Ayurveda is a very ancient holistic health system that originated more than 5,000 years ago in India. The word itself translates as “knowledge of life” (from ayur in Sanskrit – meaning “life” or “life principle” – and veda, referring to a system of knowledge). The principles of Ayurveda focus on preserving life through healthy habits and therapies not only for the body but also for the mind, relationships, and spirit.
According to Ayurveda, anything that affects the physical, spiritual, or emotional well-being of any living being causes a disturbance in harmony with the universe and leads to a deterioration in health and the emergence of disease.
Natural healing through Ayurveda is one of the oldest health sciences and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. The main goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to cleanse the body of undigested, unassimilated food known as ama—toxins that accumulate in the body and cause disease. This cleansing process is called Panchakarma. It is used to reduce the effects of symptoms, strengthen the body’s resistance to illness, and restore harmony and balance. Panchakarma is the Ayurvedic mantra for rejuvenation.
“Your body is a precious gift from nature. Honor this gift!”
– Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Traditional Ayurvedic therapies are also offered in Sofia by trained Ayurvedic therapists.
Phone for more information: 0878233799
The experience of each therapy will enrich and refresh you, giving you a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and return to the place where each of us truly belongs.
Choose your Ayurvedic therapy
Marma
1 massage – 50 minutes
Marma is a highly effective energy therapy that activates the body's and mind’s self-healing mechanisms, balancing the vital energy (prana) within the body. In Ayurveda, the massage and acupressure points are called marma, meaning “sensitive” zones. Marmas are centers of vital force and can be used for both diagnosis and treatment.
Marma points are located where two or more tissues or organs meet in the body. There are 107 main marma points in the human body, some of which are directly connected to the chakras. By gently touching and massaging these marma points, the flow of prana is stimulated and improved throughout the system, accumulated stress is released, toxins are expelled, and energy blockages are cleared.
Marma therapy works on three levels – body, mind, and spirit – for both prevention and healing. It effectively promotes muscle relaxation, reduces tension, supports the lymphatic flow and circulation, and enhances hydration, nourishment of cells, and balance of the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It strengthens the immune system, aids in recovery after illness, relieves stress and fatigue, and eases pain in the head, neck, and back.
Abhyanga
1 massage – 60 minutes
Abhyanga is a full-body Ayurvedic massage using warm natural herbal oils. It has a lasting impact on the entire system, soothing the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and restoring both physical and mental vitality. The massage involves specific strokes along energy meridians and deeply relaxes the nervous system.
Regular Abhyanga practice balances internal organs, eliminates stress and tension, alleviates depression, fatigue, and mental or physical exhaustion. It helps eliminate toxins, rejuvenates and nourishes tissue cells, and supports issues such as headaches, joint pain, and lower back pain. It reduces Vata imbalance caused by a fast-paced lifestyle, frequent travel, cold exposure, or stress, which often results in dry skin, digestive problems, bloating, and gas.
The massage promotes skin renewal, tones muscles, and strengthens immunity. It calms the mind, nourishes the heart, and strengthens the bones and nervous system.
In ancient texts, Abhyanga is described as the massage that maintains youth, beauty, and longevity. Regular oil massage is an important part of a healthy lifestyle regimen. For deeper and longer-lasting effects, it is recommended to do a series of massages over one or two weeks.
Shirodhara
1 massage – 45 minutes
A deeply relaxing process in which the scalp, forehead, and third eye area are gently massaged with a thin stream of warm oil. The third eye is the center of our emotions, sensations, and mind. It is where stress, worry, and tension accumulate and persist.
Shirodhara is recommended for anyone engaged in intense mental work, computer work, inner tension, imbalance, or prolonged stress in professional or personal relationships. It is also suitable for people experiencing psychological difficulties, sadness, depression, or hypersensitivity.
Shirodhara is a cleansing process that helps release emotional impressions, stress, and nonstop thoughts. After the therapy, one feels deeply relaxed and blissful.
This therapy is highly effective for high blood pressure, headaches, and tinnitus. It is used to treat various conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergies, premature graying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hair fall, allergic rhinitis, vertigo, skin conditions, Ménière's syndrome, and more.
The price does not include the oil.
Abhyanga + Shirodhara or Abhyanga + Marma
Duration: 105 minutes
Combining the two therapies creates a profound effect on every cell of the body and mind.
Mukha Abhyanga – Ayurvedic Face Massage
20 minutes (includes cleansing)
Mukha Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic face-lifting massage for the face, shoulders, neck, and décolleté using natural oils. It is a natural and effective method for reducing wrinkles and slowing the aging process. The therapy focuses on 37 marma points of the head, face, and neck area.
Normally, energy should flow continuously through the energy channels via the marma points. However, due to stress, tension, or lack of rest, energy becomes blocked in certain points, leading to premature aging of the skin.
Benefits of Mukha Abhyanga:
• Relaxes and improves muscle tone by reducing tension and stress, smoothes wrinkles, and softens facial expression
• Stimulates microcirculation and lymphatic flow
• Promotes regeneration and maintains elasticity in all layers of the skin, contributing to a youthful appearance and slowing down the aging process
• Activates skin tissue metabolism, enhancing a radiant complexion
• Directs subtle energies to relieve stiffness throughout the body
Udvartana (Udvichil)
60 minutes
Udvartana is one of the most effective Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies for achieving deep relaxation and toning on both physical and mental levels. It is a complete deep tissue massage system that, through pressure applied to specific body points and the use of sesame oil enriched with specific herbs, helps rejuvenate the nervous and muscular systems, stimulates blood flow, and balances energy flow.
