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offered by raphaël beaupied, certified practitioner
AYURVEDIC YOGA MASSAGE
A holistic therapy drawing on the Indian traditions of yoga and Ayurveda
Deep tissue oil massage ○ Yoga-based assisted stretching ○ Synchronized breathwork
Origins and Therapy
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage is a holistic bodywork originally developed by Master Kusum Modak in Pune, India in the early 1980s. Influenced by traditional Ayurvedic massage therapy (Vasudev Limaye) and haṭha yoga (B. K. S. Iyengar), this unique method dynamically and synergistically combines deep tissue oil massage with yoga-based assisted stretching and synchronized breathwork. This type of massage allows one to experience a deep sense of openness and well-being on a physical, psychological, and emotional level through the unlocking of the healing power of conscious touch.
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage is performed on a mat placed on the floor to promote free movement and flow, with each session typically taking 120 minutes (2 hours) to complete. The passive, assisted stretches, coordinated with breathwork, are punctuated with deep, slow massage phases performed with hands and feet with the help of sesame oil and calamus powder. The different degrees of pressure of the strokes and the selection of stretching sequences are intended to suit any individual needs, offering a tailor-made therapy able to ease tensions in the muscles and tissues, improve respiratory patterns, and restore harmony to the subtle energies of the body.
Sesame Oil and Calamus Powder
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil has been used extensively in Indian healing traditions for thousands of years. It is notably used in other Ayurvedic massage therapies such as Abhyanga and in oil pulling. Rich in vitamin E, sesame oil possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as nourishing, calming, and warming qualities that are known to be very beneficial for the skin and especially suitable for Ayurvedic Yoga Massage therapies. In Ayurveda, it is said to be the only oil that has the power to penetrate all seven layers of the skin and to nourish all the organs and tissues. Its moderately low rating on the comedogenic scale (pore-clogging properties) also naturally accommodates many types of skin, making it particularly versatile.
Benefits of sesame oil:
- Helps to control and heal skin damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules, or environmental factors (UV rays, pollution, toxins)
- Protects the skin by regulating its pH
- Promotes the removal of harmful microorganisms and dead cells
- Reduces inflammations and swelling
- Balances Vata (known to experience excess dryness when out of balance) by moisturizing and rehydrating the skin
Calamus (Acorus calamus) – also knows as ‘Vacha’ in Sanskrit, ‘Bach’ in Hindi, ‘Chāngpú 菖蒲’ in Mandarin, or more commonly ‘Sweet Flag’ in English – is a herbaceous perennial plant whose roots have been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years in the prescription of many herbal formulations, as well as in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Native American herbal traditions. Ayurvedic Yoga Massage uses calamus in its powder form (unmixed), yielding many positive effects thanks to its exfoliating properties and symbiotic relationship with sesame oil.
Benefits of calamus powder:
- Improves blood and lymphatic circulation
- Promotes the removal of toxins, reinvigorates the skin by removing dead cells and promoting its regeneration
- Helps to further balance Vata
- Stimulates nervous system activity
- Provides a purifying and cleansing influence at the physiological level
This massage is unique compared to others that I've received before. Raphaël is very professional, right from the start until the end. He's very consistent in his flow, respectful and gently guiding every move of my body throughout his massage process. He checks in a few times if the applied pressure is right for me. I was in a very relaxed, meditative state. He focused on the parts that needed to be addressed and I felt better almost immediately. I loved the combination of oil and calamus powder. It's very soothing and I could feel that my skin was greatly nourished. I look forward to having another session with him. Highly recommended.
Lily L.
Dot mandala artist (Penang, Malaysia)
Note
- Kůra Růka strives to use organic, unrefined, cold-pressed sesame oil and organic calamus powder carefully selected from trusted sources. To better serve its clients, Kůra Růka’s therapist eventually aims to grow and produce its own sesame (oil) and calamus (powder) within a permaculture system.
- In some cases, Raphaël may use other types of oil such as grapeseed or almond oil as an alternative.
Benefits
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage is designed to offer multiple physical, psychological, and energetical benefits that can be quickly experienced by those receiving the therapy. The positive effects and improvements resulting from this type of massage contribute to the alleviation and recovery of injuries and conditions, and ease an array of common ailments. From an Ayurveda-based perspective, this therapy aims to nourish Agni (digestive fire), enhance the flow of Prana (life force), and balance the chakras (centers of vital energy).
