Experiencing hardness or stiffness in the muscles may be a threat to your body. Such inflammatory stiffness may shift to other muscles of the body and limit your mobility and regular activity. Ayurveda promises long-lasting relief from stiffness, pain, and inflammatory conditions existing in the musculoskeletal system through the process of abhyanga. Ayurveda for muscle pain brings up information about various therapeutic oils and herbal pastes.
Let’s get started with more about Ayurvedic massage and its ability to prevent further stiffness and protect from pain:
Understanding Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurvedic massage is the abhyanga, which is applied thoroughly throughout the body with the support of natural warm oils or herbal pastes. This ancient healing practice has the ability to bring relief to the muscles, bones and joints from the underlying vata condition. In addition to relieving the stiffness in that particular area, applying warmer oils all over the body would also help to relieve stiffness in other areas and manage joint pain.
Ayurvedic massage is more of a physiotherapy approach rather than a calming method. It can be a part of a wider therapy plan to facilitate relief from imbalances in various locations of the body and improve flexibility in the entire body.
There are different types of massages falling in the category of Ayurvedic massage, which may be like:
- Abhyanga
- Marma
- Shiro Abhyanga
- Udwarthanam
- Kativasthi
Before delving deeper into the different types of ayurvedic massages, it is necessary to address the causes of muscle stiffness.
Reasons for Muscle Stiffness
There are various reasons why one suffers from weak and stiff muscles in the body:
- Soreness of muscles
- Wear and tear of cartilage and cartilage injuries
- Anxiety and stress
- Temperature changes
- Imbalances in the energy channels
- Rheumatoid arthritis leads to tenderness in the muscles and joints
If muscles in one specific area become stiff then it might affect the other muscles in the body and that would lead to massive discomfort.
5 Outcome of Ayurvedic Massage for Muscle Stiffness
It is an ancient approach that might maximize the potency of muscles, bones, and joints apart from releasing mild to acute stiffness in a holistic way.
Ayurvedic Massaging Methods
Various forms of Ayurvedic massage may benefit anyone in the following ways:
1. Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga is another Ayurvedic treatment that rids the body of accumulated poisons. A person’s constitution and imbalances are taken into consideration when choosing the herbal oils used in Abhyanga. These herbal oils are therefore thought to offer a variety of cleansing qualities.
The Abhyanga massage motions also help to improve blood flow to the back muscles, which is known to lower inflammation and effectively treat the sore spot.
2. Marma Massage
Marma massage is exceptional in every way and is quite effective. It ensures total mental, physical, and spiritual relaxation. People who receive full-body Marmic massage therapy experience total relief and restfulness.
Ayurveda refers to the 107 essential places on the human body as Marma. The body experiences an energy flow that heals the mind and soul when we touch these places.
3. Indian Head Massage
It is a combination of Shiro and abhyanga that massages the head, neck, and shoulders after applying oil to the forehead continuously. Some thousands of years ago, the Shiro Abhyanga first appeared in India. In addition, this Indian head massage method is commonly used in Indian salons and offers therapeutic benefits beyond relieving tension, anxiety, and stress. With increased emotional strength and mental stability, you will be able to resolve any issue.
4. Udvartanam
In Ayurveda, udhwarthanam is a restorative dry massage that stimulates the body and skin with herbal powders. It promotes better skin, weight loss, detoxification, increased blood flow, and a balanced Kapha dosha. When used as Triphala powder for herbal body massage, calamus, ginger root, and turmeric form a powerful therapeutic blend that relieves doshic imbalances from the body.
5. Kativasti
For someone experiencing lower back pain, or a sprain in the spinal region and associated muscles, it is another useful corrective action. When a person is lying on their stomach, this particular type of ayurvedic massage is applied to their back by placing a small metal disk or dough made from black gram and pouring medicinal oil. This therapeutic massage will bring relief from the tight or stiff muscles. This ayurvedic massage may further control pain arising from dislocation and fracture.
Additional Advantages of Ayurvedic massage
In addition to using Ayurveda to relieve muscle stiffness, one will also receive other advantages such as:
- Easing digestion
- Remove toxins from the body.
- Bring relief from any form of negative emotions.
- Revitalize the skin tone and its quality.
- Brings balance to the mind and body.
- Render good sleep.
Oils for Ayurvedic massage
1. Castor oil
It is a high-density oil that relieves inflammation, pain, and emotional stress and offers pleasant and relaxation to the body as a whole.
2. Mustard oil
By keeping the skin hydrated and nourished with fatty acids and vitamin E, it may help keep the skin from drying out.
3. Almond oil
It would be easier to penetrate deeply into the skin because it is not as heavy as coconut or mustard oils. It would suit every skin tone, generate a good fragrance when applied to the body, and moisturize the body.
4. Neem oil
It may bring relief from microbial infection and inflammatory conditions if used for body massage. Its abundance of Vitamin E will detoxify the body and boost flexibility. However, always recommended to use it by diluting it with carrier oils like coconut oil or castor oil for effective results.
Conclusion
Recovery from muscular pain or stiffness would be easier with ayurvedic massage oils or powders. Otherwise, muscle pain may spread to other areas and make your life miserable. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to healing through various body massage patterns. You can choose between shiro abhyanga, abhyanga, katuvasti, marma, or udvartanam, depending on the kind of pain or deficiency you may experience.
