Ayurveda Massage Course

Lesson 1 • Origins and Philosophy of Ayurveda

Covers the historical roots and guiding principles of Ayurveda as a healing system. Provides the philosophical lens through which all massage techniques are interpreted.

Lesson 2 • Prakriti and Vikriti Assessment

Teaches constitutional typing and current imbalance identification. Students use this assessment to personalize every massage session.

Lesson 3 • Professional and Ethical Standards

Defines scope of practice, informed consent, and professional boundaries for Ayurvedic massage practitioners. Sets the ethical foundation for all client interactions.

Lesson 4 • The Three Doshas Explained

Introduces Vata, Pitta, and Kapha as functional energies governing physiology. Understanding doshas is essential for selecting appropriate massage approaches.

Lesson 1 • Properties of Base Carrier Oils

Examines sesame, coconut, sunflower, and other base oils through an Ayurvedic lens. Correct base oil selection directly affects therapeutic outcome for each dosha.

Lesson 2 • Hygiene and Allergy Considerations

Addresses sanitation of oils, tools, and linens alongside nut and plant allergy screening. Ensures client safety and compliance with health and hygiene standards.

Lesson 3 • Medicated and Herbal Oils

Introduces classical formulations such as Mahanarayan, Dhanwantharam, and Ksheerabala oils. Students learn indications, contraindications, and application guidelines for each.

Lesson 4 • Oil Temperature and Heating Protocols

Establishes safe oil-warming techniques and temperature ranges for therapeutic benefit. Proper temperature management prevents burns and enhances absorption.

Lesson 1 • Practitioner Body Mechanics

Establishes posture, stance, and weight transfer to protect the practitioner and deliver effective pressure. Good body mechanics prevent injury and sustain a long career.

Lesson 2 • Effleurage and Gliding Strokes

Introduces long, flowing strokes used to warm tissue, distribute oil, and open a session. Students practice direction, speed, and pressure variation for each dosha.

Lesson 3 • Marma Point Stimulation Basics

Introduces the 107 Marma points as vital energy junctions and their role in Ayurvedic massage. Students locate and apply gentle pressure to key points safely.

Lesson 4 • Tapotement and Percussion

Teaches rhythmic percussion strokes including hacking, cupping, and tapping for stimulation. Percussion is used selectively based on dosha and treatment goals.

Lesson 1 • Prone Sequence: Back Body

Delivers the back-body routine covering posterior legs, gluteals, back, and neck. Students integrate Marma stimulation and deeper strokes into the prone sequence.

Lesson 2 • Closing, Swedana, and Post-Care

Covers session closure, steam therapy (Swedana) as a follow-up, and post-massage client guidance. Proper closure maximises oil absorption and client benefit.

Lesson 3 • Principles and Benefits of Abhyanga

Explains the physiological and energetic benefits of daily oil massage rooted in classical texts. Establishes the rationale for sequence, direction, and oil choice.

Lesson 4 • Supine Sequence: Front Body

Teaches the step-by-step front-body routine covering legs, abdomen, chest, arms, and face. Students practice transitions and maintain consistent oil coverage throughout.

Lesson 1 • Anatomy of the Head and Neck

Reviews cranial bones, scalp layers, facial muscles, and cervical structures relevant to head massage. Anatomical knowledge prevents injury and guides precise technique.

Lesson 2 • Contraindications for Head Treatments

Identifies conditions requiring modification or avoidance of head and scalp treatments. Safe screening protects clients with hypertension, scalp conditions, or recent head trauma.

Lesson 3 • Facial Marma Massage

Focuses on the 11 facial Marma points and their therapeutic stimulation through precise finger techniques. Facial Marma work addresses sinus congestion, eye strain, and stress.

Lesson 4 • Shiroabhyanga Technique

Teaches the classical head and scalp oil massage sequence for stress relief and hair health. Students practice pressure, rhythm, and oil application on the scalp.

Lesson 1 • Pinda Sweda: Herbal Bolus Massage

Covers preparation and application of heated herbal boluses (Kizhi) for deep tissue relief and joint support. Students make boluses, manage heat, and apply rhythmic stamping strokes.

Lesson 2 • Netra Tarpana: Eye Rejuvenation

Teaches the ghee-pool eye treatment for dryness, strain, and Vata imbalance in the eyes. Students apply strict hygiene and precise technique to protect this sensitive area.

Lesson 3 • Kati Basti and Localised Oil Pools

Introduces dough-dam treatments that hold warm medicated oil over the lumbar spine, knees, or heart. Students construct dams, fill them safely, and monitor oil temperature.

Lesson 4 • Nasya: Nasal Oil Application

Covers nasal oil instillation as a complementary treatment for sinus, head, and neurological conditions. Students perform preparatory facial massage and safe oil administration.

Lesson 1 • Designing a Kapha-Stimulating Session

Applies vigorous, warming, and stimulating principles to mobilise Kapha stagnation and lethargy. Students use dry techniques, brisk strokes, and stimulating herbs appropriately.

Lesson 2 • Designing a Pitta-Pacifying Session

Applies cooling, soothing, and moderate-pressure principles to address Pitta inflammation and irritability. Students modify oil temperature, stroke intensity, and room environment accordingly.

Lesson 3 • Dual and Tridoshic Balancing

Addresses clients with two dominant doshas or near-equal tridoshic constitutions requiring nuanced blending. Students prioritise the most aggravated dosha while supporting overall balance.

Lesson 4 • Designing a Vata-Pacifying Session

Applies warm, heavy, slow, and grounding principles to every aspect of a Vata-focused treatment. Students select oils, strokes, pressure, and duration to calm Vata excess.

Lesson 1 • Comprehensive Client Intake Process

Establishes a structured intake workflow including health history, dosha assessment, and goal setting. Thorough intake drives accurate treatment planning and legal protection.

Lesson 2 • Intra-Session Observation and Adjustment

Develops real-time observation skills to detect client responses and modify technique accordingly. Students practice verbal check-ins, visual cues, and pressure adjustments mid-session.

Lesson 3 • Treatment Planning and Sequencing

Teaches how to select and sequence treatments across a single session and a multi-session programme. Students create written treatment plans aligned with client constitution and goals.

Lesson 4 • Practitioner Self-Care and Sustainability

Addresses the physical and energetic demands of full-time Ayurvedic massage practice. Students develop personal self-care routines to prevent burnout and repetitive strain.