When I was first looking at spas in Bali, Prana Spa (full review coming soon) hit my radar. In looking at their signature treatments, I could see right away they had a Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Package. It was a 240 minute treatment. I had been reading and learning more about Ayurvedic philosophies, so even hough I had had Ayurvedic treatments before I decided I want the experience. However, with full week in Bali, I didn’t want it to all go by in a 240 minute blink of an eye package. Instead, I scheduled he treatments out over the course the week.
Soma was one of the first treatments in the package, so in my plan, I decided to start the week off with that. The description reads as follows:
“Feel the healing powers of Ayurvedic medicine as you undergo this therapeutic treatment. Designed to bring the living body back into a complete state of balance and wellness, Soma will be achieved. Beginning with Pizichil, a synchronized massage while two therapists massage medicated oils into your body. Udgarshana,, the application of healing powders and herbs follow. Mavarakizhi a technique using poultice bags filled with medicinal herbs will continue to create this curative experience. Feel the complete balance during Pina Swede as steaming towels infused with herbs are draped over the body creating the wholeness and serenity you deserve.”
What can I say, they had me had healing? Or that I am marketer’s dream, drawn in on a good description? Actually, its been a stressful couple of months on my normal job, and I wasn’t taking care of myself, and so anything that might help restore some balance, seemed good to me. I figure, that gives me a fresh start, a good base to build from in terms of getting back to a health and wellness routine.
Soma in ancient vedic teachings of India, was originally referred to as a plant and a drink that was known as a nectar of immortality. I wasn’t going to assume that a Soma treatment would bring immortality, although that might be nice. But I was trying to understand the connection between Soma – the nectar of immortality and the treatment. The second sentence says it all — bring the living body back into a complete state of balance and wellness. Soma, while rooted maybe at its core in immortality is about vitality. The importance of good immunity, longevity and optimal health. And that is why the treatment is called Soma.
Mii Amo, and I figured this might be similar. Similar but different. So there were actually three therapists in the room, two who were synchronized in their massage movements, and the third was support behind the operation, preparing oils, and pouring on powder, and preparing the poultice and then the towels.
The treatment began face down, with two rounds of hot oil massaged from hands to arms to shoulders and back and down through the legs to the toes. The sequence was then repeated with two rounds of powder. The powders herbed mixed with more hot oil, almost created a scrub like effect. And then two rounds of the poultice and hot oil, before the steaming towels were placed on me. The whole thing was then repeated on the other side.
I know it sounds corny, but I really did feel a change by the time the towels were draped. It did seem to complete the treatment and bring about a whole state of balance. Not a bad way to start the week at Prana.
Now, a note to the modest, this treatment may not be for you. This treatment can leave you a little exposed. I am still navigating the norms of spas in Southeast Asia, but I can see a future blog coming on the experiences.
At the end of the treatment they served and iced drink with a sweet nectar in it, so here’s hoping its the nectar of immortality.
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