Ayurveda in the spa
Imagine a day spa designed to detox your mind and body, prevent illness, increase longevity, and, most importantly, promote self-awareness so all of the above can be accomplished. That’s exactly what’s happening at Ayoma LifeSpa, one of the first U.S. Ayurveda spa retreats, opened in July 2003 in San Jose, California, by Ayurvedic clinician Reenita Malhotra.
Born and raised in Bombay, India Malhotra began practicing Ayurveda as a child. She created Ayoma, Inc. in 1997 packaging Ayurvedic herbs into teas, oils, jams, and aromatic scents. In 1999, a product and service line was launched at prestigious spas and hotels nationwide. With the new millennium, Malhotra noticed an increase in interest about Ayurveda in her practice at California Pacific Medical Center for Institute of Health & Healing in San Francisco and believed the time for a day spa devoted entirely to Ayurvedic principles had arrived. Envisioning the spa services, Malhotra knew to highlight the heart of Ayurveda. “In Ayurveda, all tangible life forms contain five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Combinations of these five elements give three distinct constitutions or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha,” explains Malhotra. Wellness massages, oil therapies, skincare treatments, and hand/foot therapy comprise the spa menu. An extensive two-hour private dosha consultation with Malhotra is also offered with nutritional and behavioral advice.
For more information call (408) 551-0550 or visit www.ayoma.com.
—Jill Daniel
May/June 2004
