Advertisement 1

Open your mind to worldly wellness practices

Article content

My COVID mantra has become: if not now, when? For example, if by the time we’ve entered Stage 3 I still haven’t managed to train for a 10K race or organize our family photos, I’m going to accept that these goals aren’t a priority, and will scratch them off my life to-do list, guilt-free.

Advertisement 2
Story continues below
Article content

Which is how I found myself at Sevayu, an Ayurvedic treatment centre in northeast Calgary. I’ve always been fascinated by the wellness traditions of other cultures, and with ample time on my hands, it seemed like a no brainer to investigate this ancient practice.

In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means, “the science of life.” This alternative health and lifestyle system emerged on the Indian subcontinent over 5,000 years ago. It’s based on the premise that body and mind balance can be achieved through lifestyle practices like diet (including herbs), massage and other soothing treatments.

Article content

Those who practice Ayurveda believe the body is comprised of three energies called doshas that control how your body works. Health issues arise when one’s dosha is out of balance. This alternative system is also focused very much on prevention.

Advertisement 3
Story continues below
Article content

“It’s about getting to the root cause of an issue, not only treating symptoms,” says Amandeep Kaur, an Ayurvedic consultant with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from India.

I’m meeting Kaur at Sevayu for an initial, hour-long Ayurvedic consultation. In addition to reviewing my intake form, Kaur takes my pulse and looks at my eyes, skin, hair, nails and physique to figure out my dosha.

Kaur determines that pitta (fire and water elements) is my main dosha. According to Ayurvedic principles, knowing my dosha is step one in setting up the building blocks for my lifestyle plan.

As a natural skeptic, I was purposely vague on my intake form. So it came as a surprise to me when Kaur stated (correctly) that I had dry eyes. And that I have digestive issues. I didn’t reveal either of these issues on my form.

Advertisement 4
Story continues below
Article content

We then spent considerable time discussing which types of foods would be best for my digestion and dosha. Many of the suggestions fell in line with what I already know about myself. I don’t like ice-cold drinks and I sleep much better when abstaining from alcohol.

Yet some advice didn’t make sense to me. For example, I’m not sure why I was advised to avoid sour fruits. Had I asked, I’m sure Kaur would’ve gotten into it, but there was a lot to cover off in one hour.

Ayurveda is not solely about diet, and the consultation took a turn toward my lifestyle and stress levels.

“You’re the personality who acts before thinking. People who learn from the past and don’t repeat their mistakes live their life well. If you don’t like something, try not to react quickly. You need to hit pause and learn how to control your reactions,” she warned.

Advertisement 5
Story continues below
Article content

I certainly wasn’t expecting this from a stranger after 40 minutes of talking mainly about diet and herbal supplements, but she wasn’t wrong. More than the dietary recommendations, this advice on reining in my emotions stayed with me.

Shirodhara treatment at Spa Ceylon, Courtesy Jody Robbins
Shirodhara treatment at Spa Ceylon, Courtesy Jody Robbins jpg

While Sevayu offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments, I decided to also check out the services at Spa Ceylon in southeast Calgary. They offer one of the most popular Ayurvedic treatments: Shirodhara.

In Sanskrit, shiro means head and dhara translates to flow. During this procedure, approximately half a litre of Ayurvedic herbal oil drips through a copper pot onto your forehead. After 15 minutes of the steady drip, you’ll be given a robust head, neck and shoulder massage.

I thought the single stream of oil was going to feel uncomfortable, and yes, having warm oil drip down the sides of your forehead into your hair is ticklish at first. After a few moments of getting used to it, the practice felt soothing, like warm waves lapping rhythmically against your skin.

Advertisement 6
Story continues below
Article content

Proponents believe it’s an effective treatment for insomnia, headaches, anxiety and depression. While it certainly felt fantastic, I didn’t notice an improvement in sleep after one treatment.

Another popular treatment is abhyanga, a full body massage using large amounts of warm herbal oil best suited for your dosha. Ideally, you wouldn’t shower immediately after these treatments, but let the oil continue to penetrate the skin.

The warm oil, the expert kneading of stiff muscles (treatments at both Spa Ceylon and Sevayu are administered by registered massage therapists), it was all so heavenly. I could envision myself keeping up this practice in winter.

As for the advice received during my consultation, could I cut out alcohol, try upping my sweet vs sour fruit game and make a better habit of thinking before reacting? I could. Apparently, I’m that dosha that has an easier time making changes. And I could definitely go in for another Indian head massage.

The jury’s still out, however, on what else I’m going to tick off from my COVID to-do list. But maybe after sorting out my dosha, I’ll find the time to organize those family photos.

Consult your family doctor before embarking on dietary and lifestyle changes recommended by alternative health sources.

Jody Robbins is a Calgary-based lifestyle writer. Follow her wellness adventures on her blog: Travels with Baggage.

Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Latest National Stories
    News Near Tillsonburg
      This Week in Flyers