Ayurvedic massage - what it is, types, techniques for the face, head, neck and body. Training and feedback

Massage procedures have a healing and revitalizing effect. Massage is an important element of Ayurvedic medicine. Since ancient times, Indian massage has been used for medicinal purposes by doctors from many nations of the world. It relieves stress, restores strength and has a general healing effect on the human body, in fact, it prolongs youth.

The essence and purpose of Ayurveda massage

Ayurvedic massage is one of the main elements of Ayurveda medicine. The word "Ayur" is translated as "Life", and the second part of the word "Verda" is "science". Thanks to its healing properties, Ayurvedic massage has become widespread throughout the world.

Ayurverde treatment is aimed not at curing the disease and relieving symptoms, but at maintaining the health and youth of the human body.

According to the ancient Indian teachings of Ayurverda, the human body and his mind are one. And in order to be physically and mentally healthy, a person needs to achieve harmony and balance. Therefore, the main purpose of Ayurverd massage is to restore balance and harmony.

Why massage is useful

Ayurvedic massage is useful not only for the physical, but also for the mental health of a person, the normalization of the psycho-emotional state.

Massage procedures performed according to ancient Indian technology contribute to:

• Normalization of blood circulation.
• Strengthening human defense systems.
• Normalization of respiratory processes
• Preventing digestive problems.
• Getting rid of salts and toxins accumulated in the body.
• Removal of symptoms of many diseases (migraine, neurosis, osteochondrosis).
• Eliminate fatigue and improve sleep.
• Also, massage has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin: it makes it soft and elastic. Permanent Ayurvedic massage helps to prolong the youthfulness of the skin.
• Also, massage promotes rapid weight loss, even in critical situations.

Ayurvedic massage provokes the production of the hormone of joy, relaxes muscles and relieves stress, which improves mental health of a person, stabilizes resistance to irritability.

Types of Ayurveda massage

Depending on the execution technique, the required equipment and the area of ​​influence

Ayurvedic massage is classified as follows:

1. Abhyanga. This type of massage is the most widespread throughout the world. A feature of Abhyanga massage is the use of a large amount of warm essential oil. The technique of performing Abhyanga provides for the procedure in 4 hands. With this massage, the entire body is rubbed, starting from the head and gradually moving to the legs. Thanks to this, a person finds harmony, the body's work is getting better and the body is charged with energy.
2. Mukha Abhyanga. The difference between this type of massage and Abhyanga is expressed in the fact that with this massage only the head, neck and décolleté are worked out. Mukha Abhyanga provides for the effect on certain areas of the face, head, neck and décolleté. The massage is also done with a lot of warm oil.Makha Abhyanga massage is recommended for people suffering from insomnia, frequent headaches, depression, fatigue. Also, this type of massage is often used by cosmetologists, since it is also aimed at rejuvenating and nourishing the skin of the face.
3. Marma. This type of Ayuvedic massage is the oldest. Marma massage involves the impact on certain points on the human body. The technique of performing the massage depends on which dosha was unbalanced. Only certain areas of the body are massaged. The impact is made with the thumbs. Marma massage restores energy balance. Thanks to this, massage has a general healing effect (toxins are removed, digestion and blood circulation are normalized, the immune system is strengthened). Marma massage is recommended for diseases such as asthma, arthrosis, migraine. He will also help people suffering from pressure.
4. Kativasti. This type of massage is recommended for people suffering from back pain, as well as people who have back problems. Since during the procedure, all the impact is only on the lower region of the spine. On this area, black lentils are superimposed, the lentils are laid in a ring, tightly fitting to the body. Warm essential oil is poured into the center of the ring. Thanks to this, pain goes away, and prolonged exposure to warm oil has a beneficial effect on the spine, strengthening it.
5. Panchakarma. Panchakarma massage helps prevent many diseases. Panchakarma massage is aimed at strengthening the human immune system, removing toxins, improving vision, and improving mental health. This type of massage is recommended for people suffering from gynecological diseases, stomach diseases, anemia, diabetes. It also helps in the treatment of mental illness. Panchakarma is not only a massage, besides it, treatment also includes enemas, the use of laxatives, bloodletting and rinsing the nose. This is all aimed at completely removing toxins and harmful substances from the body, which cause many diseases.
6. Shirodhara. Shirodhara is recommended for people suffering from diseases of the nervous system, diseases of the heart and intestines, migraines and constant stress. Also, this type of massage is recommended for people suffering from dandruff and hair loss. The Shirodhara massage technique is as follows: on special areas of the forehead, heated oil is poured in a thin stream. At the same time, the head is massaged. Therefore, Shirodhara is also beneficial for the hair.
7. Netra tarpan. Netra tarpana is recommended for people suffering from eye diseases. Since massage is aimed at strengthening the optic nerve, improving vision, and normalizing blood circulation. In addition, Netra Tarpana is also used for cosmetic purposes, as massage helps prevent premature wrinkles in the corners of the eyes, smoothes existing wrinkles and eliminates black circles under the eyes. The procedure is as follows: a ring of dough is made around the eyes. Warm oil is poured into this ring. After the procedure, the eyes should not be exposed to light for some time. Therefore, the eyes should be kept in a dark bandage for 60-80 minutes.
8. Kizhi. Kizhi is recommended for people experiencing constant stress and mental stress. The massage is performed with bags filled with various medicinal herbs. The effect of the procedure depends on the contents of the bags. The general beneficial properties of Kizhi are: cleansing the body, normalizing blood circulation, rejuvenating the skin, relieving mental stress.
9. Honey. Ayurveda uses 8 types of honey, each of which has medicinal properties. Honey massage helps to fight many diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, viral infections), relieve tension and improve skin condition. Most often, heated honey is used in Ayuverde. The technique of performing honey massage depends on the area of ​​influence and the type of honey (light, dark, mountain).
10. Segmental-classical. Segmental-classical massage is recommended for people who have problems with the spine. During the procedure, each part of the spine is worked out.
11. Ratna Abhyanga. Ratna Abhyanga is recommended for people experiencing constant stress, as well as for those people who spend a lot of time on their feet. The massage is performed using stones, cold and hot stones are used. For some parts of the body, both cold and hot stones are used immediately (for example, for the face). This type of massage relaxes muscles, relieves leg fatigue and tones up.

