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Massage has been used as a remedial
measure from centuries. Massaging causes various physiological effects which
comfort the body. Manually kneading or manipulating the soft tissues to
relieve pain, discomfort, stress and to promote health and wellness is
called as ‘massage’. The techniques of massage to promote health and
wellness are called “Massage Therapy”. The American Massage Therapy
Association (AMTA) defines Massage therapy as “a profession in which the
practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies,
with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the
client."
Massage therapy (abhyanga) is recommended in ayurveda in the course of
treating several diseases. It plays a great role in body detoxification
process (Panchakarma) before starting the core treatment.
Usually, ayurvedic herbal oils or aromatic oils are used during massage. The
oils are selected according to the condition and objective of massage.
Types of Body massage
Different kinds of body massage are adopted after analyzing the cause and
location of discomfort. The following are the various kinds of body massage
.
•Face and Head Massage,
•Arms and Hand Massage,
•Legs and Feet Massage,
•Back Massage,
•Neck and Shoulder Massage,
•Chest Massage,
•Abdomen Massage,
•Massage for babies and children
•Massage during pregnancy.
Techniques of massage:
A massage therapist uses ‘Strokes’ and ‘Pressure’ while massaging.
Effleurage, Petrisage, Percussion, Friction and Vibration are 5 different
strokes used while massaging.
Effleurage strokes are long, gliding and soothing .These strokes are made
with flat surface of hands. Effleurage strokes increase the circulation and
depth of relaxation.
Petrissage strokes resemble kneading. These strokes are recommended to
massage children and elderly people. Skin and muscle surface are rolled or
squeezed, gently and firmly by grasping them between thumb and fingers.
Percussion is done using both hands. In this stroke both hands move rapidly
and alternatively stimulating the muscles. Percussion can be done with
finger tips (tapping), chopping movement of stretched fingers (hacking),
cupped hands (cupping), flat opened palms (slapping), and using both fists
(pounding).
Friction: These strokes are used to treat joints and surrounding areas.
Friction breaks adhesions, remove wastes and clean up congestion. Long,
slow, firm strokes or circular movements of hand are used to move
superficial tissues over the deep underlying tissues.
Vibrations : These strokes stimulate nerves. Hands or fingers are moved back
and forth rapidly on soft tissues to shake them. Vibrations are used on
buttocks, thighs, upper back etc.
Mild, moderate or heavy Pressure is applied during massage, depending upon
the part to be massaged and the aim of massage.
The texts of ayurveda illustrate different types of massages for different
conditions. They are
Udvarthana : Massaging body in opposite direction (According to ayurvedic
texts,starting the massage from the head and proceeding downwards is
considered conventional.Hence,massages that proceed from palm to shoulder or
Feet to thighs or hips to neck are opposite in direction.) These massages
are performed by exerting little pressure using dry herbs. This kind of
massage exfoliates skin, enhances its glow and gives healthy look. It also
helps to reduce bad odor which is caused due to sweat.
Mardana : Massaging the whole body exerting more pressure is called Mardana.
This is usually done for persons who indulge in enhanced physical work e.g.
athletes, sports persons, Wrestlers etc.
Paadaghata : Padaaghata means massaging using the feet, Trampling the body
with required pressure is called padaghata.
Benefits of massage Therapy:
1.Massage increases the circulation in tissues, releases muscle spasms and
stimulates the nervous system or sedates it. Increased circulation pumps
more oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
2.It shortens the recovery period of illness or injury.
3.A good massage helps the release of endorphins (natural pain killers in
body) and also stimulates lymphatic system, boosting body immunity.
4.It helps relieve muscle tension, stiffness, pain and reduces swelling.
Healing process becomes faster and excess formation of scar tissue is
reduced.
5.It increases athletic performance and provides greater joint flexibility.
6.Massage helps reduce discomforts caused due to stress related conditions
like migraine, tension headaches, body pain, tiredness, anxiety, depression,
insomnia (sleeplessness) etc .It helps lower the levels of stress hormones
like cortisol .
7.It improves the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and
efficiently. Massage also enhances thinking and creative abilities.
8.Massage therapy promotes the feeling of wellbeing.
According to ayurveda massaging body daily with ayurvedic herbal oil has
innumerable benefits. This process is called as “Abhyanga". In great
ayurvedic classic Ashtanga Hridaya the benefits of herbal oil massage has
been documented as follows.
" Abhyanga aachare nityam sa jara- shrama – vataha | Drushtihi prasada
pushtyaahu swapna sutwak daadarya krit ||”
•Aging symptoms appear very late in life.
•Balances Vata and reduces vata related problems
•Skin becomes fresh, soft, glowing and healthy.
•Skin becomes resistant to diseases.
•Sharp eyesight and attractive eyes.
•Body becomes stronger and well nourished.
•The body and mind gets relaxed.
•Undisturbed sleep.
•Increases Libido.
•Rejuvenates the body.
Acharya Charaka indicates foot massage (Padabhyanga) to get rid of cracked
feet, dry skin on foot, to relieve tiredness and foot pain. The flexibility
of foot increases.
Precautions and prohibitions
According to ayurvedic texts the massage should not be done for those who
suffer from fever, diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion and in
pregnancy.Usually therapists do not massage a person if the latter has,
fever, skin eruptions, large bruises, inflamed joints, sensitive veins,
varicose, tumors, a period, indigestion, nut allergy, appendix:2yr/6m,
dislocated shoulder(s), vertebral problems. The person should not wear
contact lenses or consume alcohol or over-eat during or shortly before a
massage.One more precaution to be taken before going for a massage is to
check whether the massage therapist is qualified or not. An unqualified
massage therapist may cause more harm than relief.
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