Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurvedic massage is one of the many techniques used in Ayurveda for both treatment and prevention of disease. Originating in India, Ayurveda is one of the oldest, most comprehensive medicine systems in the world.

Ayurvedic massage involves the application of warm herbalised oils to rejuvenate and balance your body. The herbal oil is selected according to your condition and is applied with sweeping flowing strokes. The correct choice of oil is what determines the effectiveness of a traditional Ayurvedic massage.

In Ayurvedic massage, the emphasis is on the benefits of the herbal oil application rather than deep pressure massage.

For conditions requiring deep tissue massage, Kalari Marma Massage is recommended as it combines herbal oil application with specialised massage techniques, kizhi (herbal poultices) and marma applications.

The external application of warm herbalised oil plays a major role in Ayurvedic treatment. Herbal oil is a transport mechanism for delivering herbs into the deeper tissues. When the warmed herbal oils are applied in a treatment, the pores of the skin are opened due to the warmth. This allows the healing properties of the herbs to more deeply penetrate the affected tissues. When herbs are used in this manner, they also help to pull impurities out of the body.

Ayurvedic herbal oils are made by cooking selected herbs into a base oil, such as black sesame or coconut oil. It is the particular combination of herbs used and their ratio that determines the specific actions of the herbal oil.

All our Ayurvedic herbal oils are made in Kerala, in Southern India. They strictly follow the recipes in the classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam, Sahasra Yogam, etc.

Ayurvedic massage can be carried out as a single treatment or it can be used as a preparation for, or along with, other treatments.

Depending on the purpose of the Ayurvedic massage, various treatments can be given along with this massage to enhance the effects such as:

Kizhi

A kizhi is a bundle of medicinal herbs, heated in oil and applied to the body. The hot oil activates the medicine within the Kizhi allowing it to be absorbed deep into the muscles. Kizhi (also known as Pinda Sweda) promotes the removal of inflammatory blocks, improving circulation and reducing body stiffness and pain.

Swedana (Herbal steam therapy)

Swedana is the process of inducing sweat with the help of steam, generated from herbal decoctions. Heat makes it easier for toxins to be released from the tissues, so Swedana after oil massage will maximise the detoxification.

Shirodhara

Shirodhara involves the pouring of warm herbalised oil over your forehead from a hanging pot. It is a powerful treatment for reducing stress and nervous tension. The benefits of Shirodhara are enhanced after an oil massage when the body is already relaxed.

Nasya

Nasya involves the administration of herbal oils through the nasal passage. Nasya is a powerful cleansing technique of the sinuses and the effects are increased after a massage.