About Ayurvedic Facial Massage Principles
Ayurveda translates as 'knowledge of life' and dates back 5,000 years to the ancient Sanskrit texts, the Vedas. It’s a system of healing that examines physical constitution, emotional nature, and spiritual outlook in the context of the universe. According to the philosophy, universal life force manifests as three different energies, or doshas, known as vata, pitta, and kapha. We’re all made up of a unique combination of these three forces.
The Ayurvedic facial massage is only looking at the presentation of your facial skin type and this is so I can determine which Ayurvedic product to use – as this will suit you best. I use authentically and professionally prepared Ayurvedic products (vegan, natural and cruelty free, chemical free) from Tri-Dosha; who I also did my facial massage training with. The first time you have an Ayurvedic facial massage I will give you a skincare analysis to see what dosha your facial skin type is. People can be bi-doshic and tri-doshic but in the skincare analysis we look at the main doshic presentation of your facial skin.
Within the facial massage itself I stimulate and massage the facial marma points. There are 107 marma points in the entire body, and 1 in the mind. Upon the face there are 10 marma points.
Marma points are energy points in the body used for healing in Ayurveda. They can be compared to acupuncture points in Chinese Medicine. Stimulation of facial marma points works on improving the function and health of all the veins, bones, and ligaments located there, the related doshas, types of prana (life force), and nadis (channels that carry prana) associated with the points, which can have far-reaching benefits for not just your face and skin but also help:
- reduce signs of stress and ageing in facial muscles
- lymphatic drainage that helps the body detoxify better
- opening up of blocked channels in the face, bettering respiration
- glowing and hydrated skin
- reduction of acne and breakouts caused by the accumulation of toxins
- better digestion
- more energy and better sleep
- reduction in eye strain
- clear the mind
- release of difficult emotions and traumas sitting in our system as blockages
- stress management
The Ayurvedic facial massage is a holistic treatment to establish the dosha type for skincare and skin nourishment, help stimulate the marma points, to relax, be pampered and rejuvenate. I am not an Ayurvedic doctor, I am a reflexologist who has also done a training to give Ayurvedic facial massage to clients.
Apart from the skincare analysis we do within session, here is a short general summary of the three doshas. Please note the following summaries are how the dosha shows up in general within the entirety of the person (and we do not look at this within the facial massage session – this is for further interest only)
Kapha dosha
Kapha types have strong frames and are naturally athletic as long they are exercising regularly to manage their tendency to gain weight. The influence of the earth and water elements makes them innately stable, compassionate, and loyal. They appreciate doing things in a methodical, step-by-step manner, and prefer a regular routine in their personal and professional lives. When imbalanced they can become unmotivated, stubborn, and complacent even when change is necessary. Their metabolism tends to be slow and their appetite for both food and stimulation is less intense than vata or pitta types. They benefit from exposing themselves to new environments, people, and occasionally fasting.
Pitta dosha
Pitta types are dominated by the fire element, which makes them innately strong, intense, and irritable. They tend to have a medium build and endurance with powerful musculature. They often have freckled skin that easily reddens in the sun, during exercise, massage, and when blushing. They are strong willed and good at doing what they think is right. They approach work and play with the same intensity and competitiveness. They are natural leaders and quick learners whose ability to easily comprehend and master new skills and concepts can make them judgmental or impatient toward people they feel are slower or less focused than themselves. They have strong digestion and intense appetites, both for food and challenges. If they miss a meal they are likely to become grumpy and may take a 'bite' out of somebody instead. It is common for them to suffer from health conditions such as inflammation, rashes, acne, and loose stool. For balance, pittas need to manage their 'fiery' tendencies, channeling them in productive ways and learning to recognize their destructive power.
Vata dosha
Vata types tend to be thin and lanky. They are very mentally and physically active and enjoy creative endeavors, meeting new people, and traveling to new places. When they are balanced, vatas are flexible, have lively imaginations, and are original thinkers. When imbalanced they can get anxious, ungrounded, and can seem 'flaky' about fulfilling commitments, sticking to a routine, and completing projects. They tend to run cold and dry and enjoy warm, humid weather. It’s common for vata types to experience cold hands and feet, constipation, dry skin, and cracking joints. The influence of the air element in their constitution causes their energy, mood, and appetite to fluctuate dramatically. For this reason vata types often fail to eat and sleep regularly, swinging from eating heavy foods to ground and sedate themselves, or ingesting stimulants like coffee and sugar to sustain intense physical or mental activity. Insomnia and low immunity are very common problem for the sensitive vata person.
More on Ayurveda
If a person wanted to see an Ayurvedic doctor about a health concern then that would require seeing an Ayurvedic trained practitioner who would have done many years of in-depth training. The Ayurvedic trained practiitoner not only examines your body, but takes an extensive personal and medical history, including questions about daily diet, profession and working conditions, exercise routines, relationships, and emotional and mental health. They would then prescribe from a holistic toolkit of massage, yoga, meditation, nutrition and herbs.
As you can see there is a lot contained within Ayurveda! Having an Ayurvedic facial massage is a wonderful way to experience some of the life enhancing principles of this fascinating system. There are extensive writings and explanations on all aspects of Ayurveda, as the Ayurvedic system as a whole is thorough and in-depth, and for those people who want to know more then may the path of learning open up to you in the most blessed way. Enjoy :)
