East meets West: Clinical Massage and Ayurveda with Jane Eastwood
As interest in holistic wellbeing grows, Chichester is becoming a hub for integrative health practices, from yoga and massage to Ayurveda and functional medicine. In this series, we meet local professionals helping people connect to their bodies in deeper, more conscious ways. Today, we shine a light on Ayurveda, one of the worlds oldest healing systems, with Clinical Massage Therapist and Ayurvedic Practitioner Jane Eastwood.
Meet Jane Eastwood Jane Eastwood is an Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist and qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner, with additional expertise in naturopathy and herbal medicine. Based in Chichester, Jane blends Western clinical techniques with the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda to offer clients a truly holistic and personalised approach to managing chronic pain, stress and long-term health conditions.
Q&A with Jane Eastwood
Q: Jane, can you tell us about your journey into the world of Clinical Massage and Ayurveda? What inspired you to pursue these healing arts?
My journey began with a deep curiosity about holistic health and the bodys natural ability to heal itself. I was drawn to Clinical Massage because I wanted to help people recover from pain through targeted, evidence-based techniques. Ayurveda, with its ancient wisdom on balance and vitality, resonated with me because of its holistic approach to health, addressing not just the physical body but also the mind and spirit. Combining these disciplines allows me to offer a comprehensive healing experience.
Q: Jane, for those unfamiliar with it, what exactly is Ayurveda? Ayurveda is a natural system of health that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. The word itself means the science of life. At its heart, it is about living in harmony with your unique body type, the environment and the natural rhythms of the day and seasons. Ayurveda helps us understand how to eat, sleep, move and live in a way that supports balance and ultimately our health on every level: physical, mental and emotional.
Q. What sets Clinical Massage apart from other types of massage therapy and why do you believe its an important healing modality?
Clinical Massage is distinct because its a targeted, evidence-based approach designed to address specific health conditions and musculoskeletal issues. Unlike relaxation massage, which primarily promotes stress relief, Clinical Massage involves thorough assessment and customised techniques like deep tissue work, trigger point therapy and myofascial release to treat underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. I believe its an important healing modality because it not only provides immediate relief but also supports long-term recovery and mobility, empowering clients to regain control over their health and movement.
Q. How do Clinical Massage and Ayurveda complement each other in your practice?
They are highly complementary. Clinical Massage provides immediate relief through targeted manual therapy, easing muscle tension and improving circulation. Ayurveda, on the other hand, offers insights into a persons unique constitution and lifestyle habits, guiding me to tailor treatments that restore balance on a deeper level. Together, they create a holistic approach that not only alleviates symptoms but also promotes long-term health and wellbeing.
Q. What types of conditions or issues do you typically help your clients with?
I work with a wide range of issues including chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, stress-related tension and even digestive or sleep problems. I tailor my approach based on my clients specific needs, integrating massage techniques with Ayurvedic principles to support their recovery and overall vitality.
Q. Can you describe a typical session? What should clients expect?
A typical session begins with a brief consultation to understand the clients current health status and goals. I then assess their body and energy balance, often incorporating Ayurvedic insights such as identifying their dominant dosha. The massage is tailored to individual needs, employing methods such as hot stone therapy, trigger point techniques, and myofascial release, while also integrating Ayurvedic approaches like the use of herbal oils and marma point therapy. Clients often leave in less pain, feeling physically lighter and with a sense of renewed energy.
Q. How do you incorporate Ayurvedic principles like dosha-balancing into your treatments?
I assess the clients dominant dosha - Vata, Pitta or Kapha - and customise treatments accordingly. For example, Vata types may benefit from warming, grounding therapies while Pitta types might need cooling, calming techniques. I also advise on diet, lifestyle and herbal remedies aligned with Ayurvedic wisdom to help clients maintain balance outside of our sessions.
Q. How has your practice evolved over the years, especially with the integration of Ayurveda?
Over time, Ive deepened my understanding of Ayurvedas philosophies and integrated its holistic principles into my clinical approach. This has enriched my practice, allowing me to address root causes rather than just symptoms. Its also helped me develop more personalised treatment plans, fostering greater trust and results with my clients.
Q: Whats your favourite part of the work you do? Seeing people reconnect with themselves. Ayurveda helps people understand that their body isnt broken, its communicating. When clients begin to listen to that and work with their body instead of against it, its incredibly empowering. Its a privilege to support that process.
Want to Know More? Jane offers clinical massage therapy and consultations from her clinic in Chichester. Whether you are looking for help with chronic condition, relieve pain, boost energy or feel more balanced in everyday life, Janes integrated approach offers a pathway to long-term wellbeing.
Visit www.janeeastwood.com or call 07931 531540 to book a consultation or learn more about her services.