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Ayurvedic face massage - it's fantastic!

Ayurveda is Sanskrit for 'science of life' and has been practised and observed in India amongst the seers, scientists and yogis for over 5000 years.

Ayurvedic medicine promotes the rejuvenation of the body, longevity and disease prevention and when incorporated into life ayurveda brings change and cure.

Treating mind and body as one complete whole - mindbody - rather than two separate features, ayurveda examines the emotional/mental aspects of the physical body.


    •    In Ayurveda, you can't have a physical ailment without a mental one, or suffer mentally without feeling it physically.

Doshas
Ayurveda accepts that the body comprises 5 elements - water, earth, fire air, ether - like other ancient medicines, such as acupuncture. But ayurveda also prescribes 3 biological aspects for the function of the body - doshas.

The 3 doshas, or life-giving forces must balance for good health:
    •    Kapha - water & earth - responsible for physical stability, fluid balance and body structure 
    •    Pitta - fire & water - dynamic of transformation, responsible for heat, metabolism, energy & digestion
    •    Vata - air & ether - relating to the nervous system, responsible for movement, the senses and elimination.

Ayurvedic Questionnaire
To experience ayurveda, I met with Elaine Colomberg, a fully trained mental health nurse and massage therapist (Thai & Shiatsu), who also practises ayurvedic face massage. Elaine sent me a questionnaire to establish which of the doshas I was predominant in.

Questions relate to skin, hair and body temperature, as well as walking pace, body size and any weather aversions I might have. Choosing one of 3 answers my dosha profile was pitta - a combination of fire and water with a strong appetite and warm skin. As my hands and feet are always cold I wondered if I'd answered incorrectly, but Elaine assured me that my overriding prescription, at that time, was pitta.


Ayurvedic Face Massage
"If someone scores high in one area, I balance out the other 2 doshas using ayurvedic oil," said Elaine. Blending  oils to support my pitta persona, Elaine used facial massage techniques, similar to those used in regular facials, but concentrated on the marma points:

    •    Adhipati -  crown of the head and midline
    •    Brahma Randra - anterior fontanelle (front of the head above the hairline)
    •    Shiva Randra - posterior fontanelle (back of the head & occipital
    •    Vidhura - behind & below the earlobe
    •    Kritatika - top of the spine where the skull and neck meet
    •    Manya - side of the neck and below the earlobe

Benefits
"Clients report feeling spaced out and de-stressed, as though their troubles have disappeared", Elaine said, adding that she treats many people who are 'in their head', think a lot and can't seem to let go. "After the massage they feel lighter and able to see things clearly."

My experience
I felt a huge release around the neck and jaw. I'd been holding onto 'stuff' and tightened my jaw, or mandible joint, as a result. Elaine's hands and fingers gently teased away any tension, leaving me so relaxed, colours were swirling around my third eye.

Who's it good for?
Best avoided if you've just had dental work, got a blocked nose or conjunctivitis, but otherwise suitable for everyone, young and old. And if you have an active mind and are always thinking, it is ideal. Let go of your facial muscles for an hour and bliss out with an ayurvedic face massage.

For more about Ayurveda visit click here, or email Elaine: elaine_colomberg@yahoo.co.uk