Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medical system, which is also used as a balancing therapy. Ayurveda strongly focuses on balance and moderation in search of the longevity. Most of the Ayurvedic treatment relies on balancing of chakras within the body to enhance equilibrium and reinstate symmetry.
If you ever have read about Ayurvedic massage, you might have come across several massages and therapies. The Ayurvedic form of massage mostly works by balancing chakras and help in restoring health. Ayurvedic treatments are primarily a holistic therapy which can work along with the other treatments. Massage system in Ayurveda comprises of vibrations, pressure and different motions along with some herbal oil for relief. Massage helps in increasing blood circulation in the body, hence reducing stress and pain. Let’s have a look at few massages that are commonly used in Ayurveda.
- Pizhichil
This massage uses a particular type of vessel called Kindi to pour warm oil from several inches above the body while a masseur does the massage. This massage mainly works on by balancing Vata Dosha. The herbal oil used in the process depends primarily on the condition of the patient. The heat from the oil helps the patient in perspiration, which is quite important to balance Vata Dosha. This type of massage is quite helpful for the people suffering from fractures, stiffness, paralysis, paraplegia, hemiplegia and monoplegia.
- Shirodhara
Shirodhara a kind of head massage in which the nerves in the scalp are stimulated by a continuous stream of herbal medicated oil on the head. This steady stream is also known as “Dhara”. It helps in relieving stress and helps in increasing focus and clarity. It also helps in getting relief from headaches.
- Njavarkijhi
This type of massage is mainly targeted to increase perspiration in the patient. This massage is mostly practiced in Kerala where they apply medicated oil and use pressurized massage is performed by using small cotton cloth packed with special rice type called Njavara. While performing the massage, it is dipped in cow’s milk and unique mixture of herbs are used. This type of massage is not only beneficial for the skin, but it also helps in de-stressing and vitalizing human body and mind.
- Ubtaan and Elakijhi
This type of massage uses various animals and herbal materials for the creation of beauty and skin care solutions. This treatment helps in energizing the skin, improves skin texture, improves blood circulation, nourishes the body and helps in enhancing external beauty.
- Udvartana
This massage is designed to improve blood circulation and helps in the release of toxins from the body. It is quite an effective treatment for controlling cholesterol level, improving skin complexion and balancing Kapha Dosha. During this massage, a paste of dried herbal powder is applied on the body in the upward direction, i.e. in opposite to the hair growth. This helps in breaking down Kapha and adipose tissues.
- Abhyangam
It is a full body massage by using herbal medicated oil in the doshas based on the medical condition of the patient. The room is maintained at a comfortable, warm temperature. With the motions, actions on the pressure points and different application of pressure energy point stationed at various part of the body is stimulated. This helps the body in releasing deep sitting toxins and at the same time, it also helps in enhancing the blood circulation in the body. This massage also helps in strengthening the muscles, bones and joints. In old days massage was done every day before taking a bath, this makes the body active and awakened before the start of the day.
- Garshana
Garshana massage doesn’t involve any herbal powder or oil. In this massage, the body is stimulated by using raw silk gloves without application of any lubricant or oil. Light vigorous, continuous movement of this massage helps in stimulation the lymphatic system which helps in the elimination of the toxins from the body. The dynamic nature of the massage also helps in breaking down the fat cells in the body. Exfoliation occurs on the outer part of the body where dead cells removed, making the skin look cleaner and radiant. Since the massage helps in invigorating the body, use of oil and carrying out Abhyangam after this massage offers greater benefits. This happens because, after Garshana, the skin pores opens up and hence are ready to absorb any oil or herbal paste in a much better manner.