Popular and Traditional Types of Ayurveda Massages Practiced in Kerala

Kerala also popularly known as ‘God’s own country’ is the perfect destination for experiencing the Kerala ayurvedic massage which has gained global popularity for its rejuvenating and therapeutic benefits attracting people from all walks of life. A massage session in Kerala is as good a therapy as it sounds. Not only does Kerala offers the most authentic and exquisite methods of ayurvedic massages passed down over generations, but also customized massages to address specific concerns and cater to your physical and mental goals. In this article you will be learning about various popular and traditional types of ayurvedic massages practised in Kerala, what are their unique benefits, and how they are performed.

 

Importance of massage in Ayurveda

Ayurveda considers massage as one of its core therapies voicing its importance over the centuries as a time tested wisdom shared by the ancient ayurvedic practitioners of India. Ayurveda looks at massage as not just a therapy for inducing calmness and relaxation, but also as a means of addressing the Dosha imbalances in the body. Any human body is composed of three prominent dosha types which are – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Whenever one of these doshas get imbalanced, the body faces issues and these issues are reflected in both the external as well as the internal body. Ayurveda attempts to bring the body’s state of balance back to harmony by various treatments and means. A massage therapy prescribed by the ayurvedic guidelines tends to serve as a premium method of addressing this concern.

 

Types of massages practiced in Kerala

 

Abhyanga

Abhyanga or a full body oil massage is one of the most popular ayurvedic massages of all times. It is one of the star therapies practised in Kerala which is loved by not only wellness seekers but also by people recovering from diseases or who have chronic lifestyle diseases.

How is it done – In Abhyanga, a person’s body’s constitution is first analysed and then the oil which is supposed to be used for the massage is infused with various herbs, so that the benefits of the herbs can be absorbed by the oil. This oil is then warmed and used for application over the entire body by masseuses in a rhythmic manner with the right amount of pressure. The entire body is covered in Abhyanga in gentle rhythmic circles.

Unique benefits of Abhyanga – Abhyanga not only aims to offer an encompassing relaxation, but it also soothes sore muscles, joint pain, improves blood circulation, induces detoxification, and leaves the skin supple, glowing, and soft.

 

Shirodhara

The word Shirodhara is made by two Sanskrit words Shiro and Dhara, which means to pour a stream over the forehead. In this ancient technique of Shirodhara, a warm herbal fluid which could be either oil, milk, buttermilk, or herb infused concoctions are generously poured over the forehead in a continuous manner inducing a gentle stream. The idea of Shirodhara is to specifically target the third eye area on the forehead. The third eye is often called as the Agya Chakra. The third eye is associated with Lord Shiva and symbolises spiritual growth and enlightenment.

How is it done – The person seeking the treatment is made to lie over a wooden table and a container containing the liquid or oil is placed above the forehead to allow continuous pouring in a steady manner for roughly half an hour. The pouring is then followed by a relaxing head and scalp massage session.

Unique benefits of Shirodhara – Shirodhara is the hero therapy for dealing with chronic lifestyle diseases such as stress, anxiety, and depression. It is an effective therapy in relaxing the mind and calming the nervous system. Shirodhara helps with controlling chronic headaches and migraines, and it supports better hormonal balance and regulation of emotions as well.

 

Njavarakizhi

Njavarakizhi or the rice bolus massage is a unique type of massage which is authentically practised in Kerala. In this variation of massage, cooked rice with milk and various herbs are tied in small cloth bundles and placed over the entire body.

How is it done – In Njavarakizhi, small cloth bundles of rice are prepared and then it is dipped in warm milk or various herbal concoctions. These bundles are then placed over the entire body with comfortable pressure to allow a soothing massage that waves the way for deep relaxation and nourishment.

Unique benefits of Njavarakizhi – Njavarakizhi not only deeply nourishes and strengthens the skin and the body, but it also is beneficial in getting rid of tiredness and improving complexion and softness of the skin.

 

Udvartana

Udvartana, also commonly known as a herbal powder massage is similar to Abhyanga but differs in the regard of the materials being used for the purpose of massage.

How is it done – Unlike Abhyanga where oils are required to massage over the body. In Udvartana, the powder of various herbs are coarse grounded and then gently massaged with over the entire body in rhythmic manner to produce friction and heat. The session of Udvartana goes on for roughly half an hour.

Unique benefits of Udvartana – Udvartana Is highly beneficial in boosting metabolism and detoxifying the body it also helps with fat burning and reducing the cellulite over the body while also additionally aiding in improved blood circulation and overall relaxation.

 

Pada Abhyanga

Pada Abhyanga or foot massage is another vouched for massage therapy in Ayurveda. Since the sole of the foot contains vital energy points and links for the entire body, it is considered as one of the most important areas in the body by Ayurveda. The modern day Pedicure practiced in salons and beauty spas are just a synthetic version of Pada Abhyanga.

How is it done – In Pada Abhyanga, the ankles and the sole of the foot are gently massaged with herb infused oils. Special attention and pressure is provided over the vital energy points to open subtle energy channels.

Unique benefits of Pada Abhyanga - Pada Abhyanga is beneficial in relaxing the entire body and inducing a well-deserved restful sleep. It also helps in managing stress and promoting better blood circulation in the body.

 

Conclusion

An Ayurvedic massage in Kerala is more than just a rejuvenation therapy in the terms of Ayurveda. It is a healing ritual which not only promotes deep relaxation, but also offers therapeutic healing benefits that go beyond addressing the physical concerns. An Ayurvedic massage therapy promotes overall well-being. If you want to experience authentic healing by Ayurvedic therapies in Kerala, Lokah Ayurveda is the perfect place for you.