What to expect during an Ayurvedic Yoga Massage

This is your massage and whilst the massage is usually across the whole body this can focus on areas that need more attention.  

• • The massage will begin with establishing a connection between you and the therapist.   We will focus on the breath as this help the nervous system to relax.
  • The session is delivered on a mat on the floor , this allows you to feel more grounded and at one with the environment and allows the therapist to move around freely building a greater connection with you and your body.  
  • The session includes an oil massage and sesame oil is traditionally used in Ayurveda - this oil is easily absorbed into the skin and has both moisturising and rejuvenating qualities.  An Ayurvedic powder is also applied from the ground root of Acorus calamus a wetland plant in the sweetflag family. This gives a gentle exfoliating feeling, but mainly helps improve circulation and warm up the tissues, intensifying the benefits of the massage.
  • The massage involves hand or hands and feet which gradually warms up and softens muscle tissues and fascia , relaxes the body and mind, helps improve circulation. 
  • The oil massage is supported by gentle mobilisations, tractions and assisted (passive) yoga stretches. These help lengthen the tissues in a functional way, useful if you’ve had injuries. Through these gentle movements we help relax the tendons and ligaments, and improve the circulation and promote natural healing in joints.
  • The massage concludes with space for relaxation and an additional yoga Nidra session can be a beneficial addition if you are looking for a whole body / mind experience. 

Why is Ayurvedic Yoga Massage beneficial?

• Ayurvedic Yoga Massage works with both oil massage and movements, meaning your body gains all the benefits of both.
• The massage is person centred and the therapist will take time to understand your needs and your limits so you feel comfortable with the treatment to avoid feeling over or under worked.
• Combining working close to your limits and using breathing to help activate the parasympathetic nervous system helps release tension from even the most ‘stuck’ parts of your body.  Your body may feel more open and spacious as a result. 
• The mindful touch and deep, relaxed breathing that AYM offers helps retrain the nervous system to not react to stretching or moving parts of the body that you may associate with discomfort or pain.  This can be helpful for moving you out of chronic pain.
• Ayurvedic Yoga Massage offers a yin/yang approach between movement and openness with  massage and stillness.  Combining breath work alongside can help you to feel centred or grounded, relaxed and at ease , less likely to experience restlessness and  maybe even feel increased clarity of thought.