
Ayurvedic massage has been a part of Indian tradition since ancient times. It is based on the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that focusses on holistic health. Ayurvedic massage balances the energies in the body (doshas) to promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. These massages make use of ayurvedic oils that are made with herbs and essential oil blends, mixed with precision basis ayurvedic recipes. The choice of oils depend on the problem being addressed and the massage type, so, using the right Ayurvedic body massage oil with the right ingredients can enhance the effects of the massage.
There are many types of ayurvedic massage practices each with its benefits. Some of the popular types are below:
Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga is one of the most popular massage techniques and involves the application of warm oils to the entire body, followed by massage. This helps to reduce stress, improve blood circulation in the body and detoxify the body. It also stimulates the body’s fundamental energies or doshas namely Vata, Pitta, and Kapha to promote overall wellbeing.
Vata Dosha is associated with restlessness, anxiety, and dryness. Vata dosha is also associated with nerve health. As such, using a deeply nourishing ayurvedic massage oil for nerves goes a long way in this case. Pitta is associated with irritation, congestion, and inflammation. Massage helps soothe and cool this dosha if in excess. Kapha, on the other hand, is associated with stagnation, congestion, and lethargy. Abhyanga helps to balance it.
Shirodhara massage
This massage offers deep relaxation. It involves the use of warm oil applied continuously on the forehead as a continuous stream. Consider getting a shirodhara massage if you grapple with anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Shirodhara massage helps you relax and sleep deeper and better.
Panchakarma massage
This massage type is one of the best ones for those trying to detoxify. Panchakarma involves therapeutic procedures that activate the lymphatic system making it easier for the body to remove toxins. Fewer toxins in the body mean better general well-being.
Marma massage
This massage type is all about stimulating the various marma points in the human body. These are vital energy centers with a high concentration of life force energy or prana. They can be compared to acupuncture points practiced in Chinese traditional medicine. These are the junctions of joints, veins, muscles, and ligaments. In Ayurveda, 107 marma points are recognized. A marma massage is designed to help the body balance its energy systems and improve relaxation. This massage also helps reduce anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. By including the best stress relief oil, you can achieve better results.
Kati Basti massage
Kati Basti is a good massage for alleviating back pain. Normally, warm oil is applied to your lower back before applying the right massage techniques. Kati Basti helps to enhance blood circulation, reduces inflammation and promotes relaxation.
Udvartana
Udvartana involves application of herbal powders or paste directly on the body followed by brisk massage. This massage technique helps in exfoliation of the skin, enhances blood circulation and promotes overall skin health. This helps to stimulate the lymphatic systems to detoxify the body and may also assist in weight loss. Ayurvedic massage is the right wellness approach that can help you find harmony between your mind and body. Now that you know the most common types of massages, you must choose the massage type and the ingredients best suited to your needs to ensure maximum benefits.