Naturally slow aging, increase mental awareness and eliminate impurities with Ayurvedic massage

Thursday, July 18, 2013 by: Chris Sumbs
Tags: ayurvedic massage, self healing, essential oils

(NaturalNews) Giving yourself a daily self-massage with aromatherapy massage oils is a deeply healing and deeply enjoyable practice that activates the body's inner pharmacy and slows the aging process. This ancient holistic tradition from India is known as Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage. Ayurvedic massage enhances health by creating a balance of mind, body, and spirit. Depending upon your unique mind-body type (dosha), your massage technique can be gentle or more vigorous.

When stimulated through therapeutic touch or massage, the skin releases a pharmacy of healing chemicals that have health-promoting effects on the physiology. In addition to feeling good, regular massage and loving touch detoxifies the body's tissues, increases circulation, calms the mind, and enhances immune function.

The oil

The Ayurvedic massage uses special oils. Unlike massage oils used in the Western world, Ayurvedic oils are specially crafted medicinal substances that can be used both internally and externally. Ayurvedic herbs and botanical extracts recommended for skin and muscle-toning are selected and blended into a pure cold-pressed sesame oil base, according to age-old methods using special clay fire places and pure copper vessels. Traditionally, sesame oil is used as base oil in a majority of the Ayurvedic preparations, due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to penetrate through the subtle channels of the body.

The massage

The Ayurvedic massage starts with undressing and, beginning with a small amount of oil in your hands, gently rubbing the oil into your scalp. Massage the oil into your scalp and hair with your fingertips. Next, work down your body (gently or vigorously) until the oil has been massaged into every part of your body. Use long strokes on your limbs and circular strokes over all your joints, chest and abdomen. Take ample time to massage the soles of your feet as this can have a particularly relaxing and soothing affect.

After completing the massage simply rinse off the excess oil in the shower. Take time in the shower to allow the oil on your hands to mix with the water from the shower to massage your face and ears. Use gentle circular strokes to massage your cheeks and forehead, move out towards the ears in stroking motions around the eyes and lips.

The benefits

• Increased blood circulation
• Toning of the muscles
• Calming nerves
• Lubrication of joints
• Increased mental alertness
• Elimination of impurities
• Softer, smoother skin
• Increased levels of stamina
• Better, deeper sleep
• Enhance immune function
• Healthier looking skin

Ayurvedic massage is a simple, low cost, and effective and enjoyable way to naturally help your body rid itself of impurities and achieve a higher state of well-being and wellness.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.yogahealer.com

http://www.myyogaonline.com

http://www.shankara.com/ayurvedic-daily-self-massage

About the author:
Chris Sumbs is a natural health activist and enjoys writing about the natural lifestyle and healing benefits of holistic remedies. Visit his website www.undergroundhealth.com for more great articles on these topics. You can also shop for thousands holistic remedies in the Underground Health Natural Health Store or visit the Underground Health Facebook Page.