MASSAGE AND ITS REMEDIAL EFFECTS
 Massage
reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores of the
skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat. It
also speeds up blood circulation.
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.
ProcedureAccording 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:
Massage should always be followed by
svedana (fermentation). Snehana
and svedana are the two purvakarmas that should be
given before panchkarma treatment.
Benefits1. 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 oil1. 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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