Ayurvedic massage: what is it about?

Ayurvedic massage  is an integral and essential part of Ayurvedic medicine . Ayurvedic massage aims to bring the body and mind into balance. According to Ayurvedic medicine, each being has specific constitutional characteristics and can develop certain imbalances or disorders.

The massage, together with dietetics and yoga , allows to attenuate the extremes of each constitution, promoting self-healing and health .

Ayurvedic massage consists of different techniques , or protocols, depending on the constitution on which it acts and the objectives it sets. The rebalancing massage is performed on the whole body, while other maneuvers are more specific and act on the head, feet, back and sense organs, or on the joints.

Associated with Ayurvedic massage is the use of particular oils or herbs : a good school should also provide information on the connection of the various Ayurvedic remedies to each other.

Read also Ayurvedic treatment >>

Where to learn Ayurvedic massage

Ayurvedic massage, being part of Ayurvedic medicine, cannot be taught regardless of its principles. It is possible to undertake a course of study that embraces the whole of Ayurveda , just as it is possible to concentrate only on massage.

Characteristics of a good Ayurvedic massage school are:

> presence of a complementary course in anatomy and physiology ;

> teaching the principles of Ayurvedic philosophy and medicine ;

> seminars on self -listening and listening to others ;

> practical seminars of Ayurvedic massage , including the use of oils; therefore teaching of massages to rebalance Vata, Pitta and Kapha, as well as specific treatments such as Shirodara, part of the Angabyangam (or “partial” massages), massage of the sense organs: eyes, ears, nose; head and foot massage, and foot massage, massahhio with joint mobilization, specific for circulation and back; finally there is also the self-massage and the direct stimulation massage of the Marma points;

> professional ethics and deontology course in the areas of application.

Among the best known schools we can mention:

> the Lumen association of San Pietro in Cerro , an ecovillage based in the Province of Piacenza , offers specific training in Ayurvedic massage, accompanied by courses in Ayurvedic medicine; the course of study is well articulated, and allows you to acquire the theoretical foundations and practical skills to perform Ayurvedic massage, and experience it on yourself and on others. The teachers are naturopaths and professionals of various disciplines who practice the profession at the headquarters and at various facilities throughout Italy;

> the Ashram Joytinat is a structure where Ayurveda is lived every day and transmitted through the multi-year training course for massage and medicine operators; organizes retreats to better understand the philosophy that underlies Indian medicine, yoga, Ayurveda, dietetics, teaching the way of health according to Ayurveda;

> Ayurveda International Academy offers qualified and well-structured courses, operates in Florence and offers a broad overview of Ayurvedic philosophy and medicine.