GHS Natural Health Blog

Ayurvedic massage is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, slow down the skin’s aging process, improve blood circulation and remove toxins from the cells. Using ancient Ayurvedic herbs mixed with oils, it works to purify, nourish and tone the skin on a deep cellular level. It promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces free-radical activity and detoxifies. The herbs used have natural anti-oxidants and have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Massage is prescribed in Ayurveda as it is one of the keys to longevity. It helps to pacify the Vata dosha and it is this dosha that dries us out as we age, causing everything from wrinkled skin to constipation. Bob Hope credited his long life to a live in masseuse and daily massages. Dr. Andrew Weil, director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson and pioneer of alternative health says that he is a firm believer that massage stimulates the body’s own healing response, and he frequently recommends massage therapy.

“A growing body of research shows that massage offers health benefits throughout the life cycle: It promotes weight gain and motor development in babies, boosts respiratory function in children with asthma. It also increases blood circulation, reduces stress hormones, increases range of motion, reduces depression, and enhances immune function.”

Vital to Health

Massage relaxes and tones the muscles, stimulates glands under the skin to produce hormones, including serotonin that calms the mind and emotions and promotes drainage of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic fluid delivers nutrients to the cells and then carries away cellular debris and toxic particles.

As the fluid passes through the lymph nodes, the waste products are flushed out. Unfortunately, unlike the blood system, the lymph system does not have a pump, but depends on muscular contractions to move about the bodies’ network of lymph vessels. When muscles are inactive, the unfiltered fluid stagnates and becomes ‘ama’ which can precipitate genetic breakdown and disease. Massage stimulates the nodes and drains the toxic fluids, which is vital to good health.

The Ayurvedic oils used enhance this purification process, by penetrating the skin and balancing the doshas, they have anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Designed to penetrate the skin, their nutrients go directly into the blood capillaries, loosens attached toxins and carries them to the digestive tract for elimination. The herbal oils improve blood circulation, digestive system, feeds the skin and works to balance the emotions and relax the mind.

Ayurvedic Pressure Points

Ayurvedic massage is unique in that in incorporates a healing technique called “marma” therapy. Ayurveda describes these marma points as junctions of matter and consciousness, the body is crisscrossed like irrigation channels with meridians or nadis, a closed interconnecting system through which prana flows in the body. There are 107 major marma points in the body, seven of which are also identified with the 7 chakras of the body. The navel, which is the seat of the second chakra, is particularly rich in nadis, 72,000 in all, said to be the life-giving channel from mother to unborn child.

The marma are located over the lymph nodes, at joints where five anatomical structures intersect: blood vessels, ligaments, muscles, nerves and bone. They therefore play a vital role in balancing the endocrine system, the three circulatory systems of lymph, blood and nerves, as well as the three doshas or subtle constitutions of the body and mind. Marma points boost the prana each time it flows through, resulting in a stronger life force energy. Like acupressure points, care should be taken when massaging, as certain points when struck, can cause a negative effect, rather than a positive one.

Abhayanga: Ayurvedic Oil Massage

According to Ayurveda, full-body warm oil self-massage, done each morning (or as often as you can), is relaxing and revitalizing for mind and body. Usually before morning Yoga and bathing so that the oil can be absorbed through the skin by the heat generated by the Yoga. Using oils specific to doshas can bring each of the doshas into alignment. It is nourishing, pacifies Vata and Kapha, relieves fatigue, provides stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep, enhances the complexion and the luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the body. For very oily skin use chickpea flour or a body brush.

The Ayurvedic warm oil self-massage (abhyanga)

- helps improve circulation and lubrication
- helps strengthen and tone the muscles and joints
- helps release deep-seated toxins for elimination from the body
- helps keep skin supple, moisturized and nourished
- helps balance the emotions and keep the mind calm yet focused and alert
- helps increase energy through the day and promotes sound sleep at night

How to do Abhyanga (Ayurvedic self-massage)

Materials: 2-3 oz massage oil suited to your needs for balance, plastic squeeze bottle, pot of very warm water, old cotton towel or mat, paper towels.

