Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing and one of the longest continuously practiced systems of medicine in the world. Many years ago, Ayurvedic practitioners designed a vast array of massage and body treatments for both a physical detoxification and a quieting of the mind.

Ayurveda understands that the stresses, strains and pains that we experience on a daily basis are expressions of how our body accumulates imbalances. Once released, our cells, tissues and organs can be renourished and rejuvenated for proper functioning

Modern pharmaceutical drugs alter the course of a disease temporarily but do not signal the body to heal itself. By quieting our mind we can awaken our own inner healing system and many chronic conditions can be addressed; such as insomnia, arthritis, digestive disorders, migraine headaches, stress, anxiety, and depression.

The oils used for Ayurvedic Massage are cooked with herbs for many days and weeks and are prepared as medicine to be absorbed through the skin, directly into the bloodstream.

The most famous Ayurvedic treatment is shirodhara where a steady stream of oil is poured onto the forehead stimulating the brain waves to slow down, become coherent and allow access to a natural supply of melatonin, serotonin, and dopamine. The body and mind get a deep state of rest and people report greater alertness, deep relaxation and an increased ability to handle stress.

In swedana, you relax under a canopy of herbalized steam. During the treatment the head and vital organs are kept cool while the body warms up allowing for a deep calmness and a remarkable letting go of mental, emotional and physical impurities. Many people find this more relaxing than a massage.

Amba Greene is a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Licensed Massage Therapist (MA#53880), and Registered Yoga Teacher. These and other treatments are available from Be Nourished Ayurveda located at 981 37th Place, Vero Beach. For more information, call 772-589-9739, email [email protected] or visit www.benourished.net.