scalp and hair after Shirodhara.

Let the rich oil stay in as long as possible to get the full effects. Use the towels supplied when at the spa to protect your own wardrobe. When ready to shower, scrub your oily hair with shampoo before you apply any water, and then get in the shower and rinse. Use a fairly gentle shampoo since this will likely require another two rounds of shampooing. (After three washes I still had oily hair.) I had dinner there, so I didn’t bother drying my hair, and put it in a ponytail. I let the remaining oil treat my hair overnight and did a double shampoo in the morning. My hair was very soft after that.

Ask for their own blend of Chai tea.

High tea at Northumberland Heights is part of any full day spa package or extended stay. When the tea menu is brought to your table, consider ordering the spa's own Masala Chai tea. I love Chai blends so have many in my cupboard at home. But this one was extra special, the gauze tea bag packed with their blend of black tea, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves and ginger. When I last asked, it could not be purchased to take home.  

Overall

Have an open mind about your treatments. If having an Ayurvedic body treatment such as Kizhi, expect some slipping and sliding around on the wooden table since you will be covered in warm oil. As well as the use of potlis for medium pounding, your therapist may use strong, firm strokes to help drain toxins, give attention to the length of the muscles, and provide the most grounding touch for the body.

Outline anything exceptional about your own health upon booking your appointment. Some Ayurvedic treatments may need to be avoided if you have certain medical conditions. Understand the precautions, and expect to sign a spa waiver before your treatment.

Northumberland County offers a number of wide-ranging wellness experiences. Follow this link for more details. 

By Heather Starke 

Heather is journalist who has worked in the news, education and lifestyle fields. She can also be found exploring the world of wellness in Northumberland County.