How does Thai massage differ from Ayurvedic massage, what techniques to prefer for lower back pain or, say, stress. Overview of the main methods of oriental massage.
Thai, Chinese, Indian Ayurvedic, Tibetan… Massage in Eastern countries is an important part of health practices. And this applies not only to the body, as is customary in the West, where the main emphasis is on the structure of a person: the location of muscles, joints, bones, and so on. The essence of any direction of oriental massage is energy flows and biologically active points. It is not customary to treat, say, only back pain. The body is considered as a whole. And yet, each practice has its own nuances.
Expert:
Prashant Varier, Doctor of Ayurveda, Kerala Center
Ayurvedic massage
Goal: treatment of diseases, as well as pain in the back, muscles and joints, cleansing the body, removing toxins, getting rid of stress. Procedures increase muscle strength and tone, relax and rejuvenate the body.
The essence of the method: according to Ayurveda, the health of any person is based on the harmony of the three doshas (forms of biological energy) – pitta, vata and kapha. So, pitta is fire, it regulates digestion, vata is wind, it is responsible for any movement in the body, including blood circulation, kapha is water, it is in charge of water balance. They are all equally important. The predominance of even one dosha leads to imbalance and health problems. Ayurvedic practices allow you to restore harmony and maintain it in balance.
Massage Techniques: Ayurvedic “classic” – oil massage Soma (Abhyanga). Most often, it uses sesame and coconut oils, enriched with medicinal herbs. This is a synchronous massage in 4 hands, which is performed by two masseurs at once. A fairly gentle technique with moderate use of force, but in the process all parts of the body are carefully worked out – from the feet to the ears.
Depending on the goals, other massage techniques are used in Ayurveda, more or less intense, using herbal powders, rice and other natural ingredients. For example, for rheumatism and osteochondrosis, rice massage Navar (Navarakzhi) is recommended, it is performed with special bags with warm rice boiled in milk with herbs. For weight loss, massage with medicinal powder Podi (Podikizhi) is suitable, it breaks down fats and removes excess fluid from the body.
Duration: Ayurvedic massage lasts, on average, two hours and can be performed in a course of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The duration of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of a person: his state of health, the presence of any diseases, body constitution, etc.
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Chinese massage
Goal: treatment of diseases of the body and organs, getting rid of muscle pain, improving metabolism, relieving headaches, relaxation. Massage helps to restore the circulation of vital qi energy in the body.
The essence of the method: massage in Chinese is the impact on certain points. According to ancient knowledge, there are many biologically active points on the human body that are closely related to the system of internal organs. For example, “points of harmony” are responsible for energy flows, “exciting points” activate the work of organs, “calming points” relieve tension. There are also so-called “signal points”, pressing on which contributes to the rapid removal of pain. It is customary to act on these points in two ways: with fingers (acupressure) and needles (acupuncture).
Massage Techniques: traditional tui-na massage is used to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system (osteochondrosis, arthritis, intervertebral hernia), heart and blood vessels, as well as problems with the nervous system. By stroking, pinching, circular rubbing, point pressure and rubbing points, clamps are removed and pathways are opened for the flow of qi. Also, during the procedure, there is a powerful blood flow and the body is quickly freed from toxins. For massage, as a rule, almond oil or jojoba oil is used. Talc is used in acupressure massage.
Foot massage is also considered traditional in China. It is customary to do it at least once a week or more often. Especially useful for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. In the feet, there are many reflex points and nerve endings associated with all internal organs. The skillful hands of a massage therapist will help not only relax after a hard day, but also relieve stress and various pains.
Duration: massage lasts about 1,5 hours. The number of procedures is determined by the doctor after the diagnosis. At least 3, and on average, 10 sessions are prescribed.
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Tibetan massage
Goal: restore the balance of human subtle energies. It is prescribed for both treatment and prevention, relieves muscle and other pains, improves metabolism, blood and energy circulation in the body, is useful for stress and depression, helps get rid of insomnia and nervous excitability, improves and rejuvenates the skin.
The essence of the method: in Tibetan medicine, the human body is considered as a combination of five elements: air, ether, fire, earth and water. The combination of earth and water determines strength and endurance, fire gives warmth and the possibility of transformation, air and ether form movement – the development of the mind, endurance. Tibetan massage is a simultaneous effect on the mind, energy and physical body.
The basis of everything is diagnostics. It is important for the doctor to identify the root cause of the disease, after which he will be able to prescribe individual treatment. At the same time, massage oil will also be unique: if necessary, it can include up to 1000 different herbal ingredients and spices, and even fats from wild animals. Standard blends often feature nutmeg, cardamom, saffron, and Sichuan pepper. But the longer the doctor is familiar with the patient, and hence with the state of his health, the more active the drug can be prepared for his treatment.
In Tibet, massage with volcanic stones is widely used, it helps to relax tired muscles. As well as herbal massage, which is performed using special bags filled with herbs and spices. The task of such a massage is to influence biologically active points. A course of herbal massage helps to improve metabolism and eliminate venous congestion.
Duration: all individually. Any treatment is a lengthy process and can take more than one month. Preventive – relaxing or energy massages can be prescribed in a standard course of 10 procedures.
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Thai massage
Goal: relieve muscle and back pain, recover from an injury, speed up the treatment of a sprain, or simply relax and put your thoughts in order. Massage also helps to improve the functioning of the digestive tract.
The essence of the method: Thai massage is significantly different from all of the above. Firstly, the patient is dressed in light clothes made of natural fabric, and secondly, which is understandable, no oils are used during the massage.
Thai massage is based on the stimulation of vital energy, which, according to the teachings, is called Sen Sip or Prana and consists of ten main lines, consisting of 72 channels passing through the whole body. The Thai technique of influencing these lines helps to maintain the balance of energy, body and mind, freeing them from blockages. However, the process does not take place on a massage table, but on a special mat. During the session, the patient, on the instructions of the master, takes various poses, relaxes in them, and the massage therapist stretches the body, twists and kneads it. Due to the gentle pressure, the muscles and spine are gently stretched, the elasticity of the internal organs increases, which helps them work better. Thai massage sessions also help to eliminate toxins.
Duration: a massage session lasts from 1,5 to 2,5 hours, the number of visits depends only on the wishes of the client.