Ayurveda : Massage

Massage (Abhyanga) is a type of passive exercise. It is especially useful for weak people, who are unable to exercise. Oil massage is the most common type of massage. Oil is chosen according to the season and the personal constitution. Sesame oil is the best for massaging according to Ayurveda.
In the winter Olive and Mustard oil is used and in summer Coconut oil and sunflower oil are preferred. People with a vata disorder warm oil is used, with pitta disorder cool type will benefit. With kapha disorder dry massage or warm mustard oil massage is preferred.

Method of Massaging

Person should be in relaxed, comfortable, cool and calm environment.

One should receive a massage on an empty stomach.

Uniform upward strokes should be employed with pressure only on the muscles, not the bones.

Different types of actions of fingers and hands are used for massaging different organs.

Wait for 20-30 minutes before washing.

One should avoid taking a massage when suffering from fever, and after one has undertaken cleansing therapies like vomiting (emesis) and purgation.

Benefits of Massage
Massage has relaxing effect on body and supposed to stimulate the internal functions and provide nourishment to superficial body tissues. It helps in cleansing of sweat pores and thus excretion of toxins through sweat channels. It works at both mental and physical levels of the body. It is beneficial in insomnia, general debility, neuromuscular weakness and dry and unhealthy skin.

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