The Art of Ayurveda Massage

My hands are blessing from the Almighty,

So, my hands symbolize His healing

I cast my hands in prayer,

and mend the ailing…

Years ago, massage was a big part of nursing. There was so much care, so much touch, so much goodness conveyed through massage. ‘Massage therapy is absolutely a key in the healing process not only in the hospital environment but any time and anywhere.’

History of Ayurveda Massage

From time immemorial, massage is in practice in India and it is one of the 64 arts recognized. The traditional Ayurveda massage in its purest form is practiced as a part of Martial arts and wrestling in India. Massage lost some of its value and prestige with the unsavory image created by "massage parlors."

Ayurveda massages in different names

During Ayurveda massage, skilled masseurs consider an individual's age, needs and health problems. Therapists primarily use their hands, but may also use their forearms, elbows, or feet. The Ayurveda massage is an integral part of life in Kerala, which are popular in different names with slight difference in styles.

• Abhyanga: Self massage by anointing oil all over the body.
• Utsadana (chavitti thirummu): Massage with feet while holding to suspended ropes for support.
• Samvahana: One therapist massage with his hands.
• Suparithala kriya: Two masseurs work together at the same time.
• Uzhichil (Marma massage): This is done by applying pressure on the vital points (marma), muscles.
• Nadisuthra kriya: The masseur applies pressure with the fingers, thumb or palm at certain points having high concentration of life energy.
• Marma Adi: which involves striking vital points on the human body, is one of the most refined and sophisticated technique of Indian martial arts. A timely touch, a slap, the use of specialized massage techniques or a gentle blow on another vital point can save a dying man. It results in the stimulation of impulse, the magnetic power and the innate human dynamism, and helps in recovery from injury or in the cure of a disease.
• Sukha thirummu: Massage to relieve from body aches and muscular pains, and provides physical relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Raksha thirummu: This massage is for patients suffering from ailments such as rheumatism, paralysis, headache, muscular problems, nervous weakness, back pain etc.
• Katcha thirummu given to increase a person's body flexibility and physical endurance is particularly for those who practice martial arts and classical dance. Combined with yogic postures, it gives pliability and suppleness to the body.

Materials Used

Traditional Massage Table: The timbers of special trees are used for making the traditional tables (like Cedrus deodara, Pterocarpus marsupium, Nux vomica, Mango timber, and Jack timber) since these woods have some healing properties.

Choosing the right oil

The oil has to be chosen according to the constitution and disease condition of the person.

• For Vatha person: Ksheerabala, Karpasasthyadi, Dhanwantharam etc.
• For Pitha person: Bhringamalakadi, Manjishtadi, Balaswagandhadi etc.
• For Kapha person: Eladi, Asana vilwadi, Marichadi, Kottamchukkadi thailam etc.

Choosing the Right Soap

The following is ideal:

• For Vatha person: Powder of Horse gram (Dolichos biflorus)
• For Pitha person: Powder of Green gram (Moong dhal)
• For Kapha person: Powder of Sirisha (Albizzia lebbeck)

How does Ayurveda massage work?

• Touch is the core ingredient of ayurveda massage therapy and also combines science and art. Touch conveys a sense of caring, an important component in the healing relationship.
• Massage gives external nourishment: Along with the internal nourishment through food intake, the body needs external nourishment also. Ayurveda massage stimulates the lymphatic circulation thereby giving external nourishment at the cellular level.
• Ayurveda massage improves the energy flow: There is an energy circulation in the body where the head and spine acts as seats. The flow of energy is towards toes and fingers in the lower limbs and towards palm in the upper limb. The Ayurveda massage is done according to this energy flow, which enhances the energy circulation. The masseur is supposed to transfer energy through his fingers to the patient. So it is more beneficial if the patient keep a low energy level than the masseur without any resistance.
• The oil or powder used for the massage plays an important role in the ayurveda massage. Just as an axis of wheel is made strong and durable by applying grease around it, the human body becomes strong and lubricated by oil application. Based upon individual body constitution special oils are used. It prevents aging and has a rejuvenating effect. A good masseur is one who follows the natural contours of the body while massage.
• Providing a purifying and cleansing influence to the physiology. When we rub and press the body it helps to break up the accumulated deposits of toxins and impurities that have localized in the tissues. This helps to cleanse and open these important channels of circulation and elimination.
• Ayurveda massage affects the nervous system through nerve endings in the skin, stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel good' chemicals, to help induce relaxation and a sense of well being, to relieve pain and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline.

What Can Massage Do for you?

