Ayurvedic Theraphy

What Is an Ayurvedic Massage?

Ayurvedic massage combines the 5,000-year-old Indian principles of Ayurveda—the science of life—and pressure points. This type of massage is designed to create balance among the mind, body, and spirit, and help the body heal itself. It’s sometimes referred to as an “oil massage” because it typically incorporates warm herb essential oils, as well as time-honored and non-traditional strokes and kneading that suit an individual’s needs.

How Is Ayurvedic Massage Different From Other Kinds of Massage?

Several factors set Ayurvedic massage apart from other kinds of massage, such as Thai and Swedish:

Ayurvedic Oils

In Ayurveda, the five elements that are found in all living things—space, air, fire, water, and earth—are considered the building blocks of life. These combine to create three mind-body principles, known as doshas, within the body: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). Everyone inherits a unique mix of the three doshas, although one is usually more dominant. Ayurvedic practices balance of the doshas to govern one’s physical and emotional health.

During an Ayurvedic massage, organic oil blends are infused with Ayurvedic herbs and heated to promote relaxation and detoxification. The oils are chosen to balance a person’s dominant dosha. At the right temperature, these oils enter the body through the skin and pores, bind to the ama (toxins), and are released to detoxify the body.

In comparison, Swedish massage incorporates oil primarily to facilitate relaxing strokes on the skin. And Thai massage uses no oil, which is why people are able to leave their clothes on during this kind of massage.

Energy and Intention

An Ayurvedic therapist focuses on clearing the energy channels in the body, moving and dislodging toxins, and balancing the chakras (energy centers).

Thai massage also works with the energy centers of the body. With Swedish massage, however, the approach focuses more on core anatomy and physiology rather than body energy lines.

Specific Movements

The style and flow of an Ayurvedic massage are determined by what an individual needs. The massage therapist will typically use massage techniques including tapping, kneading, and squeezing, as well as traditional massage strokes. Movement flow can be quick or drawn out, depending on a person’s needs. The overall approach increases circulation and lymphatic drainage. Some spas provide two therapists working on one person simultaneously.

Thai massage works with compression—in addition to pulling, stretching, and rocking—that’s directed into muscle tissues by either the hands or fingers. Thai massage usually takes place on a mat on the floor, and the person receiving the massage wears loose or stretchy clothing. The massage therapist is also on the mat and moves the person’s entire body into various stretches and positions. Swedish massage centers on relieving muscle tension through soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on the topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints.