SURYA SPA
Beauty & all things Beautiful
AYURVEDA with Martha Soffer
SURYA SPA
An introduction from the Surya Wellness site~
Surya Spa is an authentic, artisan Ayurvedic spa, led by Martha Soffer, an internationally acclaimed Ayurvedic doctor, chef, and herbalist. Guests can explore age-old wellness principles from the leaders of modern Ayurveda, including the luxurious and sublime, Abhyanga massage which is a rejuvenating, four-handed massage using customized, warm herbalized oils, cooked all night for the next day’s use. Surya’s signature offering nourishes your body, opens your energy channels, and restores a lasting, youthful glow to your skin. This unique massage is the heart and soul of Ayurvedic bodywork, and the perfect introduction to Surya’s magical touch. Other offerings include herbalized steams, scrubs, Shirodhara, Shiro bastis and array of transformative treatments. Surya also offers Ayurvedic cooking classes, Dosha Yoga, Transcendental Meditation, and Surya’s signature 3-28 day Panchakarma Series that detoxes and cleanses, promotes weight loss, and restores meaningful balance to body, mind, and emotions.
MY INTRO TO AYURVEDA~Something Martha and I have in common is our journeys with Ayurveda both started in Fairfield, Iowa. While I was looking for a life changing retreat experience, I discovered the Raj Ayurvedic Health Center. I booked a Panchakarma retreat, which at the time, I had no idea what I was signing up for. I just felt I needed something that would rejuvenate my body, mind and spirit. The Maharishi Institute (where Martha studied) is not far from the Raj. I remember someone telling me that if there was anything I wanted to manifest in life, that this would be the place since just down the road , there were two domes filled with people meditating twice a day, so talk about vibes, yes you can feel it. The experience was life changing and I came back to LA with a sense of peace and wellbeing. I knew that I wanted to incorporate the Ayurvedic lifestyle into my daily routine and I definitely wanted to experience Panchakarma again. I started researching Ayurveda to find something closer to home and that is how I found Martha in her Palisades guest suite. My first appointment with Martha was around 2006 and I’ve continued doing retreats on and off for years in Surya’s home spas.
I have suggested these treatments to so many friends and the response is always the same…What is Ayurveda? What is Panchakarma? What is a Dosha? So I sat down with Martha to get all of our questions answered and to share her story of how she ended up in Fairfield, Iowa ~ of course with a cup of tea and Surya’s amazing house made breads. (i’ll share the link)
Martha and Fairfield, Iowa~Martha is originally from Bogota, Colombia. She was working in the computer science world and learned about the Maharishi International University through her TM practice. Along with Computer Science, the college also offers a degree in Ayurveda and Integrative health with Meditation (TM) being part of the curriculum. Originally Martha was taking ESL classes and working towards a masters in Computer Science but that would change one day in the dining hall. Martha saw a group of women with oil in their hair and became fascinated with what they were doing. It turns out they were part of the University’s Ayurvedic school and had just come from Panchakarma treatments. One of the women suggested she sign up to try the treatments at the Ayurveda center. Martha went for a treatment and in that moment, she found her calling with the discovery of Ayurveda, it would be the pivot of Marthas life and career. See intro below~▶
AYURVEDA~ Ayur (meaning life) Veda (science or knowledge)
In Sanskrit the term Ayurveda is science of life or knowledge of life. Ayurvedic medicine is a 10,000year old tradition originating in Southern India. It encompasses diet, massage, herbal remedies, yoga, Vedic astrology (jyotish), Vastu (spacial arrangement similar to feng shui), raga (the healing power of music) and medicine. The original records of Ayurveda were found in The Vedas, ancient texts that recorded preventative care such as treatments for skin issues, seizures, fever and matters related to the heart and longevity. Ayurveda focuses on holistic health and prevention through diet, herbs, yoga and balancing of the doshas. When people started getting sick, the ancient sages of India set out to find cures for the illnesses along with rejuvenation and longevity. With knowledge of the herbs and treatments, they developed Panchakarma. At Surya you can transform your life through the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda based on the teachings of the original devoted yogis. With Panchakarma retreats, natural products, meditation, connection with nature, conscious diet and lifestyle, Ayurveda helps restore balance, health and wellness with modern self care tools.
THE DOSHAS?
