Ayurvedic massage therapies have been used for centuries to detoxify the body and mind, restore and maintain ideal health, balance hormones, beautify the body, skin, and hair and promote overall wellness. These therapies are administered through medicated oil, herbs, milk and other natural products. To enhance the therapy or massage benefits and for gaining deeper outcomes, certain Ayurvedic massage tools are used in the process.
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With a modern lifestyle, mental and physical ailments including stress hormones are rising rapidly. Relying on chemical therapy is not the ideal way to go. Ayurveda is a boon for easing the discomfort of a contemporary life. It’s a natural science that enhances the quality of life and longevity.
Ayurveda is an ancient medicine and a holistic system of health care and healing. According to Ayurveda, the body is made up of the five basic elements or Panchamahabhutas. They are space, air, water, fire and earth. They are based upon three fundamental principles or doshas, known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Ayurveda identifies the health problem and balances the three doshas. That means an ailment-free body, mental stillness and stabile emotions. Ayurveda healing techniques comprise many unique massage therapies and treatments, performed in conjunction with an Ayurvedic lifestyle for gaining holistic mental and physical health.
There are many types of traditional Ayurveda massages. Here are a few.
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Here are five important traditional Ayurvedic massage tools used during the most prominent Ayurveda massage therapies.
1. The Kansa Wand
The Kansa Wand is one of several widely-used Ayurvedic massage tools, both for the face and the body. It is a dome-shaped tool with a handle. The dome is made up of sacred bronze or Kanda, considered the ‘healing metal’ in India. The handle is made of wood. While massaging the skin with this wand, the metal gets warmed up and is a great stress reliever. It makes the skin glow, increases body energy and enhances health.
With the help of the Kansa wand, one can apply more pressure for deeper relaxation and healing. Body and face wands are different in size, and used during oil therapies. In Ayurveda, this wand plays an important role in balancing the three doshas. The long and moderate pressure strokes also balance the skin pH level.
READ MORE: Facial Marma Massage: Herbal Oils And Kansa Wand Sequences, 29 Marma Points For Pain Relief
2. Massage Potli (Massage Poultice)
Another popular massage tool, massage potli is used primarily in south Asian countries. These potlis or poultices are used to relax, rejuvenate, and nourish the body or the affected areas. A great and natural painkiller, potli massages are highly refreshing. Traditionally, these are made of muslin cloth in which herbal and natural ingredients are filled, then tied with a jute string, and later heated for further use.
For wet massages, the potlis are dipped in warm medicated oil. For dry massages, they are dipped in an herbal powder or warm sand. They are good for blood circulation and purification, healthy skin and promote faster recovery.
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3. Marma Tool
Like the Kansa wand, a Marma tool works wonders for your skin. The tool is widely used in Marma therapy, where the treatment is given by providing light stimulation to the body points. Marma tools enhance the benefits of the therapy and make the skin youthful. They relieve stress, rejuvenate the body and mind, remove blockages and gives deep relaxation.
Great for facial skin, a Marma tool tones your face naturally. Traditionally made from a healing bronze material named Kanda, the acupuncture points of this tool soothe the nervous system, ease muscle tension, release pain, reduce fatigue, promote restful sleep and calm the mind.
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4. Agnikarma Shalaka
Many people face the problem of joint pain and joint disorders due to various lifestyle factors. In Ayurveda, a massage therapy called
Agnikarma has been used to relieve many joint and muscular issues and disorders.
Agnikarma or Thermal Cautery is a procedure where heat is transferred to the
affected body part using a metal rod called a
Shalaka.
Shalaka or Agnikarma Shalaka is heated to create meager-level burns under the supervision of experts in the area affected from the disorder. The burning is for a therapeutic purpose. After the procedure, a cooling agent like aloe vera pulp is applied. This is followed by Haridra powder paste application and later covered with cotton.
5. Massage Table and Mats
In Ayurvedic massage, the tables and mats are of great use. Made of wood, the tables are not like ordinary massage tables. They are specially designed for administering the Ayurvedic massages and treatments with precision. The table keeps the body straight, in a relaxed position while the elevated
edges collect oil. The Ayurveda massage mats are specifically designed to provide deeper comfort and relaxation.
Ayurveda has several remedies and therapies to heal and restore. So, uplift the benefits of this great art of healing and embark on a journey of a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
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Ankita
November 26, 2020
I was searching for some of these tools from a long time. I was not aware of their name but this post helped to know far more than their name. Thanks for sharing this post.