Massage
An Easy Way to Stay Healthy
Oil massage is the most common type of massage. Oil should be chosen according to the season
and the personal constitution. Sesame oil is the best for massaging according to Ayurveda. In the
winter one can also use mustard oil, though it should not be used in summer. However, those in the
habit of constant internal use of mustard oil can massage with it in all seasons. Coconut oil and
sunflower oil are also good for massaging in hot climate. Olive oil can be used in the winter as it is
heating in nature. People with a vata type of body should use warming oils, and those with pitta type
will benefit from cooling oils. The kapha types should have dry massage or should use mustard oil
after warming. In order to determine what type you are take a constitution test.
Method of Massaging
One can either start massage from the feet or from head. In self massage one generally starts from
feet, then the legs, hands, abdomen, back, chest, neck, shoulders, face and head. While receiving
massage from some one it is generally started from head. There are no specific reasons for this.
First apply the oil on the part which is to be massaged. Then massage the part gently with palms till
the oil penetrates the body. When massaging, upward strokes should be employed. The motion
should be uniform (not too fast and not too slow) and pressure should be applied only on the
muscles, not the bones. Different types of actions of fingers and hands are used for massaging
different organs.
One should receive a massage on an empty stomach. The best time for massaging is early morning
or evening. One may wash the oil off after massage. Wait for 20-30 minutes before washing. There
should be no anxiety, stress, anger, and worry. The person should concentrate fully on the part being
massaged. It is better to get massage from an expert but you can do it yourself too
One should avoid taking a massage when there is too much mucus in the body (aggravation of
Kapha), when suffering from fever, and after one has undertaken cleansing therapies like vomiting
(emesis) and purgation.
Benefits of Massage
Massage stimulates the internal functions of the body and provides nourishment to various body
tissues. It helps in cleansing the toxins from channels. Massaging with oil provides lubrication to
various body mechanisms. It stimulates the different agni (enzymes), increases assimilation of food
and increases the vital body fluid called the Ojas. It works at both mental and physical levels of the
body. It is beneficial in the case of insomnia, weakness of nerves, laziness, exhaustion, general
debility, dry and unhealthy skin.
An Easy Way to Stay Healthy
Oil massage is the most common type of massage. Oil should be chosen according to the season
and the personal constitution. Sesame oil is the best for massaging according to Ayurveda. In the
winter one can also use mustard oil, though it should not be used in summer. However, those in the
habit of constant internal use of mustard oil can massage with it in all seasons. Coconut oil and
sunflower oil are also good for massaging in hot climate. Olive oil can be used in the winter as it is
heating in nature. People with a vata type of body should use warming oils, and those with pitta type
will benefit from cooling oils. The kapha types should have dry massage or should use mustard oil
after warming. In order to determine what type you are take a constitution test.
Method of Massaging
One can either start massage from the feet or from head. In self massage one generally starts from
feet, then the legs, hands, abdomen, back, chest, neck, shoulders, face and head. While receiving
massage from some one it is generally started from head. There are no specific reasons for this.
First apply the oil on the part which is to be massaged. Then massage the part gently with palms till
the oil penetrates the body. When massaging, upward strokes should be employed. The motion
should be uniform (not too fast and not too slow) and pressure should be applied only on the
muscles, not the bones. Different types of actions of fingers and hands are used for massaging
different organs.
One should receive a massage on an empty stomach. The best time for massaging is early morning
or evening. One may wash the oil off after massage. Wait for 20-30 minutes before washing. There
should be no anxiety, stress, anger, and worry. The person should concentrate fully on the part being
massaged. It is better to get massage from an expert but you can do it yourself too
One should avoid taking a massage when there is too much mucus in the body (aggravation of
Kapha), when suffering from fever, and after one has undertaken cleansing therapies like vomiting
(emesis) and purgation.
Benefits of Massage
Massage stimulates the internal functions of the body and provides nourishment to various body
tissues. It helps in cleansing the toxins from channels. Massaging with oil provides lubrication to
various body mechanisms. It stimulates the different agni (enzymes), increases assimilation of food
and increases the vital body fluid called the Ojas. It works at both mental and physical levels of the
body. It is beneficial in the case of insomnia, weakness of nerves, laziness, exhaustion, general
debility, dry and unhealthy skin.
No comments:
Post a Comment