John Wilson

                                                     Ayurveda

Ayurveda, literally the "knowledge of life", is the ancient medical system of India. It is a vast system that is not approached lightly, bringing together psychology, cosmology, philosophy, diet, yoga, herbal non-herbal medicine, body work, and even surgery. It is based on a system of humors called "doshas" that effect the balance within the human body. When the doshas are out of balance, disease or injury will eventually result. Almost every human is born prone to one or more dosha imbalance from birth, depending on their psycho-physical nature (their "Prakrti"). Environmental influences also upset doshas, such as diet, weather, stress, exercise or lack there of, and over indulgence in food, sex, drugs, etc.

To give an ayurvedic treatment, one must first know the clients type (Prakrti). The therapist does this by asking some questions about body type, digestion, medical history, and many other symptoms. The therapist can also get a good idea of the clients type just by looking at them. Then the therapist can suggest appropriate body treatments, and the right oils to use for the treatment. Ayurveda, for the most part, uses lots of oil. This is because the most common root problem in Ayurvedic belief  is that of drying, which happens with age. The second most common problem is that of loosing heat, which also tends to happen with age, so we use a lot of heat treatments as well. Hot oil is perfect because it not only relaxes the muscles, but causes the pores to open and allows the oils and other medications to penetrate deep into the client’s body.

Abhyanga
This is the most common ayurvedic oil massage. Using the most appropriate lukewarm oil, the client is massaged in a vigorous fashion, along certain directions that facilitate the flow of energy in the body, and the penetration of the oil. It is a relaxing, yet stimulating massage, not as deep as the others, but still very therapeutic.

Vasti
This is a traditional method of creating a doe ring around a problem area (back, knee, neck, hip, ect) and keeping it full of hot medicated oil. It is has a superb effect on sore, stiff areas, pulled or strained muscles, and herniated discs. As a one time treatment it can be very helpful, but it is even more effective towards healing deep injuries when done daily over a period of one or more weeks. Even more effective when accompanied by abhyanga! It may seem impractical or even impossible to many to allot this much time and money into a treatment, but ask yourself how much living without pain is worth! Either way, even a one time treatment can be quite beneficial, and it feels good too!

Kerala Foot Massage
This is the coolest massage in the world! Developed in Kerala , Southern India, this massage was developed by martial artists in the ancient discipline now known as Kalarippayattu, (Kalari for short) for the purpose of staying flexible and toned. It is a tradition for a student to get a full body massage every day by his/her Kalari Guru.

One performs Kerala foot massage on the floor with their feet. The clients lays on a mat and the therapist, holding on to a rope hanging from the ceiling to control weight and balance, massages the client with vigorous gliding strokes, along the energy meridians "shrotas" of the body. Following the shrotas insures hitting many important pressure points called "marma" points, almost identical to those of shiatsu and acupuncture. These points were not only discovered for the purpose of healing, though. Anyone who has had point work done knows that pressure points are, as a general rule, sensitive areas. Strategically striking some of these points could injure or even kill an opponent, the irony of course is that these same points if addressed properly could be used to heal.

Kerala foot massage also serves the purpose of toning the muscles along the shrotas that the marma points run along in order to protect them. Like shiatsu and kiatsu, it is also designed to free the flow of energy in the body, helping the organism to restore balance.  One usually feels invigorated after a Kerala foot massage.  Great for athletes!