Ayurvedic massage - touch for body and soul

Interview with Petra Wolfinger, Ayurveda therapist, lecturer and representative of the European Academy of Ayurveda in Austria.

Petra, you have been deeply connected to Ayurveda for 15 years and teach, among other things, Ayurvedic massage at the European Academy of Ayurveda. What is the difference between an Ayurvedic massage and a classical massage?

If we research what Wikipedia says, then the following: "Massage (from French masser "to massage", Arabic مس "to touch; to palpate" or from Greek μάσσω "to knead") is used to mechanically influence the skin, connective tissue and muscles through stretching, pulling and pressure stimuli. The effect of massage extends from the treated part of the body to the entire organism and includes the psyche."

K. R. Srikantha Murthy:

"Abhyanga (oil massage and bath) should be performed daily. It dispels age, tension and accumulation of Vata. It gives good vision, nourishment for the body, long life, good sleep, good and healthy skin. It should be performed especially on the head, ears and feet. It should be avoided by people suffering from accumulations of kapha, currently undergoing purification therapy (such as emetics or laxatives) or suffering from indigestion."

What can be seen at first glance is that classical massage refers to the anatomy and aims at a mechanical influence on the skin and muscles. This is to stimulate the exchange of information between synapses and CNS ( central nervous system). Stroking, tapping, plucking and pulling are ways of grasping that promote blood circulation regionally and balance the imbalances of agonists.

Abhyanga always goes one step further. The therapist looks at where the client is at the moment, which dosha is irritated and then decides whether to massage anuloma or pratiloma, that is, calming outward to the periphery or activating toward the heart. A very important point is the oil, which is chosen according to the state of the doshas.

What therapeutic effect can I achieve with an Ayurvedic massage?

In Ayurveda, Prakriti and Vikriti are often juxtaposed; Prakriti is the basic constitution, that is, what we have been given. Vikriti is what life makes of us every day. If we live according to our constitution, then we should never get sick. Unfortunately, however, external circumstances, job or family force us to live differently. To eat right, to muster the strength to practice yoga and meditate every day, all this is very difficult in today's world.

What distinguishes a good Ayurvedic massage? What makes it particularly effective?

A good Ayurvedic massage is based on the person in front of you and takes into account the present circumstances. For example, someone who drives an hour to the therapist after a hard day's work, has made a lot of phone calls beforehand, and has been really stressed out in an open-plan office, has a lot of Vata in them. With a dynamic form of massage, this person would not stay relaxed on the table. This client needs calm, long strokes, compact in the structure of the muscle, presence and the right Vata-reducing oil. It is like a very individual composition. In this way, the client reaches maximum relaxation and can absorb a corresponding amount; the massage is particularly intense.

What role do the personality and the inner attitude of the therapist play in an Ayurvedic massage?

In massage we are dealing with people. People who, like you and me, have to cope with many excessive demands in life. Who have often gone beyond their limits and therefore develop "tension". Often the first signs on the mental level or psyche are overlooked or ignored and only when the body reports, people get an appointment for massage. For me as an Ayurvedic practitioner, this means taking the right view of the person and taking a step back with my own sensitivities. All this already requires a high degree of personal development.

One of my teachers once said that knowledge about Ayurveda and about the person and about myself are crucial. Respect, devotion, empathy are another good prerequisite for an enriching relationship between therapist and client.

As a lecturer, what do you place special emphasis on when training in Ayurvedic massage?

What qualities should people have who want to be trained in Ayurvedic massage?

To be open to go new ways. Bring along the willingness to "feel" something and to pass it on. With your hands. Not only to experience something spiritually, intellectually, analytically, but to get involved in a new path, a path of empathy and devotion to the body. This is a journey, a journey to yourself, your body and many touching moments on all levels. And you want to pass this on. Then you are right with us in Ayurveda.