Massage your stress away

While it is primarily associated with relaxation and stress relief, Ayurveda attaches much more importance to the ancient practise of the massage. By adding medicinal herbs and oils, an Ayurvedic massage offers many more benefits than those that meet the eye. By increasing the circulation in the body and stimulating the lymphatic system, a massage helps to flush out toxins and increases vitality. It is immensely useful when it comes to pain management and can help to soothe overstressed muscles and tendons, and open up stiff, sore joints. Massages are also anti-ageing because the increased blood flow to all parts of the body and the moisture the oil imparts, leaves the skin supple and glowing. Here are three kinds of popular therapy massages that we offer at Samkhya.

Abhyanga
One of the most popular Ayurvedic massages, Abhyanga entails warm oil—usually cold pressed sesame oil—being massaged into the entire body. The deft strokes of the masseur and the warm oil come together to not only relax the body and reduce stress but also provide a host of benefits. First and foremost, the massage improves the blood circulation in the body and encourages lymphatic drainage (this carries the body’s toxins out). It is also beneficial for those who suffer from hypertension because during a massage, the blood vessels typically expand and this reduces resistance in the arteries, allowing blood to flow easily. This lowers blood pressure. Abhyanga is also great for the skin. It improves the skin’s texture and reduces the appearance of cellulite and wrinkles. If you get an Abhyanga massage regularly, you will also find better mobility in your joints and if you are facing any stiffness, that too will reduce.

Potli
Kizhi or potli (meaning ‘pouch’ in Hindi) is an Ayurvedic treatment in which a soft muslin cloth is filled with herbs, heated, dipped into warm oil, and then used to massage the body. The herbs and oils used are chosen and customised based on the issue being treated. The warm potli helps to not just soothe and massage the muscles and joints but also to induce perspiration; Ayurveda believes sweating helps to release toxins from the body. As the warm poultice is applied with pressure, it provides relief from stiffness, and helps alleviate pain and numbness from muscles and joints. The potli massage is also great for the skin, as it keeps the body supple and leaves the skin aglow.

A number of herbs can be used for this massage such as neem (for detoxification), mint (to reduce headaches), rosemary (for better blood circulation), and aloe vera (to reduce inflammation), among others.

Shirodhara
Unlike the potli, the Shirodhara massage has a stream of liquid being poured on the forehead, and this may or may not be followed by a head and/or body massage. Th ancient Ayurvedic healing therapy derives its name from two Sanskrit words, shiro (meaning head) and dhara (meaning flow). Focussed on rebalancing the energies in your body, it is a relaxing and soothing massage in which oil (or milk) is poured in a steady stream on the forehead. Shirodhara can be especially beneficial for those who have been struggling with insomnia or poor quality of sleep and anxiety or stress. While a number of liquids can be used for this massage, sesame and coconut oil are usually the most common, along with ghee (clarified butter).

Call or email to book a specialised massage, a one-on-one Ayurveda consultation, a detox therapy/treatment or a yoga class. No: +234 908 568 9321; email: samkhya.ayurvedaconsulting@gmail.com. Visit us at www.samkhyawellness.com or follow us @suchita.samkhyawellness on Instagram