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Chemist, botanist and esthetician Pratima Raichur was an Ayurveda visionary when she opened her skin and body care clinic in 1980 and essentially invented Ayurvedic beauty care, which strives to correct and prevent skin problems by restoring balance to a person’s whole being. In 2006, she and her team moved to a tranquil, eco-friendly Soho space (it meets the U.S. Green Building Council’s guidelines) of bamboo floors, hemp cushions, organic linens, carved wooden panels, and walls tinted by clay instead of paint.  All treatments, from Ayurvedic facials and Abhyanga massage to the Rudraksha service (performed in a room adorned with energy-packed beads) are based on Raichur’s East-meets-West philosophy. Many clients opt for a half-hour consultation with Dr. Raichur to determine dosha (body type), select treatment options, and explore diet or lifestyle changes to address issues like eczema, weight loss or menopause. The all-natural Pratima skincare line, used in spa services, is also conveniently for sale. — Amanda Theunissen

Pratima Raichur’s book Absolute Beauty (Harper Collins, 1997) offers a step-by-step guide to Ayurvedic skincare.

Bridal
Pratima Spa takes a holistic approach to wellness and beauty. Facial treatments, like the signature Ayurvedic facial, use all-organic rose and sandalwood to calm wedding-stress flare-ups ($95 to $105).

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