Ayurvedic massage is a traditional massage that follows the guidelines of Ayurveda which literally translates to “Science of life”. This massage is done using warm essential oils and based on various doshas and vikritis (faults and diseases based on horoscopes) and even the type, pace and the strength used in a massage depends on your rashis and doshas.
Ayurveda seeks a balanced interaction between mind, body and soul and the massage helps in attaining the interaction.
An ayurvedic massage serves not only to relieve pain but also as a preventive medicine by increasing circulation, stimulating and strengthening various systems of our body and cleanses and revitalizes the body. In addition, essential oils used are very nourishing and detoxifying. It helps in preventing aging and provides other benefits like relief from stress and generates a positive aura around us to provide both physical and mental strength.
Types of Ayurvedic Massages:
Shiroabhyanga Massage
Srotabhyanga Massage
Marma Massage
Champi Massage
Padabhyanga Massage
1. Shiroabhyanga Massage:
It is an ayurvedic head massage. It mainly focuses on the shoulders, neck, face and head i.e., the areas that primarily are affected by stress and tensions. The head massage induces a state of calm, peace and tranquility and promotes high levels of alertness and concentration.
This massage not only relieves stress, but also helps in detoxifying the entire body and helps increasing the flow of CSF which strengthens the nervous system. It also helps against eyestrain, tinitus, jaw ache and sinusitis, stimulates lymphatic drainage and aids peaceful sleep.
2. Srotabhyanga Massage:
It is a seamless treatment for removing toxins from the arterial, venous and lymphatic systems and reactivates the metabolism by increasing its rate. It is recommended only in cases of water retention, circulatory problems, tiredness and excessive toxins in the body.
3. Marma Massage:
Amarma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissues meet viz., muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. Marma points arejunctures of the energetic life force and breath. Massaging the marma points is to cleanse blocked energy in the body, also called as chi, by either arousing or calming the doshas.
4. Champi Massage:
This is the perfect treatment to release aches and pains from the shoulders, head and neck. The massage focuses on all the areas that collect tensions in the upper body. Champi is amazingly soothing and nurturing, yet totally invigorating, starting with the back and finishing with a nurturing face massage.
It was used as a technique used for grooming by women as it helped strengthening and improving the fullness of the hair which was achieved by stimulating various pressure points on the scalp and became a part of everyday life that was practiced on young and old alike. It became a tradition that was handed down through the generations from mother to daughter.
5. Padabhyanga Massage:
It is massage of the feet and as many nerves from many organs end in the feet. This massage helps to strengthen these nerves and reinstating health to many parts of the body. The marma) points are massaged with pressure which gives a perfect balance to the dosha and is very helpful for people with insomnia, fatigue and cramps.
Foot massage, called as “Padabhyanga”, is very helpful in the treatment of various illnesses, and is very prominent in the area of preventative medicine. In India, Padabhyanga is commonly practiced as a daily ritual, especially before retiring at night.
By: Archa Dave
