“I did the 8 day diploma course in Ibiza with James and I never imagined that I could learn, grow and feel so much in such a short amount of time.

You can feel the years of experience James has and the way he teaches is so effective in allowing you to take in information and remember it. He creates such a supportive, encouraging and nurturing space, I had never done any sort of body work before and I felt happy and confident throughout the training and I left feeling very excited to share the treatment with everyone.

I couldn’t recommend this enough if it is something you are looking in to. Thank you James and Ellie for sharing your knowledge, wisdom and love and for a life changing week I will never forget.”

“I had an absolutely delightful experience training for the Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Diploma with the AYM Institute UK.
The course material that was taught and presented by James Winstanely is brilliant in its simplicity, structure and execution.

I felt truly honoured to have an opportunity to be shown this unique massage sequence, especially knowing it’s an authentic
reflection of teachings once shared with James by the AYM Massage founder Kusum Modak.

Before training with AYM Institute, I have completed Level 1 Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Training with Despina at Ayurvedic Yoga Massage UK. While the course was good, it is important to mention that it was delivered under completely different premise and presented with various massage adaptations that at times that felt slightly overwhelming and do differ from the original AYM modality.

Due to comprehensive delivery, kind supervision and thoughtful guidance that was present throughout the entirety of the course led by James, I am confident and excited to share this grounding and healing massage technique with other individuals and hoping to train with Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Institute UK for their Advanced Practitioner certificate in the near future.”

“I love to be taught by someone who is passionate about what they do, James’s attention to detail, the depth of his knowledge, and his commitment to training his students to the highest standards make him an exceptional teacher.
Patient and passionate in his approach James’s teaching is relaxed, but fully comprehensive and thoroughly professional. To anyone looking to study Ayurvedic Yoga massage, I would say your search is over.”

“The training was insightful and extensive. I am very happy with Nathan, who is an absolute treasure, as my teacher and mentor. My clients love this treatment too. Wonderful life changing gift.”

“Not enough words can explain how fantastic this course and experience was for me. James and Ellie were amazing teachers and I would totally recommend this course for anyone wanting to become a therapist and expanded there body awareness.
I am feeling very connected with my self and have come away from this course feeling more open and focussed. So thanks for sharing AYM love and light.”

“Training with James and the Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Institute was such a privilege. Certainly the most refreshing, rigorous, empowering course I’ve received since my first Yoga Teacher Training, four years ago.

Within a few days, James created a space and energy that allowed for systematic and accurate knowledge transmission, relaxed and enjoyable learning, and free and confident practice. Working with a small group and professional assistance provided a framework for safe and accelerated growth, where everyone could be held and guided with tailored attention.

I particularly valued the balance of technical-anatomical contents with more subtle insights derived from the yoga tradition. It felt like an incredible gift to be able to learn therapeutic movements developed just two steps away from B.K.S. Iyengar, through Kusum Modak and James, who has done a splendid job of making their teachings accessible and suitable for Western minds, hearts and bodies.

Beyond the skills and diploma gained at the end of the Level 1-2 training, I feel even more grateful for the quality of the experience we shared as a group of students and teachers. A luminous adventure that was profoundly healing thanks to the respect, equality and compassion that James inspired in and for everybody. For one of the first times in my life, I felt fully listened to and accompanied as a student in training – with respect for personal windows of tolerance, sensitivity to energy levels, and acceptance of individual needs.

I would recommend this course to any yogi willing to complement, expand or refine their practice, and to anyone curious about the power of touch to heal, open, energise and restore. After four years of an interrupted journey as a yoga teacher in studio and corporate contexts, I finally feel ready to offer treatments that encompass all that resonates with me – partner work, 1-to-1 attention, yoga, touch and holistic therapy. This is thanks to the AYM training, and to James’ contagious trust and empowering humility.”

“Amazing course. The retreat in West Sussex was the perfect venue. Spending 7 days with like minded people, all of whom had their own stories and experiences, really opened up the stage for this. My fellow students had so much advice to share.
AYM Institute had everything planned to perfection. From the venue to the food. I took so much more than just the teachings. Nathan was approachable and friendly. He had so much knowledge and was so willing to share it. I couldn’t have wished for more. It has pushed me on with my career. It’s enabled my partner and I to open our own Yoga and massage studio. I couldn’t have done this without the retreat.”

