Feet and hands are used to deliver deep, broad pressure
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage is a unique style of massage that combines deep tissue massage with co-ordinated breathwork and yoga stretching.
Like Thai massage, the session is performed on a mat for free movement and flow.
The deep tissue massage, using hands and feet as tools, helps to remove knots and adhesions in the muscles, releases tension and prepares the body of the receiver for assisted yoga stretching.
The use of the feet allows for deeper and more thorough pressure through long and graceful strokes, making this a perfect treatment for those who like an effective, deep massage.
Receivers are assisted into yoga asanas such as Cobra, to open and realign the body
Through synchronised breathwork, the receiver is led progressively deeper into assisted yoga postures that help correct postural imbalances and restore harmony to the body.
In keeping with the tradition of Ayurveda, oils and herbal powders are utilised for their healing properties. Pure organic sesame oil is mixed with the powdered root of the Calamus plant, leaving the skin moisturised and nourished. Calamus has been used as a healing plant for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and is now a valued component in the perfumery industry.
This unique, comprehensive approach to the body dissolves physical and emotional blocks, helps eliminate toxins, promotes correct posture, improves respiratory patterns, enhances energy levels, and leaves the receiver with a profound sense of well being.
Treatment length: at least 90 minutes for a basic treatment. The full sequence takes two hours/120 minutes.
Please note: the treatment is best carried out with the client wearing underwear or swimwear.
Well-known in India, where it was devised, based on Iyengar Yoga techniques, the treatment has also gained popularity in Brazil, but remains a well-guarded secret here in the UK, with only a handful of practitioners qualified to deliver treatments.
Sarah trained in Goa, India, with the Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Institute, where these pictures were taken.
The combination of deep pressure and assisted stretches opens the body physically and emotionally.
“I teach Iyengar Yoga and loved how Sarah and I worked together during the massage using yoga poses to gain opening in the muscles. I felt amazing and uplifted after.”
Janine Noblett, owner and lead instructor, Yoga Place North