A speciality at Chiva-Som, Thailand’s unique abdominal massage works directly over the navel and surrounding abdominal areas where stress, tension and negative emotions accumulate. If this area is congested, the circulating energy of the body is blocked, slowly weakening internal organs and decreasing energy and vitality. Chi Nei Tsang helps to quickly release negative emotions and tension, bringing comfort to the abdomen and vital energy to the organs. This technique is particularly effective for those who have digestive problems. A course of three treatments is recommended for optimal benefits.

Ashtanga Yoga -- the feature that distinguishes Ashtanga Yoga from the other forms of yoga is its unique movement and breathing system, or Vinyasa. Movement through the sequence of poses (Asanas) is responsible for producing heat, which, in turn, produces sweat that is both cleansing and purifying. As students progress more deeply into the practice, toxins held in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and internal organs are also released. The power of the breath is the key to this system of yoga. It draws the mind in on itself and, in so doing, yokes mind and body together. It is the breath, the energy centres (Bandhas) and the eye focus (Dristi) that, when applied together, bring about the physical and the meditative aspects of Ashtanga Yoga. The practice itself becomes a dynamic meditation. Hatha Yoga is the most popular branch of yoga and from which a lot of the styles of yoga originated. Yogis use physical poses, breathing techniques and meditation in order to bring the body into perfect health and for more spiritual elements of the mind to emerge freely. The meditative aspects of yoga can also help to develop your willpower, concentration and self-withdrawal. Hatha Yoga practice is a splendid way to cope with stress, relieve tension and promote positive moods. Vinyasa Flow --Vinyasa means linking movements. Vinyasa Flow Yoga is derived from Ashtanga Yoga, whereby the set sequence from the Ashtanga Yoga system has been ‘dissected’ to assemble a more freeform, creative approach. A typical Vinyasa Flow class begins with the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and continues with a variety of poses through the flowing movements of Vinyasa. Each pose will lead to the next like a continuous dance. It is advisable to be somewhat familiar with some basic yoga poses before trying Vinyasa Flow Yoga, as the pace will be quite fast. Although not essential, some basic Ashtanga Yoga experience will also be helpful. This style of Yoga is suitable for those who already have some previous experience in Yoga and are looking for a more dynamic, fun and challenging practice.

Our experienced fitness specialists work with you individually to provide expertise and motivation, assisting you in achieving your personal health and fitness goals. Designed mainly for the gym but still relevant for your home workouts, your programme is uniquely assembled to achieve results both during your stay and after you leave Chiva-Som. This session is suitable for those at any exercise level and is ideal for those individuals uncertain of how to start a fitness programme.

This calming and relaxing, dry hands-on treatment works on a surface level with rhythmic combing and brushing techniques along the contours of your back. Using hands, wooden comb and cactus bristle brush the therapist combines different movements to promote nerve function, stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve blood circulation. This unique treatment helps relieve inner stress and will leave you feeling refreshed and energised.

Shirobhyanga is one of the classical Ayurvedic Rasayana, or rejuvenation therapies. In this treatment imbalance will be ayurvedically diagnosed and individually selected medicated oil will be used to massage the head. Special attention is given to the marma points (acupressure points) so that deep and penetrating release of blockages will take place and also lymph drainage will occur. The head is the centre of the whole nervous system and when stimulated by massage the benefits are numerous and profound. Shirobhyanga can relieve many of the stresses and strains that cause tension, fatigue and insomnia.

A traditional Chinese healing method, reflexology works on the connection between specific reflex points in the feet and all other body parts. After determining these tender and tense spots, the therapist then applies pressure on the feet to alleviate the local discomfort and treat the body parts reflected. Reflexology stimulates these points in order to improve and strengthen the weak areas of the body, remove congestion and eliminate discomfort. As tensions are eased and circulation is improved, this gentle therapy encourages the body to heal itself at its own pace, often counteracting a lifetime of misuse.

There are seven major ones that are located along our spine from its base to the crown of the head. Each chakra is represented by a colour and associated with different body parts, emotions and life areas. Chakras are like the power stations of our body, bringing it to life and keeping it healthy. To improve the balance of your body and feelings, each chakra needs to be adjusted properly with other parts of your body. Our therapists place their hands above the surface of a clothed body using gentle actions to gently guide chakras into alignment.

Meditation is a key element of many alternative therapies, often combined with prayer, music and mantra chanting. This is not a technique, but rather a way of life and ‘detached observation of the thought process’. It describes a state of consciousness when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and various patterns. The observer (one who is doing meditation) realises that all the activity of the mind is reduced to one, and that true peace is only found within.

Sitting at your desk for extended periods of time or long flights can cause chronic lower back problems or hip pain. Our physiotherapists recommend the Fast Track Back Release to ease tension on tight, stressed muscles of the lower body. Our physiotherapist will also help you determine the causes of your muscle tension, and will teach you how to relieve and prevent further tension by using techniques such as stretching, good posture and positions, massage and healthy exercise for the future.

Spine mobilization is a manual therapeutic technique that fosters movement in stagnant tissue and joints. Spine mobilization uses massage to break down scar tissue and restrictions that are typically associated with trauma to soft tissue such as strained muscle or pulled ligament. This treatment is ideal for anyone who requires a gentle approach to enhancing mobility and releasing tension.