Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurvedic massage comes from mixture of native Indian Buddhist and Hindu traditions that focus on the senses. The Ayurvedic massage techniques are often called hard body massage because of their forceful methods. The doctrine considers that humans are intricately connected by their life force to the environment as well as all other life forms.
An Ayurvedic treatment does not necessarily cure the problem but it will help the release negative energy and toxins from the tissue for better health. Certain problems relating to the muscles can be cured through massage therapy though an Ayurvedic practitioner focuses on marmas or pressure points within the body to promote healing. This is one of the first ancient Asian techniques to be popular in the west since Shiatsu.
The concept of Ayurveda is considered a remedy for pain. Massaging certain points of the head for example can relieve more than just a headache according to Ayurvedic doctrine.
For example a pain in the jaw can indicate tension and not just dental problems whereas a pain in the back of the head is related to urinary tract issues. Though many consider it a quack treatment, it certainly cannot hurt when used alongside conventional medicine.
It have been proven however to have a real effect on diseases such as sciatica, insomnia, arthritis, and blood pressure among others. One of the most important tools in Ayurveda is self massage.
Ayurvedic self massage is a daily ritual involving essential oils. When the skin is stimulated through touch or massage it is thought to release chemicals or toxins.
Self massage is activates the body’s inner healing and can also help slow the aging process. According to Ayurvedic doctrine the type of mind-body connection that a person has will affect if they need a gentle or vigorous massage. This is also true when applying the techniques to others.
Learning Ayurvedic massage therapy can look impressive on a resume but it is not necessarily important. It is not popular among massage therapists and though it may seem that the niche market might make the demand for trained Ayurvedic massage therapists bloom since it is not the most popular massage therapy it is advisable to go through traditional massage school first. A traditional massage school will teach you the basics of physiology and muscles as well as the standard massage techniques.
Most massage schools teach a curriculum that mixes anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, nutrition, ethics, and massage history as well as the different techniques used. Admission requirements will vary from course to course however most require a minimum of high school graduation. Learning basic massage will get you employed and is more than likely required before you can be a licensed massage therapist regardless of your location. The mean graduation time for professional massage students is around 23 months.
A good introduction to Ayurvedic massage therapy is either by purchasing one of the few comprehensive books out there about the art form or looking at an Ayurvedic massage video online. Amazon has many titles that can provide you with the basic knowledge of the techniques used by those who practice this. Instructional Ayurvedic massage videos can be found on youtube as well as many other online resources though they are enough to familiarize yourself with the basics and techniques but not enough to be competent and certified.
Some of the main Ayurvedic massage schools also have their own videos uploaded to their websites. Massage professionals spend many years perfecting their craft so as not to injure their patients and simply watching a few videos is not enough to consider yourself a professional. When deciding where to study the art of Ayurvedic massage Kerala state considers itself to be the home of the doctrine. Many schools are located in Kerala India, and all schools in the vicinity offer Ayurvedic massage classes. These do not require previous massage knowledge or certification however for use in a western country you will more than likely have to be board certified to make use of this teaching.
These are not considered healthcare doctrines in India as opposed to massage therapies in the western world as it is a form of spiritual cleansing to those believers and not regulated. Classes at these schools will last between 2 and 12 weeks depending on which courses you would like to enroll in. Their offerings range from very specific classes such as Ayurvedic pregnancy and baby massage to a more general certificate course in yoga and meditation.
When considering studying Ayurvedic massage it is important to understand that this is a niche market, and although a great skill to have it is also important to be able to back it up with additional and more conventional certifications for the best employment options. Learning ayurvedic massage can be a great hobby to both relax you and those around you but a background in massage therapy is suggested. To learn more researching online or at the local library may yield some results or consider contacting some local massage therapists who may know more about it. Once mastered Ayurvedic massage is sure to bring you closer to healthful living.