Relaxing ayurvedic massage "sattvic"
- I am YAM
- May 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Gunas in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, there are three gunas qualities of the mind. These are sattva, rajas and tamas.
✨Sattva represents light and harmony. It is a benevolent, clear and awake consciousness. The mind is governed by peace, clarity, grace, understanding and non-judgment.
💃Rajas represents movement, activity and transformation. It is a consciousness in perpetual motion, thoughts and ideas flow. This constant movement can lead to mental agitation.
🌉Tamas represents darkness, inertia and matter. It is a consciousness focused on one's own needs and desires without taking into account the reality of others. The mind is governed by slowness and indecision.
We need these three qualities and the mind regularly moves from one quality to another during the day. Indeed, our diet and our activities influence the qualities of our mind. For example, I contemplate my environment (sattvic activity), I go shopping (rajasic activity), I sleep (tamasic activity). But it is appropriate to tend towards sattva which is light. In our modern societies where the pace is frantic, it is impossible to have a permanently static mind.
But it is possible to implement certain actions, do certain activities or favor certain foods to tend to have a sattvic spirit as much as possible.
For example, meditating even for a few minutes a day, contemplating the world around us whenever we have the opportunity (rather than surfing on our phone) or even receiving a relaxing ayurvedic massage is said to be sattvic.
Sattvic massage
Sattvic treatment is a relaxing massage that invites meditation. The entire body is massaged with hot oil. The goal here is not to massage the muscles. This is a gentle massage, the movements are slow and enveloping. This treatment aims for harmony and invites you to release stress and tension by connecting to the present moment. This treatment is carried out in silence to invite you to refocus on yourself.
Benefits
Sattvic massage promotes proprioception. It invites you to become aware of each part of your body. You will become aware of the entire surface area of your body and you may even surprise yourself with the length of your limbs. This treatment also allows you to reconnect with your body and can thus be beneficial for people who have a conflicting relationship with their body. The treatment provides deep relief and fights against stress. It allows you to let go on a physical, mental and emotional level. It also brings a feeling of grounding and a feeling of clarity.
How does a massage session take place at I am YAM ?
We start with a quick interview during which you explain your needs to me. Together we will choose the most suitable treatment and oil.
After explaining the treatment to you, I will let you sit on the massage table.
In winter, a heated mattress pad and a Wai Qi heat lamp are installed to keep you warm.
The best outfit for the person being massaged is a thong type. Disposable underwear is available if you wish. This is a recommendation, you are free to wear the outfit you are comfortable with.
Once the treatment is finished, you are advised to stay in bed for a few more minutes. Then, an Ayurvedic herbal tea is offered to you. The oil should be kept on the body as long as possible, which is why you are advised to keep it on for at least 30-45 minutes after the massage. This time is necessary for the oil to penetrate deeply into all the tissues of the body.
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