FINDING BALANCE WITH AYURVEDIC OIL MASSAGEAUGUST 2, 2019 @4.44PM
Ayurveda is an Indian traditional system of medicine that originated 10,000 years ago. The basic principle behind ayurveda is the Pancha Maha-Bhoota otherwise known as five basic elements of nature.
“We believe everything in the universe is made of five elements – space, air, fire, water and earth. So our body is also composed of this five elements. But in ayurveda – we categorize this five elements into three – also known as the three doshas - vata, pitta and kapha,” said Anjali, Indian traditional medicine practitioner at Wellcare Ayurvedic & Retreat Centre. Anjali explained that Vata is a combination of space and air, pitta is fire and water while kapha is water and earth together. Vata is the main component among the three and is responsible for all types of movement in our body - from the blinking of the eye to speech, breathing - the functions of the nervous system including digestion which are all controlled under vata. Pitta governs the hormones that is responsible for the transformation that occurs in the body while Kapha – the last of the three doshas gives structure and regulates lubrication and moisture. “This are the functional aspect of the three doshas. Diseases are caused by these three – thus we try to bring balance inside your body through natural means with ayurvedic treatment. This could be through herbs, change in lifestyle or diet or a combination which helps to maintain that balance in order to enjoy good health and longevity. Abhyangam (oil massage) There are certain rituals which you need to live by in a day, and these are referred to as ‘Thinacheria’ – ‘thina’ meaning day, while ‘cheria’ explains how it is done – to wake up before the sun rises and so on. According to Anjali, the literal translation for abhyanga in sanskrit is oil application or anointing one’s body with oil and massage which use to be a ritual. This helps boost immune system thus minimizing chances of getting infected by diseases related to Vata – air and space in addition to moisturizing the skin and aiding in muscular and peripheral issues as well as the nervous system. “Sesame oil is used as a base for most of the massage due to its medicinal benefits. It is then boiled together with herbs and powders before the decoction is used for therapy. This helps improve circulation, detoxify and rid subcutaneous fat, improve muscle strength, neural transmission – the functions of the whole nervous system, digestion, memory and senses, reduce hair falls and boost the immune system – preventing the body from being susceptible to diseases related to vata such as arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. If the treatment is done continuously, it could also help with dry skin, eczema and rheumatoid arthritis. Although both genders would generally enjoy the same set of benefits, the treatment helps women regulate menstrual cycle and deal with hormonal change. However, Anjali emphasised that the oil massage or any other treatment should not be done during the menstrual period as the lady loses blood which is a vital component of the body, which requires rest for a period of five days. “Mornings are an ideal time for therapy. However, if you should pay a visit after lunch, you are advised to give a two-hour gap before going for treatment so as to not intervene with the digestion system. Siro Dhara (oil dripping therapy) Siro Dhara; made up of two words - siro which refers to the head while dhara means pouring. Combined together – Siro dhara means pouring of any herbal medium such as oil, medicated milk or butter milk, normal water or any decoction on the head for a particular period of time. “This has the power to calm down your nervous system as well as other psychological issues such as insomnia, depression, anxiety and memory loss. Siro dhara also works as a destressing therapy for others. The one-hour-forty-five minutes therapy – which is made up of an-hour full body massage from head to toe followed with a 45 minutes oil dripping therapy puts you in total relaxation. “The oil is poured on the forehead - the abaya chakra which has the ability to create a vibration inside your body. This helps release adrenalin glands which results in better sleep, making you feel happy and more relaxed right after. For better results, it is recommended that it be done every seven days, or you could just opt to rest and relax during a session. “However, doctors’ recommendation is required for patients with major or chronic issues. The medium would also vary. It could be medicated milk for pitta related issues. To manage chronic diabetes – it would be ‘takradhara’ (buttermilk). In treating autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis – butter milk is used as a medium. These forms of treatment require prior booking. Nevertheless, if you are at the brim of health, oil is used. 
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