Massage - An Easy Way to Stay Healthy
Massage
(Abhyanga) is a type of passive exercise. It is especially good for
weak people, who are unable to exercise. Regular massage is the key to
good health, and is necessary both for prevention and cure of diseases.
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.
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