MĀ Wellness
Ayurveda
Downtown Victoria Yoga Studio & Wellness Clinic
Ayurveda Victoria BC
Ayurveda, a branch of Vedic Science, literally means “the science of life,” and it originated in India as the traditional healing system over 5,000 years ago. Considered one of the oldest forms of medicine, this ancient science works as both preventative & curative medicine, combining daily self-care, a healthy diet, yoga and a natural lifestyle as a means to acquire optimal health.
According to traditions described in old ayurvedic writings, the basic principles of Ayurveda were perceived long ago and through profound introspection by highly developed human beings. In the beginning, the tradition was therefore passed on only from teacher to student. Only much later, when this vehicle of tradition was no longer reliable, it was written down in the first scriptures and works of Ayurveda.
In India today, there are Ayurvedic medical schools training physicians in internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, toxicology & gerontology.
What makes Ayurveda practical is that it is not necessary to attend Ayurvedic medical school in order to understand or implement Ayurvedic knowledge into your daily life. According to Ayurveda, we create our state of health based on how we interact with our environment. By making choices that support our inner nature, we can live harmoniously and in balance.
As a way of life, we can approach Ayurveda through:
- Lifestyle (Dinacharya-daily rituals, Ritucharya- seasonal rituals)
- Diet (eating ritualistically depending on the season, time of the day and depending on your body constitution)
- Rejuvenation (Bodywork treatments like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Panchakarma etc.)
The initial consultation covers medical history, current lifestyle, and diet habits. It uses traditional
Book an Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurveda Pricing
Single Treatments
Choose from one of our single treatment options below. If this is your first time at our clinic, please select the initial consultation when booking your appointment.
Ayurveda Consult
Initial
$135
Ayurveda Consult
Follow Up
$85
Marma
Facial
Therapy
$110
Abhyanga
Massage
75 minutes
$145
Shirodhara
$115
Abhyanga
Shirodhara
Combo
$205
Shiro Abhyanga (Head Massage)
$100
Padabhyanga (Ayurvedic Foot Massage)
$90
Shiro Abhyanga & Padabhangam ( combo of head and foot massage)
$150
Ayurvedic Treatments
Victoria BC
अभ्यन्ग Abhyanga
Imagine sensing yourself completely at home and relaxed in your body. Receiving an Ayurvedic Massage is a powerful way of giving yourself the gift of time just for you, to be honoured as the sacred being you are here to be. Relieving stress, anxiety and stored trauma in the body through soothing and centred therapeutic touch, this treatment works to support your own body’s innate wisdom and healing capacity. By calming the nervous system and moving stagnant energies, you give yourself a chance to experience the depth of peace that is your innermost nature. From this place of internal knowing, you gain access to your own inner healer. We all need reminders, and Ayurvedic massage serves as a ceremony for this remembering of the sacredness of your body. Your body as a temple.
(75 or 90 minutes treatment options)
शिरोधर Shirodhara
In this traditional Ayurvedic treatment a continuous stream of warm oil is gently and nourishingly poured over your forehead in a soothing and relaxing offering to the mind. Stress, anxiety, nervous depression, over-thinking, inability to focus, and mental exhaustion all weaken the body’s ability to self-regulate and connect to one’s inner truth. From these states of aggravated air element (vata), particularly amplified in the mind, the entire body becomes weakened and depleted. Shirodhara is the prescribed treatment in Ayurveda to address this root cause of many of the disturbances of the body and mind. Allow your tired mind to receive a ceremony, to relax you completely, and enter the deep state of rejuvenation that allows for all healing to take place.
*Please bring a towel or scarf for your head post treatment, and a jar for your remaining oil.
(This is a 1 hour treatment)
Abhyanga-Shirodhara Combined Therapy
Feeling ready to really treat yourself to a holistic self-care ritual? This deep two-hour session begins with a complete warm oil body massage to relax, ground and centre you in your body as a temple. From that state of whole body ease, your mind is then bathed in a continuous stream of warm oil poured gently over your forehead and crown. Nourishing and calming the third eye and crown chakras to open your awareness of your innermost truth, your divine nature, the Shirodhara compliments the massage to provide a truly holistic mind-body-spirit ritual. We all need ways to come home to ourselves in these times of outward chaos. This is an offering for those ready and in need of some truly deep unwinding, honouring and celebrating of the body as sacred.
(This is a luxurious 2 hour treatment)
Meet Our Practitioners
SARADA JAGANNATH (SHE/HER)
Sarada Pranav Jagannath is a yoga teacher, an Ayurvedic Wellness practitioner and holds a Master’s degree in counselling psychology and social work. Sarada is currently completing her training as an Ayurvedic doctor.
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She was raised in the Ayurvedic tradition and educated by her grandfather, an Ayurvedic doctor who taught her yogic and Ayurvedic practices, and influenced her life’s path with his wisdom, philosophy and teaching.
She went on to study extensively at the Sivanada Yoga and Vedanta Ashram, Kerala, India and at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana in Bangalore, India and has since taught in India, the USA and Canada. She has been offering Ayurvedic Workshops for the past 8 years in India, USA and now in Canada. Sarada also offers private Ayurvedic Consultations at MA, teaches Ayurvedic cooking classes,workshops and Marma Kriya.
