Today I had my most relaxing ever Ayurvedic treatment (well okay, my first ever Ayurvedic treatment), at The Oriental Hotel, Bangkok.
Ayurveda (life science in Sanskrit) is a 5000-year-old holistic system of traditional Indian medicine, the oldest known such system on Earth.
Rachelle and I were whisked away across the mighty Chao Phya river to the calming confines of the Oriental’s luxurious spa complex on the west bank. We spent half an hour with the lovely Ayurvedic Wellness Coordinator Neelam – who hails from Jaipur’s Pink City – determining our Ayurvedic Dosha (mainly through the medium of multiple choice questionnaire).
Rachelle is Pure Pitta (Fire), I am half Vata (Air), half Pitta.
That established we were ushered into a stunningly designed and equipped massage room for our Keraleeya Abhyangam massage. Changing into very flimsy see-through panties, we spent the next wonderfully relaxing ninety minutes having hot oils rubbed into every aching muscle…
From the Oriental’s website: “This distinctive style of rejuvenating massage uses harmonious strokes, rhythm, speed and pressure in perfect synchrony covering one from head to heel. The entire experience of being cocooned in caring warmth along with the therapeutic effect of the oil balances all the three levels of physical, mental and spiritual well-being, creating deep relaxation and a sense of grounding.”
After a cleansing steam and scrub, we kicked back and sipped gorgeous ginger tea. I ended up feeling more relaxed, focused and at one with myself than I’ve ever felt: and so goddam clean. Rachelle felt spoilt.
Definitely the best 4500 bhat I ever spent*
www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok/spa/ayurveda/
*should read never spent…