Have you heard of the wonders of an Ayurvedic warm oil massage? Many of us have experienced the benefits a good massage can provide to the body… yet there is something profoundly special about an Ayurvedic massage. Originating in India over 5000 years ago as a complete system of holistic healing, Ayurveda has utilised massage as a major component of its healing practices to bring balance to the body and mind.
During an Ayurvedic massage (or ‘Abhyanga’, the Ayurvedic term for massage), the massage oil is always heated to a warm temperature, which allows the oil to melt into the skin and deeply nourish and rejuvenate all the tissues of the body. Each Ayurvedic oil is infused with a choice of herbs to help bring balance to the body – be it for a grounding, cooling, warming or pain-reducing effect. An Ayurvedic massage is characterised not only by its use of warm oil, but also by its flowing long strokes that connects all parts of the body. These long strokes promote circulation and the absorption of the herbal oil, whilst soothing the nervous system.
A synonym for oil in Ayurveda is the Sanskrit word ‘sneha’, which also means love or affection. This term alludes to the incredibly nurturing and rejuvenating effect that massage can have not only on the body, but also on the mind, emotions, self-esteem and sense of self-love. It is for this reason that Ayurveda recommends everyone should receive regular massage – in fact this ancient science goes as far as to say we should all receive a daily massage! This may be in the form of a simple daily (or weekly) self-massage and a regular massage by an Ayurvedic therapist.
To book an Ayurvedic massage, get in touch with Colette at health@colettepark.co.uk
or book via her website: www.colettepark.co.uk
