Massage Therapy for Relaxation and Health
A massage can be described as any bodywork that works on various body parts. In India it is the most well-known and widely used body therapy. In fact almost every other society around the world has a form of massage practiced regularly. However, it is commonly used by therapists to refer to the generalized form of bodywork, such as deep tissue massage. When people hear the word massage, they envision a kneading motion or a gentle squeeze. Massage therapy is not as easy as it appears. There are many methods and movements that massage therapy uses to relax and stimulate the body.
There are many different opinions about how massage feels. Some describe it as relaxing, whereas others feel it causes pain and creates a cloud of aromas. The actual massage itself varies from person to person, but the kneading and rubbing part of the massage may be repeated many times on each individual for the duration of the treatment. A massage therapist can utilize their hands and massage oil, sponges towels, walls and furniture in an effort to reach all those nagging, little energy points throughout the body, which are believed to eliminate negative energy. These energy points are referred to as 'kundas' (abundant).
According to Ayurveda massage is performed when the entire body receives the beneficial effects of the practitioner's hands thumbs, fingers, elbows, forearms, shoulders, head, face, feet, hands, and teeth. To be effective, these strokes should be rhythmic and fluid. They should be directed towards major organs but also at smaller inaccessible, non-important areas. In the Ayurvedic text, each body part is described by its energy points or "kundas". A massage therapist who has undergone specific training in the Ayurvedic practice of medicine is not only able to recognize these energy points by touch, but also should be competent to refer the patient to a certified acupuncturist or masseuse for the purpose of receiving a specific massage, like the one known as abhyanga.
Abhyanga can be described as a massage that involves all of your hands. It is typically followed by your feet. A foot pad, also referred to as a Nyasa, is sometimes employed by therapists to relax the major muscle groups. Abhyanga utilizes the entire body to massage muscles, tendons, nerves and the like. There are two kinds that are yonibedha, which involves the direct application of oils and medicines, and mudra, which is a mixture of herbs, oils, and spices.
Rubbing and oil are employed primarily to remove mold and bacteria. However, it can be used to ease tension, stimulate the circulatory system and increase blood flow. The use of a foot pad allows deep massaging, with the purpose of lymphatic drainage, and also to apply therapeutic ingredients that act as immune system boosters. It can also be used for pain relief as well as joint and muscular pain, and other purposes.
The purpose of massage using marma is to help in the healing process by increasing the energy flow in the body. Marma is a healing plant native to the Himalayan Mountains. It is believed to possess healing properties. Today Marma is used in many countries as a therapeutic and food treatment. To be effective, it should be applied from the head down all the way to the toes, using circular movements. Marma should be included in the diet, especially when one is suffering from any type of health problem.
In Shirodhara massages, the masseuse usually starts the session by applying warm oil, like olive oil, on the area of the shiatsu. The masseuse then applies light pressure on the shiatsu points and gently rubs the area with his or her hands. These circular movements loosen and release tensed muscles, relieve stress and help to relax the person. To maximize the benefits of shirodhara therapy, the practitioner repeats the exercise on the other side of the body up to the collarbone.
Shirodhara massage should only be done with very light pressure. Too much rubbing could cause bruises. The most frequent areas to massage include the spine, the legs (thighs) and shoulders, arms, and neck. Massage oils used in massage therapy can vary according to the culture, but most commonly are either linalool or Thymo basil. It has been proven that the use of essential oils during massage therapy increases blood circulation, while massage oil alone doesn't. The key to enjoying a good Shirodhara massage is to mix oil with massage strokes.
There are many different opinions about how massage feels. Some describe it as relaxing, whereas others feel it causes pain and creates a cloud of aromas. The actual massage itself varies from person to person, but the kneading and rubbing part of the massage may be repeated many times on each individual for the duration of the treatment. A massage therapist can utilize their hands and massage oil, sponges towels, walls and furniture in an effort to reach all those nagging, little energy points throughout the body, which are believed to eliminate negative energy. These energy points are referred to as 'kundas' (abundant).
According to Ayurveda massage is performed when the entire body receives the beneficial effects of the practitioner's hands thumbs, fingers, elbows, forearms, shoulders, head, face, feet, hands, and teeth. To be effective, these strokes should be rhythmic and fluid. They should be directed towards major organs but also at smaller inaccessible, non-important areas. In the Ayurvedic text, each body part is described by its energy points or "kundas". A massage therapist who has undergone specific training in the Ayurvedic practice of medicine is not only able to recognize these energy points by touch, but also should be competent to refer the patient to a certified acupuncturist or masseuse for the purpose of receiving a specific massage, like the one known as abhyanga.
Abhyanga can be described as a massage that involves all of your hands. It is typically followed by your feet. A foot pad, also referred to as a Nyasa, is sometimes employed by therapists to relax the major muscle groups. Abhyanga utilizes the entire body to massage muscles, tendons, nerves and the like. There are two kinds that are yonibedha, which involves the direct application of oils and medicines, and mudra, which is a mixture of herbs, oils, and spices.
Rubbing and oil are employed primarily to remove mold and bacteria. However, it can be used to ease tension, stimulate the circulatory system and increase blood flow. The use of a foot pad allows deep massaging, with the purpose of lymphatic drainage, and also to apply therapeutic ingredients that act as immune system boosters. It can also be used for pain relief as well as joint and muscular pain, and other purposes.
The purpose of massage using marma is to help in the healing process by increasing the energy flow in the body. Marma is a healing plant native to the Himalayan Mountains. It is believed to possess healing properties. Today Marma is used in many countries as a therapeutic and food treatment. To be effective, it should be applied from the head down all the way to the toes, using circular movements. Marma should be included in the diet, especially when one is suffering from any type of health problem.
In Shirodhara massages, the masseuse usually starts the session by applying warm oil, like olive oil, on the area of the shiatsu. The masseuse then applies light pressure on the shiatsu points and gently rubs the area with his or her hands. These circular movements loosen and release tensed muscles, relieve stress and help to relax the person. To maximize the benefits of shirodhara therapy, the practitioner repeats the exercise on the other side of the body up to the collarbone.
Shirodhara massage should only be done with very light pressure. Too much rubbing could cause bruises. The most frequent areas to massage include the spine, the legs (thighs) and shoulders, arms, and neck. Massage oils used in massage therapy can vary according to the culture, but most commonly are either linalool or Thymo basil. It has been proven that the use of essential oils during massage therapy increases blood circulation, while massage oil alone doesn't. The key to enjoying a good Shirodhara massage is to mix oil with massage strokes.
