Ayurvedic Massage: The Holistic Approach to Human Health
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical science, and Ayurvedic massage is an integral part of this system of health and healing. It recognizes the deep-rooted cause-effect relation between the human body and mind, in the origin and disappearance of disease.
Some ailments of the muscles, ligaments and nervous system can be completely healed through therapeutic Ayurvedic massage . In this therapy, the practitioner mostly works with the knowledge of the marmas or Indian pressure points (similar to Acupressure - the Chinese massage method). Probably this is one of the well documented oldest oriental massage therapy.
Ayurvedic massage therapy can be of great help in cases of arthritis, rheumatism, neurasthenia, high or low blood pressure, sciatica, paralysis, polio and insomnia. In all these, the massage practitioner should however also prescribe specific medication and advice changes in lifestyle, habits, exercises etc.
To effectively perform the various Ayurvedic massages one needs a thorough understanding of
• The five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and their elemental energies
• Vata, pitta and kapha - the three basic constitutional elements (similar to the ancient Greek method of mind/body classification).
This knowledge allows the therapist to determine not only which Ayurvedic massage technique to use, but also how to customize treatments by selecting the proper oils and herbs and the rate and pressure of massage strokes to maximize the benefits for each client.
Some Ayurvedic Massage Therapy Types:
- Abhyanga is a herbal-oil massage that deeply penetrates the skin, relaxes the mind and body, breaks up
impurities and stimulates both arterial and lymphatic circulation. It enhances the ability for nutrients to reach starved
cells and the removal of stagnant waste.
- Vishesh is a deep muscle massage, breaking up adhesions to improve circulation deep within the muscles.
- Pizichili uses a continuous stream of warm herbal oil, softly poured over the body by two Ayurveda
therapists as they massage the body simultaneously. It cleanses the deep tissues and heightens the state of awareness.
- Udvartina is a lymphatic massage and uses a deep penetrating herbal paste. It is an exfoliating treatment which while
conditioning the skin also eliminates stagnant lymphatic toxins out of the body.
- Shiro-Abhyanga-Nasya is a luxurious combination of a deep head, neck and shoulder massage, a facial lymphatic massage,
followed by deep inhalation of therapeutic aromatic steam and a nasal and sinus nasya with herbal nose drops. This helps to get rid of most head,
neck and respiratory disorders.
- Pinda Swedna has a deep cleansing effect. Rice (boiled in milk) and herbs are massaged deeply into the tissues and joints to rejuvenate and
detoxify the body.
Why Is Head Massage So Important In Ayurveda?
Different parts of the body are mapped on the head region. A good massage can help you to get rid of following diseases.
- Tension and infections of the oral cavity
- Acidity leading to pain in the eyeball
- Gastritis leading to pain of the eye socket
- Stomach inflammation
- Ulcerative lesions
- Intestinal disorders
- Disorders of the brain and the nerves of the spine
Ways In Which An Ayurvedic Massage Benefits:
- Lends a beautiful glow to the skin.
- Tones and relaxes the underlying muscle tissue, nourishing the skin
- Increases body heat and circulation, enhancing oxygen supply to the tissues.
- Flushes out waste products from the whole body.
- Increases resistance to disease by improving immune response.
- Makes the body light, active and energetic.
Even though this is one of the asian massage technique but normally ayrvedic massage is considered more as therapeutic massage. Probably you will not get this kind of massage in normal asian massage parlor. You should visit Kerala, India and plan for a trip of at least 7 days to get the full benefits of original and traditional Ayurvedic Massage.
To learn about massage schools follow the link :Massage School