Ayurveda is an ancient lifestyle practice which aims to create harmony within the body. Practised widely in India, it works on the belief that all life forms have a "dosha" - a unique mix of energies known as "vata", "pitta" and "kapha", similar to the Western idea of elements - water, fire, earth, and so on. A person's dosha determines the kind of lifestyle that is balancing and healthy for them, including the sorts of food they should eat and the amount and type of exercise they should do.
Ayurveda covers a variety of techniques, from detoxification, diet and herbal prescriptions, to yoga, meditation and massage therapy. All are personalised to suit the individual's dosha.
Ayurvedic massage uses essential oils that are chosen to suit your dosha. The massage techniques used include tapping, kneading and squeezing as well as the more traditional massage strokes you would expect. The style and flow of the massage is determined by who you are, and what your body needs for balance and wellbeing at the time.
An Ayurvedic therapist is trained to focus on the "marma points" - similar to the pressure points in reflexology, acupuncture and acupressure.
* detoxify and cleanse
* boost the effectiveness of the immune system
* keep healthy people in good health
* help those with medical conditions to improve their overall well-being.
Don't make any arrangements for a couple of hours after your massage; you'll need time to relax and wash the herbal oil out of your hair.
It's a good idea to avoid large meals and alcohol in the hours leading up to your treatment, too.
Any Ayurvedic treatment will be tailored to suit you, so your therapist is likely to ask detailed questions about you and your health, in order to determine which oils and massage strokes will best suit your body. As with all types of massage, it's important to share any medical concerns or worries you may have at the start of your session.
Not all oils or massage techniques are safe during pregnancy, so it's also important to tell your therapist if you are - or think you might be - pregnant.
Before your massage begins, your therapist will ask you questions about your lifestyle and health, to determine your dosha. She may also assess your skin type, and choose herb-infused oils accordingly.
Because it is so personal, no two Ayurvedic massages are the same. For your massage, the therapist will tailor the intensity and level of pressure to what suits you best.
The massage is likely to be quite oily, and some of the oil gets rubbed into your forehead and hair.
The massage will last around an hour.
