Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India, which originated there over 5,000 years ago.

Ayurveda emphasizes re-establishing balance in the body through diet, lifestyle, exercise, body cleansing and a balance with nature.

The body, mind, and spirit are all part of this process.

Ayurveda is a ‘whole’ medical system meaning it is based on theories of health and illness, and on methods of preventing and treating health conditions.

All of the above applies to Ayurvedic Massage as well.    Ayurveda , Ayur- Life, Veda- Knowledge.

With this definition we can see that Ayurveda is a very holistic and balanced form of medicine that can greatly improve the life of those who follow it’s practices.

Ayurvedic Massage has roots in India and also some in Western , Japanese and even Greek cultures.

Ayurvedic Doctor’s who were also wrestler’s developed a special system of their own that contained the knowledge of the Ayurvedic and Undane (Greek) systems of medicine.

These techniques are based on the Dosha’s ( metabolic type’s) and Marma’s ( pressure points) similar to those in Reflexology and Shiatsu .  Many of the Marma’s ( pressure points) correspond to those in Western reflexology and Japanese Shiatsu.

This massage modality is performed on the floor and requires deep tissue stroke’s performed, at times, with the feet.

The Dosha’s or metabolic types are- Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Find your Dosha,   http://www.whatsyourdosha.com/index.php

These Dosha’s can, according to Ayurveda, account for some of our individual differences.

Specific Ayurvedic techniques have been developed for Massage Therapy as well.

Panchakarma, translated as ‘ five actions ‘ which are,

• Nasya- Nasal Therapy
• Vamana- emesis or vomiting
• Virechana- Purging
• Two kinds of Vasti :
• Nirooha Vasti and Sneha Vasti- Both Therapeutic Cleansing

These techniques are specific to certain illnesses and should only be practiced and performed under the supervision of an Ayurvedic Doctor or Vaidya (vi-dyah) in sanskrit, ” one who knows” .

Ayurvedic medicine has a rich history in an ancient culture and can offer a holistic approach toward treating and maintaining our health and the health of those we care for.

” Choose each day to be blissful and complete, a whole person well cared for by you “

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