Ayurvedic Massage Therapy

Introduction and a brief history of Ayurvedic Massage Therapy

The Indian Ayurvedic Massage uses pressure techniques, stroking, and kneading to find harmony, comfort, and serenity, both in the psychological and spiritual domains. Meeting the words “Ayu” means “Life” and “Veda” means “knowledge” Ayurveda.  Ayurvedic medicine is very present in Asia and wants to be a state of mind or a philosophy of life. Ayurvedic massage therapy is directly inspired, therefore complete care provides many benefits.

History

The perfect synthesis of Ayurveda – the “science of life” existed in India for 5,000 years. The Indian traditional massage method was invented by the Indian doctor Swami Yoga Anand Bharati. The latter think the Ayurvedicthe massage is both a therapy and a way to convey the richness of the science and philosophy of Ayurveda in the world. Although an integral part of daily life in India, it tends to attract more and more in the West.

Ayurvedic Massage Therapy Techniques and Benefits

Techniques

Based on the principle that everything is energy, the Indian massage tries to balance Vata (air: nervous and hormonal systems), Pitta (fire and digestive enzyme systems), and Kapha (water: all fluids). Usually done on the whole body (Abhyanga), it can sometimes focus on one part of the head (Shirodhara) or to the soles of the feet (Kansu). The peculiarity of the ayurvedic massage is individualized care, to restore overall balance throughout the patient’s body. Also, the practitioner must adapt its care according to the patient profile. If it is rather Vata, the massage will be slow and made with nourishing heavy oils. Conversely, if the client profile is rather Pitta, care will be more challenging and faster.

Benefits

Ayurvedic massage has preventive and curative properties. He fights against fatigue, insomnia, depression, and ankylosis. It helps to eliminate bad toxins from the body and also improves circulation. It may also be mentioned among the benefits of this ayurvedic massage therapy, the invigorating, and relaxing action. It has the ability to increase body heat, develop the immune system, loosen joints, or boost sexual vitality. Recognized by the World Health Organization, Ayurvedic medicine is one of the most comprehensive because it incorporates both the body and mind.

Specificities and Course of a session

Specificities
Beyond its relaxing properties, this type of care is known for its preventive and curative action. It gives it a special status in the family massages.

The Course of a Session
In the preamble to the massage itself, the practitioner begins the session by questioning his client on the health and general condition or lifestyle habits. It may also be required to take his pulse or watch his language to choose the best massage oil, and touch (slow, fast, exciting, enveloping) depending on the dominant profile- Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. The relaxation session then takes place on the floor, the patient is naked or in underwear. Because of the oils from medicinal plants used by the masseur. It continues the method of stroking, kneading, and pressure on the Marma – energy meridians – to remove energy blockages and restore a harmonious flow.

Duration and Recommendations

Duration
It takes an average of one hour to receive a beneficial and effective Ayurvedic massage. This average includes the preliminary balance sheet and the massage itself, both of which are interrelated. The practitioner needs to ask some questions to his client before the session to guide his care.

Recommendations
To increase the benefits of this ayurvedic massage therapy, the practitioner may advise his client to drink a large amount of hot water after the session. It helps to facilitate and increase the evacuation of toxins. So, aside from the cons-indications specific to any massage, Ayurveda is for all those seeking complete wellness care.