This Ayurvedic massage eliminates deeply embedded toxins in the joints and tissues, which are naturally expelled from the body and mind through the excretory system.
Key benefits of regular Udvartana therapy include: relief from pain and stress in the nervous system, improved blood circulation and lymphatic flow, muscle relaxation, rejuvenation and delay of the aging process, skin toning, better sleep, enhanced joint flexibility, reduced swelling in arthritis, emotional balance, and reduced anxiety, mental stress, headaches, and stress from frequent travel. Its effectiveness lies in skillfully stimulating vital energy points (marmani) and body energy channels (nadis).
Padabhyanga
20 minutes
Padabhyanga is a holistic therapy from the ancient Ayurvedic healing system. “Pada” means foot, and “Abhyanga” means massage with warm herbal oil. Caring for the feet means caring for the health of the entire body, as the soles contain reflex points directly connected to all organs and systems.
Main benefits include: prevention and treatment of cracked heels, relief of stiffness, cramps, and numbness in muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves; reduction of dryness, fatigue, and pain; increased endurance and stability of the feet; strengthening of joints and soft tissues; improved vision; enhanced blood circulation and immunity; better sleep; treatment of insomnia, headaches, and hypertension; reduction of anxiety and depression; activated metabolism; and alleviation of premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
Shiro Abhyanga
20 minutes
Shiro Abhyanga is a holistic Ayurvedic healing therapy that involves warm herbal oil and gentle yet firm massage strokes on the entire head, neck, and shoulders. This massage nourishes all five senses, focusing on “marma points,” many of which are located around the head. Gently massaging these points produces a calming and balancing effect on the body and nervous system. It relaxes muscles and nerve endings, stimulates circulation, nourishes the head with oxygen-rich blood, and helps eliminate toxins.
This massage is suitable for: Vata and Pitta dosha imbalances, headaches, high stress levels, insomnia, scalp issues, and a mind burdened with negative thoughts. With regular application, Shiro Abhyanga brings deep relaxation, balances the nervous system, enhances sensory perception, strengthens and nourishes hair roots and scalp, improves hair condition, prevents hair loss and premature graying, stimulates natural detoxification of lymph nodes around the neck and armpits, and refreshes the mind and body by increasing oxygen flow to the brain and spine, boosting the flow of vital energy (Prana).
Potli
60 minutes full body / 20 minutes localized
Potli is one of the most popular massage therapies in India. Warm herbal pouches are used to massage the entire body or a specific area to relieve pain caused by conditions like osteoarthritis, spondylitis, and more. The therapy promotes rejuvenation, relaxation, and therapeutic benefits for the body.
The massage is performed using specially prepared herbal pouches heated in hot oil. The herbs and oil penetrate deeply, reducing inflammation, relieving pain, improving circulation, increasing mobility, reducing stiffness, and toning the skin. It opens skin pores, eases tense muscles, and gradually brings relief to both body and mind.
Potli therapy is suitable for chronic pain in the neck and shoulders, back (cervical and lumbar spondylitis), stiff shoulders, joint pain, and general body aches.
Nasya
30 minutes
Nasya is one of the five Panchakarma detoxification therapies, with a profound effect on the wellbeing of the body and mind. It is particularly beneficial for rejuvenating brain cells and improving nervous system function. In Nasya, herbal medications are administered through the nose.
This therapy is suitable for conditions affecting the head, brain, eyes, ears, nose, and throat. It removes toxins, clears channels, stimulates the nasal mucosa, improves head circulation, and boosts immunity.
Nasya helps with migraines, asthma, chronic inflammation, and sinus blockages.
Basti – 45 minutes
Basti is a highly effective Ayurvedic therapeutic procedure using herbal oils selected based on individual needs. These oils help strengthen, heal, and nourish the tissues. The therapy is intended to treat spinal and large joint issues. A dough ring is placed over the affected area and filled with warm herbal oil, which penetrates deeply to relieve pain and inflammation.
The price does not include the materials for the therapy.
Griva Basti (upper back)
Especially helpful for chronic neck and upper back pain (e.g., spondylosis and bone spurs), and for individuals recovering from fractures. It relaxes and nourishes muscles and tissues in the treated area.
Kati Basti (lower back)
Effective for problems related to the lower back and abdomen, sciatica, and reproductive disorders. It also stimulates the sacral chakra, detoxifies deeply, and relieves pain.
Janu Basti (knees)
45 minutes
Relieves pain from osteoarthritis and chronic age-related issues in the knees.
Uro Basti (heart area)
Strengthens the heart muscle and releases emotional tension and anger.
Duration: 20 minutes
IMPORTANT: At least 2 hours before therapy or massage, avoid food and stimulating drinks (alcohol, coffee, black tea, cola, etc.), tobacco, and recreational drugs. You should not undergo therapy if you have a fever or other ailments that day.
For more effective treatment of specific conditions, it is recommended to consult an Ayurvedic doctor from India. Following a pulse diagnosis consultation, they will suggest the most suitable therapies. These consultations are offered at The Art of Living centers.
Contact: info@artofliving.bg
✔ Phone for bookings and more information: 0893 357 534