“The best course I have ever done! I took my AYM course in Ibiza with James. It was an intensive 8 days training in which we learn through lots of practise, get great knowleadge about the body and how to carry the session in its authentic form . It was also great to recieve lots of massages and get rid of our own aches, too. James creates very comfortable environment and we all had good fun.
I am super excited to start practise aym. 💫”

“I can’t believe how much we all learned in just two weeks and what an incredibly unique and effective art of massage it is. I found your teaching style really easy to follow and was so grateful for your gentle approach and excellent support to all of us throughout the course”

“Had a great experience learning Ayurvedic Yoga Massage with Nathan.

Classes were a really good pace... relaxed but challenging which I think resulted in everybody exceeding their expectations of what they could achieve.

It really was exactly what I was looking for in terms of a massage technique which is really comprehensive and full body, it’s lovely to give and receive and you are capable of giving a professional massage by the end of 3 weekends. This makes it feasible gain this skill that could lead to diversifying you career, without having to quit your day job!

Thanks Nathan and the rest of the AYM team - I’m really grateful for the opportunity!”

“I was overwhelmed by James methodical, calm and detailed teachings. His knowledge of the physiology of the body and his own experience blended so brilliantly with the way this course was laid out. I felt a trust that I would go away with a high level of training on par with my fellow wonderful peers on the course with me. A time I will never forget and am so grateful to James.”

“I enjoyed every bit of the massage course! James is an absolutely fantastic teacher to say the least! It is very rare to find a teacher with such deep knowledge, technique and experience who teaches with such great passion and heart. He is incredibly compassionate and an absolute inspiration! Thank you, James for this wonderful learning. I would definitely recommend my friends and colleagues to do the course with James.”

“What an wonderful experience! I saw this course advertised in a yoga studio and was drawn to it, despite having no experience in massage, holistic therapies or even yoga at the time. However, it was one of the best decisions - I really think this course and the massage itself, helped to shift my perspectives and energies, and I feel like a different person now.

Nathan our teacher, was amazing - so patient and kind, and he had plenty of experience to draw upon.

The massage itself is really unique, and I think it’s well worth doing if you’re a massage therapist, energy worker, yoga teacher, or even like me if you’re feeling drawn to it!”

“Highly recommend ✨
I took the level 1,2&3 Diploma in AYM in Bristol with James and it was wonderful! In only 6 days I learned so much and feel confident to continue delivering this amazing massage modality despite never having massaged before.
I met some magical people and James is so knowledgeable and made the training fun and lighthearted.”

“Taking the Ayurvedic Yoga Massage course was literally one of the best decisions I have made this year.

I had many questions floating around my head : am I ready for it, am I really made for it, what about the money, should I keep digging for another course ? There are so many options out it can be quite daunting to settle down for one thing.

All these thoughts instantly dissipated as we started the course.
It was a really powerful experience that reminded me of the infinite source of excitement and curiosity inside me, that little spark that dissipates all the mind clutter, the yearning to learn and develop in a non-pressure environment but only with an open inquisitive mind, sharing knowledge in a very experiential way.

I felt very supported in my learning journey throughout the course and after. James is an excellent teacher and it was truly amazing to meet and learn from him.
We learnt so much, through observing, repeating, practicing on our fellow trainees and in turn receiving and feeling the techniques. Our little community throughout those 6 days made the magic happen !

If you’re considering taking this course I can only highly recommend to go ahead. I had no previous particular massage experience and after this intensive course I now feel ready to embrace the beginning of my journey sharing this beautiful healing practice and never stopping to learn.

DO IT !!!”

“James AYM course awakens you on every level, kick starting a process which reverberates through every cell. Giving and receiving every day brings you into a heightened awareness of where blocks are held and James holds the perfect space to explore this ancient yet simple way to undo tensions and open to a brighter shinier reality. I really like James teaching method, instilling calm confidence through gentle repetitive touch.”

“What an amazing experience. If you’re a yoga teacher or if your practice means a lot to you I highly recommend AYM – it took my experience and appreciation of yoga to a whole new level.
First up, it’s authentic and this was very important to me. Secondly, the instruction was spot on – each technique was slowly demonstrated (in an almost mesmerising way) and described, followed by closely-supervised personal practice. All of the tutors were not only knowledgeable but very supportive – I never felt any pressure when it came to personal practice. This meant that the environment was perfect for learning and even though there were quite a few techniques to learn, it never felt overwhelming.
Ayurvedic yoga massage is not only unique, I find it to be extremely therapeutic, as a recipient and as a provider. And even if you don’t intend to become a practitioner, I would say deeply immersing yourself in the AYM course for several days is one of the best ways to be kind to yourself. Thank you James, Nathan and Steve.”

