In this two day workshop, we will introduce the basic principles of Ayurveda and how to identify specific body/mind/skin types according to each individual constitution. By this understanding, therefore, one can apply specific massage pressure as well as particular oils according to individual body types and conditions.

On the second day, marma points will be learned on Head and Face including a face sequence followed by a traditional warm oil Indian scalp massage.

Ayurveda is an ancient science from India over 5,000 years old. “Veda” means knowledge and “Ayur” means life, together defined as the science of life or knowledge of life. means the “Science or Knowledge of Life”. It teaches us that we are made of the 5 elements and 3 Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. And that each individual person has a unique constitution. The definition of marma means “secret hidden energy”. There are a total of 108 marma points on the body and they are subtle in nature. We will cover primarily the main points on the face and head during this workshop. Benefits of Indie head, face and scalp massage: improves mental alertness, improves blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain, calms nerves and promotes sound sleep.

Very beneficial for: headaches, migraines, insomnia, sinus headaches, anxiety, facial pain and Bell’s palsy.

Course Objectives

• Students will show a knowledge and understanding of location of marma points
• Will demonstrate the sequence of face massage with marma points
• Will show they have learned how to identify a Vata, Pitta and Kapha body/mind type
• Student will learn how to identify different facial skin types
• Students will describe what would be different approached to massage according to an individual’s constitution – Vata, Pitta or Kapha
• Students will learn what oils or lotions to use – cooling or heating – depending on the type

Margo Gal was first certified as an Ayurvedic Practitioner in 1987 by Dr. Vasant Lad in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2004, she completed certification under Dr. S. Joshi in Nagpur India at Kalidas Sanskrit University. This involved mastering practical applications of Ayurvedic massage, abhyanga and purva karma therapies. She graduate d from Sutherland-Chan School of Massage, in Toronto in 1981, where she later taught classes for continuing education. She taught internationally for the past thirty years. Some of these classes taught include: Marma points for certain conditions, Ayurvedic approach to arthritis, essential oils, and Indie approach to headaches. She specializes in teaching Indie had and face massage with marma points which she directly from India. Margo has been travelling to India continually for the past thirty years, working closely in the field of Ayurveda and meditation. She also practices Jikiden Reiki, where she was directly trained by Tadao Yamaguchi. Working with hospice and the dying has been an important part of her work as well as practicing Tibetan Buddhism where she incorporates prayer into her daily practice for those needing healing. She recently moved to Ontario from Maui where she lived and practice Ayurveda for thirteen years.