Elements and Performance Criteria

Factors which interfere with the effectiveness of treatment may include:
Other medical treatment being undertaken
Client/patient's physical and psychological readiness and/or wellness
Cultural factors
Contra-indications to treatment
Post massage activity

Mode of administration may include:
Exposure of sections of body
Rotating of exposure around the body
Use of oils and treatments
Requirement for feedback and interaction
Massage technique
Variations in application intensity
Requirement of specified positioning of client/patient

Reactions may include:
Pain and/or discomfort
Feedback - verbal, tactile, visual
Muscular spasms
Allergy to oils or treatments used
Temperature discomfort

Responses to reactions may include:
Adjusting treatment accordingly
Seeking appropriate expertise
Discussing reaction with the client/patient
Adherence to clinic guidelines for response to accidents and emergencies
Use of first aid procedures according to St Johns, Australian Red Cross or other appropriate First Aid training
Accessing local emergency services

Consent for treatment refers to:
Informed consent according to the local and national regulations and legal guidelines

Relaxation techniques may include:
Snehana
Ayurvedic stroking techniques
Effleurage
Cross over stroke
Longitudinal stroking
Passive joint movement techniques
Passive soft tissue movement
Gliding techniques
Kneading
Friction techniques
Compressive techniques
Percussion techniques
Mobilising techniques
Use of essential oils
Use of herbalised oils/tailla

Remedial techniques may include:
Temperature therapy including fomentation (svedana)
Ayurvedic marma point techniques
Deep Ayurvedic massage techniques
Snehana
Svedana
Abhyanga
Pada-abhyanga
Bala-abhyanga
Rejuvenation massage
Pre-panchakarma massage
Pre-event, post-event and maintenance massage to an athlete
Postural correction techniques
Stretching techniques
Passive joint movements

Advise and resource the client/patient refers to:
Providing relevant literature or information materials
Referring client/patient to other information sources
Providing advice regarding self-care
Advising client/patient of sources of suggested resources
Providing details which help to fully inform patient/client of relevant information
Providing referrals to other health professionals
Availability of products required or suggested for treatment

Practical techniques that promote and maintain optimal health may include:
Postural improvement strategies eg Ideal posture for activities
Discussion of causes of poor posture
Simple follow-up activities and/or strategies to work on between sessions
Activities and/or tasks to avoid
Self-massage techniques
Yoga and meditation

Critical aspects of assessment:
Treatment plans are implemented to achieve optimal health, rehabilitation, or to improve quality of life which involve:
Treatment of a range of conditions/disease states
Incorporation of the philosophies and beliefs of an Ayurvedic framework
Demonstration of the application of commonly used treatment techniques listed under the range of variables
Treatment according to the individual, condition and the presence of complicating factors. It must be the safest, most efficacious method that is also cost effective to the patient
The use of counselling as a treatment method, where competence exists
A case requiring referral to another health care professional
Preparation of the patient for treatment according to Ayurvedic principles
Provision of treatment
Complete documentation of all recommendations and client/patient responses
Review of treatment plan
All treatment or care delivered is consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Communicate effectively with clients
Work effectively within the health industry

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of history, philosophy and principles of the Ayurvedic therapy framework
Understanding of physiology and anatomy according to Ayurvedic therapy
Knowledge of best practice Ayurvedic therapy principles
Knowledge of Ayurvedic physiology and anatomy
Knowledge of Tri-Dosha theory
Knowledge of Marmas
Knowledge of the 14 major nadis
Knowledge of Ayurvedic symptomology and pathology
Knowledge of disease causation acute and chronic inflammatory processes, wound healing and haemorrhage processes
Knowledge of the pathological process of thrombosis and embolism
Knowledge of atheroma formation and oedema and their effects within the human body
Knowledge of normotensive and hypertensive characteristics
Knowledge of infectious and immunity process
Knowledge of neoplasms and pathological skin conditions
Knowledge of structure and function of cells, tissues, blood and organs
Knowledge of main paths of the human respiratory and cardiovascular systems and their physiology
Knowledge of digestive, integumentary, nervous, urinary, endocrine and reproductive systems
Knowledge of structure and function of anatomical systems
Knowledge of structure and function of skeletal, muscular cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
Knowledge of the effects of hormones on the body
Knowledge of environmental physiology and the effects of drugs on the individual
Knowledge of massage oils and powders
Knowledge of tailas (herbalised oils)
Knowledge of fundamental structure and function of anatomical systems
Understanding of the fundamental principles of biomechanics
Ability to identify prominent bones/structure and major muscle groups through palpation
Ability to gather and interpret information through the tactile senses
Knowledge of technical and practical knowledge of treatment
Knowledge of possible reactions and contra-indications to treatment
Ability to manage time throughout consultation and treatment
Ability to write referrals, appraisal letters for insurance companies and other documentation
Knowledge of legal and regulatory implications of treatment
Ability to use equipment and resources competently and safely
Ability to communicate effectively with client/patient

Resource implications:
Resource requirements may include:
An appropriately stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment
Relevant texts or medical manuals
Relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments
Appropriate assessment environment
Demonstration model/client/patient

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Practical demonstration
Simulations
Explanations of technique
Oral questioning and discussion
Case studies and scenarios

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may contain both theoretical and practical components and examples covering a range of clinical situations.