Life & Style | Beauty & Fashion
Harmonising mind, body and soul
A Tibetan ritual combining the five elements of nature will leave you calm and relaxed
- By Amelia Naidoo, Campus Notes Editor
- Published: 00:00 September 3, 2011
- Image Credit: Supplied
- The picture is used for illustrative purposes only.
I'm one of those people who regard the practice of alternative therapies with a measure of scepticism. Sure, I'll subject myself to having my aura read, chakras aligned and reflexology zones stimulated during a spa treatment but my needs are simple — just sort out the tension knots in my muscles if it's a massage or give me a facial that helps my uneven complexion and oily skin. The other stuff is usually wasted on me.
I chose the Ku Nye Tibetan Ritual, which includes a 90-minute massage and 60-minute facial, at the newly-opened Balance 3600 Wellness Club in Oasis Centre because it seemed exotic. Whether they could harmonise mind, body and soul was another matter altogether.
After filling in forms that described my skin, hair and body type I was ushered through a labyrinthine space that was sectioned off into yoga and pilates studios, massage rooms, beauty therapy cubicles, a beauty shop, hydrotherapy and baths areas.
Five elements
I was greeted by Santosi, my diminutive therapist for the session, who started off the treatment with a foot scrub and then proceeded to the massage.
"Ku means oil application and nye describes the procedure where we balance the five elements in your body using a blend of five essential oils," she explained and I caught a whiff of sandalwood, tulsi (Indian basil) and patchouli. "It helps to restore and harmonise your mind, body and soul."
The massage was different to ones I've had in the past. Santosi said the technique she used was based on the Ayurvedic marma points. Apart from working on stiff muscles she focused on certain points of the body and then placed bundles of Himalayan salt on those points, which is meant to clear your energy. "And it will make you calm and heal your body," Santosi said.
By the time she got to the facial, I was barely conscious. The treatment — only organic, natural products are used — I received is meant for dull, congested and dehydrated skin and helps the skin glow. Marma techniques and tapping are also used to clear up any blockages.
My skin was cleansed with rosehip seed oil, scrubbed with rosehip seeds mixed with honey, applied with a mask made of mineral rich clay and moisturised with a royal blossom and white lily cream.
Balance 360 Wellness Club is one of the larger ones in the UAE and is said to tackle one's overall wellbeing instead of a just a few treatments and offers health packages that combine nutrition, fitness, and spa services.
Complimenting the wellness club is the Balance Café, which sells healthy foods that are based on the Ayurveda principles vata, pitta and kapha. "These are the elemental energies in our body and they control our daily routines," said Dr Chandy George, a specialist Ayurvedic doctor who runs the centre.
But the food spans a range of cuisines and the in-house bakery produces gluten free goods.
All in all, the treatment was one of best I've had in the UAE and I left the centre in a calm and very very relaxed state. But I'm not so sure the troubles of my mind and soul were solved as the treatment promises and can only chalk it up to marketing gobbledygook. Perhaps those who practice Ayurveda as a lifestyle reap these benefits.
The details
The Ku Nye Tibetan Ritual, which includes a 90-minute massage and 60-minute facial, costs Dh500. The Balance 360 Wellness Club is currently offering a 15 per cent discount on new memberships until September 15. Contact: 04 384 7010
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