About Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda is considered to be the traditional system of medicine in India and means the “knowledge of life/ Science of life”. It is a system that incorporates the qualitative and holistic science of health and longevity and is based on a philosophy and system of healing that addresses a person’s body, mind and social surroundings.

The exact origins of this system are lost in time. Legend says it was taught by the creator, Brahma, to the Prajapati Daksha. Historians have not pin-pointed the exact time Ayurveda came into existence. Most agree that Ayurvedic classical texts were written in India between 3,500 and 5,000 years ago, though some suggest an even more distant time.

In Ayurveda and its philosophy all matter is thought to be composed of five basic elements which exhibit the properties of earth, water, fire, wind and space. These elements don’t exist in isolated forms but always as a combination in which one or more element is dominant. This is also referred to as Tridosha or three humors. These Doshas are the physiological factors of the body and are seen to be as all pervasive, subtle entities. They are categorized into Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Ayurveda offers us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas (Prakruti) and based on that, design treatment protocols that specifically address a person’s health issues by considering their lifestyle, diet, thought patterns and spiritual practices.
Ayurvedic massage is just one aspect of the system of Ayurveda. Clients constitution of Doshas will influence the choice of oil used throughout the massage and will also have an influence on the intensity of treatment.

Some of the benefits of Ayurvedic massages are:

  • Increase of body heat and circulation
  • Increase of flow of oxygen to all tissues
  • Removal (flushing out) of toxins
  • Improvement of immunity by increasing bodies resistance levels
  • Feeling of lightness, activity and vitality
  • Improvement of awareness and sensitivity of nerve supply of the spine
  • Enhancement of body awareness