ZunZun Therapies Reflexology & Massage in Clifton, Bristol

Ayurveda is around 5,000 years old and originated in India. Its components and concepts are rooted in Vedas, the ancient book of knowledge.

The word ‘Ayurveda’ comes from Sanskrit and means “knowledge” or “the theory” of life. It is a knowledge which shows us the way to a long and healthy life and how to maintain good health. Or, if we are ill, how to regain good health.

Ayurveda is prevention-oriented, free from harmful side-effects, and treats the root cause of a disease rather than just the symptoms. Although it can be used to alleviate various conditions, it is founded on the principle of preventing disorders in the long term, rather than waiting for problems to manifest themselves. So it’s the ideal way for healthy individuals to maintain good health and general wellbeing.

"Because we cannot scrub our inner body we need to learn a few skills to help cleanse our tissues, organs, and mind. " This is the art of Ayurveda." Sebastian Pole

For more on the theory behind Ayurveda, click here.

Ayurvedic Oil Massage is a holistic healing and complementary medicine therapy combined with a conventional massage.

Oils are applied to remove physical, mental and emotional toxins and to pacify aggravated vata dosha – the result of a hectic and stressful lifestyle and improper nutrition or eating habits, which is the root cause of imbalance – and to relieve stress.

Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic external therapy where the therapist uses aromatic herbal oils. It is a holistic treatment also meant to nourish the body with healing touch and warmed oil, and certainly promotes healthy circulation and joints. This treatment is very balancing and is excellent for detoxifying toxins in your body.

Ayurveda Massage Therapy not only gives your muscles a workout, it works at a cellular level, too. Warm oils deeply penetrate your cells, releasing toxins and promoting cellular self-healing.

This treatment helps to stimulate and regulate digestion. It is very commonly given to women in the post-natal period, as it helps to strengthen the abdominal wall and prevents unnecessary weight gain during this period.

As well as focusing on diet, Ayurvedic treatments are a great way to rebalance during Spring. Nabhi Abhyanga is a perfect detox treatment. The abdominal area is where the digestive fire (agni) is located; healthy agni governs our metabolism and is vital to our wellbeing, keeping us young and strong.

According to modern medicine, all the main digestive enzymes are produced by the small intestine, located just behind the navel region. Ayurveda gives immense importance to this area. It is the first and only point of contact and source of food, water and air for the fetus while it lives in the mother's womb for nine months and should be nourished from the very first days of a baby's life. And this nourishment should continue throughout your own life.

Any massage given to this area, including the whole abdomen, helps to regulate the agni which in turn supports a healthy life.

Shirodhara is a form of Ayurveda therapy that involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead.

Shirodhara, from the Sanskrit words ‘shiras’ (head) and ‘dhara’ (flow), is a gentle and constant application of warm oil on the third eye or chakra point just above and between the eyebrows.

When the warm oil is gently poured on your forehead, it induces a deep state of relaxation, soothes the nervous system, stimulates the endocrine system (the pituitary gland) and awakens the third eye – a divine intervention which washes away tension and helps ease physical and mental aches and pains. It also balances energy levels.

Shirodhara is traditionally done as part of the panchakarma cleansing process, however it is perfectly effective as a stand alone therapy as well. It also stimulates the Ajna Marma which is one of most important vital points of the body. It is a key juncture not only for nerves and tissues, but also of the circulation of vital life force, or prana.

The Ajna Marma is also called the “ Third-Eye “ Chakra, which is the sixth primary chakra in your body, and is often known as the centre of intuition and foresight. According to Ayurveda stimulating the Ajna Marma leads to an expansion of awareness, a state of parasympathetic response, during which we connect deeply with or own selves and subconscious. With your eyes covered, you enter a state of blissful relaxation similar to mediation.

If you’re in need of rest and relaxation, this treatment will provide it. If you are well-rested, the process will enhance your clarity and perception.