Equine Sport Massage Therapy and Ayurveda

Sport Massage is defined as a specialty within the discipline of massage therapy. It may be known in the western practice of massage, but it is interesting to notice that it is also true in Ayurveda.

As a reminder, sport massage was developed for the sport athletes. It emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscle and tendons. It includes three types of routine: pre-event, post-event and maintenance therapy.

The benefits are several - and it will be subject of a more detailed post - but it mostly increases the performance of the horse, it helps in the elimination of the toxins, it speeds up the recovery time and it prevents from injuries. At a mental level sport massages improve the focus of the horse and help with the event related stress.

Now, although both systems share the same approach and benefits of the practice of sport massage there is a difference in the procedure. Traditional Sport Massage Therapy focuses on the muscles pertinent to particular physical activities. On the other side Ayurvedic Sport Massage Therapy emphasizes the joints and spends longer period on the joints.

In the context of equine massage I have to agree that an extra attention on the joints is not to be neglected as they are under a lot of pressure. Having a practice that addresses both the muscles and the joints is ideal. It has the advantage of approaching the musculoskeletal system in its totality.

Use of herbal oil with horses

Ayurvedic massages are known to use lots of oil. Unfortunately it is difficult to apply it with horses as it means a very large amount of oil to cover the full body. But it doesn't mean we cannot use some!

I've started to use therapeutic herbal oil in my practice of equine massage. Whenever I feel there is a need because of an injury, a trauma, a condition or just by intuition I will use oil on specific area. Some cases where I used it are:

• sacroiliac joint recovery from injury
• flexor avulsion fracture
• arthritic leg joints (hock and fetlock)
• neck muscle stiffness and pain
• hip trauma (muscle and joint)

I use organic ayurvedic oil, a blend of herbs in a base oil and every time the horses just loved it. I always have them smell it and explain what I will do and ask for permission. As for now they always showed a lot of interest in it; actively smelling the aroma with ears upright, eyes bright. Sometimes they even came to the bottle that I carry in my tool belt, showing it to me.

Whenever I can I warm up the oil and apply it warm on the area to treat. I then use circular stroke alternated with friction to help the absorption process. The oil mixture is absorbed into the bloodstream and takes effect from there.

As I said they are therapeutic oil with healing properties. One that use the most is the Mahanarayan oil but I will write a full post about it (there).

Ayurvedic Massage - Part II

Part II: How it applies to horses

First the constitution or nature type of the horse has to be determined, also any imbalances and specific conditions have to be defined. The history of the horse (age, illness, behavior), observations, physical exam with palpation will give the information needed for that. From there the therapist will be able to give a treatment that is tailored for this particular horse at this particular moment.

Let's now take an example to better illustrated the approach.

Let's say that we have a horse that has a nature with the elements Ether and Air dominant (a Vata constitution in Ayurveda). Because if this constitution the horse need a light and nurturing massage as Vata are the most sensitive type.

The appropriate massage will consist of slow gentle stroke. The pressure will be light. Abrupt or rough movement could be irritable and disturbing. Large and circular movement can be used to harmonize. More vigorous stroke could be use if for example blocks are found but deep pressure is not advised. More focus will be brought on the pelvic area as it is a place where toxins can accumulate. If a basic oil is used it will be Sesame oil. The combination with essential oils like lavender, chamomile, basil, sandalwood will be a good choice.

As I mention aromatherapy through the use of essential oils other therapy like Marma Therapy (similar to Acupressure) or energy work (Reiki) can also be a part of the treatment.

This Ayurvedic treatment will have for effect to loosen up any muscular tension but also to treat any conditions related to an imbalance due to the unique constitution of the horse (Vata) like anxiety, nervousness, lower back problems, arthritis, etc.

Ayurvedic Massage - Part I

Part I: An overview

Ayurvedic Massage is a therapeutic form of massage. It is based on an understanding of the primordial energies of the five elements and the constitutionals types. This understanding will allow to customized the treatments to the unique nature of the recipient. Pressure, speed, movement, oil or aroma, techniques will be chosen according to the uniqueness of the recipient and the condition of treatment.

Ayurvedic massage addresses  the subtle energy of the body, Prana. Through the rhythmical and deeply relaxing movements of the massage stagnant energy or blocks are removed and the circulation of the vital energy in the body is increased as the flow of life force (Prana) is open. On a physical level this also have an impact on the blood circulation and the lymphatic system by stimulating and strengthening it.