Ayurvedic massage – what is it, types, techniques for the face, head, neck and body. Training and reviews

Ayurvedic massage is more than just a relaxing experience; it"s an ancient practice rooted in the holistic traditions of Ayurveda, a system of medicine that originated in India thousands of years ago. This type of massage focuses on balancing the body"s energies and improving overall well-being through a range of techniques tailored to individual needs.

Ayurvedic massages come in a variety of forms, each intended to target a distinct area of health. For instance, Shirodhara is a calming treatment in which warm oil is applied to the forehead to calm the mind, and Abhyanga is a full-body oil massage designed to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. Every method has special advantages of its own and can be tailored to address particular problems.

Ayurvedic massage includes techniques for the face, head, and neck in addition to body treatments. Head and neck massages are ideal for releasing tension and stress, while facial massages can help with circulation and encourage a youthful glow. Those who have headaches or spend a lot of time at a desk may find these targeted treatments especially helpful.

Learning the various techniques and how to use them effectively are part of the training in Ayurvedic massage. To ensure they are able to deliver the best care possible, many practitioners go through rigorous training to acquire these skills. Reviews of Ayurvedic massage frequently emphasize its therapeutic and calming effects, which makes it a well-liked option for people looking to rejuvenate both physically and mentally.

Topic	Description
What is Ayurvedic Massage?	Ayurvedic massage is a traditional Indian therapy using oils and specific techniques to balance the body’s energy, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
Types	There are several types of Ayurvedic massage, including Abhyanga (full-body oil massage), Shirodhara (oil poured on the forehead), and Marma therapy (stimulating vital points).
Techniques for Face	For the face, techniques often include gentle strokes and acupressure to improve circulation, reduce wrinkles, and promote relaxation.
Techniques for Head	Head massages involve circular motions and pressure points to relieve headaches, improve mental clarity, and promote relaxation.
Techniques for Neck	Neck techniques focus on relieving tension, improving flexibility, and easing discomfort through specific pressure and stretching movements.
Techniques for Body	Body techniques generally include long, flowing strokes and kneading to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and detoxify the body.
Training	Training for Ayurvedic massage usually involves learning from certified practitioners, understanding various techniques, and practicing on real clients to develop skill.
Reviews	Many people find Ayurvedic massage deeply relaxing and beneficial for stress relief, though experiences can vary. Reviews often highlight its effectiveness in improving overall wellness and relaxation.

With specific techniques for the face, head, neck, and body, Ayurvedic massage is an age-old practice that offers a holistic approach to wellness. Its foundations are found in Ayurveda. The benefits of Ayurvedic massage are discussed in this article along with its various types and techniques. We’ll also discuss how to receive training in these methods and provide reviews to help you prepare. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Ayurvedic massage and its effects on health and relaxation, regardless of your interest in learning about its traditional practices or seeking advice from experts.

The essence and purpose of massage according to Ayurveda

One of the key components of traditional Indian medicine is ayurvedic massage. The translation of the word "Ayur" is "life," and that of the word "Verda" is "science." Owing to its therapeutic qualities, Ayurvedic massage has spread all over the world.

The goal of ayurvedic treatment is to preserve the health and youth of the human body rather than to treat the illness and its symptoms.

Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in ancient India, holds that the mind and body are one and the same. And one must attain harmony and balance in order to be in good physical and mental health. Therefore, reestablishing harmony and balance is the primary objective of an Ayurvedic massage.

What is the use of massage

Ayurvedic massage benefits a person’s mental as well as physical health by restoring their psycho-emotional state to normal.

Using massage techniques based on traditional Indian technology, one can:

• Normalization of blood circulation.
• Strengthening of human defense systems.
• Normalization of respiratory processes
• Prevention of digestive problems.
• Getting rid of accumulated salts and toxins in the body.
• Relief from symptoms of many diseases (migraine, neurosis, osteochondrosis).
• Getting rid of fatigue and improving sleep.
• Massage also has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin: it makes it soft and elastic. Regular Ayurvedic massage helps to prolong the youth of the skin.
• Massage also contributes to rapid weight loss, even in critical situations.

