COURSE DESCRIPTIONS


INTRODUCTORY DISCUSSION: What is Abhyanga and why is it so important?
Everyone needs massage on a regular basis. In just the same way as a machine needs greasing, the body loves to be oiled for pleasure as well as to protect it against the ravages of life and time. This class will open the doorway into the Ayurvedic view of how the body is nourished and detoxified with massage therapies. Observances prior to giving massage will be established.

ABHYANGA Abhyanga Massage Learn how to apply herbal-oil massage (abhyanga) for self care or for others. Abhyanga nourishes the skin, aids in removing impurities, stimulates both arterial and lymphatic circulation and relaxes the mind and body, promoting overall healing. Learn this full body massage with medicated oils to balance specific conditions. The oils used contain herbs and ingredients that pacify and balance any unbalanced Vata, Pitta, and Kapha energies.

Marmas are the sites on the physical body that interface with the spirit, or Purusha. Marmas act like pranic or energy switches that can be used to turn up or down, on or off, the prana flow at various places. We would do this work to remove blockages, increase energy or circulation, or tap deeper hidden reserves of vitality and connect with greater forces of life and nature.

We can also use Marma points to assess. At marma sites, toxins, stress, negative emotions and other attachments accumulate and are held sometimes for years and decades. This will be reflected as pain, swelling, heat or numbness in these points or areas, even before it may manifest outwardly in other symptoms. Sometimes simply palpating marma points will relieve pain and congestion.

MARMA THERAPY
Therapeutic marmas on the head, hands and feet are the most important for treatment purposes. Some marmas are external, while others are internal. For example, we can easily work on the marmas on the skin, limbs and joints. But often the actual energy of the points (heart, soft palate) are located inside the body and are merely accessed by treating reflex points above them on the surface of the body.

These marmas include vital systems like the digestive and eliminative systems as well as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It is important to keep in mind that marmas often have broad and indirect influences. Marmas on the extremities for example can strongly impact the internal organs and tissues of the body.

There are 107 primary physical marma points with a number of minor points which are not classified. We will identify the marmas so that, once familiar with the location and effects of the points, you will be more able to incorporate this awareness during a massage, while practicing yoga postures, or in pranayama practice. This will stimulate the subtle nerves (nadis) and energy centers (chakras) of the body and mind.

Most marmas are located near joints or orifices that contain space and hold air or energy. Since they govern the air and energy elements in the body, they will impact and control the other elements in the body as a whole.

VATA MARMAS: are most connected to the skin, circulation, and the movement of prana throughout the body as a healing force. It also distributes the effects of oils and aromas through the points to the rest of the body; especially in the arterial flow of blood in the limbs and ligaments; though it’s main region is the chest, arms and hands.

PITTA MARMA points are related to the digestion of nerve impulses by the brain, and of light through the eyes, and sunlight through the skin. Many are located on the skull. Pitta Marmas also have positive effects on assimilation of nutrients by the smaller intestine.

KAPHA MARMAS promote healthy hydration, lubrication and regeneration. The Kapha marmas on the head, heart and spine are responsible for lubrication of the brain and nervous system, and sense organs. Some Kapha marmas in the joints are responsible for lubrication of the joints.

Shirodhara & Nasya
After Abhyanga, when the body is rested and the mind is relaxed, we will combine Shirodhara, or, the streaming of warmed oil over the brow with a head, neck, and facial lymphatic massage, followed by inhalation of herbalized nose drops (nasya). This treatment is designed to help clear impurities from the head area, open the sinuses and stimulate energy flow within the head and neck area. It works on all the senses.