Discover how this ancient massage technique can soothe, relax and rejuvenate. Bring it on.
- What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient lifestyle practice which originated in India over 5000 years ago. The word is taken from the Sanskrit and translates as ‘knowledge of life’. The practice of Ayurveda is a holistic way of living that encompasses not just Ayurvedic massage, but also medicine, diet, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies.
- What are the principles of Ayurveda?
The general belief is that everything in the universe, including human beings, are made up of five elements – space, air, fire, water and earth. These combine to create three bio-physical forces (known as Doshas) within the human body and are called Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). Everyone inherits a unique mix of the three Doshas, although one is usually more dominant. It is the balance of these, which governs our physical and emotional health.
- What happens in an Ayurvedic massage?
In the body massage, the masseuse will use different massage techniques including tapping, kneading and squeezing as well as traditional massage strokes. She will use warmed oil that contains therapeutic herbs, which, when the oil soaks into the skin, will help to detoxify the body. You’re encouraged to leave the oil on your skin for as long as possible after the massage.
- Why is oil so important in Ayurveda?
The Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic treatise states that “Ayurvedic oils strengthen the metabolic fires, purify the intestines, remove toxins from the tissues, rejuvenate the body, prevent ageing and bestow the user with a lifespan of 100 years.” While we can’t make any promises about the last claim, one of the key areas of Ayurveda is a treatment called Shirodhara. This is where warmed oil is dripped from a specially designed vessel onto the forehead where the ‘Third Eye’ chakra is, which deals with spiritual reflection and insight. Ahhhh….
- What can the treatment help with?
Ideally, Ayurvedic massage would be combined with other principles within Ayurveda, such as diet and exercise. However, the massage may help boost the immune system, detoxify and cleanse, reduce stress, improve circulation, promote healthy skin and repair the body. It’s also really really soothing.