Earth, space, wind, fire and water are at the centre of ayurvedic massage

Feel my hands," says Frances Paulo, an Ayurvedic massage practitioner at Edinburgh's Room4Health studios.

"They're nice and warm. That's because I'm a classic vata person, with good circulation."

According to this therapist, who has only recently qualified in this treatment, she falls into the aforementioned dosha (one of the three types of person, as defined by this ancient medicine).

It's dominated by the fire element. Hence the toasty hands.

After asking me a series of questions, such as what type of food I prefer and whether my skin is oily or dry, Frances attempts to diagnose my dosha and comes to the conclusion that I'm a hotchpotch of pitta and kapha.

Not that my classification matters much, as the Ayurvedic treatment that I'm about to receive is a bit of an MOT for all types. That's because, according to this holistic medicine's principles, regular massage is one of the ways you can balance your general wellbeing. This is done by stimulating marma points – the connective tissues that allow energy to flow smoothly.

To do this, Frances performs a gentle rub-down, on my back area only, using a specially designed potion which smells earthily of turmeric and liquorice.

"We only use oils that are completely non-toxic and natural," she says. "You should be able to drink them."

I don't think I'd really want to do that. However, as part of each treatment, Frances uses nearly a whole bottle of warmed oil, which is smoothed on to my back in handfuls. It certainly feels very soothing, as it drips down the sides of my body, while I lie face down on the table.

The hour-long massage itself mainly consists of very gentle thumb manipulation up and down my spine, as well as subtle pushing movements along my shoulders. It's very relaxing; the complete opposite to a treatment like Swedish massage, which really stimulates the muscles and circulation.

Instead, I feel cocooned and, with the autumnal-smelling oil, I come to the conclusion that this is the ideal treatment for a chilly season.

So, if you feel like an Ayurvedic wellbeing boost, I suggest that you put your cold body in Frances's warm vata hands.

Frances Paulo, Room4Health (41 Commercial Street, Edinburgh (0131-553 2646, www.room4health.co.uk).

The Ayurvedic Back Massage is 30 (usually 40) for 60 minutes and 44 (usually 54) for 75 minutes until the end of November.

This article was first published in The Scotsman, 30 October, 2010