Ayurvedic massage improves mental health and stabilizes resistance to irritability by promoting the production of the hormone of joy, relaxing muscles, and relieving stress.

Types of Ayurveda massage

Depending on the method, required tools, and impact area

The categories for Ayurvedic massage are as follows:

1. Abhyanga. This type of massage is the most common in the world. A feature of the Abhyanga massage is the use of a large amount of warm essential oil. The technique of performing Abhyanga involves performing the procedure with 4 hands. With this massage, the whole body is rubbed, starting from the head and gradually moving to the legs. Thanks to this, a person finds harmony, the body"s work improves and the body is charged with energy.
2. Mukha Abhyanga. The difference between this type of massage and Abhyanga is that with this massage only the head, neck and décolleté area are worked out. Mukha Abhyanga involves affecting certain areas of the face, head, neck and décolleté area. Massage is also performed with a large amount of warm oil. Makha Abhyanga massage is recommended for people suffering from insomnia, frequent headaches, depression, fatigue. Also, this type of massage is often used by cosmetologists, as it is also aimed at rejuvenation and nutrition of the skin of the face.
3. Marma. This type of Ayurvedic massage is the most ancient. Marma massage involves the impact on certain points on the human body. The technique of performing the massage depends on which dosha was thrown out of balance. Only certain areas of the body are massaged. The impact is exerted by the thumbs. Marma massage restores energy balance. Thanks to this, the massage has a general healing effect (toxins are removed, digestion and blood circulation are normalized, the immune system is strengthened). Marma massage is recommended for diseases such as asthma, arthrosis, migraine. It will also help people suffering from pressure.
4. Kativasti. This type of massage is recommended for people suffering from back pain, as well as people who have problems with the spine. Since during the procedure, all the impact is only on the lower spine. Black lentils are applied to this area, the lentils are laid in a ring, tightly adjacent to the body. Warm essential oil is poured into the center of the ring. Thanks to which the pain goes away, and prolonged exposure to warm oil has a beneficial effect on the spine, strengthening it.
5. Panchakarma. Panchakarma massage helps prevent many diseases. Panchakarma massage is aimed at strengthening the human immune system, removing toxins, improving vision, improving mental health. This type of massage is recommended for people suffering from gynecological diseases, stomach diseases, anemia, diabetes. It also helps in the treatment of mental illnesses. Panchakarma is not only massage, in addition to it, treatment also includes enemas, the use of laxatives, bloodletting and rinsing the nose. This is all aimed at completely removing toxins and harmful substances from the body, which are the cause of many diseases.
6. Shirodhara. Shirodhara is recommended for people suffering from diseases of the nervous system, heart and intestinal diseases, migraines and constant stress. Also, this type of massage is recommended for people suffering from dandruff and baldness. The technique of Shirodhara massage is as follows: heated oil is poured in a thin stream onto special areas of the forehead. At the same time, the head is massaged. Therefore, Shirodhara is also useful for hair.
7. Netra tarpana. Netra tarpana is recommended for people suffering from eye diseases. Since the massage is aimed at strengthening the optic nerve, improving vision, normalizing blood circulation. In addition, Netra tarpana is also used for cosmetic purposes, since massage helps prevent premature wrinkles in the corners of the eyes, smoothes out existing wrinkles and eliminates dark circles under the eyes. The procedure is carried out as follows: a ring of dough is made around the eyes. Warm oil is poured into this ring. After the procedure, the eyes should not be exposed to light for some time. Therefore, the eyes should be kept in a dark bandage for 60-80 minutes.
8. Kizhi. Kizhi is recommended for people experiencing constant stress and mental tension. The massage is performed with bags filled with various medicinal herbs. The effect of the procedure depends on the contents of the bags. General beneficial properties of Kizhi are: cleansing the body, normalizing blood circulation, rejuvenating the skin, relieving mental stress.
9. Honey. Ayurveda uses 8 types of honey, each of which has medicinal properties. Honey massage helps to fight many diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, viral infections), relieve tension and improve the condition of the skin. Most often, Ayurveda uses heated honey. The technique for performing honey massage depends on the area of ​​​​impact and the type of honey (light, dark, mountain).
10. Segmental-classical. Segmental-classical massage is recommended for people who have problems with the spine. During the procedure, each section of the spine is worked out.
11. Ratna Abhyanga. Ratna Abhyanga is recommended for people experiencing constant stress, as well as those people who spend a lot of time on their feet. The massage is performed using stones, cold and hot stones are used. For some parts of the body, both cold and hot stones are used at once (for example, for the face). This type of massage relaxes muscles, relieves leg fatigue and tones.