PILAR MUNOZ (SHE/HER)
I have been a student of yoga, sound healing and meditation for many years. These practices have played a vital role in who I am today. And the ever evolving way I show up in the world.
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I am a certified Modo Teacher 2011, (a hot hatha yoga modality), yin yoga teacher (2012) and vinyasa yoga teacher (2012). I have attended many meditation retreats and feel connected to the Zen meditation community.
I am a certified and accredited sound practitioner and sound therapist. I have completed trainings and workshops with my teachers in Costa Rica and Victoria. I am a certified reiki practitioner (2015) and newly accredited (2023) Abhyanga massage therapist. There is something very special in working with energy, vibration and physical rhythms within an Abhyanga massage that I am so excited to offer.
As all these practices have impacted and benefited my life. I extend these teachings and offerings to all who are on this complex path as humans.
I offer my hands and heart to be of
service to all who want to connect deeply to themselves, to come home to their wholeness and true nature.
DEVAN NEWMAN (SHE/HER)
Devan have been a lifelong student of yoga and wellness, passionate about exploring various modalities to facilitate healing within the body and mind. Her journey in this realm has been a path of continuous learning and discovery, allowing her to create a nurturing sanctuary for individuals seeking inner peace and vitality.
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Certified Yoga Teacher: Completed yoga teacher training in 2021, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to guide others on their yoga journey.
Certified Yin Teacher: In 2022, Devan deepened her expertise by becoming a certified Yin Yoga teacher, specializing in the practice of Yin, which focuses on surrender, mindfulness, and relaxation.
Facial Reflexologist: In 2020, Devan delved into the realm of facial reflexology, a modality that combines ancient wisdom with modern science to promote holistic well-being.
Abhyanga Massage Therapist 2023: Most recently, Devan achieved certification as an Abhyanga massage therapist, offering a deeply rejuvenating and balancing massage experience.
One of Devans core passions is to create a nurturing and secure environment where individuals can let go, unwind, and reconnect with their inner selves. Her dedication to this endeavor is rooted in the belief that healing begins when one feels safe and supported.
VAL LANGE
I am honored to work alongside the wonderful teachers and holistic practitioners at MĀ Wellness and Yoga. As an Aerial Yoga Teacher, I aim to offer classes and workshops that are accessible for everyone, regardless of physical ability. I have a grounded and explorative
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approach, encouraging embodied awareness and physical play and exploration. My background in Aerials began at a young age with circus training and performance. Now, aerial yoga has become a deeply meaningful and healing practice for me.
As a Bodyworker, I practice Ayurvedic massage, therapeutic hot stone massage and biodynamic craniosacral therapy. I have over a decade of experience working as a Registered Massage Therapist in Alberta.
I am also a Registered Clinical Counselor and I have an M.A. in Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychology. In private practice, I work with teens and adults offering somatic-based expressive arts therapy. I approach my work with a trauma-informed lens developed through years of working as a counselor with survivors of violence.
I love to paint, dance and explore where embodiment and creativity meets healing.
EDDY BORTZER (HE/HIM)
Eddy’s passion lies in creating a nurturing space where individuals can embrace their authentic selves and delve deeply into the present moment through the art of nature connection, yoga, dance, and the transformative practice of abhyanga.
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Through these holistic modalities, he strives to facilitate the unification and harmonization of all aspects of being – the physical, the pranic, the emotional, and the mental.
Eddy’s journey into the world of Ayurvedic healing began when he completed his abhyanga training with Sarada at Ma Wellness and Yoga in 2022. Since then, he has developed a profound reverence for the art of Ayurvedic bodywork. Guided by the principles of non-judgment and complete mindfulness, Eddy gently leads his clients towards savoring the sensations of the present moment and attuning to their body’s innate wisdom, thereby progressing towards balance and harmony.
His dedication to the traditional healing practices of Yoga and Ayurveda is evident in every aspect of his work, and he is grateful to share these transformative practices with the community at Ma Wellness and Yoga.
In addition to his commitment to holistic healing, Eddy is currently pursuing an education to become an elementary teacher. During his leisure time, you’ll often find him teaching yoga, guiding dances, meandering through the local parks, and enjoying peaceful moments at the beach with his beloved pup and partner.
BRITTANY DUNSTAN (SHE/HER)
Hello! I’m Brittany (Pronounced Bri-ta-nee)
Residence and Gratitude: Since 2016, I’ve had the privilege of living on the stunning lands of the Lekwungen and WSÁNEĆ nations. It’s a place that inspires and nurtures my passion.
Yoga Journey: As a devoted yoga student and instructor, I am thrilled to be a part of the MA community. My journey in wellness and holistic practices drives my enthusiasm in what I do.
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Specialization in Ayurveda: Embracing the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, I specialize in Ayurvedic bodywork. My training with Sarada in October 2023 was a transformative experience. My goal is to create a tranquil space for each individual, offering them the chance to unwind through the therapeutic art of Ayurvedic massage.
