Ayurvedic massage
The origin
Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine. Like yoga, meditation or the use of natural products and plants, this massage is part of the numerous techniques on which this ancient medicine is based (it is at least 5000 years old!), But still practiced and recognized by the World Organization of Health. Like traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda believes that the body and spirit are closely linked and takes into consideration the human being as a whole. According to this medicine, the body is crossed by a "vital breath", called Prana. When this energy flow is disturbed by factors such as stress or bad lifestyle habits, the body can suffer from some ailments (headache, transit, pain, widespread malaise ...). By acting on certain points of the body through pressure and other movements, the massages are aimed at re-establishing the circulation of this vital breath. There are about ten types of massage, which change according to the problem encountered. The basic massage, the most practiced, is theabhyanga.
The ritual
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Ayurvedic massage is practiced on bare skin or covered with underwear. The masseur uses a warm oil, mostly sesame oil, alone or combined with other types of oil. The technique consists in stimulating, through pressure, touch and palpation, i Marma (the energy points through which the Prana moves), with the aim of rebalancing the organic functions. From the feet to the tips of the hair, all areas are massaged, one at a time, with movements that allow the body to be re-harmonized, taking into account the different elements that make it up: air, water and fire. These elements are organized according to three systems: the vata (nervous and hormonal system), the pitta (digestive and enzymatic system) and the kapha (fluids). Toning and relaxing movements alternate to provide energy and relaxation at the same time.
The benefits
The Ayurvedic massage is complete and aims to relax, relieve nervous tension, absorb stress and facilitate sleep. By restoring blood circulation, it also allows you to eliminate toxins due to poor nutrition and pollution. It is energizing, recharges the batteries and can prevent many ailments. Sesame oil, rich in linoleic acid, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and calcium, is nourishing for the skin and also produces beneficial effects on nerve cells. Ayurvedic massage is an element of prevention and, according to tradition, must be part of a lifestyle that combines a balanced diet with yoga, breathing and meditation exercises.
