In addition to all these benefits, Eliane says that Ayurvedic massage “helps maintain health”, that is, it also works as prevention.
Types of Ayurvedic massage
With so much knowledge, benefits and techniques, it is clear that there are types of Ayurvedic massage. Just as each person requires a type of care, each technique will have different benefits. However, the massage in its entirety “helps in the vital energy of the body, balancing our body and mind”, highlights Eliane. She checks, below, the main types of Ayurvedic massage:
1. Abhyanga
Abhyanga, according to Eliane “is a body oil that nourishes the tissues, strengthening the bones, improving the flexibility of the tendons”. The maneuvers provide relaxation and aim to eliminate toxins from the body. Raquel, in turn, points out that in this technique “heated oil is often used”.
2. Garshana
Garshana is the union between massage and exfoliation. Performed with coarse salt, vegetable oils and herbs, the massage is done all over the body, stimulating and hydrating the skin, and promoting improvement in blood circulation.
3. Shiroabhyanga
Shiroabhyanga, or Champissage, is a relaxing massage performed on the head, shoulders, chest, neck and face with the aid of a vegetable oil. The maneuvers stimulate the nervous and immune system, and help to reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia, among other benefits.
4. Ayurvedic Yoga Massage
According to massage therapist Raquel, Ayurvedic Yoga Massage “was developed by Kussum Modak, who combined traditional Indian massage with Yoga stretches”. Raquel also explains that the practice is performed on the ground and that it has “maneuvers that use hands and feet to warm up the body for traction and stretching maneuvers”.
5. Padabhyanga
Also known as Reflexology, it is a “massage performed on the feet to stimulate the reflex points that correspond to all parts, functions and organs of the body”, explains Raquel. Through the technique, the massage therapist will be able to perform the detoxification of specific points of the body, restoring physical and emotional health and relieving tensions.
6. Pinda Sweda
According to Eliane, Pinda Sweda is a “body massage with herbs and spice powder” performed with “pindas”, which are cloth bundles that contain the spices. The pindas are heated in vegetable oil and are intended to dissolve body toxins through heat.
7. Garbhini Abhyanga
According to Raquel, Garbhini Abhyanga is an “oil for pregnant women”. Massage techniques and maneuvers take into account the contraindications of pregnancy, and aim to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote energy balance and relaxation.
Learn more about Ayurvedic massage
Curious to know how Ayurvedic massage works in practice? So, check out this audiovisual selection below:
How to Choose the Right Type of Ayurvedic Massage
In this video, professional Rogério Muller explains about the emergence of Ayurvedic medicine and the massage techniques that follow this philosophy, as well as briefly talking about how each person chooses the type of massage.
Yoga Ayurvedic Massage: What is it and how to do it
If you want to understand more about how to combine massage and yoga, in this video, massage therapist Puja Punita explains it to you! With tips ranging from the choice of oil to a sequence of practice, the professional clarifies several doubts about Ayurvedic yoga massage.
Relax your mind and body with shiroabhyanga
In this video, massage therapist Suzana Rossi Freire briefly tells about this Ayurvedic massage technique indicated for cases of anxiety, stress and sleep problems.
Our body needs affection and a good massage is a form of self-care. And if you can’t go to a professional, try performing a self-massage. You will not regret!