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.

According to Ayurveda, health is not merely considered to be a state of freedom from ailments and diseases, but rather a state of enjoying uninterrupted physical, mental and spiritual happiness and fulfilment.

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

- Medicines are free from toxicity

- The same treatments can be done for healthy individuals as well as for those experiencing illness

- 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

- Ayurveda is near to nature and looks at nature as a medicine and tool to heal you

- 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

- It has a simple method of diagnosing

- Panchakarma therapy is a purification method which is essential to Ayurveda

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 receive a prayer before the start of every massage.

Depending on your body type and the imbalances determined in your consultation, I will be able to recommend a type of massage treatment for you to achieve better health as well as give you guidance on other areas. Ayurvedic massage is merely one of the ways you can achieve a more balanced state of being. Other ways to achieve this include diet, lifestyle, meditation and yoga.

From May 2023, I will also be able to provide more in-depth consultations when I finish my Diploma in Ayurveda and advise on diet, meditation, lifestyle and other types of Ayurvedic treatments such as Panchakarma Therapy purification methods.

How it works

All Ayurvedic massages require a 45 minute face-to-face consultation, which includes pulse diagnosis. 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.

Please note that after your consultation I may consult with Ayurvedic doctors I am affiliated with in India to ensure you receive the most appropriate course of treatment. I may also signpost you to them should this be necessary.

If you are interested in having a consultation or finding out more about how Ayurveda could help you please don't hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

Prices

£110 for 1st appointment (includes zoom consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor in India and 1x 60-90 minute massage)

£75 for follow-up appointments lasting between 60-90 minutes

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वंतरये
अमृतकलश हस्ताय सर्वामयविनाशनाय
त्रिलोक्यनाथाय श्री महाविष्णवे नमः

Ayurvedic massages

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 your consultation form as they are tailored to your condition. 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.

Navarakizhi - Bolus Bag Massage with Medicated Rice

This Ayurvedic massage is a favourite for the purposes of body nourishment, rejuvenation and relaxation. The massage is done in seven different positions with a linen bag (aka bolus) containing an unctuous mixture of sesame oil, cow's milk, bala root and cooked rice which is repeatedly dipped into hot, medicated milk. Benefits include: improved circulation, help with neuro-muscular conditions such as chronic rheumatism, osteoarthritis and diseases of the nervous system. It's also very effective for insomnia, high blood pressure and diabetes. At the end of this massage, you will be provided with everything you need to have a shower before you leave so that you can rinse the mixture from the bolus bag off your body. Navarakizhi is recommended (but not mandatory) as a 7-14 massage (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.

Podikizhi - Bolus Bag Massage with Medicated Powder

Podikizhi is a method of therapeutic sweating. The body is massaged thoroughly with linen bags containing medicated powder; I use Kolakulathadi Choorna (horsegram, blackgram, sesame seeds, etc) imported from South Kerala in India. The linen bags are then regularly warmed up in a hot pan with coconut or sesame oil. At the end of this massage, you will be provided with everything you need to have a shower before you leave so that you can rinse the mixture from the bolus bag off your body. Podikizhi is recommended (but not mandatory) as a 7-14 massage (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.

Udwarthanam - Dry Massage with Medicated Powder

Dry medicated powder - Kolakulathadi Choorna - is used in this treatment where it is rubbed all over the body in upward strokes. It is of mild temperature and a deeper massage than other Ayurvedic massages. Udwarthanam has several benefits: helps melt away excess Kapha dosha, promotes skin health and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, helps with excess sweating, skin diseases, promotes energy flow and re-energises the body thus relieving symptoms of heaviness and tiredness. At the end of this massage, you will be provided with everything you need to have a shower before you leave so that you can rinse the medicated powder off your body. Udwarthanam is recommended (but not mandatory) as a 7-14 massage (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.

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 or in prone position 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.

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 or Ksheerabala 101 oil.

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