First historical references about massages can be found in ancient Chinese and Indian medical texts. Massages are very much part of theses systems even to this date. All different types of massages achieve a common goal; they help us relax our body in general and skeletal muscles in particular. For a relaxed body it is easy to relax the mind, and this is particularly important in today’s world where stress and tensions are very much part of our life.
In Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, massages play a vital role in treatment. Most of these procedures involve the use of copious amount of oil. Massages are also done with materials like honey, chocolate or herbal powders.
MASSAGES AND ALLIED PROCEDURES TO RELIEVE STRESS IN AYURVEDA
ABHYANGA (oil massage)
Abhyanga is a massage with medicated oil. It is by far the most popular massage in Ayurveda because of its role in keeping us fit and healthy. It is recommended to do this on a daily basis as per Ayurveda texts, In India abhyanga was done by elite class like royal families and common man alike.
For many of us oil is repelling because of its viscous nature, chemically oil has similar molecular structure of our skin and hence it has a direct implication in giving an external nutrition to our skin, thereby allowing the skin cells to live longer. This clearly explains why wrinkles can be prevented by abhyaga and hence it is anti-aging in property. The befefits of an abhyanga is complete only if it is followed by a steam bath. In normal circumstances medicated oil cannot pierce the skin deeper because of its big molecular size. During sweating many pores of the body open and the oil enters the body; moreover the pressure applied by the therapists also aid in this.
Other benefits of abhyaga are; clarity of vision, both physical and in our mental outlook. It helps in nourishment as it is always done in the direction of blood flow and prana (vital energy in yoga) flow. It also increases lifespan. Apart from these abhyanga gives calm and serene mind too. The science behind this technique is simple; during massages our skeletal muscles goes to a state of rest and sends signals to the brain which in turn puts our nervous system in parasympathetic tone; which controls our rest, relaxation and digestion.
There are some allied practices in Ayurveda that relieves stress and tension; it is a procedure called shirodhara. It is a procedure where a metered amount of lukewarm medicated oil or suitable medicated liquid is poured on the forehead for a short time. This procedure can take the patient to a state of trance and hence immediate stress relief is achieved.
If circumstances are not conducive for shirodhara, like inability of patient to remain still or feeling restless, there are other options like pichu; that is putting oil soaked cotton on forehead or thalapothichal where a mixture of herbs and oils and pasted on the crown of the patient for a controlled period of time.
Normally abhyanga can be availed by all; both patients and healthy people, other stress-relieving procedures are done in Ayurveda centers preferably under the supervision of doctors.
Chakra-Marma Massage
There is another method called 'integrated-chakra-marma massage that is effective in reliving stress related problems. This utilizes the techniques of Kundalini yoga, marmas and prinicples of Ayurveda. Chakras are spinning-pranic energy centers in the subtle body. Marmas are the vital points in our gross body. These are connected with our endocrine glands and nerves. This massage uses the not only therapists hands but the subject's (patients) sense of vision, hearing, visualizations in getting relaxation by stimulating the nerves that are responsible for parasympathetic activity which allows us to relax, sleep and digest food.
Chakra massage is more fruitful if taken by someone who has basic knowledge of yoga!
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