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For more information on the Prana Touch School of Ayurvedic Massage, please goto: www.pranatouch.com

Fall classes start September 13, 2006!

Or scroll down for more information on Ayurvedic massage.

You can also check out the rest of our site for info on naturopathic medicine and advanced bodywork.

To register for a class please call 415-513-7271

Prana Touch Ayurvedic Massage

Classes held every Wednesday 6-9 pm at Medicine Buddha Tea House Located on 2 Shotwell Street

½ block form Rainbow grocery in the Mission District of San Francisco

Prana Touch school of Ayurvedic Massage

Class Number	Date	Content
1	Sept 13	Warm oil massage of the head in seated and supine
2	Sept 20	Dotting the Marmas: Ayurvedic face massage
3	Sept 27	Soothe the neck, Open the throat, Connect head to heart
4	Oct 4	Arm and hand massage, Intro to 4 hand
5	Oct 11	Review arm and hand, Approaching the abdomen
6	Oct 18	Stomach and internal organ massage
7	Oct 25	Front of legs and feet
8	Nov 1	Review legs and feet 4 hands
9	Nov 8	Posterior legs
10	Nov 15	Posterior legs 4 hands, Full body crossing strokes

Open Practice	Nov 29	Short demonstration and then supervised practice.
Open Practice	Dec 06	Short demonstration and then supervised practice.

All classes are on Wednesdays from 6-9 pm. Limit 10 participants per class, you can pre-register by calling 415-513-7271 or emailing andrew@natmedworks.com

This Fall dive deep into Ayurvedic massage. Learn the luxurious warm oil massage techniques of southern India and take home the knowledge to perform a full-body Ayurvedic massage. Explore the bodies vital energy centers, the marma points, and practice the long flowing strokes that make this massage form unique.

This weekly class will teach you to perform classical Keralan abhyanga, or oil application, and 4-handed synchronized massage. Your instructor trained in Kerala, India which is regarded as the birthplace of Ayurvedic warm oil massage, this workshop remains true to those teachings.

Students will be given the tools to customize the massage sequence to balance the recipients individual Ayurvedic constitution or dosha type. You will also explore the use of special herbal massage oils and ayurvedic preparations and take home samples of these products to practice at home.

What will I learn in the 30 hour course?

A full body abhyanga-a traditional Ayurvedic massage from Kerala, India, that can be sculpted to balance the doshas of your clients.
4 Handed synchronized abhyanga
The long flowing strokes that are unique to Ayurvedic massage
Introduction to the therapeutic uses of Ayurvedic massage oils
Energetic anatomy including the movements of prana and chakras
Ayurvedic theory as it relates to massage
Guidelines for stimulating Marma points
Introduction to the prana nadis, literally âriversâ of energy and their connection to the Sen lines of Thai massage

Hands on:

Selecting the proper Ayurvedic Massage Oil
How to properly position the client
Proper draping technique
Specific full-body massage sequence
Palpation and stimulation of select Marma points

Prana Touch massage is a great foundation for those who want to offer other classical Keralan warm oil treatments like pizichili, shiroabhyanga (Indian Head Massage), marma therapy and shirodhara.

What is Prana Touch Ayurvedic Massage?

Prana Touch is a luxurious warm oil massage that embraces Ayurveda, the ancient Indian âscience of lifeâ. Prana Touch is named for the Sanskrit word that describes the life sustaining force inherent in all of us. A rhythmic massage that strengthens the body, Prana Touch alleviates pain and soreness and frees up blockages to the free flow of prana in the bodies vital centers of energy, the marma points. The ultimate goal of Prana Touch is to produce a deep yet balanced state of relaxation. The massage is always customized to the individual dosha or unique Ayurvedic constitution of the receiver. Prana Touch ayurvedic massage is characterized by long flowing strokes, the rhythmic pouring of warm oil, alternating speeds and pressure and spiraling motions over the delicate joints.

Class Format

Prana Touch Ayurvedic massage is a 30 hour class, spread over 10 weeks, that teaches you to perform Ayurvedic massage and 4 handed synchronized Ayurvedic massage. Upon completion of all 10 classes, one open practice session and a documented 20 hours of practice, you will receive a certificate of completion and have the option to list your practice on the Prana Touch website

Can you learn Ayurvedic massage in 30 hours?

The theory and concepts of Ayurveda are vast and an understanding of Ayurveda is necessary to become a competent Ayurvedic massage practitioner. This class is 80% hands on: theory and lecture, while important learning tools, are limited in order to increase practice time. Prana Touch is not a long drawn out sequence; it is a framework that is presented in a logical and easy to follow fashion. The 4 handed massage portion actually presents very little new info, it is a fun way to review the material while gaining a new skill set. Finally, this is a weekly course with a maximum of 10 students per class. You learn at a relaxed pace and have a full week between classes to integrate the information.

Who Should Attend?

