Picture yourself in a cozy, warm room. The lounger is cushioned softly beneath you. Music plays softly in the background. You can smell the herbs and the oils the therapist is massaging gently into your skin. The gentle massage movements are soothing and leave you feeling a bit drowsy. Later on, as you feel inside yourself holding a cup of herbal tea in your hands, your mind feels a pleasant sense of inner peace. You are at ease with yourself, and everything is exactly right, as it is at this moment.

Many of you probably associate Ayurveda with wellness and relaxation. But did you ever take a closer look at what Ayurveda actually is? And above all: Which meaning the massages have in the Ayurvedic science? No? Then you have come to the right place!

The Ayurvedic doctrine—healing art from India and Sri Lanka

Ayurveda, the science of life, is regarded as the most ancient health system in the world. Records have been found that are more than 5000 years old. But probably the findings and knowledge were passed on orally already at a much earlier time.

A holistic concept for improved well-being

At the beginning of an Ayurveda journey or an Ayurvedic treatment is the determination of one’s type to develop the right, individually tailored lifestyle or therapy approach. Furthermore, Ayurveda contains the following elements:

1. the Ayurvedic dietetics
2. herbal medicine
3. a (spiritual) yoga practice
4. and the Ayurvedic massages

Ayurveda and sustainability

Primarily, Ayurveda is aimed at a holistic and sustainable improvement of your inner balance and your general well-being. That means with an Ayurveda trip or cure, you benefit not only during your stay, but afterwards as well. In particular, if you apply what you have learned at home and change your lifestyle.

But Ayurveda also places a lot of importance on outer balance and living agreeing to nature. In the end, we derive our energy from that which surrounds us and even the oils and herbs, our food and water are supplied to us innately. Correspondingly, an Ayurvedic lifestyle balances with the environment and treats plants, animals, and people with respect. This external balance transfers to the inside as well.

If you would like to learn more about the history and teachings of Ayurveda, about Doshas and Ayurveda types, then continue reading this blog article. You’ll learn a lot more about it there, including what makes a Vata type and what foods Pitta types should avoid.

Ayurvedic massages with the power of nature

The massage techniques in Ayurveda are no new wellness trend. For centuries, people have used them to reach vastly different areas of the body and mind. Thus, according to the technique, an Ayurveda therapist can relieve muscles, fascia, and joints or energetic blockages. Massages also serve to cleanse the body and alleviate stress, mental strain, headaches, and migraines. They may also be helpful in case of sleep disorders. At times, the effect can even be felt all the way to your internal organs. This sounds strange, but try this holistic relaxation once!

Which Ayurveda treatments are available?

In the range of treatments, you can see a pattern: All aim at general well-being and inner balance. If your body or your Doshas are in balance, diseases can be better fought and alleviated or even cured. Positive effects of Ayurvedic massages are for example in case of arthrosis, rheumatism or neurological diseases. The most important techniques are presented here.

Abyhanga Massage

• This is a full-body massage that relieves muscle stiffness, detoxifies and purifies. The Sanskrit name means” massage with oil ” and thus brings it to the point. Mainly sesame oil mixed with herbs is used for this massage. It deeply penetrates the skin and softens it, while the herbal scent completes the experience.

Synchronous Abyhanga

• Just like the classic Abyhanga, oil and herbs are used in this treatment. Though, they are massaged into your body by two therapists instead of one. This enhances the invigorating and soothing effect.

Garshan Massage 

• Raw silk gloves stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic flow in this Ayurvedic massage technique. Simultaneously, the silk acts as a gentle exfoliation, nourishing the skin.

Shirodhara

• If you are already familiar with Ayurveda, then this technique will be known to you as brow oil pouring. The mixture of individually selected herbal oils is poured over the forehead in a fine stream. With a face or head massage, this application relieves headaches, sleep disorders and migraines. Important here is that the Shirodhara treatment should not be carried out after midday. As it can also release mental or psychological blockages, you should take your time afterwards and not go straight to sleep.

Marma-Nadi-Treatment

• Unlike the Abyhanga, the therapist focuses on specific energy pathways (nadi) and body points (marma) of your body during this massage. These are selectively massaged and stimulated, not only relieving tension, but invigorating and balancing you overall.

Ayurveda Massage at home

So, are you ready for your Ayurveda journey? Below we introduce you to some Green Pearls® partners where you can book an Ayurveda cure or individual treatments. Until your trip starts, you can treat yourself. The Abyhanga can also be done as a self-massage.

• Prepare some warm sesame oil and make sure that you can relax undisturbed: Shut the door, let the family know and ban the cell phone from the room.
• Begin the massage on the head. Apply a little oil to your hands, first massage your scalp, then the ears, followed by the neck and shoulders. From there, you move with circular or stroking motions down the front of your body. Once you’ve reached your feet, move back up through your back. The arms and hands will follow last.
• Let the massage take effect, do not rush right back into life. Take the time instead for a cup of tea in silence. To reflect and to feel. You’ll see, that works wonders.

Sustainable wellness hotels for your Ayurveda trip in Europe

Simultaneously, some Green Pearls® partners are specialized in Ayurvedic treatments and Ayurveda travel. Besides massages and Ayurvedic-inspired wellness treatments, the holistic approach remains true. Consulting and typecasting are as much a part of this as cooking courses, meditations, and yoga.

Ayurveda in the Allgäu – The HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio

As an Ayurvedic hotel, the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio is fully committed to a holistic approach. An individual treatment plan will be coordinated with you during a consultation or following typing. Besides the Ayurvedic treatments in the Mountain Spring Spa, you can also enjoy meditations and workshops about Ayurvedic nutrition, to benefit holistically from your stay. HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio is a real haven of peace and a place to recharge your batteries.

Ayurvedic Massages in Switzerland – CERVO Mountain Resort Zermatt

Besides the Ayurvedic-inspired diet, the CERVO Mountain Resort in the Swiss town of Zermatt also offers a full range of Ayurvedic massages, from brow oil infusions to Abhyanga. Part of the hotel’s own cosmetics line is inspired by the ancient Indian art of healing and is individually formulated for Dosha types. Thus, you can immediately get equipped with the matching skin care for home after the type determination and allow the Ayurvedic lifestyle to enter your bathroom.

Finding inner peace in South Tyrol—The LA VIMEA

In the vegan Hotel LA VIMEA in South Tyrol, a wide range of Ayurvedic treatments and massages awaits you. Moreover, you also have the opportunity to participate in an energy or sound healing, learn meditation practices or relax with yoga. Certified “Healing Masters” take you through the treatments and exercises and help you find your inner peace.

As we indicated at the beginning, Ayurveda is more than wellness, it is a way of life, and it is understood as such at Green Pearls® partners. You can try out this way of life for yourself during an Ayurveda trip or with an individual treatment plan in one of the featured hotels. You will certainly experience the positive effects at home, and perhaps you will even add one or the other element to your everyday life. Maybe a self-massage once a week?

Have you already had an Ayurvedic massage? Or have you even done a cure? You are welcome to share your experiences in the comments and write us on Instagram!

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