The Science of Living

How the Indians do it

Ayurveda is a complete package dedicated to the science of living in harmony. The theory is based on all things are made up of a element make-up. This make up is called your Prakruti- a combination of doshas. Doshas are Vata, Pitta & Kapha, by working out what Prakruti you are it is simple to determine what sort of lifestyle you should lead in order to live a balanced existence. Your Vikrutri is your present state of doshic balance and this determines what sort of treatment you will recieve.

Ayurveda has methods to insightfully look at an individuals constituion enabling the practitioner to help with dietary needs, massage application and meditation practise. Thus Ayurveda is similiar to Lifestyle Enhancement Coaching.

Outside of the medical aspect of Ayurveda- herbalism, surgery and Panchakarma (powerful detoxification process) which are only practised by Ayurvedic doctors, Ayurvedic Practitioner's can offer elements of Panchakarma such as massage therapy.

These luxurious yet powerfully rejuvenating therapies restore energy within an individual by inducing deep states of rest and invigorating techniques.

Abhyanga- Technically the word means 'massage' but this style is performed by two (yes that's 4 hands) therapists. Long deep strokes in a synchronized fashion gives the client double the effect of rest and restoration. After the warm oil is massaged into the skin, a selection of herbs, flours or compresses maybe used where appropriate for your needs. Aside from general relaxation , this is a powerful treatment to boost the immune system.

Marma Massage- A complete and thorough deep massage involving long deep strokes and working on specific points to simply regenerate. Taken from Kalarippayat, an Indian Martial Art, these marma points where studied in order to cause severe damage such as paralysis. Whent he same points are treated ina different way, the flow of prana (energy) that moves through them can help regenerate the human system.

Shiro-Bhyanga- Popularly known as Indian Head Massage. The upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, scalp & face are treated. At your discretion oil maybe used on the head. This stimulates all things involved in the head! Memory, clarity of mind, stimulate hair growth, depression, insomnia and particualrly good for treating youn people. It's great for condtions such as anger management and ADHD.

Shirodhara- The Grandmother of all head massages here! When I studied this and guinea pigged for the practical the experience was very relaxaing as well as intense. I got up the next day and completed a 4,000 word paper on Ayurveda! Warm, medicated oils are poured as a thin stream over the brow. This trickling warm oil effect through the hair and scalp massages the pineal gland, controlling the entire central nervous system and really changes things for you as an individual. The effects are like an hour long meditation. The warm oil pouring over Ajna (The Third Eye) helps with focusing awareness on the perception we have of ourselves and others. Several consecutive treatments have incredible beneifts.

Yoga Massage- The root of Thai Massage. Long deep strokes are applied to the whole body to aid relaxation, followed by mobilisation and stretching techniques to increase suppleness and assist lymphatic flow. This is further followed by using the feet to massage the major muscles in the body, You will be amazed at how much the body opens up.