What is Ayurvedic yoga massage

AYM combines deep tissue massage with coordinated breath-work and yoga stretching. Similar to Thai massage, Ayurvedic Yoga Massage is performed on a mat allowing for a full range of stretching. In addition; the deep tissue massage dissolves physical tension, while the assisted stretches and breath exercises realign the body and stimulate the natural flow of energy. 

Ayurvedic Yoga Massage is a unique system of bodywork that combines deep tissue massage with coordinated breathwork and yoga stretching. The session is performed on a mat on the floor for free movement and flow. Deep tissue massage helps to remove knots and adhesions in the muscles and soft tissues, releases tension and prepares the body of the receiver for assisted yoga stretching. A topical ayurvedic herb is applied to the skin with a small amount of oil and acts a blood detoxifier and nerve tonic.

Through synchronised breathing, the receiver is led progressively deeper into assisted yoga stretches that help correct postural imbalances and restore harmony to the subtle energies of the body.
These techniques incorporate the use of the hands and feet as tools for massage. The utilisation of the feet allows for deeper and more thorough pressure through long and graceful strokes.

This unique comprehensive approach to the body dissolves physical and emotional blocks, helps eliminate toxins, promotes correct posture, improves respiratory patterns, enhances energy levels, and leaves the receiver with a profound sense of well being.

Ayurvedic Yoga Massage was developed by Master Kusum Modak of Pune, India, who combined her knowledge of Traditional Ayurvedic Massage learned from her teacher and ayurvedic massage guru Master Lamaye Maharaj with Iyengar Yoga inspired assisted asana learned directly from BKS Iyengar himself to create a unique approach to Ayurvedic massage.

In short Ayurvedic Yoga Massage relieves tension, realigns the spine, strengthens the immune system, nourishes the skin, balances the nervous system and hormone production, releasing dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. It promotes relaxation, restores mind-body communication, improves focus and concentration, and combats stress.

James Winstanley

James Winstanley is the founder and director of the AYM Institute UK.

James Winstanley is a student of Master Kusum Modak the creator of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage in Pune India. James founded the AYM Institute UK in 2010 with fellow AYM student Simon Griggs creating the worlds very first recognised and accredited AYM Diploma training. Prior to working with Master Kusum Modak James graduated with a degree in Massage Therapy from the prestigious Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy and Acupuncture in NYC in 2003. James added his extensive medical massage knowledge when creating the AYM Diploma curriculum having studied western medical massage at degree level and worked with medical doctors, acupuncturists and chiropractors after graduation in NYC. James has taught AYM around the world and continues to share the AYM Institute diploma passing on the teachings in their purest form as they were taught to him by Master Kusum. In his private practice James’s Ayurvedic Yoga Massage clients include Royal families, Heads of state, Hollywood A list actors and NBA basketball players.

Director / Lead Instructor
"I am deeply grateful to all my teachers"

Adam Divine

Adam Divine has been practicing AYM for over 12 years. As well as teaching AYM and other massage modalities globally, he is a qualified Ashtanga Vinyasa teacher and the head anatomy teacher on an International Yoga teacher training. As a massage therapist and body mechanic, he has trained with ITEC, James Earls on Anatomy Trains courses and has studied with osteopaths, physios and breathwork practitioners. Most recently, he has embarked on a yoga therapy journey.

Nathan Synge

Nathan Synge is an AYM Institute and CThA UK approved bodywork instructor, holds an ITEC Qualification in Full Body Holistic Massage and Deep Tissue Massage with Michael Gibbons from The Brighton College of Classical Massage and qualified as a Vinyasa Flow teacher in 2010. Nathan was assistant to and mentored by AYM Institute founder James Winstanley in the UK & India ands lives and offers AYM sessions in Brighton & London.

Steven Taylor

Steven Taylor is an AYM Institute and CThA UK approved bodywork instructor and is currently finishing a masters degree in Physiotherapy. He holds a BTEC level 5 diploma in Clinical Sports and Remedial Massage from LSSM with Mel Cash the creator of sports massage, a diploma in NLP ( Neuro Linguistic Programming ) and was assistant to and mentored by AYM Institute founder James Winstanley in the UK & India. Steven is a fully insured member of the ISRM Institute of Sports & Remedial Massage Therapy.

Ellie Foden

Ellie Foden is an AYM Institute and CThA UK approved bodywork instructor & therapist, an Ashtanga yoga practitioner and teacher and meditation teacher, with nine years of experience of working with many different bodies. Ellie was assistant to and mentored by AYM Institute founder James Winstanley in the UK & abroad. She is passionate about embodying the teachings of yoga as well as taking a holistic approach to wellbeing, encompassing: movement, mindfulness, ayurveda, body work and mindset. Ellies massage practice has literally taken her around the world including working with hollywood A list actors and Royal Families.