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The literal meaning of 'massage' is
manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using the hands.
In naturopathy, massage occupies a very important place in the
treatment of diseases of all kinds. For centuries, massage has
been used as a remedy in India, Greece, Rome, China, Egypt and
a host of other countries.
Procedure
According to the modern system of physiotherapy, the process
begins with massaging upper limbs (arms) and lower limbs
(legs) followed by the chest, abdomen, back and hips, and
ending with the face and the head. As far as possible, massage
with the hands to derive complete benefit.
According to modern therapy, the massage strokes are directed
towards the heart. According to Ayurdeva, massage is known as
snehan (oleation) and should be given to a patient before
panchkarma treatment. Panchkarmas are the five basic
principles to clean and detoxify or purify the body. They are:
- Vamana (emesis)
- Virechana (puragation)
- Nruha (medicated anema)
- Anuvasana (unctuous anema -
preparation with oil or other unctuous substance)
- Nasya (inhalation therapy)
Massage should always be followed by svedana (fermentation).
Snehana and svedana are the two purvakarmas
that should be given before panchkarma treatment.
Benefits
1. Massage is used to improve blood circulation, to reduce
oedema,
adhesions in tissues after injury, reduce muscular
spasm and improve
muscle tone.
2. Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the
pores
of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body
through sweat.
3. It also speeds up blood circulation, hence reducing
swelling
(oedema), relieving tension of the nerves and
soothing them.
4. It stimulates the digestive system and activates the
urinary system.
Rules on massage oil
1. For patients with pains, use Narayan Taila, or Mahanarayan
Taila.
2. For weakness, use Narayan Taila, Chandan Bala Lakshdi
Taila.
3. For patients with joint pains (rheumatism), use Saindhavadi
Taila.
4. For patients with burning sensation problems and
sleeplessness, use
Bhringraj Taila and Brahmi
Taila.
5. For patients with skin diseases, use Kushthararakshas Taila,
Nimba
Taila and Bakuchi Taila.
Massage produces heat. After half an hour of getting a massage
done, a hot water bath or shower can be taken. The head should
be bathed with lukewarm water.
Contraindications
1. Massage is not recommended in any type of fevers.
2. Massage is not recommended during pregnancy.
3. Abdominal massage should be avoided in case of
diarrhoea,
ulcers, appendicities and tumours in the
abdomen.
Excessive oil after massage should be removed with gram flour
(besan) and not with soap. Peeli mitti (Indian yellow clay) is
also excellent for washing the body. It has a cooling effect
on the skin and nerves.
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