We promised you a journey abroad, and we’ve kept our end of the bargain. In this case the passage is not a ship journey but a trip down the walkway of your house and into a world of soul-soothing, self-indulgent experiences. We’ve decided to bring the mystique of India and Nepal to your door. These are our Soulful Spa Escapes.

FACT has handpicked Ayurvedic practices you can experience in your own home. Ayurvedic, translated from Sanskrit, means ‘The Science of Life’ and sums up a state of contented wellbeing. It’s become a sought-after treatment ethos by people across the globe, making countries like India and Nepal famous for their Ayurvedic resorts.

Our passage of practical treatments includes therapeutic scalp massages and hair treatments, a ‘zen-sational’ five-nectar bath and a range of soothing applications that are easy on the eyes. Disclaimer: Ayurveda is believed by many experts to be pseudoscience, and while some of their practices may prove effective, it’s wise to be skeptical. That is why we’ve vetted our choices for you in this list.

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IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD.

Since you’re creating a spa session of note, why not start at the top?

Let’s begin with a scalp massage/hair treatment session. According to Ayurvedic texts, major sites of vital energy or ‘marma’ points are on the scalp; the pituitary and pineal glands being underneath them. This massage therapy encourages the secretion of melatonin and serotonin, creating a calming effect on the body and mind.

For dry or sensitive skin: massage one teaspoon of warm coconut or sesame oil into your scalp for 10 minutes, wrap your head in a hot towel and leave on for 10 minutes.

For oily hair: ‘kapha’, dry-brush or finger-brush your hair letting the brush, or your fingers, run through your scalp, spreading the oils from the roots to the ends of the hair

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IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A REJUVENATING BATH

A five nectar bath is a traditional therapy known for its healing effect on the human body. The ‘five nectars’ bath consists

of ojas-rich ingredients known as ‘the five perfect foods’. According to Ayurvedic theory, they balance the five elements – earth, water, air, fire, and ether – in the body.

Mix all these ingredients then apply to your skin from head to toe.

• 1 banana pulped
• 1 teaspoon of ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon of yoghurt
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Now, lie down and relax for 20 minutes. Try deep breathing and making a conscious effort to release any tension you may be holding in your jaw or forehead. To complete your spa experience, enjoy a fragrant hot shower or soak in a warm bath.

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EYE CARE. DO YOU?

Self-love is healthy. And since eyes are the mirrors of the soul, we’re suggesting some special treatments.

First up, some mask home treatments. For eyestrain, apply rosewater-soaked cotton pads (for its cooling effect) on the eyelids for 10 minutes.

For dark circles, place a slice of apple on each eyelid for 10 minutes. Apples are rich in assimilable minerals such as, vitamins B and C, potassium and tannin, all of which assist in eliminating dark circles.

For puffy eyes, apply a compress made with a mild solution of sea salt and water for several minutes. Keeping the eyes closed, rinse them with cool water to wash away the salt before it stings. The salt draws water away from the tissues and leaves the eyes looking fresh.

For wrinkles, apply a light coating of almond or olive oil 20 minutes before bedtime to soften the skin. Wipe off gently with a wet cotton ball before going to sleep

You can also do some remedial eye stretching by:
Rotating your eyes clockwise and then counterclockwise
Looking up and down.
Looking left and right.
Moving your eyes in a figure eight, looking to the upper left, lower right, upper right and lower left corners.