Clinical examination and their conclusions play an important role in the diagnosis of the patient and Ayurveda. Here is diagnosis tool which helps you understand your Prakriti or ayurvedic body type. Knowing your Prakriti can help you maintain optimal health and also help you lead a balanced personal, family and professional life...

 

Ayurvedic Massages and Effects on Wellness

Centuries' ancient Ayurvedic treatment with its fundamental insistence on the balance of the natural elements of air, bile and phlegm includes massage as one of its important therapeutic measures. As one of the remedial measures enshrined in Ayurveda; the word massage originates from the corresponding Greek equivalent of 'masso' which means touch.

Involving the techniques of pressure, motion and vibration; the remedial means of massage makes for controlled and uncontrolled stimulation of tissues, joints, ligaments, muscles, and blood and lymph vessels. The enhanced stimulation as part of Ayurveda massage seeks to provide

• improved circulation
• recovery from an injury
• management of pain and various forms of physical discomfort and
• due relief from stress and anxiety.

Ayurvedic massage which involves topical stimulation of body or parts constituting it is achieved by means of 'oil', 'tar' or 'ubtaans' made from various herbal or animal centric ingredients. With techniques gearing to different therapeutic purposes, modern aromatherapy focusing on the use of essential oil extracted from natural resources is one of the important aspects of Ayurveda massage.

Serving to vitalize the 'marmas' or meeting points of the five important organic faculties of muscles, bones, ligaments and joints; Ayurvedic massage which closely resembles the Western concept of reflexology differs in its manner and essence depending on the specific ' marma' or meeting point it seeks to revitalize. Accordingly there are different styles and techniques of Ayurvedic massage. Understandably, beauty massage seeking to enliven the natural glow of skin and its complexion will differ from the massage given to new born babies. The same will again differ from massage intended at alleviating bone and muscle pains. Apart from differing in techniques; the mediums used for massaging will also correspondingly vary.

Types of Ayurveda Massages

Nomenclatures focusing on different forms of massage are as follows-

• Pizhichil- which seeks to relax, soothe and rejuvenate by means of warmly medicated oils.
• Nzavarkijhi- which involves pressurized massaging so that there is an increased perspiration following the oil massage.
• Shirodhara- involves the pouring of medicated oil on head or the 'shir' in a continuous stream.
• Shirovasti- also involves pouring oil on head covered by means of a leather band.
• Elakijhi and Ubtaan are techniques whereby the skin and external beauty are vitalized.
• Another massage technique known as Abhyangam seeks to rejuvenate the entire physiology.

A typical Ayurvedic massage involving the use of oil, tar or paste based on multifarious herbal and animal resources adds to the sense of well being apart from achieving the above mentioned targets of improvised blood circulation and relief from physical discomfort. Massaging which dwells on the use of externalized controlled and uncontrolled pressure also contributes to the human immunological system apart from helping in the release of toxins. Oil massage by way of enhancing the softness and suppleness of the skin not only increases its vitality but also controls the premature signs of aging. The elimination of bodily toxin is achieved by way of sweating and the stimulation provided to the channels of stimulation. With its all encompassing insistence on balance, Ayurvedic massage serves to secure a balanced secretion of hormones or 'endorphins' so that the immunological system is enhanced. Physical pains involving pains pertaining to joint, muscle and connective tissue is significantly alleviated by means of Aurvedic massage.

Ayurvedic massage plays significant roles in curing various forms of arthritis, gouts, rheumaticism and other instances of bone or joint related ailments. They are also influential in curing headaches, earaches, congestion in sinus and problems pertaining to sleeplessness. Massaging involving direct and indirect stimulation of head is also helpful in doing away with psychiatric illnesses such as compulsive obsession and schizophrenic tendencies.

As a holistic therapy, Ayurveda massage makes for the overall rejuvenation of mind and body in such a way that the negative elements pertaining to both are got rid of.

• » Information on Ayurveda Massage in Kerala
• » List of Ayurveda treatment centers in Kerala
• » Ayurveda Lifestyle and how to practice ayurveda regularly
• » About Ayurveda medicines and treatment in ayurveda
• » Ayurveda rejuvenation therapy or Rasayana therapy
• » Difference between Ayruveda and Spa treatments