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Ayurvedic massage.: We will soon be in the midst of a season of grey skies and chilly winds. Winter is the season of all things gloomy – colds and flu, dry skin, and fatigue. We change with the seasons as well. The basis of Ayurveda is the belief that our bodies are shaped by the seasons of the year.
Adapting our lifestyle and diet according to the season is an ancient Ayurveda practice outlined in Ritucharya. Our bodies and minds become stronger to prevent illnesses that may occur due to seasonal changes. Season change causes an imbalance in our bodies, causing the air and space elements of Vata dosha to be aggravated, resulting in dry, itchy, and scaly skin. As a way to balance these effects and protect our skin in the winter, Ayurveda recommends regular hydration and deep nourishment through routine ayurvedic massage. Warm oil massages are considered most effective for self-care in Abhyanga.
ABHYANGA – THE AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
Ayurvedic practices such as abhyanga, or warm oil massage, are especially important in the winter when we need stability and warmth to combat Vata aggravation. Abhyanga is the Sanskrit word that means healing and nurturing our bodies through our own touch.
WHY ABHYANGA PLAYS A VITAL ROLE
To achieve deep healing of our skin, we should massage the oil into the body for 800 matras, which is about five minutes. The minimum recommended time for a 15-minute massage is taken into account when the entire body needs this kind of attention.
Regular users of ayurvedic massage involving oil application find that their body is not greatly affected by accidents or strenuous work. The daily use of oil massage provides a person with pleasant touch, trims body parts, and makes them attractive, strong, and least affected by aging.
HOW TO PERFORM ABHYANGA IN THE WINTER SEASON
In the winter, Sesame Oil is preferred for Abhyanga, as it is naturally warming. Boost circulation, hydrate the skin, and warm the body with a warm oil massage in the morning. The practice of Abhyanga will make you more active during the winter months by alleviating exhaustion and lethargy.
Apply the warm oil lightly to the entire body with your fingertips. After applying the oil, wait for 4-5 minutes for some of it to absorb into your skin. Apply even pressure with the palm and fingers while massaging your entire body. Relax for 10-15 minutes and allow the oil to penetrate deeply into your skin. Cleanse excess oil off and then take a rejuvenating bath or shower afterward.
Pay attention to specific areas and techniques for a more effective massage. When massaging sensitive areas like the abdomen, use light pressure. Give the soles of your feet and palms more time to soak in the oil. Apply circles to areas with rounded edges, such as your head and joints. For straight areas like your arms and legs, the best stroke to use is the straight stroke.
WHAT ARE THE OTHER ELEMENTS OF ABHYANGA?
There are other parts of the body that require equal attention to body massage, even though it is most often associated with body massage. Ayurvedic treatment for the head (Murdha Thaila) and ears (Karna Purana) is recommended, and you can do it all by your own. Here’s how:
MURDHA TAILA
When the Vata dosha is excessive or imbalanced, the food nutrients can be blocked from reaching the hair cells. As a result, the scalp and hair become dry, split ends form, and hair becomes thin or falling out. Your hair will become luscious and stronger with ayurvedic oils made from Bringraj or Shikakai, which prevent premature graying and strengthen the roots of your hair.
The oil should be applied to the crown of the head (Adhipati Marma) and worked out in circular motions. Make sure you massage your scalp thoroughly. By doing this, the oil will penetrate deep into the roots, releasing the mind from stress.
KARNA PURANA
In addition to reducing neck and jaw stiffness, ear massage nourishes the ear skin. Apply warm sesame oil to the ear canals in the morning using a dropper. The ear canal should be gently massaged in a circular motion with medium pressure.
OTHER OILS FOR ABHYANGA
Almond Oil and Coconut Oil are also natural, organic oils suitable for Abhyanga. Almond Oil is a good moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin, while Coconut Oil soothes it.
Abhyanga in the winter is highly beneficial because the oil massage works to bring balance to an imbalanced Vata dosha. You can enhance the benefits of Abhyanga by adding healing and calming essential oils to the base oil. To truly nurture and nourish your body, do Abhyanga at least three times a week.
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Let us also take you through the healing process involved in Ayurveda by also advising you about our unique ayurvedic massages that you can opt for restoring imbalance in your body. Our serene property is located in the lush green locality of Ontario that is succumbed to peace and tranquility creating an aura of healing. If you are by any chance looking for a place to relax, rejuvenate and refresh, Northumberland Heights is the right place for you. Give us a chance to treat you with our amazing spa massages and luxurious treatment. Let us deliver you the much-deserving quality time of your life.