Ayurveda is a highly individualized system of natural medicine. It recognizes that each person is born with a personal blueprint for optimum health. Understanding your unique mind/body makeup is foundational for creating and maintaining balanced health.
Ayurveda has its origins in the Vedic civilization of India, making it the oldest continually practiced system of health care in the world. Over 6000 years old, Ayurveda (which translates as “knowledge of life”) is a highly sophisticated health science; the ancient texts distinguished between two types of diabetes and described the circulatory system thousands of years before such knowledge was developed in the West.
Over time and with the foreign domination of India, the comprehensive knowledge of Ayurveda became fragmented and lost. In the late 1970s, working together with the foremost Ayurvedic experts in India, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the Transcendental Meditation program (TM), systematized and restored Ayurveda, to its purity and completeness in accord with classic Vedic texts.
Today the Maharishi Ayurveda health program is the fastest growing system of alternative medicine in the U. S., with over 3 million practitioners. More than 600 scientific studies in 27 countries at 220 institutions have verified its effectiveness in many areas of health.
Maharishi Ayurveda focuses on enlivening the inner intelligence of the body and strengthening the body’s natural healing ability. Ayurveda’s the primary approach is to eliminate the root cause of disorders, rather than focusing on specific symptoms. According to Ayurveda, disorders are primarily the result of imbalances and impurities that accumulate in the body over time. The specialty of Ayurveda is in diagnosing imbalances at an early stage—even before symptoms arise, eliminating those imbalances from the body, and providing knowledge on how to live a healthy, balanced routine that supports one’s unique mind/body make-up.
Ayurveda judges every treatment approach in terms of its effect on the entire mind/body system. Maharishi Ayurveda also emphasizes the important role of consciousness, the lively intelligence that underlies the physiology, in maintaining and creating health.
Ayurveda was the first system of medicine to recognize the concept of individual mind/body types. It holds that everyone is born with their own natural balance which influences all aspects of their life, including body structure, emotional make-up and predisposition to illnesses. Without understanding one’s natural balance you may unknowingly create imbalances by following a diet or life-style that strains your mind/body system.
During an Ayurvedic consultation, experts use the traditional technique of Pulse Assessment to determine how far a person has fallen from their ideal state of balance. An integrated approach of purification treatments, herbal preparations, diet and specific life-style recommendations is then designed to restore body’s natural balance and strengthen it’s innate healing abilities.
According to Ayurveda, the body is governed by three fundamental biological principles — called doshas— that control all of the body’s functions. These doshas are Vata (regulates movement), Pitta (regulates metabolism) and Kapha (regulates structure). All three doshas work together. One’s individual mind/body type is determined by the natural predominance of one or more of these three doshas in the body.
Ayurveda offers a preventive approach to health that is not offered by conventional medicine. The ideal goal of regular Ayurvedic consultations and treatments is to detect and correct imbalances at subtle levels, before these imbalances give rise to specific symptoms of ill health.
Ayurvedic treatments are more comprehensive than any other form of purification and rejuvenation. Beyond detoxification, they help to restore balance and revitalize the physiology, re-awakening the underlying intelligence that structures the physical body.
Therapeutic neck massage session at The Raj, utilizing Ayurvedic techniques to relieve tension and promote overall well-being
At the heart of our programs at The Raj are the profoundly rejuvenating Ayurveda detoxification and rejuvenation treatments, known as Panchakarma. Panchakarma is an integrated series of treatments and procedures that, taken together, dislodge impurities from the cells and tissues and flush them from the body. Administered by our specially trained technicians, Panchakarma is offered for a minimum of 3 days and up to 21 days.
Panchakarma is traditionally composed of three separate treatments administered in sequence over a 2-hour period, daily. Treatments are given by specially trained Ayurvedic technicians in separate clinic wings for men and women.
According to Ayurveda, the normal functioning of our body becomes compromised over time as impurities and toxins accumulate in the cells. The gentle, yet powerful Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies remove toxins and impurities from the tissues and help open the channels of circulation and elimination. Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatments work at a deep level to help restore a healthy balance while strengthening and enlivening the body’s natural healing mechanisms. These treatments are effective in maintaining general wellness as well as in addressing specific disorders.
The Raj Ayurveda Health Spa offers only authentic Ayurvedic treatments. Our training and treatment protocols were overseen by India’s top Ayurvedic physicians, under the direct guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The result is the purest form of Ayurveda treatments available today.
A scientific study on The Raj Panchakarma procedures found that fat-soluble toxicants were reduced by about 50% over a 5-day course of treatment. Robert Herron, Ph.D., the lead author of a study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, says that this is the first published study to demonstrate that a specific detoxification regimen can significantly reduce levels of lipophilic toxicants in the blood, known to be associated with chronic disorders.
The results of the two-month longitudinal study showed that PCBs and Beta-HCH levels were reduced by 46 percent and 58 percent respectively after 5-days of treatment. Without this detox program, the expected drop in PCBs and Beta-HCH over two months would be only a fraction of one percent. Previously, no method had been scientifically verified to reduce levels of these lipid-soluble toxicants in the human body without causing negative side effects.
The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, are filled with man-made chemicals and pesticides that can overload the liver and the entire immune system. Studies show that these toxins have been associated with hormone disruption, immune system suppression, reproductive disorders, several types of cancer and other disorders such as allergies.
Lipophilic toxicants are stored in fats in the body and are fat-soluble in nature. Several modalities in the our detoxification procedures use non-toxic, lipophilic materials, such as clarified butter in the pre-treatment phase and herbalized sesame oil in the massage and basti treatments. These traditional methods are believed to sequentially loosen and remove lipid-soluble toxicants from their deposited sites and stimulate their excretion.