This class is open to anyone with a basic knowledge of massage, who is comfortable moving around a massage table. Class size is currently limited to 10 participants.

Do I have to Attend all the classes in sequence?

You can drop into a class at any time, though priority will be given to continuing students and those who pre-register by email or phone. The teaching schedule is devised so that each class is taught 4 times per year. If you miss a class you can make it up the next quarter. You can start your training at any point.

What are the Fees?

First Class: $30

Remaining 9 classes: $45 each

Supervised Practice class: $20 each

*Full payment in the form of cash or check is due at each class, unless other payment options have been agreed upon in advance. Please let me know if you require a payment plan.

Where is the Prana Touch school located?

Classes are held at the Medicine Buddha Tea House, a lovely healing space in the Mission District. We are located ½ block from Rainbow Grocery and within walking distance of 16th-Mission BART as well as a number of bus lines.

What about Advanced and Teacher Training?

After the school has graduated a few classes we will offer advanced training and workshops with guest speakers covering various aspects of Ayurvedic massage. A teacher training program will be made available in 2007. If you are currently interested in apprenticing, please drop by a class to speak with me.

What is a typical class like?

Each class begins with warm-ups and about 20 minutes of theory. We then jump right into the massage with a demonstration followed by 50 minutes to practice the techniques. We break and then switch partners so you have the chance to receive as well as give massage. We end with a review of the day and allot time for Q+A.

Class size is limited to 10 participants, advanced registration is suggested.

Typical Class Breakdown

5:45 pm Arrive early and enjoy a cup of tea in the tea lounge
6:00 pm Warm-up and focus with guided deep breathing, yoga, and/or qi gong
6:10 pm Theory and active learning
6:30 pm Massage Demonstration
6:50 pm Partner up and practice
7:40 pm Switch/Break
7:50 pm Practice other partner
8:40 pm Questions and re-cap
8:55 pm Closing circle
9:00 pm Tea time

What to Bring*

Class #1:
Bring an old thin bath towel to wrap your head (we will perform a scalp treatment), and a full size fitted sheet. If you can, please bring a small metal bowl.

Class 2-10 and Open Practice Bring a big beach towel, a regular size bath towel, a hand towel, an old pair of socks and a full size fitted sheet.

Do not wear any clothing or bring any linens that you donât mind getting oily, especially with rich and fragrant ayurvedic oils. Dress light and comfortable in clothing easy to get in and out of. Bring a light snack, a refrigerator is available for your use. We provide filtered drinking water and hot water.

*Please come prepared with the necessary towels and linens. We regret that we are unable to provide linens.

What is Ayurvedic Massage?

Ayurvedic massage is an ancient Indian form of hands on healing that uses human touch and herbal oils as medicine. A natural method of relaxing, cleansing and rejuvenating the body-mind, massage has always been an integral part of traditional Indian life. A major focus of Ayurvedic massage is the choice of an appropriate massage oil that will bring balance to the recipient. Specially chosen oils are steeped in Ayurvedic herbs to prepare an herbal concoction that is suited to the patients constitution (dosha), the oil may also help to address a certain condition such as a back pain or headache. Absorption is increased by heating the oil to a comfortably warm temperature and by using long flowing strokes to massage it deep into the muscles.

The Benefits of Prana Touch Ayurvedic Massage

· Increases vitality and immunity

· Mental balance and clarity

· Stress reduction and slowing of the ageing process

· Rejuvenating the skin, muscles and central nervous system

· Reduction of swelling, stagnation and pain

What is the Focus of Prana Touch?

Prana Touch was devised to induce a deep state of relaxed awareness, to encourage detoxification of the body, and to cleanse the channels that carry the energy for our thoughts, actions and connection to our higher self. It can be used to prepare one for and in conjunction with panchakarma, an Ayurvedic cleansing and balancing program, making it a very good accompaniment to other holistic cleansing programs such as fasting and detoxification. Prana Touch is a form of Ayurvedic massage that is easily customized to suit the individual Ayurvedic constitution or dosha of the recipient.

What are the Origins of Prana Touch?

In India it seems that each village has a unique form of massage, there are many different forms and styles of massage and each has unique benefits. Prana Touch Ayurvedic massage is based on the massage style from Indiaâs southernmost state, Kerala, which is regarded as the birthplace of Ayurvedic massage.

What is Keralan Ayurveda?

Prana Touch is based on a type of Ayurvedic massage from Kerala, India, the southernmost state of India on the Arabian Sea. Keralan Ayurveda is regarded as one of the earliest forms of Ayurvedic massage.

©2006 All information on the natmedworks.com was written by Andrew G. Assalian, CMT and Dr. Coleen Murphy, ND. The information is protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without the written permission of Andrew G. Assalian and Natural Medicine Works. Prana Touchâ¢ is a registered trademark of Andrew G. Assalian, 2006.

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