Offerings: I currently focus on Shiroabhyanga (Head massage) and Padabhyanga (Foot massage). These practices are not just physically rejuvenating, but also provide profound mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
Beyond Bodywork: When I’m not engaged in Ayurvedic practices, I’m deeply involved in connecting youth with nature through forest schools and mentoring newcomers in Victoria. My love for the outdoors, community building, dancing, and yoga fills my life with joy and purpose.
Looking Forward: I am excited to meet and connect with you, offering a space of kindness and relaxation.
Treatments:
-Shiro Abhyanga (Head Massage) – $100, 45minutes
-Shiro Abhyanga & Padabhangam ( combo of head and foot massage) -$150, 90mins
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ayurveda and where did it come from?
Late Cancellation Policy and Fees
Appointment Cancellation and Modification Policy
At MĀ Wellness and Yoga, we strive to offer efficient services and honour the valuable time of our practitioners. To achieve this, we respectfully request a minimum notice of 24 hours for any cancellations or changes to your appointment. This policy ensures that we can continue to provide high-quality care to all our patients.
Cancellation Fees Explained:
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Late Cancellation Fee: Should you need to cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before its scheduled time, we will charge a fee equal to 100% of the treatment cost to your card on file. This fee compensates for the time that had been reserved for you.
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Emergency Situations: We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. In cases of emergency, please inform us immediately. For appointments cancelled due to emergencies within 24 hours of the scheduled time, a reduced fee of 50% of the treatment cost will be charged to your card on file.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this policy. By adhering to these guidelines, you help us maintain a high standard of service for all our patients.
Thank you for your attention to these matters, and for helping us serve you better.
What is Ayurveda and where did it come from?
The word Ayurveda itself means the science of life or science of longevity. Because Ayurvedic medicine has such a long history, its origins cannot be exactly pinpointed. Most agree that Ayurvedic classical texts were written in India between 3,500 and 5,000 years ago, though some suggest an even longer history.
Ayurveda is a healthcare system and lifestyle principles that bring harmony and balance to your constitution. The most fundamental characteristic of Ayurvedic medicine is the unique principle of the doshas. The doshas are different percentages of the five elements that make up a person. Our dosha is determined in the womb long before we are born. There are three doshas classified as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and sub doshas that combine the three main ones..
It is possible to be a combination, and typically people find that they are a combination of the three. We further split the doshas into seven categories, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, Vata-Kapha, and Balanced Body type (one who has all three doshas balanced.)
Are you out of balance?
Everything we do affects the balance of the doshas. Anything from seasonal influences (when we fail to compensate for changes in the seasons or changes of life), lifestyle, food, relationships, stimulants, environment, etc. can leave us with too much or too little of a vital component to our well being. Such imbalance is called ¨Vikriti.¨ “Prakruti” is the state that you are born in. This is your base and what the relative balance is for you personally.
Anyone, regardless of their dominant dosha, can develop doshic imbalances. However, individuals with natural Vata tendencies tend to develop Vata imbalances. Kapha dominant people develop Kapha imbalances, and so is true with Pittas. Often, the first symptom of an aggravated dosha appears at it’s seat (Vata -Colon; Pitta- small intestine; Kapha – stomach)
Ayurvedic medicine uses lifestyle recommendations, bodywork, yoga, and meditation, all as therapies to create a better sense of well being. You can book in for a consultation to enjoy some of our bodywork options.
What is Abhyanga massage?
Ayurvedic massage, known in Sanskrit as Abhyanga, is a holistic massage style aimed at supporting your subtle energy system to balance and heal itself.
What is Marma Massage?
Marma points are energy points in the body used for healing in Ayurveda. They can be compared to acupuncture points in Chinese Medicine. The focus of marma point massage is primarily to manipulate subtle energy or prana, but physically they’re also very effective for relieving stiff muscles and boosting circulation.
What can I expect during a Marma point & massage treatment?
Treatment begins with an abhyanga massage to relax the body, apply herb-infused oils to draw out ama (toxicity), and work on specific marma points with circular movements. The direction of the circles—as well as the order the marma points are stimulated—will depend upon one’s dosha and/or intention for treatment. Clockwise circles are used to stimulate energy flow while counter-clockwise movements are used to calm and pacify energy. For general relaxation, counter-clockwise circles are generally suggested. Depending upon individual needs the following components may also be incorporated into a marma massage.
What can I expect during an Abhyanaga massage treatment?
Generous amounts of warm herbal infused oils are gently but firmly massaged into the body through long, fluid, rhythmic movements that relax and replenish the whole system. This practice is wonderful as a medicine for stress, anxiety, depression, nervous system conditions, muscle tension, joint-pain, as well as a powerful preventative medicine for everyone.
What is Shirodhara?
Shirodhara comes from the two Sanskrit words “shiro” (head) and “dhara” (flow). It’s an Ayurvedic healing technique that involves a warm, soothing, continuous flow of oil onto the third eye chakra (forehead). The treatment is combined with a scalp, or head massage.
What should I wear to my Shirodhara appointment?
This treatment involves the use of oil, we recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting oil on until you can shower. If you have long hair, please bring something to tie it back with during and after treatment.
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