It is said that Varsha Ritu , or monsoon, is the perfect time for a rejuvenating ayurvedic treatment. The atmosphere is moist and cool, and free of dust and pollution. This opens up the skin pores, making one more receptive to herbal oils and massage. In addition, healing herbs and medicinal plants flourish during the rains.

Abha Dwivedi at Courtyard by Marriott, Gurgaon, recommends ayurvedic treatments with Parijat oil for healing and energising effects and Karpooradithailam for muscle strengthening and detoxification.

Mystic Spa in Gurgaon recommends a deep tissue massage to tone up muscles. Its founder and director, Siddharth Shankar says, “Oils like Mahanarayan are recommended as they help relieve body stiffness. If the guest is not comfortable with ayurvedic oils, we offer other warm oils containing herbs like Rosemary.”

A round-up of monsoon treatments offered by various spas:

ESPA — Leela Palace, New Delhi

“A perfect choice for this season is the Abhyanga Massage, which uses a warm fusion of oils and specialised techniques to relieve tension, and balance body and mind. Gentle pressure on the marma points further promotes healing. Herbal oils best suited to individual constitution, or dosha , are used, infused with ashwaganda , bhringaraj , or bhrami medicinal herbs.” — Lisa Frost, ESPA Manager.

Spa Gold Therapy — Amatrra, New Delhi

“The massage and wrap we offer is inspired by the sun's revitalising energy. A special “golden algae” is the major ingredient in the SPA Gold Therapy products, which help reverse ageing, protect cellular DNA, stimulate metabolism and revitalise the skin.” — Dr Praveen Nair, Spa Head.

Diamond Body Polish by Shahnaz Husain

Diamond “ bhasma ” (ash) and extracts of lotus, basil, dates, orange oil, carrot seed and vetiver ( khus ) are used to exfoliate and lighten sun-tanned skin to produce an even skin tone.

Monsoon Package — Rejuve, The Lalit, New Delhi

“The treatment starts with a restorative sea salt scrub using apricot kernel and rose essential oil. Next is the rose/saffron body wrap, which is recommended for dry/dehydrated skin. The aroma facial helps eliminate fine lines and increase collagen production.” — Richard Rosen, Corporate Spa Head

Go Green — Aura, The Park Hotels in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad

“The ‘Go Green' body wrap, specially designed for the monsoon, is a rehydrating wrap made of green tea and aloe vera. Rich in antioxidants, the green tea maintains the skin's youthfulness, while aloe vera promotes cell renewal.” — Megha Dinesh, Spa Manager

Thai Hot Herbal Compress Massage — Ziva Spa, Jaipur

“Hot compresses are commonly used to address chronic problems such as back pain, tendonitis and shoulder strain, as well as increase the flow of energy ( chi ). The herbal compress is a blend of medicinal herbs including camphor, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric and tamarind. These herbs are wrapped in a muslin ball, which is heated using steam. The compress is then applied to the body in specialised movements. This is followed by lymphatic drainage using oils.” — Atup Patodi, Spa Head.

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