What oils are used

Regardless of the type, Ayurvedic massage is always performed using medicated essential oils.

The following oils are used depending on the constitution of the body, the type of human skin, gender and age:

1. All essential oils are suitable for vata. However, the best effect of the procedures can be achieved using hazelnut oil and sesame oil.
2. Coconut and olive oils are ideal for pita types. You can also use jasmine, lavender, cumin oil.
3. Almond and mustard oil, cinnamon oil, myrrh oil, and basil oil are suitable for kapha types. For Kapha people, it is not necessary to use oils, as this type of people need oils the least. The oil can be replaced with alcohol.

There are also mixed types, for which you can use the oils recommended for these types. The oils are recommended to be used in conjunction with medicinal herbs to achieve the best result.

Execution technique

It is recommended to carry out the Ayurvedic procedure on an empty stomach.

The Kizhi massage technique is performed according to the following procedure:

1. Before the procedure, the bags are prepared. Medicinal herbs are poured into them, and oil is poured.
2. Then the back is coated with essential oil.
3. The back is massaged with hands for some time (without applying pressure), about half an hour.
4. After that, a cold decoction of medicinal herbs is poured onto the head. And then the head is wrapped in a cloth. This is necessary to keep the head cold, otherwise it may become bad during the procedure.
5. After that, the bags are dipped in hot oil or herbal decoction. And they affect the body. Movements are directed from top to bottom. Particular attention is paid to energy points.
6. At the end of the procedure, they slap on the back for a few minutes.

The whole Kizhi procedure lasts more than 1 hour.

Technique for performing massage Ratna Abhyanga:

1. The stones are prepared before the procedure.
2. The head is covered with a special bandage.
3. The area is lubricated with oil.
4. For about 20 minutes, circular movements are performed on the whole back (counterclockwise).
5. After that, warm stones are applied to special areas.
6. From time to time, the stones change to hotter ones.
7. At the end, the affected area is smeared with essential oil.

It is important to keep the stones constantly hot, this is the most important thing in the body massage process.

Self-massage technique

Mukha Abhyanga is a type of Ayurvedic massage that you can do yourself.

