Ayurvedic massage

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The emphasis of Ayurveda is on personalized treatments which cater to the uniqueness of an individual. Ayurveda means "the science of life" and is an ancient Indian medical system adopted as a complementary or alternative medicine approach in the West. It considers people to consist of one of three "doshas" or types of energy – each of which requires its own approach. The three "doshas" are vata (air), pitta (fire) and kapha (water and earth).

Massage is just one aspect of the Ayurvedic approach and a practitioner may encourage you to consider other elements such as detoxification, yoga, nutritional supplements, and meditation. The key element which unites these approaches is the emphasis placed on tailoring them to your individual "dosha". It is possible to embrace Ayurveda as an entire way of life.

You will discuss your health and personal history with your therapist who will take the time to identify your own personal "dosha". This is based on a wide range of factors including physical appearance, general health characteristics, personality, and personal preferences. You will then be given privacy to disrobe and lie down on a couch in a calm, quiet space ready for treatment. Your therapist will use their hands, palms, fingers, and forearms to knead, tap, and squeeze as well as straightforwardly gliding over your muscles.

Ayurvedic masseurs are trained to focus on "marma" points, similar to the acupressure points used in Shiatsu. These are energetic areas and it is possible to release tensions and stresses from the body by accurate manipulation of "marma" points. In addition, the therapist will vary the strength and intensity of touch to suit your personal needs and you should give feedback on how the massage feels to you and whether you would like it to be lighter or deeper.

The therapist will use fragrant oils infused with herbs and these will be spread across your body by the massage and may even be gently immersed in your hair as part of a head massage. The oils will be specifically selected to match your "dosha". No two Ayurvedic massages are the same because each one is uniquely tailored to you. The therapist may utter repetitive and hypnotic mantras while the massage is under way. Again these will be chosen specifically for your "dosha" and are designed to enhance your sense of relaxation and wellbeing.

There are various kinds of Ayurvedic massage. It is possible just to have a head massage which will still bring benefits to the whole of your body. The name for a standard Ayurvedic oil massage is Abhangya. It is possible to have a preliminary skin brushing to help lymphatic drainage before your massage and this is known as Garshana-Abhangya. A very deep tissue massage accompanied by herbal oils is a Vishesh. One of the most hypnotic of all treatments is Ayurvedic Shirodhara when oil is poured onto the forehead in a way which induces deep meditation and relaxation. A steady stream of oil is poured onto your "third eye" and this is followed by a scalp massage and possibly a full body massage as well for the ultimate in relaxation.

Other options include a foot massage when the therapist uses their feet to apply a safe but very deep tissue massage and Udwarthanam, a slimming treatment involving herbal powders.

After the massage you may wish to have a leisurely and relaxing shower to clean off the oils which have been liberally applied.

Ayurvedic massage can have many positive qualities but is specifically designed to cleanse and detoxify your body and to boost your immune system. It also aims to promote general wellbeing and the alleviation of pain and chronic symptoms.

Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses

Fortis College

Massage Therapy

The program has been specifically designed to focus on allowing the student to gain a basic understanding of massage. Classroom instruction is combined with hands-on training in such areas as techniques of Swedish massage, anatomy, physiology, pathology, and kinesiology to successfully prepare students for entry-level employment in the massage industry.

Diploma, Associate.
Massage Therapy.
Pennsylvania, Virginia, Alabama, Florida.

Harrison College

Associate, Certificate.
Therapeutic and Clinical Massage, Therapeutic Massage Practitioner.
Indiana.

Arizona School of Massage Therapy

Diploma.
Professional Massage Therapy, Professional Massage Therapy Program.
Arizona.

Globe University

Diploma, Associate.
Massage Therapy Diploma, AAS Massage Therapy.
Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota.

National Holistic Institute

The skills needed for success in the rapidly growing, dynamic profession of massage therapy can be learned in our comprehensive 720 program. We offer a level of training second to none in our field.

Diploma.
Massage Therapist and Health Educator.
California.