AYURVEDA is comprised of two words. Ayur means Life, and Vedameans Knowledge. Thus, Ayurveda deals with how to live a healthy, balanced life. It is a traditional, holistic system of health science from India, which has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Ayurveda seeks to restore the natural balance and state of health to mind, body & soul. Through its body-mind-soul approach, Ayurveda has been found to significantly improve several chronic health conditions.
Ayurveda focuses on living in tune with nature. Its principles are universal. By connecting mind, body and soul, Ayurveda strives to improve harmony and happiness in an individual. Ayurveda emphasizes the maintenance of good health through a balanced daily routine (Dinacharya), seasonal regime (Ritucharya), and a wholesome diet. Ayurveda considers every individual to be unique because of their unique mind-body-soul constitution (Prakriti).
Ayurvedic medicine is not a "One size fits all" approach to healing. Everyone is different, and at Essence of Self your unique expression in physical form is honored.
AYURVEDIC CONSULTATIONS
The initial consultation may be directed by Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner Nancy Smith or Dr. Shekhar Annambhotla**. Follow-up therapies are given by Nancy Smith.
In the initial, personalized consultation, one of the practitioner works with each client to analyze his or her unique Ayurvedic constitution (Prakriti), determine any imbalances in the three biological rhythms or forces according to Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), and educate clients in Ayurvedic living.
First time clients can expect the following:
Each client fills out a health history questionnaire and self-evaluation of his or her present health condition.The questionnaire and evaluation are discussed and any questions or concerns are addressed.
An ayurvedic practitioner uses the ancient art of Ayurvedic pulse technique to detect the causes of any deep-rooted imbalances in each client's physiology.
The client is educated on holistic Ayurvedic approaches to health, with individualized guidance according to his or her constitution and any Vata, Pitta and Kapha imbalances. Any of the following may be suggested for healthier living:
Individualized dietary and herbal food supplement recommendations
Breathing exercises (Pranayama)
Hatha Yoga exercises (Asanas)
Meditation techniques
Gentle home detoxification techniques
Physiological cleansing techniques (Panchakarma)
Other Ayurvedic therapies (see list below)
AYURVEDA CONSULTATIONS WITH NANCY A. SMITH
at Riverdale Location Available according to the schedule in the left column.
Initial Consultation with Nancy Smith 75-minutes $85
Follow-Up Consultations with Nancy Smith
60-minutes $65
AYURVEDA CONSULTATIONS WITH VISITING PRACTITIONER
DR. SHEKHAR AND NANCY A, SMITH
at Riverdale Location ** May be scheduled on Friday, September 26
and Saturday September 27 Call (973) 962-7688 to schedule an appointment.
Initial Consultation with Dr. Shekhar & Nancy Smith
60-minutes $125
Follow-Up Consultations with Dr. Shekhar & Nancy Smith: 45-minutes $85
AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
Dosha Specific Oil Massage and Warm Stones with Hot Towels or Steam (Abhyanga-Swedna with Hot Towels or Steamy Wonder Tent) Dosha specific oil massage (abhyanga) nourishes the skin, aids in removing impurities, stimulates both arterial and lymphatic circulation, and relaxes the mind and body, promoting overall healing. Therapeutic warm stones relax the body at its deepest level using the energies of warm volcanic stones. This ancient Ayurvedic therapy moves energy to tired areas, relieves sore muscles and creates a soothing relaxation response of peace and serenity. After your oil and stone treatment, hot towel compresses are applied or a light steam tent is placed over you with your head staying out. During the Steam, you are kept cool with a cool cloth around your neck; this allows the vital organs to remain cool during the Swedna. Moist Heat is used to bring the oils deep in the muscles. You will relax for a few minutes at the close of the treatment. 75-minutes $85
Add one of the following choices to the Ayurvedic Massage for an additional $20
Dry Lymphatic Skin Brushing (Garshana) This is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment, featuring a dry lymphatic skin brushing with cotton gloves, followed by a dosha specific oil treatment. The brushing (garshana) increases circulation, and cleans the skin so the dosha specific oil treatment can penetrate deeply.
Reflexology (Marma) This treatment focuses on opening and balancing the energy flow according to the Indian meridian system stimulating certain points on the body where the physical and energy bodies meet. Marma points are similar to acupressure points. Dosha specific oils are used with circular motions on dosha specific marma points. You will feel balanced and renewed.
