A massage has very distinctive place in Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic system as a whole has evolved over time into two distinct branches: strengthening (Brimhana) and reducing (Langhana). Strengthening is simple and is design to increase or maintain the strength of the patient. It is very rare to meet a patient that requires only maintaining his or her good health and balanced lifestyle. In most cases my clients require reduction therapy to be given before strengthening therapies to clean and prepare the body for regeneration and rejuvenation.
Purpose of Yoga massage
What is the purpose of giving a massage? Answer to this question is not straightforward. Secret to effective yoga massage lies in defining a purpose of it by comparing the constitutions and the present state of the person. Only then, by working together with my clients I can determine if the massage is to be used as part of greater reducing therapy for example. Or in other cases it might be necessary to open and release deep connective tissue or perhaps to help remove toxins.
Ancient teachings are very clear on this approach and for every practitioner it is quite obvious that without understanding the purpose of therapy as well as the present condition of the patient and his or her unique nature, it is not an Ayurvedic practice.
In reducing therapy, the purpose is to eliminate excess in the body and elimination of toxins. This has the practical application in weight management or fighting obesity as well as addressing malefactions of the digestive system.
Reduction therapies are so powerful that not only eliminate excess from the body, but also reduce the overall strength and vitality. This is a part of a normal cycle as restoring natural balances in our bodies requires energy. Rejuvenating massage therapies can be given at the same time if client feels a sudden drop in vitality. Strengthening yoga massage can also be used with a great success on older people. Major benefit is that their stamina tends to increase and they become more resistant to disease. Light medicated oil massage for example is very strengthening.
Ayurvedic Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy yoga massage is a special treatment recommended for all Mums-to-be. Expectant mum’s and massage partner learn to give pregnancy massage using ancient Ayurvedic techniques. A one-on-one class is designed to improve the health of mother and baby. Most certainly this is a strengthening therapy design to sooth and calm. I will focus especially on the shoulders and use only certain selected oils and their bases. Use of oils in general should be avoided for the same reasons why certain spices should be avoided in your diet while pregnant. Regular massage during the second and third trimester of pregnancy gives similar benefits to full body massage.
Knowing the special needs of my pregnant clients, pregnancy massage can be combined with certain yoga poses to achieve the following benefits:
- Relief from muscle cramps, spasms, and pain.
- We will target the lower back, neck, hips, and legs.
- Reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.
- Reduces stress on weight-bearing joints.
- Enhances the pliability of skin and underlying tissues, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
- I will also provide support for the new mother with physical and emotional strains of mothering.