Ayurvedic massage was born in India about 5000 years ago, as a holistic technique to restore the balance between mind and body, stimulating above all the energy centres of the body, called chakras, in Ayurveda called marma points.
In fact, Ayurvedic medicine envisaged a manipulation technique as a means to achieve the goal of perfect harmony between psyche and body. According to tradition, it was the creator deity Brahma who gave it to the gods and mankind to cure diseases and spread wellness.
In ancient Sanskrit Ayu means life or longevity, while Veda means science. A combination of primitive knowledge and the will to live in harmony gave rise to this discipline, which includes among other things Ayurvedic massage.
A philosophy that is now being implemented in the West not only as a source of well-being, but also as an aesthetic treatment to restore the beauty that harmony creates.
Ayurvedic massage consists of a moderately gentle massage treatment, which promotes blood circulation and vital fluids, the source of maintaining the body and mind in good health.
Acting through manual stimulation on the chakras or energy centres of our body, the massage creates a feeling of well-being in the muscles, circulatory, venous and immune system. Very important is the choice of the oil, herbs and essential oils used, prepared by the Ayurveda therapist according to the predominant Dosha to be balanced. Every person’s constitution and characteristics belong to one Dosha, most people are actually a combination of two or three Doshas in different percentages.
Here are three Doshas:
- Vata (air and ether),
- Pitta (fire and water)
- Kapha (earth and water).
The following is a summary of the main characteristics of the three Doshas.
VATA
Vata is the energy of movement and the Dosha that dominates this person expresses this through instability on all levels. The goal for Vata is stability, which allows it to channel energies instead of dispersing them with destabilising and sometimes devastating effects. Predominantly Vata people are thin and dry, sometimes even angular, and have fine, brittle hair. They grasp concepts quickly, but forget them just as quickly, gain easily and spend just as quickly. They are active, unstable and do everything quickly, but tire easily. They are weak-willed and feel unstable and rootless, until they become fearful and agitated.
Vata is characterised by dryness, so the skin is often dry, they suffer from constipation. Hands and feet are often cold and circulation is not the best. They are more prone to colds, joint problems such as arthritis, joint pain, nervous system diseases such as tics, Parkinson’s disease. To maintain balance and thus psychophysical health, they need to follow a regular lifestyle that allows the Vata wind to calm down. They need to sleep at least eight hours and take frequent warm, relaxing baths with the use of soothing oils and herbs.
They should prefer hot, well-cooked and stewed foods such as risottos, soups, with plenty of olive oil, ghe butter. They should avoid nuts except almonds. In case of joint pain, avoid spinach, potatoes, tomatoes and aubergines which aggravate the situation. Dairy products such as chicken, fish and turkey are suitable for the Vata type as they provide the necessary proteins. Legumes yes, but in limited quantities. Absolutely avoid coffee and exciting drinks that aggravate Vata. Yes to wine in moderation.
PITTA
Pitta expresses the energy of transformation and metabolism. The properties of the Pitta typology are: oily, warm, light, mobile, liquid.
The Pitta person has an average height and build, skin that tends to be dark or warm complexioned, and has fewer wrinkles than the Vata type. The hands are soft and warm. They have a tendency to premature ageing or baldness. Metabolism is strong, digestion is good and appetite is not lacking. Sweats a lot and often cannot stand prolonged exposure to the sun. The coat is usually blond or copper. Mentally, they are lively, intelligent and loquacious, overwhelming others with their opinions. An excess of Pitta dosha makes them aggressive and jealous.
They are predisposed to inflammatory diseases of all kinds including ulcers, conjunctivitis, being dominated by the fire element. The source of nourishment should tend towards refrigeration. Fresh food and climate are healthy. They should prefer salty, spicy and acidic foods, avoiding meat as much as possible, especially red meat, tomatoes, basil, garlic, chillies, eggs and exciting drinks for their comforting properties.
KAPHA
Kapha is the energy of solidity, production and maintenance. Kapha people are endowed with great energy and stamina. They have a smooth and pleasant appearance, the skin is oily and thick, the hair is brown, healthy and robust. Eyes are large and very expressive, eyelashes and eyebrows are thick. They have a slow metabolism and therefore tend to gain weight. Sweating is moderate. Mentally they tend to be tolerant of everyone. If the Dosha is imbalanced, they may become envious, greedy, overly attached to things and people. The diseases that can affect Kapha are all related to the water and earth element: water retention, congestion, presence of phlegm, headaches and diabetes.
They need to eat foods that stimulate the metabolism and invigorate the mind, therefore bitter, astringent and spicy foods. Avoid dairy products altogether, as they are sweet and heavy (according to Ayurvedic tastes). Prefer goat’s milk and moderate the amount of butter and oil in cooking. Avoid sweet foods as much as possible, even fruits should be chosen from astringent ones, such as mango, apple, apricot, pear and peach.
Prefer spices of any kind for seasoning food, as they are part of the spicy flavours that promote digestion and the elimination of fats. Ginger and garlic are especially recommended. Kapha types should try to vary their routine as much as possible, breaking away from daily habits to stimulate the mind and body. Do a lot of sport and lead an active life.
You can also take a test to see which is your predominant Dosha and choose the most suitable massage to rebalance yourself. Here is the test.
Depending on your predominant Dosha, there is a type of massage that rebalances it:
Pitta (Fire water)
To balance Pitta, the massage should be gentle, refreshing, draining and childlike. A gentle massage, like a mother caressing her child with delicate pressure ending at the extremities. Light stroking with special attention to the solar plexus and a delicate, deep massage of the small intestine.
Recommended oils (refreshing):
- coconut or sunflower oil, because they are refreshing oils.
Essential oils and herbs: chamomile, lavender, rose, sage, ylang ylang, fennel, peppermint, lemon, cedar, lime
Recommendations: eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, take walks by the sea or in the mountains, Yoga and Pilates.
Vata (Ether-Air)
To rebalance Vata the massage has to be relaxing and with warm oil. The movements are slow and relaxing with special attention to the back, where all the nerves start.
Stimulation of the colon with pressure. Hot massage of the hands, legs and feet. Finishes with a cranio-facial massage.
Recommended oils (heavy and greasy):
- sesame oil
- almond oil
- castor oil, for earth energy.
Essential oils and herbs: sandalwood, cypress, patchouli, clove, oregano, thyme, ginger, pine and turmeric.
Recommendations: hot and humid food, moments of relaxation for oneself, steam bath.
Kapha (Earth-Water)
To balance Kapha the massage has to be dynamic to move the deep fat. This strong and fast massage will be combined with drainage.
The movements are always towards the chest. The massage is done with warm oil and using hot stones and pindas.
Recommended oil (hot):
- jojoba or sesame oil
Essential oils and herbs: eucalyptus, cinnamon, laurel, peppermint, tea tree, bitter orange, cumin, cardamom, ginger and lemon grass.
Recommendations: hot herbal teas and wholemeal food. Aerobic activities Finnish sauna.