The evolution of Ayurvedic yoga massage called upon the ancient wisdom of this yoga tradition. Recognizing that this relaxed release of energy flow is fundamental to the tremendous feeling of wellbeing that results from correct yoga practice, Master Kusan Modak began to transform the practice, marrying it to her in-depth knowledge of traditional Ayurvedic massage techniques. She realized further that the yoga practitioner can achieve more flexibility and range in the stretches when the body is completely relaxed and passive; in this way the therapist administering the treatment becomes the 'prop', aiding correct and deep release into the stretches. This passive yoga stretching increases joint mobility and ligament flexibility and is thus an excellent tool for motor rehabilitation. In addition, ancient techniques involving the application of pressure with the feet at certain points in the treatment provides a very deep relaxation to the muscles and gives a strong stimulus to the blood circulation, thus delaying the ageing process.

Detoxification

Ayurvedic yoga massage has a marvellous capacity to assist detoxification of the body. Both soft and deep tissue and lymphatic drainage massage techniques are used with pure oil, sometimes with the addition of plant extracts or essential oils. the recipient wears undergarments, and sarongs are used that cover the body. A session can last between 75 and 120 minutes. The results are very real and in most cases tremendous. The release of trapped stress and tension is tangible – natural energy flow is restored and the body feels calm, light and aligned. The recipient emerges calm, focused and with a real connection to the body. One session can alleviate months of accumulated toxins and tension; a course of treatments has a cumulative effect. Many recipients schedule a regular treatment as a form of physical maintenance, a way of maintaining balance and health in a stressful world, the elusive holy grail of urban living.

Deep Breathing

With all of this powerful bodywork taking place, there is a further element that provides cohesion, amplifies all the previously mentioned and further sets this practice in a unique field of its own. That is the practice of deep yoga breathing, known as the Ujjayi or 'conquering' breath. Throughout the treatment the therapist coaches the recipient to maintain a steady, even deep rhythmic flow, preferably in and out through the nose, although a powerful exhalation through the mouth can assist release into some of the deeper stretches. The development of this bodywork technique recognized that, ultimately, yoga derives its manifold benefits from the movement of prana – the life-force energy of the breath – through the energy channels of the body. This is why breath, relaxation and alignment are so important in yoga practice. Taking this as the foundation stone of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage, the recipient's breath provides the rhythm and tempo for the entire treatment. Stretches are executed on the exhalation when deeper release is available, and the repetition of each stretch three to five times, or more, allows a progressively deeper movement from the muscles, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels right down to the skeletal system. Stress trapped in the muscles and tendons is safely released; stiff joints are relieved and the entire system is profoundly re-oxygenated at the deepest level. Oxygen itself is a powerful detoxifying agent, neutralizing acidic toxins and wastes.

The recipient should be aware that sometimes a 'healing crisis' may occur; the shifting and eliminating of toxins through the combination of breath-work, assisted stretching and massage / drainage practices can temporarily increase symptoms over a 24 hour period. It is a good idea to drink copious amounts of water over the 24 hours after the treatment.

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