Oil massages are an interesting part of our Indian culture. They developed during the time when the Ayurvedic way of treatment was evolving. It is believed in Ayurveda that regular massage, using the right oils and the right techniques, can help achieve good health and longevity. In recent times, various types of massage techniques such as Kerala Ayurvedic, Swedish, Thai, Shiatsu, and Reflexology, have taken prominence. They are often promoted commercially as exotic indulgences to relax the mind and the body.
Best Oils for Oil Massage:
Fractionated Coconut Oil, Sesame Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Oil and Almond Oil, all are highly suitable for oil massages. Other oils include, Avocado Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Olive Oil and Cocoa Butter.
Let’s look at some of the therapeutic benefits of oil massages.
Detoxification
This helps the body purge out the toxins. This is usually an extensive process which includes oil massages and is often recommended with meditation sessions. Thus the massage also helps in reinvigorating the mind.
The main aim of this massage is to ensure that the oils penetrate the layers of the skin deeply. This encourages both arterial and lymphatic circulation which eventually allows the toxins to be released.
Mind relaxation
A good head and face massage can really calm a tense mind. An experienced masseur’s rhythmic movements stretch the muscles around our face, eyes and over the skull. This greatly improves the blood circulation and relaxes the mind. It also soothes the tired eyes, which in turn improves the general alertness of the individual. A relaxed mind definitely gives a natural glow to the skin.
Exfoliation and skin texture
Regular facial massage will ensure that the dead cells of our skin do not stay behind. Regular use of oils cleans up the clogged pores and nourishment of the cells improve. The natural texture of the skin becomes soft and supple, thereby reducing wrinkles and signs of stress.
Relief from body pain
Certain natural oils have analgesic properties and when applied to the body especially the affected areas they can alleviate the pain. However, an experienced and trained masseur is a must. Someone who understands the remedies well and also understands both the nervous and muscular system is the right person. A well trained masseur can relieve the pain by lubricating the joints, freeing up the muscles and channelizing the nerve ends. Kerala ayurvedic massages have found quite a fan following with respect to joints and back pain relief.
Additional Benefits: Weight Loss
Obesity is now the new age lifestyle epidemic. Strict diet plans and boot camps often lead to drastic reduction in weight but they are all short lived. Once their effect wears off, the stubborn fats begin to build up all over again.
There are many different medicated oil massage treatments which can help in this aspect. The emphasis is to reach the stubborn fat zones in your body, directed massaging to loosen them up and encourage melting them away. Frequent sessions not just reduce weight, it also helps maintain it.
These are just a few benefits of oil massage but the list is quite exhaustive. Depending on whether you are looking to pamper yourself or looking at a life-changing regimen, the world of massage has a solution. Be wise and look for a licensed operator and you will be surprised at the remedies and their results. Wishing you a healthy and happy life!
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