Supermodel Christy Turlington’s Ayurveda skincare launches at London’s InterContinental Spa

Spa InterContinental in London has launched a new range of Ayurvedic-inspired skincare and treatments from luxury brand SUNDÃRI.

Created by Supermodel Christy Turlington and two-likeminded female partners, Ayla Hussain and Cavan Mahony, SUNDÃRI promotes health and beauty by balancing the mind, body and spirit.

 

Sundari Nighttime Oil big

The products and treatments are designed to combine Ayurveda principles, modern technology and therapeutic grade oils to nurture healthy skin through a sense of well-being.

Head of Development for SUNDÃRI, Lisa Capozio, said:  “Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical sciences, originating from India and is focussed on the balance of three doshas (body types): Vata, Pitta and Kapha for optimum health. The philosophy of balance is woven through the entire SUNDÃRI experience.”

Spa InterContinental

Spa treatments using ayurveda products the follow a detailed consultation, beginning with an assessment of the individual’s dosha balance. The outcome will form a personalised treatment plan that shapes the overall experience including the heat of the room, the type of oils and pressure of touch. At the core of each treatment is stress reduction, which is shown to accelerate ageing with collagen and elastin protein breakdown, skin wrinkling, acne and hair loss.

Examples include the Abhyanga massage, a rhythmic, stress reducing massage which combines traditional Ayurvedic movements and warm oils to rejuvenate the flow of ‘Prana’; our body’s vital energy. SUNDÃRI facials incorporates a customised skincare programme inclusive of a deep exfoliation and an intensive treatment mask with the signature MarMassage facial, which is designed to bring balance to both the mind and skin.

VIP Lounge at Spa InterContinental

In addition, Spa InterContinental will feature Shirodhara, a traditional Ayervedic therapy that involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead and is used to treat a variety of conditions including stress and insomnia.
Formulated with organic ingredients where possible and therapeutic-grade essential oils, SUNDÃRI products are free of synthetic dyes and fragrance, and are not tested on animals. Key ingredients range from well-known plants such as chamomile, aloe vera and lavender, to Gotu Kola, (which is known to stimulate collagen production), and the incredibly versatile plant, Neem.

The new SUNDÃRI line will be focussed on guests who are looking for a more in depth and holistic approach that balances beauty and wellness.

Radhika Khandke Spa Manager at Spa InterContinental said: “We are thrilled to welcome SUNDÃRI to join our existing Elemis products and menu. While all our guests seek real results, the preference on how to get them varies. SUNDÃRI offers a wonderful option for those looking for inside out beauty.”

The new SUNDÃRI treatment menu starts from £45.

About SUNDÃRI

SUNDÃRI is a line of professional skincare inspired by the 5,000-year-old science of Ayurveda, which encourages a holistic approach to beauty in order to balance both body and mind. In its most basic form, Ayurveda categorizes the skin and body into one of three different Doshas. Vata (Dry Skin), Pitta (Normal/Combination Skin), and Kapha (Oily Skin). SUNDÃRI products are synthetic fragrance and dye free, free of mineral oils or toxic substances. The entire SUNDÃRI collection is non-comedogenic, allergy-tested and dermatologist tested. SUNDÃRI products are available at some of the finest spas worldwide and online at www.sundari.com

About Spa InterContinental
Spa InterContinental is a stylish urban retreat located on the 1st Floor of the InterContinental London Park Lane. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities and an expert team of therapists, the luxurious spa offers innovative treatments using Elemis and SUNDÃRI . Spa InterContinental comprises of 5 treatment rooms including a VIP treatment suite suitable for couples and private parties. The spa is open 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Bookings can be made by calling +44-20-73188691 or emailing londonspa@ihg.com

How traditional Ayurvedic medicine can help prevent colds and flu

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This year, many Britons have reported cold and flu viruses after the Christmas and New Year peroid, so a significant proportion of us will start the year with a strict set of health resolutions to get themselves on the path to better health, once and for all.

Before Western medicine came along with its pills and injections, the ancient Indian healing science of Ayurveda advised a preventative approach to healthcare. By working out which ‘Ayurvedic body type’ you are and determining your dosha, a diet can be mapped out to suit your nutritional needs to prevent illness. There are several alternative ways to help combat the symptoms of colds without having to reach for chemically packed pills in silver foil. One of these is Ayurveda, the oldest natural healing system originating from India, which offers preventative and curative measures in line with nature.

