Press Pause Ayurvedic . . .

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a life system encompassing meditation, exercise, diet and therapies based on ones individual Dosha (constitution). It is an ancient lifestyle practice which aims to create harmony within the body. Practised widely in India, it works on the belief that all life forms have a "Dosha" - a unique mix of energies known as "Vata", "Pitta" and "Kapha", similar to that of the elements. Vata is a composite of the elements air and ether, Pitta is a composite of the elements fire and water and kapha is a composite of the elements of water and earth. A person's Dosha determines the kind of lifestyle that is balancing and healthy for them, including the sorts of food they should eat and the amount and type of exercise they should do.

What is Ayurvedic massage good for?

When combined with other Ayurvedic principles (eating a range of food prescribed by one's Dosha, for example, or exercising at certain times of the day), the massage is designed to:

* detoxify and cleanse

* boost the effectiveness of the immune system

* keep healthy people in good health

* help those with medical conditions to improve their overall well-being.

For The Body:

A range of Ayurvedic massages for the whole of the body

All oils used in the Ayurvedic treatments are supplied by Pukka Herbs, a divine range of organic ayurvedic body care to help you feel your best. (www.pukkaherbs.com)

Shiro-Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Indian head massage

Warm oil is used to massage into the scalp and hair. The massage stimulates the scalp, nourishes the hair roots and hair, relieves mental fatigue, help enhances mental clarity and focus, and balances mind, body and soul. Traditional oils for this purpose have beneficial herbal extracts combined with base oil for added benefit. Brahmi is famous in Ayurveda, it can help improve focus and calm the mind, promote a better quality of sleep, enhance memory, balance emotions and help withstand the effects of day-to-day stress.

Mukh-Abhyanga - Ayurvedic face massage and marma therapy

Stress has become for many of us so much part of our day to day life. This continual stress can lead to disease and premature ageing. Tension can build up within our facial muscles from the pressures of everyday life without us realising it. This can encourage ageing and the formation of wrinkles as the face loses its muscle tone and elasticity and begins to sag.

Special Ayurvedic facial oils are used according to Individual Dosha types. This unique Ayurvedic massage works primarily by freeing constrictions both within the facial muscles and in the connective tissue. Specific energy points (Marma Points) are pressed to help restore balance, relax and relieve stress lines. This treatment will leave your skin feeling invigorated and alive.

Abhyanga: An individually prepared herbal oil massage

Traditionally, abhyanga massage is performed in the morning, to clarify the mind and stimulate the client for the day. The massage commences with an Ayurvedic Indian Head massage with the client in a seated position followed by the client laying down on a massage bed. The therapist pours warmed and specially formulated oil liberally over the clients body. Sesame and coconut oils are commonly used, along with an assortment of herbs based on the clients Dosha. The oil is allowed to soak in for several minutes before the massage therapist begins, using rhythmic, gentle strokes with the whole palm.

Abhyanga massage differs from many Western massage techniques in that it is not deep. It is meant to nourish the body with touch and rich oil, and while it certainly promotes healthy circulation and and joints, it does not deeply penetrate the soft tissues of the body.

An abhyanga massage can last up to an hour. After the massage is over, the client is encouraged to shower to take a steamy bath to encourage absorption of the oil. A regular routine of abhyanga massage can be very beneficial for the skin.

Vishesh: A deep muscular massage using herbal oils

Vishesh is a deep and vigorous, stimulating massage using Ayurvedic oils that activates circulation, breaks up toxic adhesions, stimulates lymphatic flow and guides impurities out of the body. The massage uses herbal oils that are chosen to suit your Dosha. The massage techniques used include tapping, kneading and squeezing as well as the more traditional massage strokes one might be used to. The style and flow of the massage is determined by who you are and what your body needs for balance and well being at the time.

The Ayurvedic therapist is trained to focus on the 'Marma' points - energy access points, some familiar or the same as those used in acupuncture, acupressure, reflexology and martial arts.

Udvartana: A slimming treatment involving deep massage with herbal powders

During this stimulating massage, dry herbs are incorporated with your individual Dosha oil, in order to create friction on the surface of the skin. The friction increases blood circulation, helping to oxygenate the cells and stimulate the removal of toxins. It promotes weight loss and clears away clogging impurities that might cause problems such as cellulite.

The Udvartana massage cleanses and refines the skins texture and gives the skin a soft, silky texture and lustrous glow. It also improves the tone of the skin, improves digestive capacity, awakens energy source and alleviate sluggish