What oils are used

Every Ayurvedic massage, regardless of style, uses medicinal essential oils for therapeutic purposes.

The following oils are used, depending on the body’s composition, the type of human skin, age, and gender:

1. All essential oils are suitable for the vata type. However, the best effect from the procedures can be achieved using hazelnut oil and sesame oil.
2. Coconut and olive oils are ideal for the pita type. You can also use jasmine, lavender, cumin oil.
3. Almond and mustard oil, cinnamon, myrrh, basil oil are suitable for the kapha type. It is not necessary to use oils for people of the kapha type, since people of this type need oils the least. Oil can be replaced with alcohol.

There are also mixed types, for which the oils meant for these kinds can be used. For optimal effects, oils should be used in conjunction with medicinal herbs.

Technique

The Ayurvedic procedure should be performed on an empty stomach.

The following is the method for giving a Kizhi massage:

1. Before the procedure, bags are prepared. Medicinal herbs are placed in them, and oil is poured in.
2. After which the back is smeared with essential oil.
3. The back is massaged with hands for some time (without applying pressure), about half an hour.
4. Afterwards, a cold decoction of medicinal herbs is poured onto the head. And then the head is wrapped in a cloth. This is necessary so that the head remains cold, since otherwise it may become ill during the procedure.
5. After this, the bags are dipped in hot oil or a decoction of medicinal herbs. And they act on the body. The movements are directed from top to bottom. Special attention is paid to energy points.
6. At the end of the procedure, they pat the back for several minutes.

It takes more than an hour to complete the Kizhi procedure.

Methodology for administering Ratna Abhyanga massage:

1. Stones are prepared before the procedure.
2. The head is covered with a special bandage.
3. The area is lubricated with oil.
4. Circular movements are performed on the entire back (counterclockwise) for about 20 minutes.
5. After which warm stones are applied to special areas.
6. From time to time, the stones are changed to hotter ones.
7. At the end, the area that was affected is lubricated with essential oil.

The most crucial element in the body massage procedure is making sure the stones are consistently heated.

Independent massage technique

An autonomous form of Ayurvedic massage is called Mukha Abhyang.

This is how it’s done:

1. A small amount of oil (1 s. l.) is poured on the theme. After that, the oil is rubbed in circular motions on the remaining part of the head, the movements are the same as when washing the head.
2. Gradually you need to move on to the temples and influence them for some time. At the same time, you need to use your ears, paying special attention to the lobes.
3. After you need to slowly switch to face. From the ears you need to gradually move to the chin and lips. Then go back to the earlobes. Then from the ears to the corners of the lips and nostrils, forehead. From the center of the forehead to the temples and outer corners of the eyes.
4. Then you need to move to the neck. The movements should be directed from the bottom up. Slowly move to the back of the neck.
5. After the neck, you need to move on to the décolleté and shoulders. Here you can use the whole palm, making it circular movements with slight pressure.
6. At the end of the procedure, the oil is removed with a towel, and only then can you take a bath or shower.

Throughout the massage, every body part should be fully worked out. but using technique rather than force. The motions ought to be delicate and soft. About 20 to 25 minutes should pass during the entire process.

How to do an Ayurvedic massage for a child

Even young children can benefit from ayurvedic massage therapy. But it’s crucial that the child is totally at ease and prepared for the process. Oils like sesame and flaxseed are ideal for massaging children.

