Why it works … Chakra Balance Massage

Taking inspiration from more than 5000 years ago, Carton House talks about a massage that works particularly well when you combine it with your yoga poses …

What exactly is the treatment?

The treatment begins with the client choosing three out of the seven chakra cards and a sensory journey to choose one of the three chosen aromas to work with throughout the treatment to personalize it. A shaking massage is then performed to introduce the therapist’s touch to the client and warm up the tissues along the spine. There will be a deep tissue back massage where the pressure can be adjusted to suit the individual client.  An aromatic steam towel with the blue oil concentrate will be used on the spinal muscles to relax them. Chakra energy work will be performed to relax the guest and help centre their chakras. Each chakra has its own word and colour associated with it and that’s what the client will focus on during meditation. There is also a scalp ritual in which Chinese pressure points on the occipital ridge are stimulated to promote relaxation, and reflexology on the feet and hands on the points associated with the different chakras, particularly those connected to the sciatic nerve and adrenal gland, ovary/testicles, and uterus/ prostate, the pancreas and solar plexus, the thymus gland and heart, and also the thyroid, pituitary and pineal gland. An energy balancing technique will be used to close the ritual.

Where does it come from?

The chakra system comes from the ancient system of Ayurveda, it is over 5000 years old, originated from ancient India and is based on an ancient healing tradition. The chakra system is an energy system that one can use for personal growth. There are seven chakras running along the spine and link to the physical, energetic, emotional, mental, social and spiritual selves, and spin clock wise and anti clockwise.  The chakra blends were created by using ayurveda philosophy and were collaborated by Vinad and Kusum who are ayurveda doctors of Himalayan tradition in the Aveda botanical aroma lab.  They promote balance through the body and enhance yoga and meditation practises. The blended aromas associated with the different chakras are as follows:

Chakra 1: organic patchouli, vetiver and frankincense

Chakra 2: organic orange, geranium and sandalwood

Chakra 3: organic lavender, fir balsam and lemon

Chakra 4: organic mandarin, palmarosa and sandalwood

Chakra 5: organic grapefruit, rosemary and ylang ylang

Chakra 6: organic petitgrain, orange and geranium

Chakra 7: angelica, elemi and frankincense

What is it supposed to do?

The massage combines the art and science of pure flower and plant essences with a variety of massage techniques including Aveda spa rituals, deep tissue massage, chakra foot reflexology, and chakra energy work, to ease muscle tension, sooth the mind and to bring balance to the chakra system.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

The client can perform Aveda chakra wellness exercises after their treatment in the coming days to continue the therapeutic and relaxing benefits of the massage. One of which is taking up yoga poses such as the cat pose, downward facing dog and the cobra pose. Also the back bend and standing forward bend.

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

Clients are advised to drink plenty of water for the rest of the day after their treatments to help flush out the toxins from the massage and the reflexology aspect of the treatment. They are also advised to avoid putting any toxins back into their bodies such as caffeine and alcohol.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It is great for a client who is looking for a deeply relaxing treatment with a holistic approach to reduce stress levels and increase circulation, increase body and mind awareness, and balance of the chakras.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment and why?

Anyone with high blood pressure should avoid the treatment unless it is controlled, as the circulatory system is being worked on.  If you have warts or fungal infections on the feet it is best avoided, and also pregnancy and cancer are times to steer clear.