Ayurvedic massage: what it is and how to recognise it
Environment — di Annalisa Betti
We've all heard of ayurvedic massage, but what exactly is it? And how can you tell whether the person performing it is following the correct protocol?
Ayurvedic massage: what it is and how to recognise it
We've all heard of ayurvedic massage, but what exactly is it? And how can you tell whether the person performing it is following the correct protocol?
An ayurvedic massage should really be described as more of a holistic treatment, one that involves not only the body but also the mental and emotional dimensions. Ayurveda is an extremely ancient practice, born in India several millennia ago; it only began to be written about around 400 BC, in the Indian sacred texts. The Sanskrit term "Ayurveda" means "knowledge of life" and denotes a lifestyle and approach to wellbeing that encompasses a specific diet, meditation, yoga and, of course, massage.
What it is for
Ayurvedic massage was developed to keep the body and mind in balance. Each of us carries within us three bio-physical forces known as Doshas, but one tends to predominate over the others to a greater or lesser degree, determining what is called our individual constitution, or Prakriti. On this basis, the massage is structured so as to instil wellbeing and balance, as well as energy.
The three Doshas
In general, the vata dosha constitution (a term referring to ether and air) is attributed to people characterised by slenderness, lightness and the ability to think in abstract terms; the pitta dosha (meaning fire and water) to people whose traits include courage, willpower, impulsiveness, a sturdy build and magnetic eyes; the kapha constitution (earth and water) is instead attributed to people who are large, solid and robust, with a marked inner generosity.
How to recognise a good ayurvedic practitioner
To assess the competence of practitioners who perform ayurvedic massage, we have at least three criteria at our disposal — three questions we can ask to establish whether the person in front of us is truly knowledgeable about the subject.
There is not just one type of massage
"Which ayurvedic massage?" — this question represents the first criterion available to us for checking the competence of the practitioner we have chosen. The answer will very likely be: "The traditional one." It is worth bearing in mind, however, that in India there are at least five thousand types of ayurvedic massage, and they are all traditional. It is worth pointing this out: a practitioner who really knows their subject will be able to go into the historical and "philosophical" details of what they do, explaining precisely which type of massage they are going to offer you. In this case, we will know that we are dealing with a competent person.
A question about the "doshic constitution"
If the person performing the massage knows what prakriti is — that is, the psycho-physical constitution (also known as the doshic constitution) according to the principles of Ayurveda — and can suggest what ours might be, then they are likely to know their subject; if, conversely, they appear unfamiliar with this term, we will be perfectly justified in wanting to change centre.
The importance of oil
Performing an ayurvedic massage also requires a specific oil in keeping with the individual's doshic constitution. For example, the pitta dosha constitution calls for a coconut or sandalwood oil, or possibly rice oil; for the vata dosha, a gentler almond oil would be preferable; for a kapha dosha constitution, a jojoba oil is used instead, as it warms the body and promotes blood circulation. This is by no means a minor detail. The use of a "generic" massage oil, always the same for everyone, can undermine the authenticity of the practice being carried out.
The oil used can make the difference between a pleasant massage and a negative experience, because the sense of smell is one of the most primitive senses we possess, one of the first to develop, and the one most intensely connected to the most instinctive and ancient part of the brain.
A good massage oil must be able to reduce the friction of the movements applied without being too greasy or leaving residue; it must also be able to moisturise and nourish the skin, meaning it must be easily absorbed. With the addition of a few carefully chosen essential oils, a knowledgeable practitioner can simultaneously and effectively practise aromatherapy.
Training: things to know
Finally, a word on certificates: these mean everything and nothing, given that they carry no legal weight; the only recognised qualifications for practitioners are those of professional aesthetician and physiotherapist, the latter now known as a graduate in Rehabilitation Sciences.
That said, if the school attended by the chosen practitioner enjoys a certain reputation, that does carry some meaning — though only as a way of certifying their training, guaranteed by the seriousness and standing of the institution that offered the course.
Now that we know enough about ayurvedic massage, we can choose our centre with confidence and discover our Prakriti!