Certificate Course in

An Introduction to Ayurvedic Massage

with Natalia Ubieta MIFPA

Ayurveda, meaning ‘the Knowledge of Life’, is an ancient system of natural medicine that orginated in India, where it has been practiced for thousands of years. The basic purpose of Ayurveda is to promote health and longevity through restoring and maintaining the balance of the individual’s body, mind and spirit.

Massage, according to Ayurveda, is of great benefit in maintaining this balance, and is highly recommended as a regular practice. Regular Ayurvedic massage treatment relaxes and tones the muscles, improves blood circulation, relieves fatigue, promotes sound sleep, and enhances one’s general health. Ayurveda places great importance on the individual’s Prakriti, or bodily consitution, which is fundamentally composed of three constitutional energies, known as Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The use of specific medicated oils in Ayurvedic massage assists is restoring balance to the Doshas.

In this two weekend course, participants will be introduced to the principles and practice of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Massage. On completion, they will be able to perform a full-body Ayurvedic massage based on the recipient’s bodily constitution, using appropriate medicated or essential oils and the stimulation of relevant Marma (pressure) points on the body.

COURSE COMPONENTS

• Traditional Ayurvedic Massage full body massage.
• An introduction to Marma massage; the most important Marma points used in balancing the Doshas.
• The fundamental principles of Ayurveda.
• The Doshas: their definition, qualities, functions and imbalances.
• The seven Dhatus, or bodily tissues.
• General guidelines for maintaining a balanced bodily constitution.
• The six Ayurvedic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, pungent, astringent, bitter.
• Massage oils: sesame, coconut, olive and mustard oils.
• Medicated oils: their Ayurvedic properties and use in the treatment of specific ailments.
• Ayurvedic consultation and case study work.

The course includes printed notes.
An Institute Certificate is issued on successful completion.

Entry Requirement
• Entry onto this course requires prior basic training in therapeutic massage.

Natalia Ubieta MIFPA
Course Instructor

Natalia Ubieta is an ITHMA-qualified aromatherapist and therapeutic massage practitioner and a member of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA).

Natalia’s interest in natural healing brought her to the study of traditional disciplines including Ayurveda and Oriental Medicine. She has trained in Ayurvedic Massage with Ayurvedic doctors from Sri Lanka and Kerala, as part of a Diploma course in Ayurvedic Medicine held by the Ayurveda Clinic of London. She has also completed advanced training in India in Panchakarma, pregnancy and postnatal care, and the treatment of specific ailments.

Natalia is also qualified in Reflexology, Deep Tissue Massage, and infant massage instruction. Natalia maintains a busy practice in Northwest London and is currently undertaking professional training in Shiatsu Massage.

LOCATIONS, DATES AND FEES

Location: Regent's College, Regent's Park, London NW1.
Dates: Saturday & Sunday, June 12-13 and 26-27, 2010 (2 weekends).
Times: 10 am to 5 pm daily.
Course Fee: £295, payable through a deposit of £95 on booking, followed by the balance of £200 on the first day of the course.
Tel: 0207 708 2626 (or 0798 501 2565) for further info, or to make a debit/credit card booking.

Accommodation: For overnight accommodation near Regent's College, our course venue, we recommend that students visit the following website featuring several reasonably-priced small hotels:
http://www.hotels-london-hotel.com/hotels/marylebone