We live in a ridiculously fast paced world. A world that revolves around meetings, school runs and social events. But amidst the chaos, it’s important to schedule in a little ‘me time’. Time to relax, unwind and give your body a bit of love.

The key is stripping back to basics and adopting a healthy dose of mindfulness. Cue Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a holistic concept looking at the philosophy of life, health and longevity. It’s an ancient Indian practice that balances the mind, the body and soul.

Ayurveda is a way of life – ‘the science of life’. It’s about achieving a balanced lifestyle, where the body and the mind are in harmony – resulting in long lasting health and happiness.

In Ayurveda, each individual is unique. The 5,000-year-old tradition is based on three energies (or Doshas) that perform different functions in the body. Your Dosha determines your emotional and physical state, taking factors such as food intake, sleeping patterns and skin type into account.

SUNDÃRI is an Ayurvedic-based skincare brand, taking a holistic and earthly approach to beauty and wellbeing. Massage is the oldest healing system, so combining such natural oils, Dosha assessments and trained therapist, a Sundari Ayurvedic treatment is sure to have you looking and feeling happier and healthier in no time – bringing back a bit of balance.

Backed by the first hand knowledge and experience of Seaham Hall’s Spa Manager, and the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda, the Serenity Spa at Seaham offers bespoke Sundari treatments – using traditional healing remedies to allow mind, body and spirit to gain balance. It’s the perfect solution for guests in serious need of pampered ‘me time’.

Sundari, meaning ‘a beautiful woman’ in Sanskrit, brings harmony to the body through tailored treatments and movements. I’d highly recommend the Sundari Abhyanga massage (£85 – 60 minutes) to anyone who wishes to unwind and really appreciate the good things in life. Your Serenity Spa therapist will get to know you pre-treatment and will help find your core Ayurvedic energy – this will help tailor the treatment to suit your lifestyle and body type.  Abhyanga is an oil-based massage, deeply relaxing and rejuvenating the muscles by clearing stagnant energy and restoring the flow of ‘Prana’ – the life force that stimulates your body’s vital energy.

My tailored Sundari treatment makes me feel as good as new. Next level relaxation – I float into a deep state of bliss. I’m not asleep, but I’ve drifted far away from the four walls of the treatment room – my mind and body dreamily wandering as the warm oil is poured across my body. The massage is finished with the Shirodhara (£60 – 30 minutes) scalp treatment. It’s heavenly – pure bliss as the therapist directs a stream of warm oil onto my forehead, relaxing the mind and helping to nourish my skin and hair.

Following the treatment, it’s advised that I leave the oil to soak in overnight for best results. I feel like a new me. My mind at rest. Relaxed, rejuvenated and feeling healthy inside and out.

FINDING YOUR DOSHA…

The three Dosha’s are: Vata, Pitta and Kapha – Each person has two dominant Dosha’s which can change on a daily basis depending on your state of mind, wellbeing and health. You can find your Dosha by following the below guide:

SUNDÃRI MIND/BODY AYURVEDIC ASSESSMENT

BODY STRUCTURE
A) Slim, fine boned
B) Medium, athletic build
C) Heavy boned, curvaceous figure

CONVERSATION
A) Easy to have a conversation with
B) Asks a lot of precise questions
C) Says little but thinks deeply

MEMORY
A) Has poor memory
B) Remembers dates and figures easily
C) Slower to learn, strong memory

RESPONSE TO AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
A) Hates cold
B) Gets irritable in heat, especially humid heat
C) Prefers the shade

INTERACTION WITH THE ELEMENTS
A) Energised by heat and sunshine
B) Thrives by being out in nature
C) Enjoys medium heat with breeze

SENSORY RESPONSE
A) Likes to touch, feel and hold things
B) Aware of colour and design
C) Sensitive to smell

PERSONAL PREFERENCE
A) Loves to travel
B) Needs to be in charge
C) Prefers to be left alone

BEST DESCRIPTION
A) Creative and sensitive
B) Intelligent and courageous
C) Strong willed and caring

HAIR QUALITY
A) Dry, coarser hair
B) Silky, straight hair
C) Thick, heavy hair

The highest scoring letter determines what Dosha you are. Remember – it can change; it’s not a constant state. Ayurveda is about finding the balance so, for example if you are a Pitta you may feel hot, and have a reddish skin tone, so a therapist would advise you not to have a heat treatment such as hot stones but have a massage with cooling oil, and use products for a sensitive skin.