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What is Ayurveda?

 

Ayurveda  is an ancient healing art originating in India. The concept is that true healing is caused by bringing the body and energy flow back into balance. The focus is on maintaining good health, but when healing is needed, the focus is on treating the root of the problem rather than just the symptom. According to Ayurveda, each of us has a unique blend of three mind and body principles, which create our specific mental and physical characteristics. These three principles are called doshas.

 

 

The Doshas: 

A brief overview:

 

Kapha Dosha has the elements of water and earth. When in balance, the Kapha personality is laid back, peace keeping, consistent, and supportive.  Kapha has great endurance once motivated. When out of balance, this personality type can be  prone to lethargy or  problems of congestion. If left unaddressed, lack of balance can manifest as depression, chronic fatigue or excess weight gain. The Kapha body may be described as full, soft, with prominent eyes and lips. Skin and hair tend to be oily for Kapha, and the body may be sensitive to cold and may have a slower metabolic rate. 

 

Pitta Dosha has the energy of fire. When in balance, this personality is focused, driven, competetive and productive. When out of balance, Pitta can be overly competetive and expend too much energy, leading to burnout. Anger may be another expression of Pitta imbalance. The Pitta body  is naturally muscular and well proportioned. The skin is warm and even moist to the touch.

 

Vata Dosha houses the energy of air and water. This dosha is emotional and highly creative or at least very mentally active, with a quick and light energy. It can be hard for Vata types to slow the thought process,  and to focus on completing one creative idea before being distracted by yet another. Vata imbalance can lead to anxiety, digesive disorders, and dry skin. Physically the Vata type tends to be lean, with protruding veins, prominent bones, and a tendency toward cold extremities (hands and feet).

 

 

 

Ayurveda 

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Thai Massage:

 

The Ayurvedic principals may be applied to Thai Massage. Here are some examples:

 

If the Vata dosha is out of balance, we generally want to direct the energy downward. This moderates the occurance of racing thoughts, aids finishing tasks, and reduces feelings of anxiety. A slower and more grounding rhythm will be applied.

 

For Pitta Dosha, if there is a build-up of 'fire' energy that has caused tension in the body, we may decide to circulate the energy and center it peacefully.  Steady and nourishing pressure is applied. Pitta has a tendency to compete with self and others, leading to over-exertion and burnout. Pitta needs to be reminded to ...pause... and ...breathe... resulting in more consistent productivity.

 

For Kapha Dosha, there is usually a need to bring up the energy levels, thus bringing Kapha out of fatigue, heaviness, and even depression. Kapha can benefit from a more vigorous  massage rhythm.

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