Ayurveda and Massage Therapy
About Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the natural healing system of India dating back to 3000 B.C. In Sanskrit the word means the science of life.
Ayurveda is the knowledge of what is in synchronicity with nature and how to live a balanced and healthy life. As such, it is a complete system of medicine that systematises and applies knowledge about health and diseases, of balanced and unbalanced states of living, and how unbalanced states can be corrected and the restored balance maintained. Ayurveda embraces all aspects of wellbeing of living creatures - physical, mental and spiritual.
Unique features of Ayurveda
- It believes we are all made up of three different types of energies: Vata, Pitta and Kapha which are made up of the elements of air and space (Akash/Vayu), fire (Agni) and water/earth (Jala/Prithvi). When these energies are out of balance, illness arises
- It aims to treat the root cause of a disease, never just its symptoms
- It treats all illnesses as psychosomatic. This means that it acknowledges that the mind/body/spirit connection is fundamental in the genesis of every illness
- It focusses on prevention
- Yoga and meditation are integral parts of Ayurveda and have a fundamental role in healing and disease prevention
- Ayurveda is an integrative therapy which can be used alongside other therapies
How massage therapy fits in and how it can help you
Ayurveda sees massage as an essential part of treatment/health maintenance and treats massage as a special process, where energy between two people is exchanged. As such, it's common to be anointed in the seven vital spots of the body (head, ears, hands and feet) and to receive a silent prayer before the start of every massage.
How it works
All Ayurvedic massages require consultation with an Ayurvedic medical doctor. This process is essential as it enables accurate prescription of the correct Ayurvedic treatments for you. Treatment plan recommendations might include a combination of the treatments on this page in a variety of time durations.
I will be able to work with you if you’ve had a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who recommended that you have a course of massages. I will be able to ‘administer’ these to you and follow the doctor’s recommendations on type of massage, oil required and length of treatment.
I am not currently able to signpost you to an Ayurvedic doctor but there are several institutes in the UK that provide this service.
Prices
£80 per massage which can vary from 50 to 90 minutes, depending on treatment duration recommended by your Ayurvedic doctor.
Ayurvedic Massage Treatments Available
Abhyanga - External Oleation Massage
In Ayurvedic medicine, Abhyanga is the application of oil to the full body - front and back, including head, palms and soles - with the intention of encouraging the absorption of medicated herbs into your skin and also to balance out the 'Doshas', which are the different energies or elements of which we are all made. The type of oil chosen and the types of massage strokes you receive depend on why you are coming for a treatment. Abhyanga is recommended (but not mandatory) as a 7-14 package (one massage per day for 7 days or one massage per day for 14 days) as it is regarded in Ayurveda as a treatment and not as a one off massage. This is so that you experience the full therapeutic effects of this traditional form of healing.
Please ensure you read the FAQ's about Ayurvedic massage as well as the entire information on this page before you book a consultation. Type of massage received will depend on your condition as not all massages are suitable to everyone. Enquire to book a consultation.
Vasti - Hot Oil and Dough Therapy
In this treatment, warm medicated oil is poured over an area of the body and kept there with the help of dough (see gallery below for photos). When it is applied on the lower back for back pain, it is called Kadi Vasti. The same procedure can be used for painful conditions of the knees (Janu Vasti) and in the cervical region (Greeva Vasti). Depending on the area treated, you will lie down either in supine (up) or in prone (down) positions whilst the area is being treated. When enough oil has been absorbed by the skin the treatment concludes with a local massage. Vasti can be used for the following conditions: lower back pain, sciatica, slipped disk, crepitus of knee joints, swelling and stiffness of joints and cervical spondylosis. Vasti is recommended (but not mandatory) as a 7-14 package (one massage per day for 7 days or one massage per day for 14 days) as it is regarded in Ayurveda as a treatment and not as a one off massage.
Please ensure you read the FAQ's about Ayurvedic massage as well as the entire information on this page before you book a consultation. Type of massage received will depend on your condition as not all massages are suitable to everyone. Enquire to book a consultation.
Shiroabhyanga & Mukhabhyanga - Ayurvedic Head & Face Massage
According to traditional Indian Medicine (Ayurveda), the head is the most important part of the body because all the sense organs are located in it. Head massage (Shiroabhyanga) provides nourishment to all of the sense organs and promotes their natural functioning. A variety of Ayurvedic oils are used for this type of massage, chosen according to Ayurvedic principles that focus on keeping you in balance - body, mind and spirit. Some of the benefits of Shiroabhyanga include relaxation, reduction in frequency of headaches, encouraging hair growth and preventing hair fall, improving sleep, blood and lymph circulation. Mukhabhyanga (face massage) consists of applying herbal oil or paste on the face followed by a massage. Some products that may be used include saffron and turmeric creams.
Please ensure you read the FAQ's about Ayurvedic massage as well as the entire information on this page before you book a consultation. Type of massage received will depend on your condition as not all massages are suitable to everyone. Enquire to book a consultation.