It is done like this:

1. A small amount of oil (1 s. L.) Is poured onto the crown. Then the oil is rubbed in a circular motion on the rest of the head, the movements are the same as when shampooing.
2. Gradually you need to move on to the temples and work on them for some time. At the same time, you need to use the ears, paying special attention to the lobes.
3. Then you need to slowly move to the face. From the ears, you need to gradually move to the chin and lips. Then return to the earlobes again. Then from the ears to the corners of the lips and nostrils, forehead. From the center of the forehead to the temples and outer corners of the eyes.
4. Then you need to move on to the neck. Movements should be directed from bottom to top. Slowly you need to move to the back of the neck.
5. After the neck, you need to move on to the neckline and shoulders. Here you can use the whole palm, making circular movements with it with a little pressure.
6. At the end of the procedure, the oil is removed with a towel, and only after that you can take a bath or shower.

Each part of the body during the massage should be thoroughly worked out. But not by force, but by technique. Movements should be soft and accurate. The entire procedure should take about 20-25 minutes.

How to give Ayurvedic massage to a child

Ayurvedic massage can be done even for young children. However, it is important that the child is completely calm and relaxed, tuned in to the procedure. Sesame and flaxseed oils are best for massaging a child.

You need to massage your child as follows:

1. First of all, you need to carefully work out the neck area. The oil is rubbed into the neck in gentle circular motions. The child should sit with his back.
2. Gradually the area should increase and go down below. Thus, the entire back must be worked out.
3. After the back, you need to go to the chest. The range of motion can be slightly increased.
4. After the breast, the stomach is worked out. It is undesirable to exert pressure on the abdomen; in this area, movements should be especially soft.
5. And then you need to go down to the hips and legs. You can rub your legs more vigorously.
6. At the very end, you need to work out the hands, including the fingers.

After the procedure, the remaining oil is removed with a towel. And then you need to take a warm shower.

Useful and important points

Ayurvedic medicine has helped to cure many diseases and prolong the youth of the body since ancient times. The main Ayurvedic medicine is precisely body massage. The technique of performing the action on the muscles and tissues of the body, the oils used, the atmosphere in which the procedure is carried out affects not only the body, but also the psychological background.

The procedure is a kind of meditation, during the massage a person forgets about problems and completely relaxes. Also, during the procedure, pressure is exerted on special points on the human body, which affect the state of the whole organism. Thanks to this, the body adjusts its work, a person finds harmony and peace.

Approximate cost of procedures

The price of a massage depends on the means used, and on who will perform it and where. In different areas, the cost of natural oils differs, and the experience of the massage therapist also affects the price. Since in Ayurvedic massage the main influence is played by the correct technique of execution, and only an experienced specialist is able to do it correctly.

The approximate price of massage is as follows:

• In Moscow - from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles.
• In the Moscow region - from 1,500 to 6,000 rubles.
• In St. Petersburg - from 1500 to 6000 rubles.
• In Kazan - from 1500-4400 rubles.

The cost of a massage course is approximately 15,000 rubles. However, if you carry out several types of massage at once, the cost of the course can exceed 30,000 rubles. Ayurvedic treatment will help eliminate the symptoms of certain diseases, relieve anxiety and fatigue.

Contraindications

Ayurvedic massage is good for health, but it has many contraindications.

These include:

• Allergy to oils and herbs.
• Cold.
• Flu.
• Bronchitis.
• Cough.
• Diseases of the skin.
• Infectious diseases.
• Oncological diseases.

In such cases, it is recommended to refrain from the procedure, as it can have a negative effect on health. If an allergic skin reaction occurs to the oils used, you can replace them with other, more suitable ones.

Ayurveda medicine is effective to this day, one of the most effective is Ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurvedic massage helps against many diseases (diabetes, arthrosis, arthritis), it also helps to relieve stress and restore mental health. Such procedures have a beneficial effect on the skin, rejuvenating and nourishing it. Frequent carrying out of such procedures will help prolong the youth of the body and preserve beauty.

Author: Nigmatulina Raila

Video about Ayurvedic massage, its techniques and effects on the body

Massage technique:

Ayurveda head massage:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bovJMeMc_os