According to the Ayurveda practice, we are made up of five elements which are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and space. The combination of these represents the types/Doshas. A pulse diagnosis will determine your predominant Dosha along with a Q & A with your practitioner. The description of your Dosha not only represents your body type but also your personality, moods, motivation and general physiological and emotional health. which is why It’s so important to have balance in your Doshas~
VATA-represents AIR/space element~ Vatas usually have a thin body type, tend to be dry, are usually creative types. They can be impulsive, imaginative and have an active mind.
If Vata is out of balance~it may present as always cold, bloated, very dry skin, anxiety, sleep issues and/or digestive issues . Warming foods are usually prescribed along with grounding practices to calm the mind.
PITTA- represents FIRE/water element~Usually this type will be medium build, oily skin as opposed to dry, be more tightly wound , organized, productive, and can be described as fiery or intense. If there is an imbalance it will present as excess heat causing rosacea, frustration and irritability. In this case it would be advised to avoid hot yoga, spicy foods and lean towards cooling foods and colder showers and drinks like fresh coconut for its cooling properties.
KAPHA represents-Earth/water element~ Usually more calm and grounded. Could present as sloth energy. If out of balance they tend to gain weight, be sluggish and more prone to acne. Kaphas should stay away from heavy foods like pasta and oily foods and instead eat freshly cooked whole foods.
PANCHAKARMA?
Panchakarma is lifechanging, it really is the ultimate reset, cleanse, game changer and a beautiful introduction into the Ayurvedic lifestyle. I have recommended Panchakarma to a lot of friends for a reset, chronic illness, stress, menopause symptoms, chronic pain etc.
From Martha~We are now exposed daily to EMF, 5g, noise, plastic, chemicals and living in a world of toxins, so it’s more important than ever to release these from the body. Surya offers amazing 7 to 28 day detox programs, which should be done every change of the seasons. Panchakarma will address the 7 tissues for the 7 days, beginning with a total detox of the lymph, blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow and Ojas (vital energy reserve). At Surya the herbs and treatments will be prescribed based on individual needs, Dosha and imbalance. Panchakarma first starts with a 5 day home prep. You will need 12 dedicated days total which includes a special diet of Ghee everyday. (ghee or flax seed oil for vegans, will help transport the toxins out of the body). On the last day you finish with castor oil, which will prep you for the upcoming week. The next 7 days, you will immerse yourself in the world of Surya and they will take care of the rest. When you finish, you will feel lighter, younger, less congested, rejuvenated and more equipped to handle the stress of everyday life and our toxic world.
This is what a retreat would look like at Surya From the Surya site ~
Panchakarma is the ancient Ayurvedic series of nourishing and detoxifying with restorative treatments, usually 5-21 consecutive days and dramatically improves health and well-being by returning balance to the body. Surya uses the best and simplest aspects of Ayurvedic medicine through a combination of simple diet changes, herbal remedies, warm oil, and other transformative daily therapies, Panchakarma lets the body rest, open and heal. Accumulated toxins naturally fall away, health improves, longevity and wellness are strengthened, and disease is averted.
At Surya, each day of Panchakarma starts with an Abhyanga and finishes with a Shirodhara (herbalized oil or fresh coconut water, poured in a healing stream over the third eye to provide deep rest and restoration to the nervous system). There is also a customized basti (a light and traditional enema of oil or herbalized tea), which helps gently remove toxins from the body. In between the warm oils of an Abhyanga and Shirodhara, you will also receive an additional healing therapy, based on your concerns and the progress in your panchakarma treatment. Each day of Panchakarma treatment is profound and immersive, lasting about 4 hours.
SURYA BRAND~
Before the brand officially launched, clients were treated to some of Martha’s creations during treatments. My favorite was always the lip balm but now with the launch of the Collagen cream, I am completely obsessed. The product line also includes the famous bread (which is now at Erewhon and available on the Surya site) It’s always on offer at the spa with a little ghee and tea. You can also pick up spices, ghee, salts, bath soaks, yoni steams and more online and at the spa~
THE BREAD & OTHER GOODIES
Martha~ The Collagen cream was actually inspired by my grandmother. She was always making tonics for arthritis and other ailments with herbs from her garden. She had created her own cream for years and I always remember everyone’s skin glowing. Once I started seeing signs of aging, I decided to create a face oil for myself and then starting sharing it with clients during the treatments. I then took my grandmothers recipe, passed down from generations and combined it with 30 years of Ayurveda knowledge to make our beautiful collagen cream. The combination of applying the face oil first followed by the magical Balancing Collagen Cream is transforming for the skin. It really is magical…It’s made on a full moon, mantras and all~
I created the rest of the product line for clients to take home and for this who might not be able to make it to the spa. We have bath salts, cooling oils, lip balm, yoni steams, skincare and more to treat yourself at home.
BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE ~ the importance of food in Ayurveda
A few thoughts from Martha on food~You have to treat your body like a temple and eat with the seasons to create beauty from within. In terms of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, your diet should be based on your Doshas. Mung dahl or Kitchari is a warming and grounding meal, packed with protein. It’s part of the Panchkarma plan served at Surya Spa everyday along with greens, fresh vegetable and rice .Try to make fresh cooked meals, avoid processed foods and be selective when choosing your ingredients. It’s important to think about your liver every time you sit down for a meal and also when you use beauty products because our liver is a channel. recipes ❥
DIY ~Rituals to make a spa at home
Self Abhyanga massage~ Abhyanga has been practiced for thousands of years and is one of the main treatments used in Ayurveda. The experience would usually be 2 person/4 hand massage done at Surya spa with herb infused oil, but you can easily give yourself an Abhyanga self massage with warm oil. The benefits are many including increasing circulation, lubricating the joints, helps in the elimination of impurities, calms the nervous system, improves the tone and appearance of the skin with the added benefits of overall health and balance.
As a general guideline you can use sesame oil if you identify with Kapha, Coconut oil if you are Vata or olive oil if that is what you have in your cupboard. Surya has Abhyanga oils available to order in Calming, Cooling or Energizing formulas depending on your Dosha and how you are feeling and . You start with your feet (like dry brushing) and move up your body with circular motion making sure to massage the joints.
Dry brush~ You’ll just need a body brush and about 10 minutes for this morning ritual. You start at your feet and move upward towards your heart with long strokes (on dry skin) and include your stomach with circular motions. It’s a great way to wake up, exfoliate dry skin and remove toxins. Shower after. Try for at least 3 days a week.
SELF CARE AT HOME~links
Kansa wand~ Similar to Gua Sha, this tool is used to massage the face to promote lymphatic drainage, puffiness and remove built up toxins. You can use your Kansa wand at the end of your Abhyanga self massage as an added bonus. First apply serum to the face and massage it in. Take your wand and start at the third eye chakra point (in the middle of your eyebrows) then with an upward motion, move to the forehead. Continue to the eyes in circular motions and then the cheeks and jawline.
Surya bath soaks~ Available in Calming, Cooling, Muscle Relief or Hormone balancing and/or just an epsom salt bath with Lavender and Roses or essential oils
Potato face mask~ Great for wrinkles and tightening. Cut off the end of a potato, then rub the open potato on your face. Let the juice from the potato dry. You can leave it on for 30-45 and then just wash off.
ZEN ZONE~
Transcendental meditation~Maharishi Mahesh yogi began teaching this meditation technique in India during the 50’s. It’s based on ancient meditative yoga practices and includes a mantra which is given to you by your TM teacher. Your mantra is silently repeated during your meditation until you reach a state of inner peace. TM is practiced twice a day for 20 minutes~ Every morning and night. Benefits include improved brain function, cardiovascular health, reduced stress, focus, clarity of mind to name a few.
Martha’s morning and evening routine always includes TM plus dry brushing in the morning followed by a quick Abhyanga self massage
Morning~ Splash cold water on my eyes. Start with a little Asana yoga and then meditation (TM) for 1 hour before work. Face oil & Collagen Cream
Evening~ A shorter asana session followed by another hour of TM + a small dinner and go to bed by 10 everyday.
CURRENTLY DAYDREAMING?
Martha~ For now Hawaii is calling us. Surya will be popping up on the islands. We have a retreat coming up in July in Kauai with possibilities on Maui and Oahu as well. My goal is to share Ayurveda across the US so more people can experience what Surya has to offer at the Santa Monica Spa. People come from all over the world to experience treatments at the Proper Hotel but not everyone can get away for 7-10 days. The goal is to have more options and locations to spread wellness through Ayurveda.
I hope you enjoyed my chat with Martha. The Surya Website is a wealth of information if you would like to do a deeper dive into the world of Ayurveda. t’s much easier to find an Ayurvedic practitioner these days as opposed to when I first discovered Panchakarma and decided to fly to Iowa. Of course you could fly to India but we don’t all have the time or money to jump on a flight for a 21 day cleanse. I am lucky to live close to the spa in Santa Monica but I am excited for the dreams of Surya’s expansion. It will be exciting to see where Surya ends up next. You can sign up for their newsletter to be notified of upcoming retreats & Explore everything Surya has to offer here~