Step 1. Pour the oil into the squeeze bottle and shut bottle tightly.

Step 2. Place the bottle in the warm water for 5 minutes or until the oil heats up to comfortably warm.

Step 3. Stand on your towel or mat in a comfortably warm, draft-free room.

Step 4. Squeeze the oil a little at a time into your palm and apply the oil to your body, working systematically down until your entire body is anointed with oil.

Step 5. Next, massage the oil into your skin, giving each part of your body adequate attention. Use up and down strokes over limbs and circular strokes over joints, chest and abdomen. Apply lighter pressure over chest and abdomen than over extremities. This process should take about 10-12 minutes.

Step 6. If massaging your scalp, apply oil to the crown of the head and then work the oil into your scalp with your fingers in outward circles.

Step 7. Sit quietly with eyes closed for 5 minutes, breathing deeply.

Step 8. Pat any excess oil with paper towels.

Step 9. Take a warm bath or shower, being very careful not to slip. Wipe excess oil off your feet before stepping off the towel or mat. Use a very gentle, non-soap cleanser and a gentle shampoo.

Step 10. Pat your skin with a towel and apply moisturizing lotion or a gentle natural dusting powder.

Note: The towels and mats you stand on for abhyanga will get stained and eventually oil-saturated, so use old ones and do not put them in washing machines or dryers. They should be periodically thrown away and replaced.

Reference: Jennifer Beckman (Yogamaya)

An aromatherapy bath is a great way to relax and heal both the body and the spirit. Using just the right essential oil can help remedy skin ailments, promote relaxation and even set the mood for a romantic evening.

1. Rosemary Oil: Rosemary essential oil is great to use when one is looking to relax achy muscles. It is also good for dull skin, gout, tiredness and poor circulation.

2. Geranium Oil: Geranium essential oils are good for treating acne, cellulite, oily skin and even menopausal symptoms.

3. Jasmine Oil: Jasmine essential oil is really good for helping to lift one’s mood. It is also good for treating dry and sensitive skin, tiredness and labor pains.

4. Linden Blossom Oil: Linden blossom essential oil is good to use to ease headaches, migraines and to manage stress. It is also great to use when one is having trouble falling to sleep.

5. Lavender Oil: Lavender essential oil is very popular and perhaps the most well known out of all of popular essential oils. It works well in helping to relieve acne, various allergies, athlete’s foot, headaches, insect bites, stress and scabies.

6. Mandarin Oil: Mandarin essential oils are appropriate to use when one is suffering from acne, oily or dull skin, stress and wrinkles.

7. Peppermint Oil: Peppermint essential oils help individuals who suffer from asthma, headaches, sinuses, vertigo and headaches.

8. Pine Oil: Pine essential oil is great when you need a pick me up. It helps to energize you.

9. Basil Oil: Basil essential oil helps you become or stay mentally alert. It is also very soothing and helps relieve feelings of nervousness.

10. Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus essential oil is really good for helping one breath clearly.

11. Clary Sage Oil: Clary sage is really good for lifting one’s mood.

12. Jasmine Oil: Jasmine is good to use when one is mildly depressed. It also helps to promote feelings of confidence.

13. Orange Oil: Orange is another essential oil that is great for lifting one’s mood.

14. Chamomile Oil: Chamomile essential oil works very well when one is looking to relax and feel calm.

All of the essential oils listed above are fantastic choices when one is looking to create an aromatherapy bath. There are many more essential oils that can be added, many which can help treat some type of ailment, body or mind. Below, I am going to provide an essential oil, aromatherapy recipe to make your next bath relaxing, soothing and therapeutic all at once.

Simple Bath Oil

- 2oz of some type of carrier oil. Sweet almond works well.
- 20 drops of essential oil. Try lavender.

Blend together and store in an amber glass bottle. Place a few drops in the bath before you hop in and get ready to enjoy. If you are bathing small children, be sure that the oils that you use, are safe for children. You will also need to reduce the amount of oils that you place in the bath.

 
Reference: George Key

Offering to give a relaxing massage to a friend or loved one can be one of the best gifts that you can provide for someone who has had a bad or stressful day or week.