Ayurveda Yoga Massage’s main observable benefits:
- Reduces muscle tension
- Eases joint pain
- Helps recover from muscular injuries
- Improves flexibility
- Increases mobility and range of motion
- Improves breathing capacity
- Promotes circulation
- Facilitates digestion
- Cultivates proprioceptive sensitivity
- Promotes mindfulness and body awareness
- Increases and balances energy levels
- Reduces mental stress and induces relaxation
- Localized physical tension and general stiffness
- Joint and muscle-related pain, disorders, injuries, and inflammations (arthritis, tendonitis, RSIs, knee pain, tennis and golf elbows)
- Poor circulation
- Respiratory conditions (asthma, thoracic breathing)
- Digestive disorders (abdominal bloating, constipation)
- Neurological disorders (headache, migraine)
- Sleep disorders (insomnia)
- Stress, anxiety, and lethargy
Frequently Asked Questions
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage is traditionally performed on the floor using a wide, thin yet comfortable mattress. The technique involves a synergistic use of deep tissue oil massage, passive stretches, and synchronized breathwork.
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage being an oil massage, you will receive your massage while keeping your bottom undergarment. In order to preserve your intimacy and ensure that is no indecent exposure, the body parts that are not worked on will be covered accordingly. All pieces of jewelry should be removed prior to the session, as well as any glasses or contact lenses. Hair must be attached to better facilitate the access to your neck. In order to fully appreciate the benefits of the massage, it is recommended not to eat at least 2 hours prior to the session. Taking a shower is also advisable.
Unlike most of the other types of Ayurvedic massages that are known to use an important amount of oil, Ayurvedic Yoga Massage has been designed to limit its use and is only applied sparingly. All oils used (grapeseed or almond) are organic. They are nourishing, relaxing, and do not leave any greasy residues, which allows you to get dressed and carry on with your day. Raphaël will also offer you the possibility to bring your own oil if you wish to do so.
Most of the Ayurvedic Yoga Massage sessions last around 2 hours. As you fall into a deep state of relaxation, sense of time is easily lost. What appears to be a long massage at first on paper will in reality be a pleasant experience, leaving you with a deep sense of well-being.
As of today, Kůra Růka is unfortunately not in a position to offer massage therapy to pregnant women, individuals with cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, active cancer, circulatory and coagulation disorders, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, infectious diseases, or severe disabilities. In case of arthritis, inflamed muscle, muscle tear, bone fracture, sprain, tendinitis, or varices, the massage session will be adapted accordingly.
In order for your body to better assimilate the benefits of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage, here are some recommendations to follow:
- You may experience body aches in the next 48 hours, which is a normal reaction from the body. Tension accumulated for long periods of time indeed releases toxins when massaged. Feel free to move your body the day after your session: light yoga, walks in nature, and swimming are particularly suitable activities.
- Stay well hydrated during the next two days to reduce the risk of inflammation and to balance your body fluids.
- If possible, do not go to bed at late hours and maintain a regular sleeping schedule.
Yes, Kůra Růka offers in-home massages limited to a specific area of intervention. Please contact Raphaël for more information.
To learn more about the price of this massage offering, please refer to this page.
To book a massage, please refer to the booking page. You also have the possibility to contact Raphaël directly through email, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, or Line.
Total exquisite experience. High-quality service with attention to detail. Good work!
Mateusz P.
Financial journalist (Warsaw, Poland)
Before booking, please note:
- Booking a massage with Kůra Růka requires you to be of legal age in your country of residence.
- As of today, Kůra Růka is unfortunately not in a position to offer massage therapy to pregnant women, individuals with cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, active cancer, circulatory and coagulation disorders, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, infectious diseases, or severe disabilities. In case of arthritis, inflamed muscle, muscle tear, bone fracture, sprain, tendinitis, or varicose veins, the massage session will be adapted accordingly.
- You will be asked to sign an informed consent form and fill out a massage intake upon the confirmation of your booking. Both are mandatory requirements that will help the therapist to better serve you and adapt the therapy accordingly.
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