This October I found myself swapping the beautiful New Forest for the sunshine of Ibiza, heading to Santa Eulària to spend some time learning something completely new.
I’ve always felt that yoga is about so much more than what happens on the mat. It’s about how we feel in our bodies, the senses, finding balance, learning to slow down and taking time to look after ourselves. I’m always keen to learn more and explore different ways of supporting our physical and emotional wellbeing, so when the opportunity came along to study AYM (Ayurvedic Yoga Massage), I couldn’t wait to get started.
And what a lovely experience it was!…
I spent my time immersed in learning this beautiful practice, discovering how massage, yoga-inspired stretches and mindful breathing can come together to create a wonderfully nurturing treatment. It was also a lovely reminder of what it feels like to be a student again – learning new skills, making mistakes, asking questions and enjoying making like minded friends on the course along the way. We all had a wonderful time in the beautiful little Ibizan town. Coastal walks, a cliff top hike, sea swimming each day and resting on the beach letting it all soak in. It was a really special trip for me allowing myself to step away from home life and devote this time and energy to my learning and sense of purpose. I feel very grateful to my husband and family for supporting me in being able to do so.
So, what exactly is Ayurvedic Yoga Massage?
AYM, or Ayurvedic Yoga Massage, is a treatment that combines traditional Indian massage techniques with assisted yoga stretches.
Although inspired by the ancient Indian traditions of Ayurveda and yoga, the particular AYM method was developed by Kusum Modak in Pune, India, during the 1980s. She brought together traditional Ayurvedic massage techniques with yoga-based stretches, creating a treatment that works with the body in a really interesting and holistic way. My teacher James was a student of Kusum out in India and taught to us it’s purest form, as taught to him.
Unlike a conventional massage, AYM is carried out on a mattress on the floor. It combines a flowing, deep-tissue oil massage with assisted stretches and gentle movements.
The treatment uses the hands and feet to work into the muscles, helping to release areas of tension and encourage the body to soften. A natural herbal powder-Calmus, traditionally made using Vacha root, is used to help stimulate the skin and tissues.
As the treatment progresses, gentle yoga-inspired stretches are introduced, helping to explore movement and mobility. I love that these require an element of working together to help the body-by communicating where the edge is for that person and using the breath to work with that. As a yoga teacher I am never very keen on giving hands on assists during stretches in class for many reasons. This new offering gives me a chance to really be able to offer those who would like that extra physical input to receive this in a safe private setting free of any judgement or pressure. It really is a wonderful thing to share.
What are the benefits?
One of the things I love about this treatment is how it works with the whole body rather than focusing on just one area, think of all the tissues within the body being like cobwebs all interlinked and reactive to each other. Facia, nerves, meridians, circulation, endocrine, in addition to the muscles tissues, everything, it all relies on homestatis/ balance within the whole body. So this treatment acts as such which I believe shows from the way you feel afterwards!
We all carry tension in different ways. Perhaps it’s tight shoulders from sitting at a desk, an aching back, stiff hips, or simply that feeling of being a little too busy and not giving ourselves enough time to stop.
AYM can help to:
- Release muscular tension and tightness.
- Encourage flexibility and greater freedom of movement.
- Support joint mobility through gentle assisted stretches.
- Stimulate circulation and warm the muscles.
- Improve body awareness and encourage better movement patterns.
- Promote relaxation and a sense of calm.
- Give you some much-needed time to switch off and reconnect with yourself.
Of course, every body is different, and the treatment is adapted to the individual. It’s not about pushing your body or forcing a stretch. Quite the opposite, really. It’s about listening, breathing and allowing the body to respond in its own time, as I said we work together with this.
How does it complement our yoga practice?
This is probably the part that excites me most as a yoga teacher.
In our yoga classes, we’re actively working with our bodies. We stretch, strengthen, balance, move and explore what feels right for us.
AYM offers something a little different. Rather than actively moving ourselves into postures, we are supported through gentle assisted stretches and movements while receiving massage.
I think the two practices complement each other beautifully. Yoga helps us build strength, flexibility, balance and awareness, while Ayurvedic Yoga Massage gives us the opportunity to relax, release tension and experience movement in a more passive way, in addition to all the benefits above!
It also brings us back to some of the things we talk about in class – breathing, being present, letting go of expectations and learning to listen to our bodies.
Sometimes we need to stretch and strengthen, and sometimes we just need to stop and receive.
Bringing a little Ibiza inspiration home…
I’ve come back from Ibiza feeling inspired, grateful and excited to share what I’ve learnt. There is something really special about learning a new skill and being able to bring it home to share with the people around you. I’m looking forward to incorporating this new practice into what I offer here in our little corner of the New Forest.
And now, I’m very excited to let you know that Ayurvedic Yoga Massage treatments will be available to book from December!
As a little thank you to my lovely Re-root yogis, I’m opening up bookings exclusively to our yoga community initially, at a special introductory rate:
£60 per treatment (usually £80).
This will be an opportunity for you to experience AYM before I officially launch this new offering to the wider public in the New Year. Whether you’re looking to ease away some tension, give your body a little extra care, improve your mobility or simply enjoy some lovely time for yourself, I’d love for you to come and experience it.
To book your treatment, simply drop me a message and we’ll arrange a time.
I’m really excited about this next little chapter and can’t wait to share it with you. Here’s to looking after ourselves, finding a little more balance and remembering that sometimes the best thing we can do is slow down and take a moment for ourselves.