The benefits of ayurveda massage for health are countless. Some of them are listed as follows. These are tested by the time and proven by the most modern concepts of medical science. Improves circulation of blood and flow of lymph.

• The oxygen capacity of the blood can increase 10-15% after massage.
• Reduces muscle tension.
• Massage can stimulate weak, flaccid muscles.
• Aid your recovery from pulled muscles or sprained ligaments.
• Increases mobility and range of motion of joints.
• Stimulate or soothe nervous system. Relieves your stress and anxiety level.
• Maintain the suppleness and youthfulness of the skin.
• Better digestion and intestinal function. It increases the production of gastric juices, saliva, and urine.
• Increases excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and salt.
• Massage can promote recovery from the fatigue and from minor aches and pains.
• Increase the secretion of hormones from the skin.
• Reverse the damaging effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.
• Reduce swelling.
• Helpful in people with hypertension.
• Alleviate pain in migraine.
• Improves alertness and performance in office workers.
• Premature infants who were massaged gained more weight and fared better.
• Autistic children shows less erratic behavior after massage therapy.
• Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
• Reduces formation of excessive scar tissue in wound healing.
• Enhances athletic performance;
• Treats injuries caused during sport or work
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Improves posture
• Rehabilitation to postoperative.
• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
• Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection
• Beneficial In Combating Aging
• Improves immune system functioning
• Deplete fat.

It had been said that, "Massage is to the human body what a tune-up is for a car."

Massage - Precautions/ Contra-Indications

Consult a qualified ayurveda practitioner in cases of raised temperature, infections, or contagious disease. Seek medical advice before having a massage if you suffer from cardio vascular conditions, phlebitis, thrombosis, varicose veins, edema, severe acute back pain, or fever. Fractures, skin infections, or bruises should not be massaged. Massage on the abdomen is best avoided during the first three months of pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage is highest.

Abhyanga, Do self massage.

“This routine may seem unusual for the way we live today, but after trying it for just a week, the results may convince you of its merits. Anointing of oil is a practice I personally do daily. The level of satisfaction I derive from it cannot truly be described in words. It is experiential.” A full body, warm oil massage before showering in the morning is recommended for most everyone. This daily regimen provides a powerful preventive and rejuvenative effect on the body. According to Ayurveda the application of oil over the limbs must be according to the direction of hairs. Use circular motions on face and over joints, long strokes over open areas and along limbs. Massaging the ears, palms of the hands and soles of the feet will stimulate nerve endings to help balance energy pathways, which lead to internal organs.  The quality of oil reaches the roots of the hair in 2 minutes. It takes approximately 5 minutes to get maximum effect of Abhanga after application.

In this way massage is a protector, preserver and a rejuvenator, increasing self-confidence and will power.   “The money that you pay to the physician may as well be paid to the oilman.”

Ayurveda Massage Therapy at Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center

Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center is the pioneer Ayurveda Clinic in UAE under the mentorship of Dr. Shyam who has an Ayurveda experience of 20 years in UAE. Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center has Ayurveda Massage Centers attached with Ayurveda Clinics in Ajman and Dubai. Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center brings an entirely new dimension to the traditional massage experience, using the ancient healing powers of Ayurveda combined with a diverse range of healing oils to combat the stress and strain of modern lifestyles.

Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Massage Center Ajman has separate section for male and female. All ayurvedic treatment massages  are performed by qualified and licensed therapists under the supervision of an Ayurveda doctors in Dubai. Our most experienced and highly qualified staff have been carefully selected, each with unique skills and abilities that allow us to provide the best Ayurvedic massage treatment and advice to clients

Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Massage Center Dubai: Renowned for its expertise in the holistic healing science of Ayurveda, Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center has created a unique and professional range of total wellness treatments to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit.  Experienced massage therapists and licensed Ayurvedic practitioners provide a synergy of rejuvenation, relaxation and therapeutic massage treatments, as well as prescribed healing programs and dietary advice. More than just a relaxation experience, each client undergoes a personalized evaluation to achieve optimum health and wellbeing.

Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda in UAE has the panel of best Ayurveda doctors in Dubai and in Ajman under the leadership of Dr. V.L Shyam.

For Ayurveda Consultation in Dubai:

Helpline Dubai: 056 1151269

Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center, Jumeirah: 04 3443354

Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center, Dubai Health Care City - DHCC: 04 4431467

Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center, Al Nahda: 04 2207003

Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center, Karama: 04 3426434

For Ayurveda Consultation in Ajman or Sharjah:

Helpline Ajman: 050 6766269

Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda Center, Ajman: 06 7441423