Ayurvedic Massages
All the Ayurvedic massages used medicated herbal oils (siddha taila). The herbs
are freshly cut each day, to suit the individual’s constitution. The herbs are than
boiled in the vegetable oils or ghee (clarified butter). The efficacy and
concentration of the medicated oil depends on the size of the fire, and size of pot
used and type of metal, iron, copper or steel pot.
Medicated oils work on the plasma, blood and muscle tissue of the body. They
increase the digestive capacities of the different tissues. They work primarily on
the skin, blood lungs and colon. Through the colon they can have some effect on
the nerve tissue.
Touch me, pamper me!
Kerala, in south-west India, also know as the Venice of the east, is the heart of
Ayurvedic medicine in India. As a strong believer of the benefits of massage
therapy, and consumer, I decide to get an Ayurvedic massage daily for the eight
days. For all massages, you strip down and wear a loincloth that is provided for
you. So if you are body-shy, work on that, before embarking to Kerala. All the
massages cost in-between Canadian $5.00 to $7.00, per massage, for an hour.
The massages I experienced are as follows:
Customized Rejuvenation Massage: first coconut oil with herbs is massaged
on the head, than medicated sesame oil is applied all over the body. The oil is
gently rubbed on.
After that, you are lie on the massage pad and oil is liberally applied and
massaged in steady long strokes to and from the heart. The head and body is
massaged for over an hour. The face is massaged with a herbal cream.
After the massage, you are then led into a medicated steam bath using either
Eucalyptus or Lemongrass essential oils. This is chosen depending on your body
constitution. The steam bath is for 15 minutes. The intensity of the steam makes
one sweat profusely, clearing the body of toxins.
A warm bath is prepared and you wash yourself using Ayurvedic herbal soap and
Inja. Inja is a tree bark that absorbs the oil and also exfoliates. I had four of
these massage, I felt brand new and I was glowing with health.
Elakizhi: After carrying the backpack for over three weeks my muscle and joints
were in pain. I opted for this massage. First a light sesame oil base is rubbed on
the body. Elakizhi is done utilizing fresh medicinal leaves made into a poultice.
The poultice is dipped into hot boiling oil. The excess oil is squeezed off the
poultice. The hot poultice is then applied al over the body. This is repeated for an
hour. The heat was extremely soothing for the muscle and joint. The fragrance
was heavenly. For maximum benefit this treatment is recommended for 15
days. A warm bath is recommended after an hour of the massage.
Dhara: This is a 7day treatment. In a 7day treatment, herbal oil added to
medicated milk or buttermilk, and poured on the forehead continuously. It is very
effective for relieving mental tension, headache, relaxation of mind and body. It
also cools the head and body. After the session, a cool bath is taken and one
should stay out of the sun.
In my case, I wanted to try it once. For my one-day treatment buttermilk was
used. Sandalwood paste is applied to the head; a cloth is wrapped over it and
tied under the chin. The sandalwood paste absorbs excessive heat from the
body. [Remember in winter we lose 70% of body heat from out head]. A light oil
is massage all over the body. My eyes are blindfolded with cotton to prevent the
buttermilk from seeping into my eyes. There is no danger to the eyes, but one
merely from a viewpoint of comfort.
On top of my head hangs a clay pot with a wick through it. Buttermilk is poured
into the clay pot and down drips the buttermilk gently swinging back and forth on
my forehead.
The buttermilk smelled delicious. It took a while to get used to this liquid washing
down my head. After a while I dozed off, only to be waken gently from my
slumber. I felt so relaxed, but the cool bath did wake me up. For the next few
days long I was in zen state.
In my opinion a healthy relaxed body and mind offers the body a chance to
maintain a healthy immune function. Sometimes the best immune reconstitution
is just lying by a beach, listening to the ocean roar, watching a sunset, getting
massages daily, drinking coconut juice, eating fresh pineapple, mangoes and
checking out the local scene, which is quite delicious in itself.
