SKIN BRUSHING AND MASSAGE
In Ayurveda there are techniques which go beyond diet and nutritional practices. The skin and underlying tissues are often disregarded in general medical care unless they develop an attention fixing disease condition such as eczema etc. Health care treatments such as deep tissue massage beloved of sports masseurs ted to focus on the deeper muscles. Recent medical research shows that the superficial tissues – the skin and the tissues just beneath, and the fluid filled labyrinth surrounding the body`s organs constitute what may in total represent the body`s largest organ (almost dwarfing the skin) and named the interstitium. The functions of this organ may not be fully understood yet but it appears to have a `pre-lymphatic ` function. The interstitium seems to act as a protective shock absorber for the deeper organs. A possible important role is the movement of lymph from its position of bathing and surrounding the cells of the body, into the lymphatic vessels which then carry the fluid towards the lymph nodes and the heart.
The Indian practices of GARSHANA and ABHYANGA are designed to move fluids (lymph) from the extremities to the lymph glands and hear. As might be expected in yogic practices it is claimed that the subtle life force of Prana is also affected.
GARSHANA involves brushing the skin with a dry brush. For lymphatic drainage it is claimed that the movements can be light and relatively slow. The brush, or special gloves, may be quite gentle on the skin. A more stimulating effect can be obtained by using a stiffer brush and with more rapid strokes. For the face it is usual to use a softer brush.
Begin at the extremities, feet or hands, and with firm flowing strokes brush towards the back of the knees (or elbows), and then on to the groin or armpits. Brush the scalp, and for the face use strokes up the neck to the cheeks spreading out to the temples. With a partner the back can be brushed, or alone use a brush with a back extended handle.
At the groin where many lymph glands are located work in small circles including the genitals. On the chest begin across the top of the shoulders, brush from the armpits and down and over the chest towards the heart.
Brush from the sides of the body in towards the centre of the chest, and finish by brushing the abdomen in a clockwise circular motion.
ABYHANGA is a general term for massage usually using oils such as almond or coconut. Various oils are used for specific therapeutic effects. In Keralean, south Indian massage it is normal to use hot oils. Avoid mineral oils which do not nourish the skin. The vigour and pressure may depend on personal preference. For deeper muscular massage the pressure needs to be firmer and slower.
Apart from the physical benefits of these forms of massage there are also the profound psychological/spiritual benefits. Self massage allows you to pamper, linger and cherish, or wake up and invigorate your body, depending on the time of day and your needs. Massage by an intimate partner can deepen you relationship even if the massage is nonsexual. A sensitive and professional therapist should be able to provide these treatments without a sense of intrusion or invasion.
2018
In Ayurveda there are techniques which go beyond diet and nutritional practices. The skin and underlying tissues are often disregarded in general medical care unless they develop an attention fixing disease condition such as eczema etc. Health care treatments such as deep tissue massage beloved of sports masseurs ted to focus on the deeper muscles. Recent medical research shows that the superficial tissues – the skin and the tissues just beneath, and the fluid filled labyrinth surrounding the body`s organs constitute what may in total represent the body`s largest organ (almost dwarfing the skin) and named the interstitium. The functions of this organ may not be fully understood yet but it appears to have a `pre-lymphatic ` function. The interstitium seems to act as a protective shock absorber for the deeper organs. A possible important role is the movement of lymph from its position of bathing and surrounding the cells of the body, into the lymphatic vessels which then carry the fluid towards the lymph nodes and the heart.
The Indian practices of GARSHANA and ABHYANGA are designed to move fluids (lymph) from the extremities to the lymph glands and hear. As might be expected in yogic practices it is claimed that the subtle life force of Prana is also affected.
GARSHANA involves brushing the skin with a dry brush. For lymphatic drainage it is claimed that the movements can be light and relatively slow. The brush, or special gloves, may be quite gentle on the skin. A more stimulating effect can be obtained by using a stiffer brush and with more rapid strokes. For the face it is usual to use a softer brush.
Begin at the extremities, feet or hands, and with firm flowing strokes brush towards the back of the knees (or elbows), and then on to the groin or armpits. Brush the scalp, and for the face use strokes up the neck to the cheeks spreading out to the temples. With a partner the back can be brushed, or alone use a brush with a back extended handle.
At the groin where many lymph glands are located work in small circles including the genitals. On the chest begin across the top of the shoulders, brush from the armpits and down and over the chest towards the heart.
Brush from the sides of the body in towards the centre of the chest, and finish by brushing the abdomen in a clockwise circular motion.
ABYHANGA is a general term for massage usually using oils such as almond or coconut. Various oils are used for specific therapeutic effects. In Keralean, south Indian massage it is normal to use hot oils. Avoid mineral oils which do not nourish the skin. The vigour and pressure may depend on personal preference. For deeper muscular massage the pressure needs to be firmer and slower.
Apart from the physical benefits of these forms of massage there are also the profound psychological/spiritual benefits. Self massage allows you to pamper, linger and cherish, or wake up and invigorate your body, depending on the time of day and your needs. Massage by an intimate partner can deepen you relationship even if the massage is nonsexual. A sensitive and professional therapist should be able to provide these treatments without a sense of intrusion or invasion.
2018
