Abhyanga - massage for healing body and soul
Chronic fatigue, stress, anxiety, burnout and depressed mood are not a complete list of problems that a person has to deal with in order to stay in good shape. It is not surprising that more and more people are resorting to massage in order to restore at least a little bit of strength and make up for the lack of energy. And rightly so! Massage is one of the most popular forms of physical therapy that rebalances the body and mind. Even a few sessions have a healing and relaxing effect, energizing and leading to inner peace. But what kind of massage should you choose?
Today we will talk with the leading specialist of the Ayurveda and Tantra Jyotish Center "Anuradh", Anatoly Vyacheslavovich Kozlovsky, to learn more about Ayurvedic massage, its benefits and beneficial effects on the body, mind and soul.
Tell us a little about Ayurveda and how does abhyanga differ from most salon procedures?
Ayurveda is a system of medicine that has been developing in India since ancient times. The word "Ayurveda" in Hinduism means "knowledge of life", and one of the fundamental ways to maintain health is massage.
Ayurvedic massage is a great way to relieve stress, relieve anxiety and digestive problems, improve metabolism and overcome insomnia problems. Abhyanga is one of these types of massage, which is aimed at strengthening the weakened immune system.
The main difference from classical massage is the use of a large amount of oils and herbs, which we prepare according to ancient recipes. And the pace of the massage is more relaxing, gentle.
Tell us in more detail, what properties does Ayurvedic massage have?
This type of massage has a holistic effect on the body, has a positive effect on both physical and mental health. Soothes and relaxes the whole body, improves blood circulation and lymph flow, improves skin condition, metabolism, nourishes and strengthens hair, increases the elasticity of joints, reduces edema and cellulite.
Massage helps to remove toxins from the body, therefore, after such treatment, it is recommended to drink a lot, preferably water or green tea. Thanks to Ayurvedic massage, sleep problems disappear, harmonization and lightening of the aura occurs.
Where does abhyanga massage begin?
Before doing Ayurvedic massage, I still recommend making an appointment for a consultation. The Ayurveda and Tantra-Jyotish Center "Anuradh" is more than just a fashionable SPA salon, where you can choose a procedure by the name or, as you think, the most suitable one, and they will do it for you. Abhyanga requires diagnosis and some preparation.
At the consultation, we conduct a survey according to ancient methods, determine the type of constitution (dosha) of a person from birth and identify its imbalance at the time of treatment. We individually select herbs and oils for each client, give recommendations on the daily regimen and nutrition. If necessary, and for home procedures. We are of the belief that abhyanga should be done daily.
What is the difference between dosha-type massage?
According to Hindu philosophy, the body is made of five elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth. Their various combinations form three main types of energy: vata, pitta and kapha. And massage, accordingly, is different.
Vata type - active and energetic people, mostly thin and not very muscular, with thin and dry skin. This means that the massage should be gentle and carried out quite often. In this case, we use a warm oil that moisturizes the skin and soothes their sensitive nervous system.
Pitta type - people of medium build and more muscular than Vata people, ambitious and dominant. Their skin is soft, but bruises, rashes, and inflammation easily appear on it. It is not recommended for their skin type to use warming oils, which can cause itching and irritation. The best choices for them are coconut and sesame oil. Sandalwood, gardenia and jasmine oils can calm the explosive character.
The third type - kapha tend to be overweight, calm and phlegmatic. This means they need a massage that will stimulate their blood circulation. These are more energetic movements when they knead them well with their fists and pat them with their palms. We recommend using jojoba oil with sage, cedar, pine, patchouli or cinnamon.
How is abhyanga done?
The whole body is massaged, and the client changes position 7 times during the procedure (first lies on his stomach, on the left and right sides, on his back, then sits). Depending on the individual needs of a person, the masseur strokes, kneads, knocks, rubs and squeezes the body.
The whole process begins with an Ayurvedic head massage. The specialist, using the appropriate oil for the given dosha, massages the head and then the back. The second masseur works on the feet, calves, thighs, back, arms and hands. Then they pass all over the body from both sides, and finally return to the massage of the hands, neck, head and face. After the procedure, the client is usually left alone for a few minutes to feel the power and energy of the procedure.
How long does the massage take?
The session time depends on the client's needs and the number of specialists who work with him. It is best if the procedure is performed by two masseurs at the same time, but often this type of massage is performed by one person. Ayurvedic massage can last from 40 to 90 minutes, depending on age, health and dosha type. The optimal course is from 3 to 14 procedures.
Are there any contraindications to abhyanga?
Unfortunately, there is a category of people whom we refuse. These are people with cancer, carriers of infections. With varicose veins, Ayurvedic massage should be approached with extreme caution. Menstrual periods in women, high blood pressure, recent surgeries, skin conditions and heart disease are also exceptions to this massage. For this, among other things, we conduct a consultation in our center of Ayurveda and Tantra-Jyotish "Anuradh".
Often, massage is contraindicated for pregnant women and children, is it possible for abhyanga?
Many are convinced that massage should not be done during pregnancy, but in vain. In Indian culture, the expectant mother is surrounded by special care and receives Ayurvedic massage daily from her sisters or mother. Light massage has a beneficial effect on the baby. Abhyanga helps mother and child to establish strong emotional ties, strengthens the immune system and nobly affects the reactions of the baby's nervous system. Ayurvedic massage is indicated for infants already a week after their birth.
People who regularly undergo abhyanga sessions are calmer, more stress-resistant, happier and healthier. Our clients can rest assured that their internal balance is unshakable. If you feel chronic fatigue and apathy, want to relax, restore your body and peace of mind - come to us, to the center of Ayurveda and tantra-jyotish "Anuradh". Abhyanga will help you maintain health, beauty and longevity.