Shiatsu

Ayurvedic massage is considered one of the most complete massages. Ayurvedic medicine, where its techniques and principles come from, is recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization).

Ayurveda means science (veda) of life (ayur), and is the name given to medical knowledge developed in India about 5,000 years ago, which makes it one of the oldest in humanity.

Ayurvedic medicine is based on the recognition of the disease as more than the manifestation of symptoms dangerous to health. For this medicinal system, the disease begins long before it reaches the stage when it shows symptoms. Small imbalances tend to increase over time, and if left unaddressed can later lead to illness with visible effects.
Thus, this science focuses on preventing symptoms and imbalances, and not just on curing them.

For its application, the constitution of each person is taken into account. According to Ayurvedic medicine, Dosha is unique. For this reason, different techniques are used to balance different deviations.

Dosha (or Prakrriti) consists of a combination of 5 elements: Ether (or Space), Air, Fire, Water and Earth, elements by which, according to Ayurvedic medicine, the universe is composed.
Each human being corresponds to a unique combination of these elements, which maintains the harmony between physical, mental and emotional functions, to which a specific Dosha corresponds.
Ayurvedic Massage adapts to each person's Dosha type. The type of Dosha is also determining which essential oil will be used in performing the massage.

Dosha can be identified through the personality traits and customs of each of us.

There are three types of Dosha: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vata is a combination of Ether (Space) and Air. We find ourselves in this way before an unpredictable person, who often has mood swings and continuous appetite, and who hardly takes root. The Vata person is creative and highly motivated, performing tasks quickly. Some of the imbalances are anxiety, lack of tolerance and fear. Ayurvedic massage performed regularly will bring the following benefits to the individual Vata: Increased energy, attenuation of pain and problems in the joints and back, regulates the digestive process and sleep cycle, among many other benefits.
The oils indicated for massage in a Vata person should be sweet, citrus, resinous and warm like Patchouli, Clove, Cedar, Lavender, Fennel, Bergamot, Jasmine, Ylang-ylang and Orange, which will help calm anxiety and nervousness, warming and moistening the body and increasing positive emotions.

Pitta is a combination of fire and water. This time we are facing a balanced, methodical, non-aggressive and judgmental person, but easily irritable and who strives for perfection. For this very reason, this is a demanding individual with himself and others, doing everything possible to achieve his goals with merit and refinement. He is still very charismatic and tends towards noble professions such as medicine, law and engineering, which makes him surrounded by people who admire him for his leadership skills. One of the imbalances associated with the Pitta person is physical and mental exhaustion due to their highly competitive tendency.
Performing Ayurvedic massage regularly will eliminate this physical and mental fatigue, restoring energies, making the individual find a serene balance between all their energies, promoting clarity of mind in decision making and deep sleep.
The indicated oils for the massage of a Pitta person are the herbaceous, fresh, floral and sweet, such as Chamomile, Geranium, Sandalwood, Rose, Sage, Vetiver, Clare, Myrrh, Peppermint, Pitigrain, Frankincense, Lotus and Marjoram, which will refresh and soothe it.

Kapha is a combination of water and earth. The Kapha person is balanced and well structured, with excellent energy and stable and strong health. We are facing a relaxed person with a great physical and emotional resistance, having a serene vision of everything around him. He has a huge awareness of reality, and is very peaceful, tolerant and affectionate.
The imbalances associated with Kapha are lust and greed, because you want to stay true to your beliefs, which can lead to depression. It also has associated excess diseases such as hypertension, heart problems, obesity and diabetes.
Performing Ayurvedic Massage regularly will break the routine and promote adaptation to new habits and ideas, and will prevent the illnesses for which you have a tendency.
The oils indicated for massage in a Kapha person are the purifying, hot and stimulating, such as Camphor, Ginger, Eucalyptus, Mustard, Thyme, Geranium and Basil, which will stimulate your melancholic and heavy energy.

In general, the benefits of Ayurvedic Massage treatment include skin rejuvenation, realignment of bone and muscle structures, strengthening of the immune system, acceleration of lymphatic circulation and consequent detoxification of the body, blockage, prevention. disease, increased flexibility, increased joint mobility and a serene state of mind. The ultimate goal of this massage is to regain physical, mental, energetic and emotional balance.

At Float in, this massage is performed on a tatami mat and used sliding, kneading, stretching and deep touching techniques to balance, relax and give a feeling of well-being.

This is one of Float in's Signature Massages, with which you can feel completely refreshed. Available at Float in Spa at Rato and Picoas.