Ayush Wellness Spa in Jersey have crafted a cold prevention treatment that adheres strictly to the ancient Indian healing philosophy of Ayurveda mixing authentic therapies with luxurious treatments. While they have a number of treatments designed to offer relief from the discomfort associated with head and sinus problems, Nasya is a traditional treatment where the expertly trained therapists massage pressure points in the face, head and chest with medicated oils for instant relief and use steam to help clear nasal passages and aid in purification. Oils and powders are placed up the nose as a stimulant to release congestion.

Ayush Wellness Spa fosters a natural approach to health care that includes meditation, yoga, exercise, massage and daily and seasonal lifestyle routines. They seek to redress the chemical warfare that people wreak on their own bodies by using products that are 100 per cent natural. The spa boasts an apothecary kitchen where herbs and oils are mixed according to guests’ dosha. Once guests have had their imbalances addressed and dosha type determined with a treatment programme and complementary Ayurvedic meals, we can prescribe natural supplements and elixirs to take with you, so that you can continue on your path towards perfect health in the real world.
Yet for those who are susceptible to the common cold but may not be able to make it to Ayush Wellness Spa to rejuvenate themselves for the year ahead, Ayurvedic help is at hand online or at local herbal or health food outlets.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a shrub whose roots are widely used to boost immunity, reduce anxiety and increase longevity. A review of 58 articles, published in Alternative Medicine Review, concluded that ashwaganda has anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. (600 to 1,000 milligrams a day, divided into two or three capsules) or guduchi (see below) throughout the cold and flu season.

• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is an herb that enhances immunity by boosting antibody production and the activity of powerful white blood cells called natural killer cells, says Simon. Studies conducted in India have shown that patients receiving guduchi before having abdominal surgery had fewer postoperative infections and significantly improved outcomes. Ayush advises taking 1 teaspoon twice daily or the recommended dose of ashwagandha if you catch colds and flu easily.

• Herbal jam, or Chavan Prash, which comes from the amalaki fruit (Indian gooseberry), is one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants and has immune-enhancing effects. Ayush advises taking it year-round for overall wellness. Spread 1 teaspoon on bread twice daily or take it in capsules.

For enquiries or to make a reservation contact Ayush Wellness Spa, Hotel de France, St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands JE1 7XP on 01534 614171 or visit www.ayushspa.com

Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurveda means the science of life and subscribes to the belief that the body stays in good health through a balance of energies. The energies known as vata, pitta and kapha, are influenced by diet and emotion. The treatment involves detoxing, herbal medicines, medication, aromatherphy and yoga. It claims to be able to treat a range of conditions from stress, high blood pressure to skins conditions.

Available through the Ayurvedic Medical Association which has a number of physicians in the UK. Qualified actitioners
undergo six years full time training in a university and one year in a hospital in India or Sri Lanka

Informaion from:
Ayurvedic Medical Association UK
59 Dulverton Road
Selsdon
South Croydon
Surrey CR2 8PJ. UK.
Tel: +44(0)208 657 6147
Fax: +44(0)208 333 7904
also at the Hale Clinic,
7 Park Crescent, London W1N 3HE. UK
Tel: +44(0)207 631 0156

Udai vilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan

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T:+91 294 243 3300; www.oberoihotels.com

The resort has two large swimming pools which are heated in winter, a gymnasium, boutique and a library with a selection of music and DVDs. Private excursions and cruises on the lake can be organised by the hotel. The spa, managed by Banyan Tree, offers holistic treatments and therapies to pamper and revitalise mind and body using holistic therapies and massages combining the best of East and West. Massages, facials and body beautification methods use ancient Ayurveda and aromatherapy as well as Thai and western techniques designed to relieve stress as well as create a sense of wellbeing. The spa has a private pool and individual therapy suites with views of Lake Pichola, the Aravali mountains and City Palace. Each of the eight suites has its own steam sauna and Victorian style bathtub. The gym and hair salon are located around a central domed foyer with a marble fountain.