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THE AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO MASSAGE THERAPY:

Special Ayurvedic Massage for Mind/Body Bliss

The Ayurvedic full-body self-massage, called "Abhyanga," is

traditionally performed everyday for overall mind/body support.

However, Ayurvedic texts discuss other ways to use massage therapy in

addition to the basic oil massage. Here are some of them:

 

The Warm Oil Scalp Massage:

Massaging the scalp and hair is recommended to stimulate the scalp,

nourish the hair roots and hair, relieve mental fatigue, help enhance

mental clarity and focus and balance and nourish the emotions.

Traditional oils for this purpose have beneficial herbal extracts

combined with the base oil for added benefit. Some herbs are included

for their beneficial impact on hair health and growth and some for

their balancing effect on the mind and emotions or their stimulating

effect on the mind and nervous system. Brahmi is famous in Ayurveda

as a "Medhya" herb - it can help improve focus and calm the mind,

promote a better quality of sleep, enhance memory, balance the

emotions and help withstand the effects of day-to-day stress. Brahmi

is extensively used both in supplements as well as in topical hair

oils. Other ayurvedic herbs frequently found in herbal hair oils

include Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Bhringaraj (Eclipta Alba) --

literally "King of Tresses," Tulasi (Holy Basil), Ashwagandha (Winter

Cherry), Sandalwood and Hibiscus. The base oil is generally sesame,

which is reported to have antioxidant properties, or coconut.

How it's done -- Gently warm a couple of teaspoons of the oil.

Persons with longer hair may need more, to cover all the hair as well

as the scalp. The oil should be warm enough to be soothing, not

uncomfortably hot. Pour the oil on your palm and apply it evenly all

over the scalp and the back of the neck close to the hairline. Using

your fingertips, gently massage the oil into the scalp, working the

oil in for about 4-5 minutes. Ideally the oil should be left on

overnight (use a shower cap to protect your bed-linens) and shampooed

off the next morning. If leaving it on overnight is impractical for

you, leave it on for 2-3 hours, then shampoo your hair well to rinse

it off. Do the massage at least two or three times each week.

Massage to Promote Better Sleep:

Sleep imbalances, according to Ayurveda, occur when one or more of

the three ayurvedic principles of Vata, Pitta or Kapha is out of the

balance. Massage is one of the techniques recommended to restore

balance and aid the process of getting an adequate amount of

rejuvenating rest. This massage is performed on the peripheries to

improve circulation and relax the mind and body. Massage oils for

this purpose combine herbs and essential oils with a base oil.

How it's done -- Apply the massage oil to the lower arms, hands,

lower legs and feet a few minutes before bed and gently massage into

the skin. Pay special attention to the soles of the feet and the nail-

beds of the hands and feet. Pat off any excess oil with a clean cloth.

Dry Garshana Massage:

The Garshana massage is done without oil. Performed regularly, it is

reported to gradually help break down fat deposits by enhancing blood

and lymphatic circulation. This massage helps clean and exfoliate the

skin, making it more receptive to herbs and therapeutic oils.

How it's done -- Wearing raw silk gloves available for the purpose,

use light vigorous strokes to perform the Garshana massage. This

massage can be done everyday.

 

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Note -- This ayurvedic information is educational, and is not

intended to replace standard medical care or advice.

 

Copyright -- MAPI, Inc., 2002

 

For more in-depth information on the ayurvedic approach to beauty and

skin care and for a complete line of dermatologist-formulated

ayurvedic skin care, please visit http://www.mspa.com.