“I had a brilliant experience with the AYM institute. The training was top notch, lead by charismatic teachers that were able to transmit a wealth of knowledge whilst also keeping the process enjoyable and relaxing. Highly recommended 👌”

“What a privilege it is to be part of a beautiful tribe of people that are lucky enough to have been guided and taught this specialised therapy.

Nathan our guru, guide and teacher was amazing from start to finish... he always took the time to explain things, no question was ever too silly. Watching him demonstrate was almost like a meditation, each and every move was made with such a sensitive and in-tune touch it’s so much more than a massage.

Being surrounded by nature and the outdoors was (in my experience) the best way of soaking up every bit of AYM and what it was all about.

I came away with such a magical new craft and some life long friends!”

“Don’t need many words to explain this course. It was amazing! This was my first massage course and before the training I had never given a proper massage – straight after I started to give a lot of sessions. In two weeks I got a new profession! James is an amazing teaching – so much knowledge and experience but still very ”down-to-earth” and grounded.”

“Training in AYM was the perfect way for me to reactivate my confidence and skill as a massage practitioner after a decade’s break from the massage profession. It is an entirely new way of working for me and I found James’ teaching accessible, fun, practical and thorough. James clearly has a deep reverence for this elegant and profound form of massage and his many years of dedicated experience is shared warmly and generously.”

“The AYM course was one of the highlights for me staying in Goa. James is a great teacher who really knows what he’ s talking about. Focuses on the individual and creates an inspirational, fun and informative work space. I strongly recommend taking this course weather you want to improve your massage skills of are just a beginner looking to learn something new. It’ s a great experience and I’m so happy I got involved.”

“James has a generous way of being able to transmit the teaching of this work, a way that feels like it’s really in you when you leave. Small bites and plenty of chewing to get the flavor. His knowledge of the body and the AYM system is complete, inspiring a genuine confidence in what he offers as a teacher of it.”

“The AYM work is incredibly powerful, and James is an expert teacher. It was informal yet rigorous, lighthearted yet profound.”

“James has such a deep knowledge of anatomy and technique, and his patient way of sharing the principles of AYM have been inspiring. I’m honored to practice this healing work.”

“A few months ago, and having no experience of massage courses, I attended the AYM L1 and L2 with Simon, James and Angie. Within a few days these amazing people managed to pass on enough knowledge and practical experience to allow me to give treatments with confidence, and receive enthusiastic feedback and recommendations from every single client. They are excellent at organising effective, hands-on sessions, and passing on lots of constructive, considerate feedback. Attending the courses has certainly shaped the course of my life, and I am wholeheartedly recommending them to anyone considering doing a massage course.”

“The Ayurvedic Yoga Massage Diploma is without doubt the most important massage training that I have received to date. The massage incorporates deep tissue, stretching, awareness of breath and relaxation and therefore provides an effective and deep massage on many levels. I am grateful to Simon and James for bringing this massage training to the UK. Without them, this massage would be almost inaccessible in this country. The training they offer is thorough, informative and supportive. Both Simon and James teach with enthusiasm, dedication, humour, and compassion.”

“James Winstanley’s massage technique is by far the most healing and regenerating method available. Everything else pales in comparison. I look forward to my treatments immensely and recommend him to my friends and clients all the time!”

“When I asked James to give me the Ayurvedic Yoga Treatment I had not had Physiotherapy for a while because I was traveling and had not been at home for several months. With a spinal cord injury at the C5 level (Quadriplegia), I approached the treatment cautiously. But I was pleasantly surprised to find James careful, intuitive medically very competent and knowledgeable and most of all able to adjust the treatment to the Need of his client — a fact which someone in my condition appreciates. Since I have had AYM Treatments in Europe and am sure that James is the best AYM Therapist one can get.”

“Healing Hands
There are those who settle for doing their job by routine, and those who maintain their integrity and sense of purpose, and touch you to the core. James Winstanley – he’s like that. Touching you to the core, with healing hands.
I was fortunate to meet James Winstanley when I was randomly assigned to him at a high-end spa he was working at. It was a time in my life of great stress, and when I arrived at the decision to invest in a morning at this spa, I hoped for nothing more than a break for three precious hours. But from the moment my massage began, I could tell that something different was going on here. It was the first of many time since that I have been brought back closer to my self by James Winstanley’s healing hands. I don’t pretend to be a convert to the therapeutic Aruveydic practice that he personifies. But I do know that of all the things that help center my soul, a routine massage with James Winstanley centers both body & soul. And I can begin my life again. Centered and at peace. James is a gift.”