By Senthil Krishnasamy, Ayurvedic and Natural Medicine Practitioner
Massage therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on varying conditions including prenatal depression, preterm infants, full-term infants, autism, skin conditions, pain syndromes including arthritis and fibromyalgia, hypertension, autoimmune conditions including asthma and multiple sclerosis, immune conditions including HIV and breast cancer and aging problems including Parkinson’s and dementia.
In Ayurvedic massage, pressure is given in different ways to the pressure points which help to stimulate different energy centers. It helps in getting rid of deep-seated toxins and improves blood circulation of the body.
Oils are fundamental in Ayurveda:
They are used internally and externally to prevent, as well as treat, disease. Used on the skin, or in the body’s orifices like the mouth, nostrils and ears, oil protects our bodies from outside stimulus, impurities and antigens.
For maximum benefits when using base Ayurvedic oils, we often recommend certain oils, or oil combinations to help balance each dosha:
- Vata dosha with dry skin—> Heavier oils are used including sesame and almond
- Pita dosha with sensitive or overheated skin—->Cooling or neutral oils are used including olive, sunflower, coconut, or castor
- Kabha dosha with oily skin—>light oils are used including flaxseed, corn or mustard oil
Foot massage intensively stimulates blood flow in the foot area to increase blood circulation throughout the body, while also providing physical and psychological relaxation, thereby improving sleep and sleep patterns.
Primary uses of massage are to promote relaxation, treat painful muscular conditions, and reduce anxiety.
