In the day spa industry, innovation is key. Being an innovator doesn’t mean following trends or falling into fads, it means finding proven treatments and presenting them in a way that feels fresh and new. In my fifteen years with Burke Williams I’ve gone from esthetician to Vice President of Treatments and Development, and I’ve had the pleasure of developing new services and products that reflect this concept. It’s only natural that our pursuit of innovation led to Ayurveda, a time-honored Indian practice that promotes healing the mind, body, and spirit.
Originating in India more than 5,000 years ago, this celebrated approach to holistic healing incorporates herbal blends and warm aromatherapeutic essential oils to restore the body and revitalize the mind. The history of Ayurveda reveals a highly influential methodology that shaped traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine and continues to influence cultures worldwide. We’re incredibly proud to offer two new Ayurvedic treatments on our menu of services, Shirodhara and Ananda.
Our goal is stay at the forefront of spa treatments, and Shirodhara and Ananda are opening doors for the industry. In a primarily European-style spa climate, our Ayurvedic services are breaking new ground for guests and therapists. The treatments help balance the body’s doshas, the three energies that circulate in the body and govern physiological activity. Both 80-minute treatments are meditative and implement essential oils, healing massage, and reflective moments of silence.
How did we achieve authenticity for these timeless methods? We consulted with respected doctors, treatment centers, and experts on Ayurveda, and we partnered with Shankara. The globally lauded company provides the essential oils for our Ayurvedic services, which are 100% organic, paraben, alcohol, and chemical free, and made solely in India. Shankara is integral in our Ayurvedic services, not only for their contribution to the treatment but also for their role in the training process.
Top therapists from all of our spas convened for intense Ayurvedic training. Shankara’s own Director of Education, Ashish Pandya, kicked off every class with inspirational and educational opening remarks. By sharing his knowledge on Ayurveda, doshas, and essential oils, Ashish set the tone for each of our training sessions. His expertise elevated the training process and helped this new modality achieve its full potential.
By uniting our best therapists, experts in Ayurveda, and our skilled team of developers, we created two truly transformational treatments that are redefining the day spa experience. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job lies in our company’s commitment to innovation. By celebrating classic treatments and making them current, we continually find new ways to connect with our guests. Our Ayurvedic services further confirm Burke Williams as an innovator of health, wellness, and healing.
