Ayurvedic Massage

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 Birla Center for Hast Jyotish, 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. Generally, disturbances in the doshas can be corrected in time by using the ayurvedic system of massage.

An ayurvedic session with one of our therapists will include deep tissue 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.

Due to its enhancing effects, it has been used traditionally by brides-to-be in India 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."

* Our massage therapists are certified by Corporation des intervenants en médecine alternative (Alternative Medicine Practitioners Corporation / C.I.M.A.)