When massaging a child, do the following:

1. First of all, you need to thoroughly work out the neck area. The oil is rubbed into the neck with soft circular movements. The child should sit with his back.
2. Gradually the area should increase and go down lower. Thus, the entire back should be worked out.
3. After the back, you need to move on to the chest. Scope of movement can be slightly increased.
4. After the chest, the stomach is worked on. It is not advisable to put pressure on the stomach, in this area the movements should be especially soft.
5. And then you need to go down to the hips and legs. You can rub your legs more vigorously.
6. At the very end, you need to work on your arms, including your fingers.

After the process, use a towel to wipe away any leftover oil. After that, you should have a warm shower.

Useful and important points

Since ancient times, Ayurvedic medicine has assisted in the treatment of numerous illnesses and extended physical youth. Massage therapy is the mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine. Both the physical and psychological aspects of the procedure are impacted by the method used to apply the effect on the body’s muscles and tissues, the oils used, and the environment in which it is done.

The process is similar to meditation in that the recipient completely relaxes and forgets about their problems during the massage. Additionally, during the process, pressure is applied to specific points on the human body that have an impact on the health of the entire body. As a result, the body functions better and the individual experiences serenity and calm.

Approximate cost of procedures

The method, the person giving it, the location, and the cost all affect the massage’s cost. The price of natural oils varies by area, and the massage therapist’s level of experience also influences the cost. Since the proper execution of an Ayurvedic massage technique is crucial, only a skilled professional can perform it correctly.

The following is the approximate cost of the massage:

• In Moscow – from 2000 to 8000 rubles.
• In the Moscow region – from 1500 to 6000 rubles.
• In St. Petersburg – from 1500 to 6000 rubles.
• In Kazan – from 1500-4400 rubles.

A massage course will set you back about 15,000 rubles. However, the cost of the course can go above 30,000 rubles if multiple massage techniques are used simultaneously. Ayurvedic medicine can help with fatigue relief, anxiety relief, and the elimination of some disease symptoms.

Contraindications

Although ayurvedic massage is beneficial to health, there are numerous contraindications.

Among them are:

• Allergy to oils and medicinal herbs.
• Cold.
• Flu.
• Bronchitis.
• Cough.
• Skin diseases.
• Infectious diseases.
• Oncological diseases.

It is advised in these situations to forego the procedure because it may have detrimental effects on health. If the oils cause an allergic reaction on the skin, they can be switched out for ones that are more appropriate.

Ayurvedic medicine is among the most effective forms of ancient Indian medicine that is still in use today.

In addition to treating a variety of illnesses (such as diabetes, arthrosis, and arthritis), ayurvedic massage also reduces stress and improves mental well-being. The skin benefits from such procedures, which nourish and rejuvenate it. Regularly carrying out such operations will contribute to maintaining beauty and extending the body’s youth.

Author: Nigmatulina Railya

Ayurvedic massage provides a rejuvenating and incredibly calming approach to wellness. This age-old method, which is based on Ayurvedic principles, offers several advantages, including improved circulation and stress reduction. Balance and harmony are preserved in our lives through the use of Ayurvedic massage techniques that are specifically designed for the face, head, neck, and body.

Every kind of Ayurvedic massage has a distinct function. For example, the Shirodhara technique, which involves a gentle stream of oil on the forehead, is particularly effective for mental relaxation, and the Abhyanga technique uses warm, herbal oils to nourish the body and soothe the mind. These methods are intended to not only soothe but also to target particular needs, such as relieving tense muscles or quieting an overactive mind.

Learning how to massage with Ayurveda can be a fulfilling experience. In-depth understanding of the techniques and practical experience are provided by numerous programs, guaranteeing that practitioners have all they need to provide successful treatments. Ayurvedic massage recipients have overwhelmingly given positive feedback, with many reporting increased overall well-being and physical health improvements.

The advantages of Ayurvedic massage are evident, regardless of whether you’re thinking about using it as a professional option or adding it to your self-care regimen. Ayurvedic massage, with its emphasis on natural healing and balance, is a useful tool for improving the body and mind.

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