Few people will turn down a massage, especially if you know how to properly give one. A good massage isn’t necessarily all about great technique, although that is important. You also need the right tools, be able to set the mood conducive to a relaxing massage.

It’s fairly easy to set the right mood. Ask the recipient of the massage if they have any musical requests. If they do not, find music that is soft and relaxing. Purchase some candles. Again, ask the person who is receiving the massage if they have a personal favourite. If they do not, pick something that you like which is soothing smells nice and promotes relaxation. If you have no idea, try a lavender candle.

After you have chosen the music and the candles, it’s time to purchase massage oil. Using massage oil allows you to give a massage that feels good. You won’t be roughly rubbing on the skin, but gliding over it. It will also prevent your hands from getting tired quickly. Jojobo and almond oils are good picks. You will also find great options at local, specialty shops or online.

Once you have all of your supplies, grab two of your biggest, fluffiest towels and place them in the dryer for a few minutes. This will get them nice and warm. Place one of the towels underneath the person that is getting the massage and the other one on top of them so that they are not overly exposed.

Now if you are unsure about massage techniques, you may want to invest a little money and purchase a good book or video on the subject. However, if you avoid massaging too hard or too soft, you should be fine. Make sure that you get feedback and ask your partner to tell you when it feels good. Focus on the arms, back, legs and buttocks (if appropriate). Use your fingers, thumbs and fists to lightly knead and place pressure on the various muscle groups.

Giving a relaxing massage to someone can be a great gift. With the day-to-day pressures that most people live with, being pampered and tended to with a massage can be extremely enjoyable. When giving a massage, be sure to set the mood with soft, soothing music, burn some candles and make sure the temperature is right. Turn down the lights and focus on gently and firmly massaging the major muscle groups with your hands, fists and thumbs.

You don’t always have to spend ridiculous amounts of money on pampering yourself. Being pampered at a spa by the experts can be a special treat. But it does have restrictions which can make it difficult and beyond your reach.

With that comes the question of “How do you set up spa luxury in your own home?” I hope that you enjoy our ideas and use them in your own home!

Indulging is always important for relaxation. We are always coming up with excuses as to why we shouldn’t pamper ourselves, many of them excuses are “oh I’m too busy” or “I just can’t afford it at the moment” so on.

There is no need for all these excuses. Most of the time when people say they’re too busy it’s because they don’t make time for it in the lives. Is it really that hard to find an hour to yourself every now and then? Maybe a friend or husband could look after the kids or dinner while you just relax and pamper yourself.

Even if you are behind on work or study, don’t you think you deserve a bit of time to yourself? To find some peace of mind.

And finally if luxury it isn’t important to you then do you find yourself important? If you can’t think of an answer then let me answer it for you ‘Yes you ARE!  No matter Daughter, a mother, a wife, a friend or just a person…you are significant. Think about it if everyone was at the peak of happiness think about how much better the world would be. Many of us have been brought to think that spoiling ourselves is a greedy thing to do. Many have this impression that only the rich get pampered. Or that it is strictly a once in a while thing. After all isn’t pampering just another word for healing?

Everybody has a certain degree of stress. A good way to find out your stress levels is to take notice of how tense our muscles are. Are you shoulders up around your ears right now? Seize what your doing right now and just relax you shoulders for a while. How far did they lower when you did that? That’s a perfect indicator for how stressed you are. The goal is to be as relaxed as possible, while being able to function at your best in this world. Remember, it’s not a selfish thing! People who are uptight may make you feel guilty. You are in control of your own good heath so don’t let them try and get you down. Just try and let stress rebound of you, less stress is the answer to great health. The greater the health the greater your happiness. There’s nothing wrong with that at all.

Your bathroom should provide everything you need for the day such as warm thick towels Scented candles are great if your skincare is not scented. Flowers are also good. It could just be a single rose or a lily as long as it makes you feel appreciative of the beauty around you. Magazines or book are a big must as they allow you to take your mind of things.

Let go and Relax…

To really enjoy the true meaning of pampering you must remember these words. Once it sinks in you will be able to relax anywhere at anytime. While you’re sitting in the tub, whilst applying your facial masque just say the words ‘Let go and relax’.

