A couple of weeks ago, I had the absolute privilege to go and experience the wonderful Hamsa Ayurvedic Spa. Hamsa is a bijou haven of Ayurveda in the windy city of Chicago, where I happened to be visiting with my partner.
On entering you immediately feel a shift from a more external awareness, to a much more internal focus. The senses soften, as you realise there is no more outer protective shell required for the next few hours at the very least. You are cocooned from the first in the calming, gentle energy. I was introduced to my practitioner Robin who then suggested I take my shoes off to become more relaxed and settled into the relaxation room for my consultation. On being handed a gorgeous cup of tea, I relaxed back into the squidgy chair, for what seemed almost like a girlie chat.
Having changed into a snuggly warm bath robe I was asked to sit whilst my feet were bathed in warm water and gently massaged then dried. This helps to ground the body and prepare it for the treatment. Bath robe off and it was onto the bed for Robin’s bespoke treatment. I spent an hour and a half being lathered in and massaged with copious amounts of hot oil to suit my dosha (specific body type in Ayurveda). Robin focused very much on the breath combined with long sweeping movements and then more specific body work to help release everything that was being held.
By the end of the treatment I felt so much lighter and juicier. My skin had miraculously absorbed all the oil, so there was no need for the usual shower. Serene and calm at the end of my visit I was able to purchase some gorgeous Vata face oil, a mixture of jasmine and orange blossom (made by the very dedicated owner Monica Yearwood), as well as other holistic health products. I walked out the door on sunshine…
www.vedictherapies.com
Hamsa has a whole array of activities going on in the space including yoga and various workshops, please check their website
On entering you immediately feel a shift from a more external awareness, to a much more internal focus. The senses soften, as you realise there is no more outer protective shell required for the next few hours at the very least. You are cocooned from the first in the calming, gentle energy. I was introduced to my practitioner Robin who then suggested I take my shoes off to become more relaxed and settled into the relaxation room for my consultation. On being handed a gorgeous cup of tea, I relaxed back into the squidgy chair, for what seemed almost like a girlie chat.
Having changed into a snuggly warm bath robe I was asked to sit whilst my feet were bathed in warm water and gently massaged then dried. This helps to ground the body and prepare it for the treatment. Bath robe off and it was onto the bed for Robin’s bespoke treatment. I spent an hour and a half being lathered in and massaged with copious amounts of hot oil to suit my dosha (specific body type in Ayurveda). Robin focused very much on the breath combined with long sweeping movements and then more specific body work to help release everything that was being held.
By the end of the treatment I felt so much lighter and juicier. My skin had miraculously absorbed all the oil, so there was no need for the usual shower. Serene and calm at the end of my visit I was able to purchase some gorgeous Vata face oil, a mixture of jasmine and orange blossom (made by the very dedicated owner Monica Yearwood), as well as other holistic health products. I walked out the door on sunshine…
www.vedictherapies.com
Hamsa has a whole array of activities going on in the space including yoga and various workshops, please check their website