Shambala Wellness & Spa opened at the end of September and has received glowing reviews. Nestled in an idyllic location in the heart of Kent on the Grounds of Hever Hotel, Shambala is a new way of Spa based on a unique concept – Ayurveda. It has a wet area with a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and a Himalayan salt room (ideal for people with respiratory conditions) and four treatment rooms including a treatment room for couples.
Why is Shambala so unique? It is inspired from the Ayurveda concept originated from India over 5,000 years ago. In fact, Ayurveda is the oldest form of holistic approach that exists today, and many branches of modern medicine were derived from Ayurveda.
The basic principles of Ayurveda are that each person is made up of a particular combination of three ‘dosha’. These doshas are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha and are associated with the five different elements of water, air, fire, earth and space. Each dosha is represented by two of the elements combined.
In Ayurvedic massage therapy, the practitioner assesses which dosha you are and administers appropriate oils during the massage that are specific to your particular dosha in an attempt to soothe and balance the potential imbalance within your body that may have arisen from the stresses and strains of daily life.
The Ayurvedic massage is a relaxing and rejuvenating massage, using techniques such as long strokes along the body, kneading, squeezing and manipulation of the marma points. The style and intensity of massage depends on your dosha and your need for well-being and balance at the time of the therapy. At all times you can always ask for the intensity to be adjusted to your own preference if you wish but as it’s based on your dosha it’s likely it will be well suited to what you like already.
In Ayurvedic massage the therapist focuses on the marma points within the body. Marma points are points where the invisible energy channels meet internally; very similar to the pressure points you may be familiar with in acupuncture, reflexology and acupressure.
Through the manipulation and pressure of the marma points a very deep and intense healing can take place as these points release blocked energies enabling healing on a mind, body and consciousness level resulting in a more complete healing. Ayurvedic massage can help to detoxify the body and strengthen muscle tone. It can give a feeling of well-being, improve circulation and better the quality of sleep.
The Ayurveda concept has been explored and welcomed by many sports people and help them to achieve better performance. Shambala has welcomed local sportsmen, some famous nationally, from different fields such as cricket, football and boxing. We have recently welcomed an emerging young boxer and helped him with little “niggles” as he said.
James Hawley from Bromley starting boxing at the age of 12 and had his first fight at 14. He was introduced to boxing by his uncle and has had 5 professional fights already under his belt. He regularly visits Shambala as he enjoys relaxing in the Spa giving his muscles a rest after hard training sessions but also the Ayurveda massages help him heal sore muscles and various strains.
James said: “Shambala is local and there are not many facilities like it. From the massages to the sauna and the steam and salt rooms, it all helps my performance and my recovery too. When I’m training, it helps with my aches and pains. I will definitely be recommending Shambala to others”.
If you require more information on how Shambala can help you, please do reach us on shambala@heverhotel.co.uk or by phone 01732 700700. Why not visit our website www.shambalaspa.co.uk and browse through the various treatments we offer?