The meaning of these words is to let go of any stress or negative emotions and you will instantly feel relaxed. As you say the word relax take a big deep comfortable breathe, and as you say let go blow it out, all of it. It’s the exhalation part of the breathing that really releases all the built up stress. Let the feelings flood through your entire body from head to toe. If you feel it, it will work, believe it and it shall work. Your mind is where all the tension starts and your mind is where the tension can end, just relax.

Plants can really bring some life into your bathroom; peace lilies are a good example. On the side of your tube lace some scented candles such as vanilla or sandalwood. Make sure you really enjoy the fragrance as it will help you drift into serenity. Try to match your bath salts and soaps with the scent of your candles. 

Start off your treatments with relaxing thoughts…

One of the lessons about relaxation is that while you’re pampering yourself is that the sooner into the process you would let go and relax, the deeper into relaxation would be.

While you are pampering yourself you must learn to relax to reach the full benefits of your time-out. Again, the best way to do this is to fill your mind with a relaxing thought. The mind is like a vacuum. It always wants to be filled if you fail to fill it with relaxing thoughts it will start thinking ‘ What time is that meeting next week, is it 4:30 or 5:30’ ‘ what will I get Sarah for her birthday’ so on.. So you should try to fill your mind with happy relaxing thoughts. Think about your childhood, or the perfect holiday.

It’s great to choose your thoughts so they don’t choose you. And become aware of this early in your treatment so you have more time to focus on relaxing. As soon as you can consciously choose your thoughts you will be well on your way to deeper relaxation. Beautiful and positive thoughts will flow naturally into your mind.

It’s sometimes great to just step into somebody else’s home and get some inspiration.

Soothing sounds…

Sometimes the soothing sound of nothing is the most relaxing of all. Except sometimes that’s not possible and you need to block out the noises that are there at the moment. It’s sometimes good to have some soothing sounds to enhance your pampering experience. Nature sounds are enjoyed by most of us, because they bring the feeling of being in on a vacation or just being in a natural setting. These days you can find a large variety or alternative CD’s which vary from the soothing sounds of waves crashing to the sound of exotic birds somewhere in the Amazon.

Some examples of great nature music:

• Deep forest
• Plaisance & Doucet
• Golaná

Unless someone has directly recommend a CD to you, always listen to it first as you never know what you may get. Sometimes a CD with a really relaxing cover can turn out to be nothing like you expected. It’s an upsetting feeling when you are relaxing only to find that when it comes to the middle of the album it speeds up and completely wrecks your mood. There are so many great CDs that can add to your pampering experience it’s up to you to find the right one. A fountain is also nice as it makes a great soothing sound. Most people get the biggest pleasure out of fountains.

Your time…

Taking a nice long relaxing bath is really a good way to find some ‘Me’ time. Just lounging in a tub filled with a beautiful all-natural scent can be a heavenly experience on its own. But there a a number of different treatments you can give yourself. These days there is a large variety of natural treatments that could add to your pampering session. Treat yourself with the products that you usually wait for others to give you as gifts. Hydrosols, Bath salts, scrubs, facial masques and hair packs, these are the wonderful products that you can use to create your own special treatment.

So why do we treat ourselves to ‘Spa Luxury’ at home? It’s because it’s a way to bounce back from our stressful lives and completely revitalize. The beautifying and cleansing process achieved by our body is just as important as the beautifying and cleansing done to our psyches. So completely tuning out of the world is essential. Of course you could bring a friend or a partner to pamper with you. But just remember that this is a selfish pleasure that will turn back the hands of time if you achieve it! Light some candles, put on some soothing music, take the phone of the hook and just relax!!

If your partner is willing, massage can be a great pre-pampering starter, especially if they use sugar as an exfoliant for winter itchy backs (this dissolves in the warm water). Mask, cover hair with a deep penetrating hot oil treatment, play chilled out music, enjoy the ambience of candles, half way meditate with pleasant thoughts, start to drain tub and rinse off under shower, pat dry, mist with hydrosol, and apply moisturizing lotion. This is the long version and quite delightful.