Glossary:
Dosha: things that can go out of whack
Vata: increased vata can cause a increased wind in the body
Kapha: the force which when projected in the body cause mucus to arise
Pitta: force which cause bile to be produced
Dhatus: the seven dhatus are tissue fluids, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow,
sexual fluids. The Dhatus nourish one another
Ojas: life force, that which links the physical, mental and spiritual
Panchakarma: an intense detox, rejuvenate, balance program; can be a few days
to weeks to months
Traditional Ayurvedic Massages and Panchakarma Treatment
Listed below are the diverse range of Ayurvedic Massages offered. All Ayurvedic
massages are customized to the individual’s constitution after a consultation.
General Massage- duration 45 minutes
This massage concentrates on the whole body (except the face and head). The
whole body is massaged with herbal oil. Benefits; recoups your vigour and vitality
Customized Rejuvenation Massage (1 hour)
A customised herbal oil is massaged on the head and body. An herbal cream is
used for the facial massage. This is followed by a medicated steam bath (see
below for explanation) for twenty minutes. The water is a decoction made out of
herbs and wild fruits. This aromatherapy combination helps to nourish your skin,
improve skin tone, vitality and enhances youthfulness.
Chaithanya Chikitsa (Vitality Therapy, 90 day treatment)
A precise potent herbal concentrate which contains extracts of some of the rarest
medicinal plants and other ingredients. It is actually an intensified version of the
historic “Kaya Kalpa Chikitsa”. When taken orally it changes the constitution of
the body and thereby boosts vigour, vitality, vision, memory, muscle power,
stamina, sexual energy and dynamism.
General Massage for muscle relaxation (1 hour)
Massaging the entire body with special herbal oils. Extra attention will be given to
the muscles. This improves blood circulation, gives relief from spasm,
myalgia,etc.
Customised Joint Massage (1 ½ hours)
Massaging all joints, vertebrae, had and face with highly potential oil. In addition
a full body massage will be also given. This helps to get rid of rheumatism, joint
pains, myalgia, etc. Increase the strength of joints.
Chavutty Thirummu (Customised Rejuvenation Massage, by foot, 1 hour)
At first a mild massage is given by hand. Then a customised body massage will
be given by bare foot using herbal oils. The head and face will be massaged by
hand.
Slimming Massage (Udwarthanam)
Massaging the whole body with a combination of various medicinal powders in
upward direction. It reduces body weight, controls cholesterol and obesity.
Strengthens muscles, tightens loose skin and regains figure.
Abhyangam
Medicated oil will be applied be applied all over the body. A mild massage will
also be given in 5 different postures. Special consideration will be given to the
head, ears and feet. This will be followed by medicated bath. It helps the
promotion of blood circulation, thereby relaxing the mind and body.
Pizhichil
Luke warm herbal medicinal oil will be poured over the body continuously. The
body and mind will become completely relaxed after this procedure. This
treatment helps to relieve rheumatism, nervous disorder and sexual weakness.
Dhara (7 day treatment)
Herbal oil mixed with medicated milk or buttermilk and medicinal extracts is
poured on the forehead continuously. This treatment is very useful for relieving
mental tension, headache, relaxation of mind and body. Above all it cools your
body and head very effectively. After this session, it is recommended to stay out
of the sun. For maximum benefit, it is recommended to receive this treatment for
7 days.
Njavarakizhi
A very effective mode of treatment using medicinal pudding.. It is very effective
for eradicating rheumatic complaints and nervous disorders.
Elakizhi (15 day treatment)
Done with a collection of fresh medicinal leaves and oil for backaches, joint
pains, muscle pain, etc. Medicinal leaves are tied in a muslin bags. The muslin
bags are immersed in hot medicated oil. The muslin bags are applied are applied
at bearable heat on the body parts. The hot medicinal poultice is applied to the
body parts. Before this process a light body massage is given
Shirovasthy
Luke warm medicated will be allowed to maintain on the head by using a cap
fixed around the head. Effective for memory ailments, nervous disorders,
disturbed sleep.
