Ayurvedic
massage is practised throughout India, as a way of life. Its time-honored healing
techniques have held a universal appeal not only for physicians and clinical
therapists, but for families as well.Ayurvedic Massage
Vata Pitta Kapha
Ayurvedic
massage is practised throughout India, as a way of life. Its time-honored healing
techniques have held a universal appeal not only for physicians and clinical
therapists, but for families as well.
In the west, the practice of ayurveda is gaining momentum, as individuals are
becoming more aware of alternative yet non-invasive healing systems. At the
Palmistry Center and the Birla Center in Chénéville, our team
of therapists employs the same techniques of massage as they are practised in
India today.
Ayurveda, the science of longevity, is based on the premise that our body, as
a microcosm of nature embodies the five universal elements of earth, water,
fire, air and ether. These elements, called Panch Tattwas, correspond respectively
to our sense of smell, taste, sight, touch and hearing. The elements can be
further reduced to three fundamental constitutions (doshas in ayurveda) which
are called kapha, pitta and vata.
Kapha, represented by
water and earth, governs structure and stability. Kapha lubricates our joints
allowing for ease of movement. Our skin maintains its suppleness and texture
through this dosha. Due to the deliberate and slow moving nature of kapha, one
can become lethargic which can lead to weight problems. Ten percent of illnesses
are caused by imbalanced kapha.
Pitta, represented by
fire, governs enzymatic and hormonal activity, digestion, skin pigmentation,
body temperature, thirst, hunger and eyesight. Pitta people are intelligent,
perceptive and visionary. However, their intense, perfectionist nature can result
in agitation as they can become overly critical and demanding. Thirty percent
of illnesses are caused by imbalanced pitta.
Vata, represented by
air and ether, governs the nervous system. Vata people are imaginative, full
of ideas, creative and fast moving, but they must guard against being overstimulated
which can lead to nervous disorders. Sixty percent of illnesses are caused by
imbalanced vata.
Health is achieved when the doshas are integrated together as a harmonized trinity.
Disturbances in the doshas, however, can be corrected in time by using the ayurvedic
system of massage.
An ayurvedic session with one of our therapists will include deep muscle massage
and the application of medicinal oils and herbs.Oil in general prevents dryness,
increases the suppleness of the skin, and prevents many of the effects of premature
aging. Benefits vary depending on the oils used. One well-known beauty treatment
in ayurveda is a paste called ubtan which combines various herbs and oils to
smoothen the skin and leave a healthy glow. Brides-to-be in India use this treatment
before their wedding day.
A massage with ubtan takes time in order for the herbs to penetrate deeply into the skin and to fully dry. Removal of the paste itself is an important aspect of the massage. The friction created as the ubtan is removed is both invigorating while stimulating blood circulation. Ultimately, ubtan can be seen as a “cure-all” as it helps reestablish a homeostasis in body chemistry.
In addition, during your session, your therapist may draw upon various aspects
of vibratory healing such as magnet, sound and color therapy.
People
of all ages can benefit from ayurvedic massage. As Harish Johari says in Ancient
Indian Massage: “Body heat and vitality increase as the heart and the
circulatory system open up to provide fresh oxygen and vital energy to all parts
of the body while simultaneously flushing out waste, gases and toxins.”
100-minute ayurvedic massage (abhyanga): $150
250-minute ayurvedic massage (udvartana) with ubtan: $400
20-minute Shirodhara: $45