Earth, wind or fire? Life in Balance puts you in your element

A steady stream of warm herbal oil poured onto my third eye, located in the center of my forehead. This ancient Ayurvedic treatment is meant to bring psychological and spiritual balance, and heal a plethora of ills, including stress, insomnia, depression, hair loss, hormonal imbalances and headaches. All I know is that I was completely relaxed, and when the last drop of oil dripped on my forehead, I felt blissful. And very oily.

I have had several treatments in India that were similar to the one I experienced at Life in Balance Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Center in Fremont, which I happily stumbled upon one day after cruising the Fremont Sunday Market. Owners Sarah Kruse and Kael Balizer have many years of natural therapeutic science between them, including dietary and lifestyle counseling and bodywork. Both have trained extensively in India and the United States.

The center is housed in a cozy turn-of-the century home. They use the kitchen for heating oils, preparing herbal remedies and cooking delicious Ayurvedic food (available with particular package treatments). A shower is available for rinsing off after oil treatments. The treatment room and lounging area are all painted in a colorful but soothing palette, with Hindu deities decorating the walls.

If you're new to Ayurvedic medicine, simply put, it is a 5,000-year-old system of health care originating in India that recognizes the elements of ether, air, fire, water and earth, which manifest into three specific "doshas" or body types.

By determining your body type of Vata, Pitta or Kapha, you become aware of what your body needs to be balanced in terms of diet, exercise and lifestyle. The philosophy also extends to recommendations for relaxation, sleep, sex, occupations, meditation and more. Suffice it to say, it is a holistic approach to life.

At Life in Balance, you can go for one treatment or sign up for the whole enchilada -- a consultation and a package of treatments. Kruse and Balizer will tailor treatments to your individual goals and expectations. "Even small changes make a difference," says Balizer. "You don't have to make major lifestyle changes." For example, some doshas should drink warm water as opposed to ice water to better balance their body.

You can experience everything from a traditional Ayurvedic warm-oil massage ($115 for one therapist; $150 for two) to a Panchakarma package ($425 per day). The package recommends five to seven days of treatments to cleanse and rejuvenate your mind and body as determined by your dosha. Treatments include herbal oil massages, steam baths, salt scrubs and consultation.

It is recommended, but not required that you schedule an Ayurvedic consultation to determine your dosha, so that Kruse and Balizer can suggest individual treatments. However, their years of experience allow them to quickly assess one's predominant dosha, which helps them craft individualized treatments for each person. As a Vata, I am perpetually cold, so they heated the room and treatment table for me so I was comfortably toasty.

I left my session with herbal oil recommended for spring allergies and used as a hair treatment, as well as a desire to go back. After all, who couldn't use a little more balance in life?

Visit the Life in Balance Web site for a glossary of Ayurvedic terminology, detailed information on their treatments, and a calendar of upcoming workshops and events.

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