Ayurvedic Massage
Do you already practice yoga, meditation, or use aromatherapy and herbal medicine? Maybe it’s time to dive into the techniques of Ayurvedic massage. Taken from Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine which means “science of life”, this practice has been proven to soothe the body and the mind. Preventive practice, this treatment regularly opens the doors to well-being.
The origins of AM or abhyanga
Also known as abhyanga (the most widespread practice), Ayurvedic massage comes from the more than 5000 year old traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda.
The philosophy of Ayurvedic medicine is based on finding a balance between three elements called the doshas, the source of our well-being:
- Vata or the air which symbolizes hormones and nerves
- Pitta or the fire that refers to enzymes and the digestive system
- Kapha or water which represents all the liquids of our organism
When these three elements of the body are in a situation of imbalance, then the individual can experience psychological and physical disorders (headaches, disturbed transit, muscle pain, etc.). Ayurvedic massage therefore has the function of draining the whole body or part of the body to restore internal balance.
Along with yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic herbal treatments, abhyanga is one of the pillars of Ayurveda, a medicine that is increasingly appealing to the West and recognized by the World Health Organization.
What are the benefits of an Ayurvedic massage?
In order to maintain the balance of our organism, the Ayurvedic massage aims to restore the circulation of our vital source by acting in particular by pressure on the different parts of the body.
- Ayurvedic massage releases nervous and muscular tension to facilitate the circulation of energy in the body.
- It participates in the elimination of toxins from the body and promotes the youthfulness of the skin and firms the tissues.
- It helps reduce anxiety, makes it easier to fall asleep and improves sleep quality.
- It also acts on blood and lymphatic circulation.
All this strengthens the immune system.
What is an Ayurvedic massage session like? Should we prefer a complete Ayurvedic massage?
A session always begins with an Ayurvedic assessment to determine your native constitution and the state of balance, or imbalance, between your “doshas” (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
This first examination normally takes place in several stages:
- an inventory of your health (medical liabilities, etc.)
- an overview of the state of your nails, your skin, your tongue and blood pressure control
- information about your lifestyle and your habits.
Once this first examination has been carried out, your masseur will embark on the massage that is made for you. So, either he will operate a complete massage, or one or more parts of the body.
The choice of oils and method will also be impacted according to the analysis of your masseur. According to the weakened doshas, he will favor a type of oil and a technique adapted to your situation:
- Vata: your practitioner will turn to nourishing oils for an enveloping and rather slow massage,
- Pitta: he will prefer to apply fresh oils for a quick and stimulating massage,
- Kapha: your massage therapist will prefer oil in small quantities, or even a dry massage.
As part of a complete massage, each area, from head to toe, is massaged in turn in a movement of reunification of the body, taking into account your doshas.
Tonic movements alternate with relaxing movements to provide both relaxation and energy.
Does Ayurvedic massage cause side effects?
Ayurvedic massage is not recommended for pregnant women but also for people with dermatological problems, suffering from hypertension and heart problems or cancer. Also, if you suffer from intense muscle pain, report them at least to your masseur to avoid any mishandling.
Always seek the advice of your attending physician.
After reading all this, what do you think of the ayurvedic message? would you be up for trying it? Comment down below if you ever had a session, how was it, and what did you think.
Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive vibes!!!
