Massage

Massage

Massage - Is a type of passive exercise. It is especially good for weak people, who are unable to exercise. Regular massage is the key to good health, and is necessary both for prevention and cure of diseases.

Method of Massaging

One can either start massage from the feet or from head. In self massage one generally starts from feet, then the legs, hands, abdomen, back, chest, neck, shoulders, face and head. While receiving massage from some one it is generally started from head. There are no specific reasons for this.

First apply the oil on the part which is to be massaged. Then massage the part gently with palms till the oil penetrates the body. When massaging, upward strokes should be employed. The motion should be uniform (not too fast and not too slow) and pressure should be applied only on the muscles, not the bones. Different types of actions of fingers and hands are used for massaging different organs.

One should receive a massage on an empty stomach. The best time for massaging is early morning or evening. One may wash the oil off after massage. Wait for 20-30 minutes before washing. There should be no anxiety, stress, anger, and worry. The person should concentrate fully on the part being massaged. It is better to get massage from an expert but you can do it yourself too.

One should avoid taking a massage when there is too much mucus in the body (aggravation of Kapha), when suffering from fever, and after one has undertaken cleansing therapies like vomiting (emesis) and purgation.

Benefits of Massage

Massage stimulates the internal functions of the body and provides nourishment to various body tissues. It helps in cleansing the toxins from channels. Massaging with oil provides lubrication to various body mechanisms. It stimulates the different agni (enzymes), increases assimilation of food and increases the vital body fluid called the Ojas. It works at both mental and physical levels of the body. It is beneficial in the case of insomnia, weakness of nerves, laziness, exhaustion, general debility, dry and unhealthy skin.