Center for
Integrative BodyWork™
Achieving Balance Within
Ayurvedic massage consists of a compilation of various massage techniques and is a small portion of Vedic knowledge and tradition which is between 5000 and 7000 years old. Generically, the Vedas are the sacred written works of the East Indian culture. The prefix “ayur” means life. Therefore, the concatenation, Ayur-Veda, describes that portion of the writings that contain the sacred knowledge of long life. This knowledge forms a comprehensive medical model designed to: improve quality of life, promote wellness, and extend life.
In the Ayurvedic system, massage is seen as both preventative and curative for various health issues. The origin of these health issues is considered to be rooted in imbalance. These imbalances are determined by the person’s unique constitution (prakruti) and their current state of being (vikruti). Taking into account the components of the five element theory, air, fire, water, earth, and ether; the immediate state of a person’s imbalance is determined and is described as a dosha. The three doshas are named: vata, pitta, and kapha. The dosha category provides information as to what “treatment” is indicated, which includes the techniques and types of oils that are used in the massage. The base oil itself is seen as medicinal in nature. Since the skin is the body’s largest organ, and certain types of substances can be absorbed by the skin, it follows that there could be some direct affect of oileation of the body. Also, a primary factor in our body chemistry is based on fatty acids and hormones, which are oil based. The massage techniques interact with areas of the body called marmas. There are 108 major marma points and they are defined as “conjunction points of consciousness.” In simpler terms, these are areas of obvious and subtle energy.
Ayurvedic Massage provides for enhanced detoxification, along with mental and physical restoration. In the pure tradition of Ayurveda, the massage is only a small piece of a much more complex process called Panchakarma. Panchakarma is a multi-day activity that involves fasting and full body cleansing – both inside and out. Often people go through Panchakarma several times a year.
To benefit from the full potential of the massage, it is best that you choose to have all the offered techniques as part of your session. Center for Integrative BodyWork Ayurvedic massage consists of the following sequence of techniques and options.
Garshana: this is a brisk dry brushing of the body, performed in a specific sequence of strokes, using raw silk gloves. Physically, the process exfoliates the skin and creates a receptive environment for acceptance of the oil. Energetically, the process awakens the body energy centers chakras and marmas and sets an expectation for the up-coming processes.
Abhyanga: begins with a foot massage that uses halved, water soaked, salted lemons applied in a specific motion to the bottoms of the feet. Once the foot massage is completed, castor oil is applied to the feet. This assists in clearing the feet of residual and blocked energy and creates a path for energetic release. Next, complete oileation of the body is performed. The full body is then massaged in a specific pattern addressing the marma points.
Karana Purana: consists of oil being applied / dripped into the external ear canal flowing over specific marma points. The ear marma points are then massaged and the oil is allowed to drain. Oiling the ears has an immediate effect of dissolving waxy build up, reducing scale, and also provides an energetic balancing effect.
Nasya: involves the application of an oil herbal mixture to the area surrounding each nostril. The marma points of the nose are massaged and an oil drop is placed in each nostril to help clear the sinuses and bring balance. Additionally, oil is applied to the head and the head marma points are massaged.
Shirodhara: this is the culmination of the Ayurvedic massage process. Warmed oil is allowed to flow onto the Third Eye, the spot slightly above and centered between the eyes. The stream of this oil flows off the forehead, onto the scalp, and is collected in a vessel. This process lasts for an appropriate length of time. At times, the stream will be moved in specific patterns based on your dosha. Shirodhara has an amazing effect of being able to clear the Third Eye and Crown Chakras. It results in an almost trance-like relaxation.
Your Session:
Prior to arriving for your session, it is a good idea to download and complete the 'Dosha Questionnaire' from the Forms page on the Center website. If this is your first time visiting the Center, the 'Client Intake' and 'Informed Consent' form can be downloaded and completed also. It is best not to eat within a minimum of two hours prior to your session. Some people choose a more complete fast, beginning the night prior to the session. Regardless of fasting duration, it is not consistent with the massage to have had any large meals, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, tobacco products, liquor or illicit drugs within 24 hours prior to the massage.
This particular Ayurvedic massage session lasts between 90and 120 minutes and is billed at the 90 minute rate. There is a $10.00 surcharge for the products that are used during the massage. The body should be recently bathed and areas that are typically shaved should be clean shaven in order to provide optimal application and benefit of the garshana and Abhyanga techniques. No make-up, jewelry or contact lenses should be worn. 
Draping varies depending on the techniques being provided. You will dress and undress in privacy and while getting on and off the table a standard draping sheet will be used. During garshana, bath towel draping is used. Chest draping is optional and if chosen will result in areas of the sternum and lower / upper ribs being skipped. It is best if no undergarments are worn, but if you prefer to wear some type of undergarment, disposable thong style underwear can be provided. In any case, the genitalia always remains covered. Garshana transitions into Abhyanga with the same type of draping. During Abhyanga, the body is oiled and massaged; this includes focused work on the sacrum and gluteals. At the conclusion of Abhyanga, a full draping sheet is used for the remaining Karana Purana, Nasya and Shirodhara.
When the massage sequence is completed, the body and hair will be pretty oily. While the hair and body can be wiped off immediately, it is best if no shower is taken for at least two hours post-massage. Ideally, the body and hair should remain oiled until the following day. You may want to consider this when choosing the clothing that you wear to the session. Remember, in the concept of Ayurveda, oil is therapeutic in nature; the longer it can remain on the body the better. It is also very nourishing and healthy for the hair, scalp, and skin. If you feel it is absolutely necessary to clean up, the Center does have private showering facilities adjacent to the massage room. When you leave, you will be provided with the oil blend remnants that were used for your massage to take home. It is recommended that you use this as a body oil for the next several days after showering. 
Many people have a profound sense of relaxation at the end of this session. You may want to alter your day so as not to have to jump right back into reality. After the session, you are welcome to remain at the Center for as long as you desire in order to regain your sense of awareness.
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