Nasyam
Luke warm medicated oil will be poured into both nostrils for cleaning the nasal
cavities. It is an effective treatment for ailments above the neck. This is very
effective for nervous disorders, sinusitis, headache, congestion, etc
Tharpanam
Medicated oil or ghee (clarified butter) will be applied over the eyes. This is very
effective for eyes irritation. This treatment cools the eyes and enhances the
eyesight.
Medicated steam bath
A steam bath completes the Ayurvedic massage. Essential oils are added to
enhance the detoxification after the massage. Essential oils used are lemongrass
or eucalyptus.
Lemongrass, a native plant of India with a powerful lemon like odour. It is
beneficial for infections, headaches, sore throats, respiratory problems and
fevers. Has antiseptic properties and used as an insect repellant.
Eucalyptus is beneficial for viral infection, colds, coughs, bronchitis, rheumatism,
muscular strain, and skin infections. Has antiseptic, antifungal properties and
used as an insect repellent.
Medicated bath
A medicated bath completes the massage. After the herbal oil massage, the
herbal bath is prepared. This involves a hot herbal bath, along with medicated
hand made Ayurvedic soap and inja (a medicinal bark fibre used as an exfoilant,
and absorbs excess oil). The bath cleanses the body, and soothes the soul. It
relieves travel fatigue and imparts a healthy glow an freshness.
Reiki
Reiki is based a Japenese modification of a traditional Tibetan technique of great
antiquity. Reiki has it roots in Ayurveda and so does Tibetan medicine. It is
similar to Pranic healing. Prana is the sanskirt word for life force
Reiki( rei= universal, ki=energy or life force) is a way of connecting with
universal energy to improve health and quality of life. Reiki is based on the belief
that living things share life energy. When that life energy becomes blocked, it
results in an imbalance. This imbalance can cause an illness, physical, or
emotional. The practitioner lays his/her hand on the energy field, (there is no
body contact) to guide(channel) your energy and unblock your emotions. The
person receiving the treatment is fully clothed. The benefits are profound
relaxation, increase energy, release of emotions and increased awareness of
self.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a detoxification program that is utilized in Ayurveda.
Panchakarma is ONLY undertaken when the patient is strong relative to the
disease. It is not to be undertaken by patient at end stage disease.
Panchakarma involves abhayanga (oleation), svedana (sweating), and
shirodhara (lubrication of the scalp) and evacuative nasal medication or kriyas.
Each of these four purification procedures is modified to the person’s constitution
or excess of humors. In abhayanga, warm oil is rubbed all over the body. It
penetrates the skin and lubricates the superficial fascia, the deep fascia, and
touches the nerve ending , where it release the certain neuropeptides. These are
the same neuropepetides that are present in the central nervous system (CNS),
which maintain immunity. It is believed oleation boost immunity.
After abhayanga and svedana the toxin is directed to the digestive tract to be
expelled. This is aided by dietary means to help the doshas flow. The three
types of toxin (ama) are based on the three humors or doshas, pitta, kalpha , and
vata. These specific purifications are performed at specific times of the day,
morning, noon or evening, depending again on
personal constitution.
Toxin from the gastrointestinal tract is directed to the organs specific to each flow
of toxin. Pitta is directed to liver, intestine and gallbladder. Kalpha brings the
mucous toxin to the stomach. Vata is directed to the colon as gas .To facilitate
complete elimination of the toxin according to each humour; these are the
general recommendations. For pitta , purgation therapy. For kapha, vomiting
therapy is recommended under supervision of an Ayurvedic Physician. For vata
disorder, basti (medicated enema) is recommended.
Nasal medication is the preferred purification for all diseases of the head. After
these intense cleansing a pacification treatment is introduced to rebalance the
dosha and protect the system. In this way toxin is eradicated from the system,
the system is rejuvenated and disease process is minimizes or halted.
Caution: Each of these detoxification therapies has to be performed under
supervision of a qualified Ayurveda or otherwise it will aggravate the situation
and make it worse.
References:
1. Robert E. Svoboda, Ayurveda, Life, Health and Longevity, pg. 204-210
2. Dr.Vasant Lad, Yoga Health, The Science of Restoring Harmony, pg. 34-37