Ayurveda Ayurveda: Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word derived from two roots, “Ayus” and “Vid,” meaning the science of life. With roots dating back over 5,000 years, It is thought to be the oldest holistic natural healing science known. Ayurveda is more than a medical system, it is a way of life. Its is holistic, and therefore encompasses all aspects of life including science, medicine, spirituality, and philosophy. Ayurveda, the traditional healing system of India, is becoming widely known as an effective alternative approach to health and healing. This ancient holistic healing system is a complete approach to health and lifestyle management. This system incorporates diet, exercise, life activity routines, psychotherapeutic practices and herbal medicine. Massage therapy and associated bodywork techniques play a foundation role in Ayurvedic therapeutics. Ayurveda probably uses specialized bodywork therapies more than any other global holistic healing system. Therapy in Ayurveda is based on an understanding of the underlying concepts of energetics inherent in the Ayurvedic world view. Ayurveda assigns all matter/energy interactions in the world to a scheme of five primal elements: (metaphorical concepts that desrcibe physiological processes and environmental interactions) earth, water, fire, air and ether. For ease of conceptualizing the actions of these energies and for therapeutic application in assessment and treatment, the five elements, as they manifest in the body, are further condensed into three primal metabolic forces called doshas. These forces underlie the theoretical foundations of all Ayurvedic assessments and therapeutics. The three doshas are: stable/fixed Kapha fluctuating/changeable Vata and intense Pitta. The three body types or doshas indicate/determine physical and psychological characteristics. Ayurveda has a 5,000-year history of using unique sophisticated massage techniques as integrated parts of a total healing system. Massage is used in Ayurveda for even the most serious conditions, although it should not be substituted for professional medical care. Ayurveda was originally used as a preventative therapy, However application of these therapys may help an individual to get back on track with a healthier life style and achieve balance of the offending Doshas. All therapy in Ayurveda revolves around the behavior of the doshas. Our goal is to find the offending dosha- the one that has become overactive and balance it by offsetting the energetics. Getting Started: In order to assess the offending dosha(s) you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding physical make up, habits, and personality. This will help your practitioner assess your treatment, for best results we ask you to be as objective about yourself as possible. Your information will be kept completely confidential. Working with the offending Doshas is where we usually start, however in the case of clients who may be well balanced we will address your constitutional dosha(s) this is your underlying state typically influenced by genetics. Massage Technique: With all this information we will adjust the specifics of your session, such as selecting the precise oil and medicinal herbs and adjusting the temperature of the treatment room, the depth and intensity of the treatment, the body region worked, music and session length. Home · Mission · References · Services · Massage 101 · Ayurvedic Massage & Bodywork · About Touch Of Spirit · Contact Us!