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Ayurveda

Treatments: Massage

Techniques such as tapping, rubbing, squeezing, and kneading may be used. A light touch is applied, which becomes increasingly firm over a span of 1-3 minutes per point. Pressure can be direct or be applied in a circular motion. Clockwise motion stimulates and energizes, whereas counterclockwise motion calms or sedates. Stimulation in this manner also assists the lymph nodes in their ability to carry nutrients to, and waste from, cells throughout the body.

A marma-point massage session can last an hour or longer, with either all marma points treated, or specific points treated depending on the imbalance. The experience is considered by most to be deeply relaxing.

Medicinal/herbal oils can be applied using a variety of methods, and are used to increase blood circulation, draw toxins out of the body through the skin, and for disorders such as arthritis, muscles spasms, degenerative diseases, skin diseases, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, relaxation, stress, insomnia, paralysis, headaches, deafness, and cataracts. The doshas will also determine which herbs are appropriate.

There are many methods of applying the oils, the following being among the more popular:

Pizhichil & Sarvangadhara
With pizhichil, warm, medicated/herbal oils are applied to the entire body with a piece of cloth that is dipped into the oil and squeezed out onto the skin (Pizhichil means “squeezing.” Ghee (clarified butter) may also be used instead of oil. Sarvangadhara requires oil to be poured over the patient’s body from pitchers, using a larger quantity of oil. The oil is simultaneously rubbed into the body.

Njavarakizhi
Njavarakizhi is a technique used which causes the entire body to perspire. Rice is cooked in milk and infused with medicinal oils, and the resulting "pudding" poured into a bundle (usually a muslin/linen bag). The entire body or specific parts of the body are then made to perspire using these bundles. .

Sirodhara
Warm oil is poured directly onto the center of the forehead in a continuous stream for a specific period of time. Medicated milk or buttermilk may also be used to replace the oil.

Shirovasthi
Oils are poured into a cap which is then placed on the head. The oils then soak into the head. The length of time the cap is kept in place varies on the condition being treated, which may be up to an hour for severe conditions.

It is recommended to wait at least 1 hour after abhyanga before taking a bath to allow the oils to penetrate and nourish the body.

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