Spa Therapies Of India
Ayurvedic Massage:
Ayurvedic massage is performed using herbal oils selected to suit your constitution. The massage is done directly on the skin, and is aimed at loosening the excess doshas and directing them towards the organs of elimination. It also promotes circulation, increases flexibility and relieves pain and stiffness. Massages may be performed by one or more therapists and on the whole body or specific parts of the body, such a the head, or the neck, shoulders and hands. Techniques range from kneading to rubbing and squeezing, and are generally executed with the hands. The feet are sometimes used in chavutti pizhichil a specialised form of massage where a therapist suspends himself by a string from the ceiling to apply extra pressure with his feet to undo stubborn aches in the body. Massage aids such as wooden rollers are also used.
Herbal Oil Massage:
Ingredients:
Vata – Calming Oils: almond, castor, olive, sesame and wheat germ
Pitta – Cooling Oils: almond, coconut, sandalwood and sunflower
Kapha – Invigorating Oils: canola or corn and mustard.
Warm 125ml / 4 fl oz / 1/2 cup of your favoured oil in the microwave (taking care that it is not too hot, as this changes properties). While standing in the bath, massage it all over your body, rubbing it gently into the skin from head to toe for at least 15 minutes. Once the oil is fully absorbed, turn on your shower and blast your skin with hot water. The effect is invigorating.
Purvakarma:
Purvakarma is performed to ensure that the body is ready for panchakarma. It comprises two preparatory treatments, snehana and svedana, which soften and cleanse the skin.
1. Snehana (Oil Therapy): A mixture of herbs, oils and natural ingredientsis carefully blended together based on your dosha to enhance or depress certain properties. It is gently massaged on to your body to stimulate or soothe, using several massage techniques. These include massages for the body, face and neck. The oils may also be taken orally or introduced in enemas.
2. Svedana (Sweat Therapy: A cross between a steam bath and sauna, svedana is a method of body purification that leaves you relaxed and deeply cleansed. After your massage, step into a giant steam box. Through perspiration, your body automatically removes the toxins that have been brought to the upper layers of the skin during the massage. Apart from the elimination of wastes, svedana also warms up the muscles, helps relieve heaviness due to bloating and improves the radiance and condition of the skin. A combination of herbs and oils matbe added to the water to flavour the process.
Herbs For Svedana:
Vata Bala or dashamala
Pitta chamomile or comfrey
Kapha Rosemary or sage.
