The ocean has long been a symbol for rejuvenation and restoration with its endless cycle of tides and currents. Saltwater itself has been known to have healing properties, and is revered by many cultures for its ability to relieve tension and promote healthy life.

Located off the coast of British Columbia, in the heart of Salt Spring Island is the Salt Spring Spa, a unique retreat that combines the healing powers of the nearby Pacific Ocean with ancient Eastern practices of rejuvenation to provide guests with a holistic approach to natural therapy.

Treatments here include a variety of mineral and oil massages, including the popular Abhyanga, or “warm oil” massage. Abhyanga is one of the most rejuvenating treatments of Ayurveda, a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining wellness.  It is also one of the most popular treatments available at the Salt Spring Spa in British Columbia.

The Salt Spring Spa, appropriately named after both the island and the source of its success, was created 14 years ago when the original owner drilled into what he believed to be well water far below the ground. After the water was analyzed, however, it was revealed to be a nourishing saltwater spring. It is the only location on Salt Spring Island and in the Gulf Islands where salt springs can be found and accessed, making the spa Canada’s only seaside mineral springs resort.

The healing spring water is rich in nutrients, providing 12 of the 14 daily required essential minerals. The water is pumped directly into the spa and chalets, allowing guests to indulge from the privacy of their personal Jacuzzi baths or to sip and savour before their various treatments and yoga sessions.

The manager of Salt Springs Spa, Shaughn Jenson, says that yoga is an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine, where the spa’s main principles lay. The Ayurvedic yoga featured at the spa is tailored to address each participant’s body type and injuries, guaranteeing that every patron leaves feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Class sizes are purposefully designed for smaller groups of five to six people — this allows the instructor the ability to spend more one-on-one time with each guest to work with them on different poses that are specifically tailored to each individual’s specific need.

Like yoga, their Ayurveda organic products and treatments bring balance to an individual’s three Doshas, the Sanskrit word for “fault,” which are believed to make up each person’s constitution. 

Originating in India, Ayurveda means “the science of life” and is the original source of knowledge on surgery, medicine, meditation and detoxification. It provides a model to examine the way any imbalances of the three Doshas affect your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.

Seven years ago, the new owners introduced the five Ayurveda treatments to the spa’s menu, when very few doctors in the B.C. area were practicing its methods. “Now, 50% of their business is Ayurvedic treatments and we’re known for that,” says Jenson.

The successful range of Ayurvedic treatments includes more than 18 unique indulgences and a variety of organic products.  Jenson and his partner design all the treatments and make the majority of their line of Ayurveda products from a combination of plants and herbs found locally and imported from India.

“It’s a family business here. My mother makes a lot of the massage oils herself, but I also have a kitchen on the property where I prepare a lot of the Ayurvedic oils and facial products,” says Jenson.

Through his Ayurvedic studies and experience gleaned by offering numerous organic and non-organic product lines at the spa, Jenson discovered that most of people’s skin sensitivities and allergies are due to preservatives and chemicals in the products.  “I don’t think people want to come to a spa and want to have anything toxic in them,” he says. 

The spa’s line of Ayurvedic organic products are non-toxic and contain no chemicals whatsoever. In fact, the entire line is so pure as to be edible, should guests be so inclined. “The main principle of Ayurvedic medicine is that anything you put on your skin you should be able to put in your mouth,” says Jenson. “That is the main principle we’re working with — we should do no harm whatsoever with the idea of healing in mind.”

Although currently the Ayurvedic products are sold exclusively at the spa, they have received such a following that plans are currently underway to distribute the product line nationally. Soon, happy fans of the spa’s organic salt products will be able to enjoy them from coast to coast. 

The massage oil and mineral blends are incorporated into the spa’s specialized treatments and are selected based on the needs of each guests. After determining which Dosha has become imbalanced, the correct formula is applied to deliver immediate relief. The Snehana therapy, for example, coats the entire body with warm herbal aromatherapy Samya Dosha oils.  This treatment, along with Shirodhara (flowing oil on forehead), is a particular favourite at the spa.

This summer, Salt Springs Spa is launching a new Ayurveda menu, making it the most extensive one available in North America. Salt Springs is also introducing a series of resort packages, where over several days and depending on your package, these new original treatments will be included, along with accommodations, meals and yoga classes.•

To embark on your own therapeutic journey, please visit the Salt Spring Spa’s website at saltspringspa.com.

Photos courtesy of Salt Spring Spa