I am a big fan of massages. I feel like the feeling of relaxation it procures is awesome and it is for me a pure bliss and a luxury moment.
However, they are not all the same and the experience sometimes could be disappointing.
Before last month, I had experienced differnet sorts such as Aromatherapy, Swedish and Californian massages.
Then I went to a Thalassotherapy in Brittany, France in early October for a deep need of taking care of myself and to refocus.
There, I have discovered Ayurveda therapy and massages. And that a massage could be not only a little spoiling moment but also a real therapy.
I wanted to share that experience as it could help with so many of our modern life stress issues: sleep problem, energy, etc ….
So what is Ayurveda ?
From Wikipedia :
Ayurveda is an ancient medical science. The word, ayurveda is composed of two words of Sanskrit, ayur (meaning life) and veda (meaning knowledge). Thus Ayurveda is a medical science of Ancient India. It deals with matters relating to health, day-to-day life and longevity (long life).
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine and medication, based on experience and observation. This system of medicine and medication is more than 3000 years old.
During my stay in France, I had three different treatments, which works together:
- Shirotchampi
Shirotchampi (shirot means head and champi means massage. The word « shampoo » comes directly from it) is a massage concentrating on the shoulders, neck, head and face with coconut oil. Those are where the daily tensions accumulate.
The final goal to this massage is the relaxation and revitalisation of the stressed or anxious person.
I personally like that massage, especially I am a big fan of head massages already. That made me feel really cared and relaxed.
The lady said it was to open my chakras and prepare myself to receive the abhyanga massage.
So two days after, I had The Abhyanga massage, everyone was looking so excited about when I was mentioning I will have one with Jean-Luc.
- Abhyanga
Abhyanga massage is one kind of massage therapy which is used by practitioners of Ayurveda an established Hindu system of medicine.
Based on the 7 energetic centres of the body –the Chakras – abhyanga massage is a rebalancing treatment. The therapist will act on the nadis (energy paths) where are the acupressure points seats, to allow the vital energy – prana- to move freely and harmoniously in the whole body. The goal is a general wellbeing, both physically and emotionally.
I personally never felt so calm and deeply regenerated after such a treatment. I guess we could save a fortune on anxiety medication (and this is a pharmacist talking!) with such anti stress weapons.
And the cherry on the cake, was that it gave me a very high energy which is still up running after 3 weeks.
Finally, the third part of this journey was Kansu massage:
- KANSU
This massage uses a little round bowl called Kansu on reflex points on the feet. This bowl is made by an alloy of 5 metals: gold, zinc, copper, silver, bronze and pewter. Tis alloy of metal offers a curative purpose: copper soaks the heat in excess in the body, the zinc works on the muscles and the bronze is a catalyser between those 2 metals.
The massage also uses Ghee (this is a preparation of butter, slowly cooked and then filtered).
The properties of Ghee and Kansu works together to remove the fire element, treat the anger and anxiety. It also helps for insomnia and stress.
This massage works on every organ of the body and increases the general metabolism.
In Indian tradition, this massage using Kansu is exercises by children on their family members for relaxation and release the pressure.
Again, I personally like to have my feet massaged so for me that treatment was delightful. And to be honest that was the first time I managed to deeply disconnect from the environment around me; The sensation of relaxation was by far the best I ever had.
I hope you found it interesting! And I wanted to add that we are lucky in London to have a myriad of amazing therapists but please consider having a look on register bodies therapist (such as: http://apa.uk.com) to be sure to experiment the best.
At Make Me feel, I have found a new pearl leaving in Abbeville village: Keiko Novotny who offers different type of massages from around the world and especially the Abhyanga massage.
Keiko discover Ayurvedic in Mumbia, India while travelling. Back to Japan, her homeland, Keiko studied Ayurvedic in Tokyo. Keiko also qualified as an ITEC and BTEC therapist in London.
She says that her pleasure is when her clients get smile after the massage.
To introduce Abhyanga massage therapy and Keiko at Make Me Feel we are proposing an introduction offer on Saturday 18th November: one hour Abhyanga massage for £60 instead of £75.
Few spaces available so contact us: 0208 675 1207 or info@makemefeel.co.uk
