Spa review: Ela kizhi at Kairali Ayurvedic Treatment Centre, Vadodara

Get glowing skin and re-energize yourself with the Ela Kizhi at Kairali Ayurveda Centre, Vadodara.

As much as I love the Swedish or Thai massages because of the fragrant products and different techniques used to relax the body, I usually opt for the traditional Ayurveda massages when I want to feel rejuvenated on a regular basis. I started with the Abhyangam massage and had thoroughly enjoyed it. I was suggested the Ela Kizhi massage too and this time on I decided to give it a try.

The Kairali Ayurveda Centre offers an array of massages depending on the issue you wish to tackle. The Abhyangam being their most popular type of massage, the various types of Kizhi massages are designed to help relieve joint pains and reduce body stiffness. I visited the Kairali Ayurveda Centre at Retrofit Vadodara to try the Ela Kizhi. The Manager, Ms Pashmin Ansari is warm and friendly and spent some time to give me details on what to expect from the session and the benefits of the massage. You can also try these 7 different types of Ayurveda massages.

What is Ela Kizhi?

Also known as Patra Pinda Sweda, this is an Ayurveda therapy that uses boluses or kizhis made of a combination of herbs along with oil to relax the body. The bolus is made of a combination of different types of leaves that have Vaat pacifying properties. The leaves are combined with other herbs like coconut, lime and salts to form a mixture.

The massage begins in the traditional Abhyangam style. The masseur begins with a soft yet extremely effective head and shoulder massage. This is followed by a body massage for 15 minutes. At this stage, the kizhi or bolus is introduced. The bolus is constantly heated by dipping in oil and then rubbed across the body in circular patterns. For those who prefer oil free massages, you can try the Navara Kizhi.

This is followed by a session of steam and a hot water shower.

My review

The d cor of the centre is impeccable and the massage rooms are a perfect blend of modern and contemporary interiors. Their staff is friendly but not too talkative, well-informed and can answer almost every question related to the procedure. Definitely a plus point. My masseur kept checking if I was alright with the pressure and temperature of the kizhi and oil.

I could feel the tension release from my knees, calf and shoulders instantly as the kizhi was moved over it. The massage induces perspiration which helps release all the toxins from your body which gives a natural glow to your skin. I had experienced this when I tried the Abhyangam massage too. After a one hour session, you step out refreshed and re-energized. All the tiredness and stress had just vanished off. That s what some pampering and an effective massage does to you. It not just relaxes your body but the soul too. I am surely visiting the Kairali Ayurveda Centre often for these massages.

Benefits of the Ela Kizhi massage

Besides relaxing your body, the massage rejuvenates your muscles and nerves. It improves blood circulation, helps release waste from the body, reduces inflammation of joints and induces good sleep. It is effective for those who have suffered from sports injuries, sciatica or arthritis patients and even neurological disorders. Read: Treat cervical spondylosis with Naranga Kizhi.

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