“Our findings were quite striking, given that the half-lives of these toxicants are all several years in duration, and that this comprehensive detoxification procedure removed them in just a few days,” noted Dr. Herron.
All of The Raj treatment programs are customized to the individual needs of our guests. During an Ayurvedic consultation, experts use the traditional technique of Pulse Assessment to determine how far a person has fallen from their ideal state of health. An integrated approach is then created to move him or her back into a healthy state of balance. Purification treatments, herbal preparations, diet and specific life-style recommendations are given to support the body’s natural balance and innate healing abilities.
While studies have shown these Panchakarma to be powerfully effective in their ability to purify toxins and imbalances, the Ayurvedic detoxification treatments are also luxurious and deeply relaxing. Our caring and professional staff will guide you through every step while you simply relax and enjoy.
Panchakarma is traditionally composed of three separate treatments administered in sequence over a 2-hour period, daily. Treatments are given by specially trained Ayurvedic technicians in separate clinic wings for men and women.
Panchakarma treatments help remove imbalances that are at the basis of many chronic conditions, while strengthening and enlivening the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Guest have reported benefits that include normalization of blood pressure, increased resistance to disease, weight control, reduced cholesterol, improved sleep, normalization of blood sugar, and decreased signs of aging.
The Raj offers a life-transforming opportunity to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. It is a unique experience where the profound knowledge of Ayurveda is fully integrated in every aspect of your visit, for the most powerful healing effect possible.
When you arrive at The Raj, you will meet with our Ayurveda experts. Using the ancient Ayurvedic technique of Pulse Assessment, they will assess your current mind/body balance and design a treatment program to best address your needs.
Each guest receives an individually prescribed combination of treatments designed to bring about balance and rejuvenation. A typical day may include a two-technician, synchronized herbalized oil massage, an herbalized steam treatment, and gentle elimination therapy. Treatments will vary from day-to-day. Possible treatments include:
Herbalized Oil Application (abhyanga)
A comprehensive and soothing oil massage carried out in synchrony by a team of two technicians. The oil application uses herbalized oils prescribed to suit your individual needs. The treatment promotes the penetration of oil deep into the tissues so that impurities are loosened and separated from the cell structure.
Herbalized Steam Treatment (swedena)
Using a special heat chamber that allows the head to remain cool, this herbalized steam bath opens up the channels of the body and allows the loosened impurities to move into the digestive tract in readiness for their removal by internal cleansing procedures.
Relaxation Treatment (shirodhara)
A soothing continuous flow of herbalized oil poured slowly and gently across the forehead, this treatment settles and balances the nervous system. The effect is delightful and many guests experience profound relaxation during the treatment.
Nourishing Therapy (pindaswedena)
During this treatment the entire body is massaged using a mixture of milk, oils, herbs, and rice. This procedure is particularly helpful in relieving pain, stiffness and inflammation.
Luxury Oil Treatment (pizzichilli)
In this luxurious treatment two technicians use a constant flow of warm herbalized oil to give the ultimate experience of deep relaxation. The oil penetrates deeply into the bodily tissues, softening and mobilizing impurities.
Stimulating Circulation Treatment (udvartana)
Using herbalized paste, this stimulating treatment helps to enliven and revitalize the skin, smooth away fat deposits and improve circulation and digestion.
Elimination Therapy (basti)
Daily gentle oil enemas eliminate impurities that have been moved into the intestinal tract as a result of the other treatments. Elimination Therapy removes all types of imbalances, and is considered a vital part of this cleansing process.
Oils
We use only the best and purest oils; cold pressed with no chemical additives. All of your treatments are specially prepared for you in our herb kitchen using only the highest quality herbs.
Ayurveda offers insightful tools to help you achieve balanced health. During your stay, The Raj provides foundational knowledge to help you support your progress when you return home.
The Raj Video Series
The Raj introductory series provides a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles of the Ayurveda. This educational series can enhance your experience at The Raj and help you make healthy lifestyle changes when you return home.
Yoga Classes
For in-residence guests, a simple yet effective set of Yoga postures are taught which enliven the intelligence of each major muscle group of the body. These postures are easy to learn and to perform at home.
Guest Lecturers
For our in-residence guests, The Raj offers an evening lecture series on Ayurveda and related branches of Vedic Science. Each evening our guests enjoy live lectures with a variety of entertaining and informative speakers. These lectures cover a full range of knowledge and help guests gain valuable Ayurveda knowledge they can use all their life.
From the beginning of your pre-treatment program until one week after your rejuvenation program has been completed, a special diet is recommended. The foods in this diet are easily digestible and enhance the body’s ability to eliminate impurities. The diet emphasizes fresh, organic vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, high fiber content, and dietary sources of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. If you are enjoying our in-residence program our chefs will provide meals that complement your treatment program. This may include liquid meals (hearty soups) on specific treatment days to ensure maximum results and comfort.
During your stay at The Raj you learn how your current mind/body make-up affects your health, happiness, moods and behavior. We will teach you specific foods and exercises, as well as daily and seasonal routines, which will naturally promote balance and well-being. Staying healthy is natural, and natural means simple and easy. A simple home program that takes just a few minutes a day, combined with the personalized knowledge gained during your consultation, will allow you to continue to expand your new sense of well-being. You will find our approach is without strain, yet extremely powerful in its effectiveness.
Call for more info about our programs, rates, location, and anything else you might be wondering.
