How to Give a Back Massage Using Ayurvedic Techniques
Ayurveda is India's ancient system of traditional medicine. Massage is used in ayurveda to remove toxins from the body, promote relaxation and stimulate circulation. The choice of massage oil is important, and depends upon the recipient's dosha, or dominant energy pattern as determined by ayurvedic analysis.
1
Warm the massage oil. Pour the oil into a small plastic squeeze bottle and set the bottle in a bowl of very warm water for 2 or 3 minutes.
2
Position the recipient. Have the person remove his or her shirt and/or bra and lie face down. Position a pillow under the person's chest and below his or her chin if you are not using a massage table.
3
Pour some of the warm oil into your hand and spread it onto both of your hands.
4
Apply the oil to the recipient's back while standing at his or her head. Spread the oil evenly the entire length and width of the back.
5
Press both hands against the muscles on the backs of the shoulders, and stroke firmly down toward the lower back. Keep your fingers together and flattened so that you are pressing with the entire length of your fingers and not the tips.
6
Continue these steady, firm, down and back motions along the length of the recipient's back. Replenish the oil on your hands as necessary to maintain pressure with little friction.
7
Move around toward the person's hips and repeat the process of long, steady strokes up and down from this direction.
Tips & Warnings
Sesame oil balances the vata dosha, coconut oil the pitta dosha and mustard or olive oil the kapha dosha. However, sesame is the common oil base used for massage in ayurveda.
Do not use cooking sesame oil for massage. Sesame massage oil is cosmetic grade and can be found in health food stores in the body care section.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2210373_give-back-massage-using-ayurvedic.html
Ayurveda is India's ancient system of traditional medicine. Massage is used in ayurveda to remove toxins from the body, promote relaxation and stimulate circulation. The choice of massage oil is important, and depends upon the recipient's dosha, or dominant energy pattern as determined by ayurvedic analysis.
1
Warm the massage oil. Pour the oil into a small plastic squeeze bottle and set the bottle in a bowl of very warm water for 2 or 3 minutes.
2
Position the recipient. Have the person remove his or her shirt and/or bra and lie face down. Position a pillow under the person's chest and below his or her chin if you are not using a massage table.
3
Pour some of the warm oil into your hand and spread it onto both of your hands.
4
Apply the oil to the recipient's back while standing at his or her head. Spread the oil evenly the entire length and width of the back.
5
Press both hands against the muscles on the backs of the shoulders, and stroke firmly down toward the lower back. Keep your fingers together and flattened so that you are pressing with the entire length of your fingers and not the tips.
6
Continue these steady, firm, down and back motions along the length of the recipient's back. Replenish the oil on your hands as necessary to maintain pressure with little friction.
7
Move around toward the person's hips and repeat the process of long, steady strokes up and down from this direction.
Tips & Warnings
Sesame oil balances the vata dosha, coconut oil the pitta dosha and mustard or olive oil the kapha dosha. However, sesame is the common oil base used for massage in ayurveda.
Do not use cooking sesame oil for massage. Sesame massage oil is cosmetic grade and can be found in health food stores in the body care section.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2210373_give-back-massage-using-ayurvedic.html
