Ayurvedic massage

Ayurvedic massage is a term of Indian origin and comes from the term Ayurveda, which means Indian medicine. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates into "science of life" - ayur meaning life or life force and veda meaning science or knowledge.

According to Ayurveda, traditional Indian massage purifies the body, facilitates the flow of energy, unwinds tensions, removes blockages and creates a sense of well being. The aim is to eliminate toxins deep-seated in the body via natural ways.

Traditional Ayurvedic massage helps maintain or restore balance within the body, which is a sign of good health. It also provides relaxation and well being.

Everyone can find an Ayurvedic massage to suit him to improve his well being because there are several types of massage techniques, such as kansu, which is a massage of the feet using a bowl.

The tridoshas (or "humours") are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, the three doshas concept is underlying the Ayurvedic mdicine system. Their energy governs our physical and psychological state. Often, we are a mixture of the doshas; one dominant and the others weaker. When these doshas are in equilibrium, we are in good health. Their imbalance causes ill health.

HOW CAN YOU DEFINE YOUR MAIN DOSHA AND MAKE THE MOST OF THE CORRESPONDING MASSAGE?

VATA (Air and Ether): corresponds to the impulse. It is required to mobilise the nervous system, responsible for movements of body fluids, elimination, breathing, blood circulation. Vata represents change.

Vata people have thin dry skin. Hair is dry , coarse, thick, dark .

The face is long and angular. The body is rather light and lean with narrow hips and shoulders but prominent joints. This dosha has little muscular development.

Temperament of a Vata person : nervous and irritable, sensitive, fearful, anxious, and who can be lazy in action. But also creative, very active but poor stamina. Generally these are timid people who do not like cold drinks.

PITTA (consists of Fire and Water): represents energy, governs digestion, assimilation and is very important for metabolism. Pitta is responsible for all biochemical activities, it represents the comprehension and assimilation mental experiences.

Pitta people tend to have fair skin and hair, prone to freckles, with signs of aging appearing early (wrinkles, grey hair). Neither thin nor fat, a Pitta person has a strong appetite and frequent thirst.

Temperament of a Pitta person: driven, active with precise and logic thoughts, enjoys leadership roles and competition, can get angry. This is the temperament of intellectuals who love knowledge and theories.

KAPHA (consists of Water and Earth): represents body fluid, relates to mucous, lubrication as well as stability of the mind. This dosha is more regular than other doshas, it acts as their basis and represents the construction of the body, especially its hydration.

Kapha people have thick clammy skin and oily, thick, wavy hair. The face is wide and round. Their body is well proportioned, their stature is broad-based and robust. This dosha does not feel the lack of food or drink.

Temperament of a Kapha person: inhibited, does not like change, can be possessive. A Kapha person is relaxed with a calm temperament, slow, his mind is critical. Takes time to learn but has prolonged memory and good stamina. This dosha is quite sociable and has . A Kapha person has a strong resistance to disease and strong fertility during sex.