Unexpected and Wonderful!

I just completed certification training for being an Ayurveda Body Treatment therapist. I’m still a bit surprised by it all.  I had no idea if I’d like massaging bodies with lots of oil.  I also had no idea if I could be steady and calm enough to administer Shirodhara or Nasya.

The Ayurveda Body Treatment or Bliss Therapy, as we call it at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas, is a combined Abhyanga and Shirodhara treatment.  

Abhyanga   - A blend of organic base oils and essential oils are applied to the client’s head and body using light friction and gentle pressure with specifically designed strokes.  The warm oil massage stimulates, clears, and balances the energy patterns of the body and mind.  The treatment stimulates lymph and blood circulation, supports hormonal balance, strengthens and helps detox all the tissues of the body, and supports the immune system.  It feels so relaxing and wonderful!

Shirodhara - An application of a continuous slow stream of customized, warm organic oil poured on the forehead and scalp.  Shirodhara simultaneously has a slowing and balancing effect, while stimulating the endocrine system’s pituitary and pineal glands, enhancing blood circulation to the brain and helping to release deeply trapped toxins.  This treatment calms the mind, which allows for deep relaxation and improved sleep.  Tension and discomfort in the head, neck and shoulders are alleviated.  Headaches, anxiety, nervousness and other stress-related symptoms can be relieved.

The treatment is a form of healing that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda.  The use of oils to lubricate muscles, joints, skin, bones and balance the body’s systems is a proven technology that aids in nourishing and supporting a healthy body, mind and spirit.

I also learned to administer Nasya combined with the Abhyanga massage treatment.

Nasya - This treatment uses specially formulated organic oils and mild heat of the face and nasal passages.  Herbal oil drops are applied into the nose, which Ayurveda deems the doorway to the brain and mind.  Energy points (Marma or acupressure points) are stimulated and lymph is encouraged to flow.  Nasya clears obstructions in the sinuses, relieves tension, pacifies nerves and clarifies mental processes.  It can also alleviate insomnia, sinus conditions and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

I feel grateful to have experienced the training and blessed to be able to administer such peaceful states to those I’ve given treatments.  It is a very meditative practice to give the Ayurveda Body Treatment and has a transformative effect on the recipient and the therapist.  The love and energy transmitted to the recipient comes from a deep source, as God’s grace flows through my hands and being.

My classmates and the teachers were a fabulous group of women that I feel honored to have met and learned from.  It was a powerful and empowering experience!

My life keeps flowing in such an expansive way - learning and staying open to whatever life presents.  God continues to bless me and guide the way.

Namaste
Loving Life and Living Love,
Mary