what is ayurvedic yoga massage?

Put simply, ayurvedic yoga massage combines deep tissue massage with coordinated breath work and yoga stretching. It’s rooted in ayurveda, a holistic system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. Similar to Thai massage, it is performed on a mat allowing for a full range of stretching and uses ayurvedic oils and herbs for their healing properties. Ayurvedic yoga massage therapist Joanna Kudzielka shares more about the basics and the benefits of this head-to-toe holistic massage treatment.  

You probably know that massage helps reduce stress, pain and muscle tension, improves sleep, boosts immunity and can help with anxiety and depression even. You have also probably heard, and maybe even tried, a few most common types of massage like deep tissue, holistic or sports and remedial. But have you ever heard about or tried ayurvedic yoga massage? If not, then read on to learn more about what makes this massage so special.

Ayurvedic yoga massage is a treatment that was developed by Master Kusum Modak in Pune, India, after many years of studying traditional ayurvedic massage and Iyengar yoga. She has since passed her knowledge and wisdom down to generations of therapists who are spreading this unique and special treatment.

One of the things that differentiates ayurvedic yoga massage from the above-mentioned types of massage is, that it is performed on the floor mat. Working on the floor not only allows for a free range of movement and helps with the flow of the treatment but it also gives clients a sense of security and sense of feeling grounded allowing for a deeper relaxation.

It brings the world of ayurvedic massage and yoga together creating a multi-faceted treatment. The treatment starts with deep tissue oil massage where a therapist uses hands as well as feet to warm up the muscles, soft tissues and organs whilst facilitating breathing and improving the body’s circulation. A blend of natural oil and topical ayurvedic herb – calamus – is used throughout the treatment. The use of this root creates a pleasant exfoliating feeling, but more importantly helps with blood circulation, brings toxins out of the body and acts as nerve tonic.

The next stage (or phase) of the treatment is when assisted yoga stretches and gentle mobilisations are used to help lengthen the tissues, relax tendons and ligaments and aid renewal of the synovial fluid in the joints. All the work is accompanied by coordinated breathwork, which helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leaving the receiver feeling deeply relaxed.

It is a head to toe, holistic treatment that helps realign the body and stimulates the natural flow of energy as well as brings about a deeper body awareness to the clients. Why not give it a try and see for yourself if this is the treatment you have been looking for?

Intrigued by the complexities of the human body Joanna Kudzielka gained ITEC qualification in holistic massage in 2005. Inspired by alternative health therapists she worked with at triyoga she further trained in Thai yoga massage and pregnancy massage. She has recently trained in ayurvedic yoga massage which allows for her to combine the benefits of deep tissue oil massage with assisted yoga stretches for better health benefit of her clients. Joanna is dedicated, open, kind and compassionate practitioner who offers a space for deep relaxation whilst addressing issues client present with. She uses her experience and intuition to tailor her treatments to her clients’ needs.

Click here to view Joanna’s schedule and to book an ayurvedic yoga massage.