Ayurvedic massage therapy works on both the physical and mental levels, transmitting a life-giving energy that assists all systems of the body to repair and renew themselves. Ayurvedic massage practitioners concentrate on the marmas, subtle energy points (like in Shiatsu), that respond to gentle physical manipulation, and work with the needs of the different body types. The author guides both the novice and the experienced practitioner through each step of the full body and explains which massage oils and massage techniques work best for particular body types.
oils Massage
Why use any massage oils at all ? If the body is rubbed dry, the friction created generates heat and pain, which aggravates the element of vata (wind) and thus disturbs the gasses in the body.
Massage oils eliminate friction and disperse heat evenly through the body. Massage oils are a nutrient for the skin and strengthen the nerve fibers that are connected to the hair follicles. The small amount of massage oils remaining on the skin afterwards, and after the shower or bath that follows, provides resistance to environmental temperatures and pressures. Application of massage oils to the navel before going to sleep cures dryness of the whole body. When massage oils are applied at the junction of spine and skull, they calm the entire nervous system, strengthen memory and improve the eyesight.
Many types of massage oils are used in Ayurvedic massage. For general body massage, mixed formulas of massage oils are widely used in ayurvedic massage, of which some examples :
Massage oils for women and children : To 4 cups of sesame oil, add 2 tablespoons each of almond oil, wheat germ oil and jasmine oil.
Massage oils for men : To 4 cups of sesame oil, add 2 tablespoons of mustard oil, heated with ½ a teaspoon of asafoetida. Filter the mustard oil, then add 3 tablespoons of turmeric (kurkuma) powder and cook until the turmeric turns dark brown. Then add to the sesame oil.
The following massage oils are primarily used to stabilise an aggravated or simply dominant dosha :
| Aggravated or dominant dosha | Primary massage oils |
| Vata | Sesame |
| Pitta | Coconut |
| Kapha | Mustard or Olive |
Individual massage oils may have particular therapeutic use, such as Babuna (Chamomile) oil for relief of muscular pains or coriander oil that removes excess body heat. Some indian formulas for massage oils have becomes particularly popular, such as Bringaraj oil, Brahmi oil and Mahanarayana oil.
Departing from the paradigm of oils and creams, this feather-light massage uses powder and full body strokes to heighten your body senses!
To begin, your entire body is lightly dusted with powder. Then, arms, hands, fingers, and finger nails are used to slowly caress your entire body from neck to toes.
Your entire body will be massaged, including those particularly sensitive areas, such as the back of your knee, the small of your back, the crook of your elbow, etc. Your senses are stimulated and awakened as your body's sensitivity increases.
This session may feel energizing as you experience being touched in a sensuous, loving, nurturing way. You may experience long, forgotten memories of babyhood.
You may depart feeling more alive with senses awakened to the world around you.
Source : http://physicalandmentalfitness.blogspot.com/
Massage therapy
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