Ayurvedic Yoga Massage

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ayurvedic yoga massage & dynamic thai massage

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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
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage has been found to provide relief and promote recovery from several conditions, injuries and ailments:
  • 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

Total exquisite experience. High-quality service with attention to detail. Good work!

Mateusz P.

Financial journalist (Warsaw, Poland)

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