We’ll start with a brief 15-20 minute chat to discuss how your body is feeling and what your priorities are for the session. The session itself will typically start with broad deep massage strokes to warm each muscle and stimulate blood flow. Depending on your needs we may go deeper with the massage in certain areas to relieve any muscle tension. We’ll then perform a series of assisted stretches, targeting the spine, hips, legs, shoulders, etc. We’ll then finish with abdomen, neck, head and face massage and a brief savasana to close.

While this is how sessions tend to go, I am always happy to adjust and adapt the treatment plan to suit your bodies needs.

If it’s your first time trying Ayurvedic Yoga Massage I’d recommend 90 minutes. This allows enough time for the whole body to be covered, plus a bit of deeper work in one or two priority areas (e.g. shoulders or hips).

If you’ve tried AYM before and you’re just wanting a general top-up, or you’re only wanting half of your body to be covered, then 60 minutes or less would be appropriate.

For deeper, more relaxing treatments with attention on multiple priority areas, opt for 120 minutes.

Throughout the treatment you’ll wear only underwear - loose comfortable underwear which can be lowered and raised to expose the glutes as need is ideal.

It doesn’t matter too much what you wear to and from your appointment, but I’d recommend wearing clothes which you don’t mind getting residual oil from your skin on.

It can, but it doesn’t have to. You’re welcome to specify which areas of the body you want included and which areas you don’t.

• Arrive wearing comfortable clothes which you don’t mind getting minimal oil on (the session is done without clothes on, but residual oil on your skin may come off on to your clothes once you’re dressed after the appointment).

• Please wear loose comfortable underwear which can be raised lowered and moved to uncover the gluteal area when needed.

• Showering before the appointment is always appreciated, but it’s not a requirement.

• Avoid eating within an hour before your appointment.

Of course! There’s no expectation for you to know any poses or to have any particular strength or flexibility. Your only job is to relax, breathe, and enjoy. (At most, I might ask you to go into child’s pose, but if you’re unsure what that looks like I can explain it before.)

• The massage bed is a king-size, ground-level futon, which allows you to sprawl out and move un-restricted.

• In AYM, we use massage oil and calamus powder. The oil is applied first, the powder then sprinkled on top, allowing the therapist to apply more pressure due to a slight friction. This also helps warm the muscles and bring more blood to the surface.

• As well as massage techniques, I perform assisted yoga-style stretches, mostly for the legs, hips and spine.

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine, translating to “science of life”. It uses diet, herbal medicines, movement practices, massage and lifestyle changes to promote a harmonic balance of energies (the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha).

Ayurvedic Massage is broad. Kusum Modak was influenced by Ayurvedic Massage techniques when creating Ayurvedic Yoga Massage.

Disclaimer: I’m not personally the most well-versed in Ayurveda and I don’t offer Ayurvedic consulations or treatments beyond AYM itself.

In theory, yes. There are generally ways for offering safe and effective treatments to all bodies. However some medical conditions, disabilities, or pregnancy may be beyond my scope as a massage therapist.

If you’re not sure if AYM is right for you please do get in touch anyway. If I’m not the right therapist for you, I’m always happy to recommend other massage therapists with a more appropriate skill-set.

The pressure is generally up to you - I can usually adjust to going as firm or as light as is necessary. I always encourage clients to direct me as needed, because different areas of the body may need different types of pressure.