The Holistic side of wellness

While most people are accustomed to popping pills for every ache or pain, many others have been looking to ancient medicine for an alternative. This quest to seek treatments has led Manelle Katigbak-Jose to discover India’s Ayurveda.

In Sanskrit, ayur means life and veda means science or knowledge. Ayurveda uses diet, medicine, routine and exercise to make up a holistic system made specific to a person’s body type or dosha.

According to Wikipedia: “Dosha is one of three bodily humors that make up one’s constitution. The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a balance between three fundamental doshas called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.”

Enter Arogya Ayurveda, a wellness center started by Jose, which offers authentic ayurvedic treatments.

While seeking treatment in India, she met Frenchman Patrick Eqyuem who helped her set up Arogya and train staff to offer real Ayurveda in the Philippines.

Located in a nondescript part of Makati, I went to Arogya a few weekends ago with no prior experience with Ayurveda.

Prior to this, I was given an extensive questionnaire to determine my body type. As soon as I finished answering, Patrick concluded I was a Pitta and gave instructions to my therapists.

Pittas are generally of medium physique, well built, and prefer colder temperature. Psychologically, pittas have good power of comprehension; they are intelligent and sharp and tend to be good orators. They have emotional tendencies toward hate, anger and jealousy.

The treatments that were prescribed to me were the Abhyanga and the Takradhara.

The Abhyanga is a full-body massage done by two therapists using large quantities of specifically created herbal-infused sesame oil. This aims to liquefy toxins, induce relaxation, normalize blood pressure, and eliminate impurities.

Takradhar is a medicated buttermilk poured onto the forehead bringing relief from insomnia, depression and other stress-related problems.

The session begins with a head and shoulder massage and ends with the body. Unlike western body treatments, this massage is done on a hardwood bed. The two therapists carefully rub a copious amount of herbal sesame oil to a point where you feel like you are swimming in it. Strokes used were light, calming, methodological and nothing too strenuous, allowing the medicated oils to naturally seep into the different layers of the skin.

This experience ended with the pouring of a cold-to-the-touch yet room temperature buttermilk. The process felt like an endless stream of liquid was poured onto my head. A shower is needed after the treatment, as the oil used can be a bit overwhelming.

After the session, I felt relaxed yet invigorated. I had enough energy to have a hearty dinner and a night out with friends. I also felt some relief from insomnia. Foot problems I had been experiencing have improved after just one session.

Patrick said the effect of ayurveda on Filipinos has been very positive. He was surprised to receive favorable feedback from clients who responded well after only their first session.

He believes Filipinos and Indians have a cultural connection throughout ancient and modern history. Hilot and other native treatments have a strong ayurvedic connection, as seen in rituals and medications used.

If you are interested in looking for a holistic approach to your ailments, Arogya is located at 8398 Mayapis Street, San Antonio Village, Makati. Tel. 403-4048.

Treatments are all by appointment only.