The more we nurture ourselves, the more radiant we become mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally, regardless of our particular body shape or proportions. Get ready to relax and rejuvenate completely the ayurvedic way.

Life is a combination of body, senses, mind and soul. They can’t be separated from each other and they can’t be neglected either. Thousands of years ago, Ayurveda was revealed to the rishis of India. They understood that Ayurveda could create as well as destroy the health of a person. Ayurveda or the ’science longevity’ is the system of nature cure. It is known to promote positive health, natural beauty and long life. Although rooted in antiquity, Ayurveda is based on universal principles and is a living, growing body of knowledge - as useful today as it was in earlier centuries. Evidently, Ayurveda believes in the treatment of not just the affected part, but also the individual as a whole. The emphasis is on prevention of bodily ailments and not just curing them. There are no distressing side effects and it has, today, become an internationally acclaimed form of healing, rejuvenation and healthy living. Ayurveda advises to carefully choose food suitable to one’s constitution and the season, so that body can heal itself. Beauty, in the other fields, may emphasize on the way we look and the qualities we possess. But Ayurveda delves deeper. Ayurveda does not see beauty as a cosmetic affair. Ayurveda calls for self care and also development of positive routines and rituals that will help bring out the best in us.
Massage is the most indispensable part while treating varied ailments in ayurveda, works on both physical and mental levels. It transmits a life-giving energy that assists all the systems of the body to repair and renew themselves. Ayurvedic massage practitioners concentrate on the subtle energy points that respond to the gentle physical manipulation and work with the needs of different body types. Here are few of the different types of ayurvedic massages.

ABHYANGAM

The person undergoing massage is seated on the Droni (a wooden plank specially made for the massage) two masseurs stand on either sides of the person applying herbal oil on the head and massaging gently. The massage is continued on the neck, ear, shoulders, chest and back. The person then turns on their back and the massage is continued from shoulder to toe. During the course of the massage the person lies on his right side, left side stomach and again on his back and finally in the sitting position. General Massage has been found very effective for improving eyesight, longevity, sound sleep, rheumatism, vitality and glowing skin. These massages are also a preventive medicine. In short, it rejuvenates the body and maintains the physique.

PIZHICHIL

This is one of the special massages for rejuvenating the whole body. The prescribed medicated oil is applied on the head and the entire body is covered with medicated oil in this treatment the patient lies on the Droni. Next a piece of linen dipped in warm medicated oil is squeezed on the patient’s body as the body is continuously massaged. The massage protects you from illness and improves your immune system adding vitality and health to your life. It also aids in the healing of rheumatic diseases, blood pressure, pain in the joints and diabetes.

NAVARAKIZHI

The body is massaged with small linen bags (bundles) filled with cooked Navara Rice, which is cooked in cow’s milk and a specific herbal mixture. These bags are dipped in the same mixture and applied over the whole body of the patient. The bags are not too hot or too cold. After wiping the body with a dry towel, the medicated oil is again applied. The course is 14 days to 21 days. It is one of the most excellent forms of treatments to impart luster to the skin and nourishment for the body through the skin. It also cures various ailments.

DHARA

The patient lies on the wooden bed in a comfortable position and is covered with a liberal application of the medicated oil (herbal concoction of milk or other materials) on the head and body. A specially designed apparatus is filled with the medicated oil and placed at a specific height. The masseur then swings the apparatus back and forth so that the oil flows continuously and gently across the forehead. The head is then dried with a towel and again oil is applied to the head. This treatment can also be done for a specific part or the whole body depending on the ailment. It promotes rejuvenation and revitalization of the human mind and body, diminishing the effect of ageing. This is a special massage therapy for stress and strain.

SIROVASTHI

Luke warm medicated oil is applied to the entire head. A leather cap is then placed on the head to maintain the temperature. The course of treatment is effective for migraine, deafness, diseases affecting cranial nerves, facial paralysis, insanity, diseases and wounds etc. In fact this treatment is good for all diseases.

ELAKIZHI

Herbal poultices (bundles) are prepared with various herbs and medicated powders. The poultices are warmed in medicated oils and used to massage the entire body, neck, shoulders, hand and back, shifting the person from side to side. The massage can promote better circulation within the affected area thereby promoting increased perspiration, which helps the skin to eliminate wastes. It also helps to tone the skin and can be superbly relaxing.

NASYAM

From the shoulders up the patients body is massaged causing it to perspire. The medicine in exact dose is measured and poured into the nostrils, as the patient inhales. During the process, the area around the nose, neck, shoulders, palms & feel are rubbed. This is very effective in ailments such as sinusitis, migraine, chronic cold and chest congestion.

The writer is Managing Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Health Spa & Resorts.