Massage: an easy way to stay healthy

Massage (abhyanga) is a type of passive exercise. It is specially good for weak people, who are unable to exercise. Different types of massage techniques are mentioned in Ayurveda. Regular massage is the key to good health, and is necessary both for prevention and cure of diseases.

Oil massage is most common. Oil should be chosen according to the season and the personal constitution. Mustard oil is the best for massaging in the winter. It should not be used in summer, however those in habit of constant internal use of mustard oil can massage with it in all the seasons. Coconut oil and olive oil are also good for massaging in other seasons. People with vata type body should use some warm oil, and those with pitta type will do good with cooling oil. The kapha types can do dry massage or should use mustard oil after warming it.

METHOD OF MASSAGING

One should start massage from the feet, then massage the legs, hands, abdomen, back, chest, neck, shoulders, face and head. First apply the oil on the part which is to be massaged. Then massage the part gently with palms till the oil goes inside the body. While massaging, the hands should move from below to upwards. 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 be empty stomach while getting massage. The best time for massaging is early morning or evening. One should take shower after oil massage. Wait for 20-30 minutes before taking shower. There should be no anxiety, stress, anger, and worry. The person should fully concentrate on the part being massaged. It is better to get massage from an expert. You can do it by yourself too, in case there is no expert. One should not take massage when there is too much mucus in the body (aggravation of kapha), when suffering from fever, and after one has undertaken cleansing therpies like vomitting (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 agnis (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 case of insomnia, weakness of nerves, laziness, exhaustion, general debility, dry and unhealthy skin.

So get started and let me know how you feel. Please feel free to contact for any further assistance.

Happy massaging!

Kaviraj Partap S. Chauhan

partap@ayurvedic.org