Skin and Lymphatic Detox (Udvartina)- Udvartina is a deeply penetrating herbal paste lymphatic treatment. You will be scrubbed with the paste on all sides of your body. This treatment is exfoliating and conditioning to the skin as well as a deeply cleansing treatment which presses stagnant lymphatic toxins out of the body. A hot towel is used to wipe off excess paste at the end of the tent session, you will need to go straight home to shower to rinse off the remaining paste.
Vigorous, Rhythmic Treatment (Vishesh) This treatment breaks up adhesions, stimulates lymphatic flow, and guides impurities out of the body. This technique separates fat from muscle tissue. You will relax for a few minutes at the close of the treatment. For Kapha body types and imbalances, this is an essential therapeutic approach; the steam combination is wonderful for loosening impurities and guiding them out of the body. The vigorous strokes get the circulation moving while the steam helps to soften the tissues allowing the toxins to then be sweated out.
ADDITIONAL AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
Ayurvedic Relaxation Treatment (Shirodhara) A deeply relaxing treatment using warm herbalized oil poured in a gentle stream over the forehead. This procedure synchronizes brain waves and profoundly coordinates and calms the mind, body, and spirit. Shirodhara enhances blood circulation to the brain, improves memory, nourishes the hair and scalp and generally aids in release of stress and tension. It is suggested that the oil be left in the hair for a few hours, over night is best. The remaining Shirodhara oil is yours to take home. 60-minutes $85 Add to any massage treatment for an additional $40
Ayurvedic Head, Neck, and Back Massage (Shiro-Abhyanga) Experience a 45-minute relaxation massage that allows you to unwind tension. This technique relaxes the mind and central nervous system stimulating a relaxation response of peace and serenity. Dosha specific oil is used for your body type. 45-minutes $55
Ayurvedic Oil Therapy for Back Discomforts (Kati Basti) This is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment featuring a holding dam of warm herbalized oil placed on the back around discomforted area; the warm oil fortifies the blood, builds strong muscle and connective tissue and lubricates the joints. Dough is made with black gram flour and water. The dough is shaped into a small round ring about 4- 5 inches in diameter and is placed on the back around the discomforted area. Edges are glued to the back with few drops of water. The warm herbalized oil is squeezed into the well with a cotton swab. The oil is gently massaged on the back. When the oil cools down, it is squeezed out with the cotton swab. The procedure is repeated several times. Pain, strain or tension in lower or upper back is relieved. Kati Basti is also beneficial in sciatic pain, hip problems, shoulder pain, degenerative spine changes, compressed discs, osteoporosis and spinal cord compression. 60 minutes - $70 Add to any massage treatment for an additional $35
Ayurvedic Sinus Treatment using a Neti Pot Kit (Shiro-Abhyanga-Nasya) Ahead, neck, and shoulder oil massage and facial lymphatic treatment, followed by deep inhalation of aromatic steam, neti pot, sinus cleansing and herbalized nose drops (nasya). This treatment is designed to help clear impurities from the head area, opening the sinuses and stimulating the proper flow within the head and neck area. It works on all the senses and creates a wonderful opening and clearing of this area. This is a great treatment for those of us who are bombarded with pollutants, sensory stimulation, and for those who experience chronic head and neck problems including allergies, headaches, asthma, and eye troubles. It is also a wonderful treatment for those suffering from any problems of the neck and head regions. 60-minutes $100 Kit (a $30 value) includes Neti Pot, Neti Salt and Dosha Specific Nasal Drops. Add to any massage treatment for an additional $55
Panchakarma An ancient Ayurvedic deep cleansing and rejuvenation 5-day program that is a key component to establishing a healthy Ayurvedic lifestyle. It restores the natural balance of the body at the cellular level promoting a sense of well being. Panchakarma is traditionally recommended as a semi annual or annual practice.
During your individualized experience, the Ayurvedic practitioner will assess your dosha (basic Ayurvedic body-mind type), identify imbalances, and guide you through specific treatments designed to bring down excess energies that have built up in the body and could lead to discomforts. An authentic Kerala Ayurvedic tradition, including a special diet, daily body treatments, soothing light, background music, and the use of cleansing and rejuvenating oils and herbs. 5-days Continuous Deep Cleanse Treatment Program $1000
No-Tip Policy
7% N.J. Sales Tax Included
Gift Certificates Available
Special Pricing Is Available For Multiple Sessions
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is solely for educational purposes. Essence of Self makes no claims or representation regarding the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of disease. If you are ill, we recommend you consult your primary health care provider or other qualified health professional. Statements about products and health conditions have NOT been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.