According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the manipulation technique used to perform the massage in question represents the means by which it is possible to achieve balance and perfect harmony between body and mind. Always according to Ayurveda, in fact, every part of the body is influenced by three main bioenergies, the so-called doshas (called Vata, Pitta and Kapha); an imbalance of these energies would lead to the appearance of different types of disorders, which vary according to the dosha concerned and the part of the body affected by it (for more information, see the article: Ayurveda - Body and Dosha).
Ayurvedic massage, therefore, is one of the many means used by the alternative medicine of the same name to restore balance within the body and mind, thus promoting the psychophysical well-being of the individual.
Please Note
The practices described in this article are not accepted by medical science, have not been subjected to experimental tests conducted with a scientific method or have not passed them. Such practices, therefore, could be ineffective or even be dangerous to health.
The information given is for illustrative purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor.
which, according to Ayurvedic philosophy, our body is equipped with: the so-called chakras.
Curiosity
According to the Indian tradition, it is the deity Brahma (male member of the supreme triad together with Visnu and Siva) who gave Ayurvedic medicine to other deities and to men in order to heal diseases and promote well-being.
Although originally from India, Ayurvedic massage has also spread widely in the West, where however it is not only practiced by Ayurveda supporters to promote the psychophysical well-being of the individual, but also as a purely aesthetic treatment.
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Examples of Types and Variants of Ayurvedic Massage
Some of the different types of Ayurvedic massage will be briefly listed below, specifying the main characteristics and the ailments that, according to Ayurvedic medicine, they are able to counteract or otherwise alleviate.
- Shiroabhyanga massage: is an Ayurvedic massage performed on the scalp. It is used to prevent hair loss and dandruff formation.
- Shirodhara massage: massage practiced on the head and forehead, useful for eliminating mental fatigue and a sense of heaviness in the head.
- Abhyanga massage: massage practiced on the head and neck with the help of herbal oils.
- Mukhabhyanga massage: this is a particular facial massage, useful to eliminate stress and to stimulate the oxygenation of the skin of the face (anti-aging action). This type of Ayurvedic massage is also used to counteract insomnia and promote rest .
- Griva Abhyanga massage: Ayurvedic massage that focuses on the cervical tract, is particularly suitable for counteracting the pains that may appear in this body area.
- Tandabhyanga massage: is an Ayurvedic massage that is carried out on part of the back in order to relieve and counteract tension and fatigue, especially at the back and shoulders.
- Antikapha and Gamathi massages: performed on the legs, these Ayurvedic massages counteract swelling and localized fat deposits, while at the same time exercising a "draining activity."
- Udvartana massage: particular Ayurvedic massage practiced through the use of powdered herbs with a draining action. It is mainly used for slimming purposes.
- Padabhyanga massage: Ayurvedic massage practiced on the feet with the help of vegetable oils in order to restore correct blood circulation and to eliminate any swelling.
- Ayurvedic massage of the Kapha dosha: draining massage performed to stimulate circulation and energy metabolism. Also considered useful in the presence of cellulite.
- Phenakam massage: it is an Ayurvedic lymphatic drainage massage practiced to eliminate toxins from the body, in particular those deriving from the intake of foods that are difficult to assimilate and medicines.
- Sarvanga Abhyanga massage: this is a complete Ayurvedic massage that involves the manipulation of the entire body, face and neck. It is carried out with the help of a warm vegetable oil that must be gradually poured from head to toe. In this massage, the manipulation - which involves the execution of regular movements - must be emphasized in the most suffering areas of the body and must be practiced with intense energetic stimulation movements on the chakras.
Did you know that ...
According to some sources, Ayurvedic medicine also provides for the execution of massages performed with urine.
Children
Traditional Indian medicine provides for the use of Ayurvedic massage also in children. In this category of patients, the massage - appropriately performed by an expert masseur - should promote relaxation in case of colic and pain or discomfort caused by the growth of the first teeth.
Pregnant women
Just as there are specific Ayurvedic messages for children, there is also one for pregnant women. In detail, this is the Garbabhyangam massage, practiced in order to relieve stress and muscle tension caused by gestation.
and articular;Psychic Benefits
As for the potential psychic benefits, on the other hand, Ayurvedic massage would be capable of:
- Relieve stress;
- Counteracting tensions, tiredness and mental fatigue;
- Promote relaxation;
- Reduce anxious states (clearly, in the presence of non-pathological anxiety).
Please Note
Most of the aforementioned benefits attributed to Ayurvedic massage are not confirmed or supported by adequate scientific studies conducted on the matter. On the other hand, there are several people who, by undergoing this type of treatment, declare that they benefit from it. In particular, since it is a massage, it is likely that it can promote relaxation - both physical and mental - and that it can at the same time dissolve any muscle tension or relieve minor pain in joints and muscles.
;- In the presence of wounds;
- In the presence of inflammation;
- If the individual has a fever;
- In subjects suffering from capillary fragility;
- In individuals with phlebitis;
- In hypertensive patients or those suffering from cardiovascular diseases or disorders.
Furthermore, Ayurvedic massage performed through the use of vegetable oils, essential oils or medicinal herbs should not be practiced in individuals with a known allergy to one or more of these products.
In any case, if you suffer from particular ailments or pathologies, before undergoing Ayurvedic massage sessions, it is good to ask for the advice of your doctor.
