Thousands of years ago in India the benefits of both preventive as curative The use of oil on the body is well known. Traditionally, it was practiced as self-therapy in the form of massage within family circles to maintain optimal health.
The oil could be applied in different ways: for the whole body (abhyanga), for the head (shiroabhyanga), the feet (padabhyanga), the eyes (netrabasti), the ears (karnapurana) and on specific energy points (marmabhyanga).
Ayurveda also takes into account the client's constitution, imbalance, circumstances, and season. This means that the treatment must be continually reassessed for each client and at any given time to determine the best course of action. For example, for a vata type (whose air element is high), sesame oil is often chosen as the base oil; for a pitta type (with an excess of fire), more olive or coconut oil is used; and for a kapha type (with an excess of water/earth), mustard oil is used. Ghee is generally recommended for all types because it has the most nourishing and restorative (sattvic) properties.
The Ayurvedic massage differs from most other massages through the use of various herbal oils (tailsThese oils are effective both physiologically and energetically. In India, massage is primarily viewed as a technique and a part of therapy in clinics. Within the wellness sector, more emphasis is placed on relaxation.
Effects of Ayurvedic Massage
Massaging with oil not only has a lubricating It also has several other effects depending on the properties of the oil. It works on all body tissues:
– cleansing;
– relaxing;
– soothing;
– stimulating;
– nourishing;
– refreshing.
Function of Ayurvedic massage
– it stimulates blood circulation;
– it removes waste products;
– it nourishes the central nervous system;
– it relaxes body and mind.
For whom and for what complaints is an Ayurvedic massage recommended?
The massage can be tailored to each individual and each circumstance, which is what makes Ayurveda so unique. You can do this by adapting the technique to the doshas (vpk) of the person being massaged, but also by circumstances, time and type of massage oil.
When is an Ayurvedic massage recommended?
The massage is highly recommended around the change of seasons (preventative), but it can also be used for common complaints such as stress, fatigue, sleep problems, weakness (not too intense), anxiety and depression, skin problems, and digestive issues. Consulting an Ayurvedic physician (vaidya) beforehand is recommended so that the complaints can be addressed more effectively.
Oil has a calming effect on the body. It creates a sense of security. The positive effects of the massage are noticeable long-term. Clients often report feeling "reset" after the massage.
Franca Ficchi,
Ayurvedic Practitioner / Massage Therapist
