Ayurveda



The Ancient Knowledge of Ayurveda Ayurveda is a term being heard increasingly in today's world. The word itself is derived from Sanskrit and means "science of life", and more and more people are beginning to experience the far reaching benefits of its warm pungent oils, exotic aromas and diverse massage techniques. It may all seem very new to us, but in actual fact Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest recognized forms of medicine and a complex and multi-layered lifestyle process dating back to India 5,000 years ago. Although Ayurveda is traditionally employed as a medicinal science under the guidance of a trained physician, it is also possible to benefit from its wonderful relaxing properties by having an Ayurvedic massage. Each of us has an individual constitution, or 'prakriti', based on the elements of air, fire, water, earth and ether, and by the doshic influences of vata, pitta and kapha. A simple questionnaire can help to determine your type; most people are a combination. Vata - air and ether elements - key words: cold, dry and irregular Vata types: Quick thinking Talkative Variable appetite Light or interrupted sleep Good short term memory, poor long term memory Unpredictable Pitta - fire and water elements - key words: hot, oily and irritable Pitta types: Intelligent; often aggressively so Clear, sometimes sharp speech Hearty appetite; can eat large quantities Light, uninterrupted sleep Good clear memory, can be fanatical in their beliefs Emotionally intense Kapha - water and earth elements - key words: cold, wet and stable Kapha types: Calm, rational thinkers - consider things carefully Slow, considered speech Slow, steady appetite Heavy sleepers and need a great deal of it! Good long term memory but slow to learn and with poor short term recall Loving and emotionally secure If one, or any, of the doshic elements is out of balance, balance can be restored through a combination of diet, lifestyle adjustments and massage. Ali trained in Ayurvedic massage under Dr. R. Bhagavan, B.A.M. at a specialised retreat in Tamil Nadu, India, and incorporates many Ayurvedic techniques and theories across her other therapies. She is particularly interested in how Ayurvedic knowledge may be used to ensure a healthier pre-conception lifestyle and enhance pregnancy, and is continuing her research into this area. Clients will be asked to remove all clothing except for underpants, and large quantities of oil are used. Indian Ayurvedic thailams typically contain a blend of around 24 herbs and can stain heavily, so please bear this in mind when decidiing what to wear! TREATMENT MENU Abhyanga Body massage (women only) 30 minutes £35.00 1 hour £65.00 The original, classic Ayurvedic body massage, recommended daily by Ayurvedic physicians for optimum health and wellbeing. Abhyanga is performed on a massage table using an Ayurvedic "thailam", or herbal oil, to suit your dosha. Ayurvedic massage differs from the types of body massage available in the West as it works to push toxins out of the body through a series of invigorating circular and sweeping movements which are both deeply relaxing and beneficial to circulation, as well as therapeutic. The hour-long 'abhyanga', or basic body massage, is a full body massage and therefore offered to women only. It may be adapted to be experienced safely after 12 weeks of pregnancy (an area in which Ali apecialises). Men may benefit from a half hour version of abhyanga which works on the back, or opt for a combined one hour head and back massage for £65.00. Head + Body massage combined Combine a half hour basic body massage (abhyanga) with Indian head massage - itself originally derived from Ayurvedic technique - for the ultimate in relaxation. 1 hour £65.00 Shirodhara Warm oil pouring 30 minutes £35.00 1 hour £65.00 The Ayurvedic treatment many people are familiar with. Lying on a bed underneath warm towels, warm oil is drizzled gently onto the forehead, over the space relating to the Third Eye. Treatment can last for 30 minutes or one hour and culminates in a gentle head massage. Deeply relaxing and, some say, almost hypnotically powerful, this treatment is unique to Ayurveda and allows you to drift off into a meditative state and 'safe place'. Large quantities of oil are used in the hair so you may wish to bring a towel or head covering; it is also important to keep the head warm following a shirodhara treatment. Why not combine a Shirodhara treatment with an Abhyanga body massage for the ultimate in relaxation? Shiroabhyanga Warm oil + head massage 1 hour 30 minutes £100.00 add 30 mins reflexology £135.00 The sheer, unadulterated bliss of body massage followed by half an hour of uninterrupted warm oil gently poured across your forehead. Combine with 30 minutes' reflexology for total head to toe pampering. Discounts are available for bookings of five or more consecutive treatments, payable in advance. Gift vouchers are available. Please note that due to the specialised equipment and oils involved, it is not possible to carry out Ayurvedic treatments on home visits.

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