A Restorative Adventure: My Initially Experience Following an Ayurvedic Spa

First of all,

Entering the field of Ayurveda was like entering a heaven of comprehensive health. My first visit to an Ayurvedic spa was more than simply a relaxing experience; it was a life-changing event that deeply affected my body, mind, and spirit. I will describe the details of my experience with Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, and how it turned into a meaningful and enlightening part of my life.

lady is getting massage from masseue

The age-old Indian medical system known as Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to health that has weathered the test of time. This complex method, which has its roots in ancient wisdom, is intended to promote balance among the body, mind, and spirit. When we go deeper into the principles of Ayurveda, we find that its philosophy embraces much more than just physical health; it’s a holistic way of living that takes care of all the interrelated facets of life.

The concept of balance is central to Ayurveda. According to the theory, balance between the three doshas—Pitta, Kapha, and Vata—represents different combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and is necessary for optimal health. The predominant doshas in an individual establish their Prakriti, or distinctive constitution. 

Ayurvedic practice is based on individualization, which emphasizes tailored care as opposed to a one-size-fits-all methodology.

The doshas themselves are expressions of vitality or energy, and many facets of health are influenced by their dynamic interaction. Pitta, the fire and water sign, controls digestion and metabolism. Stability and structure are the domain of Kapha, which is associated with earth and water. Vata, the embodiment of air and ether, is in charge of the body’s movement and communication. According to Ayurveda, illness results from an imbalance in these doshas, and its therapies work to bring these doshas back into balance by combining dietary changes, herbal remedies, therapeutic techniques, and lifestyle adjustments.

essential oils, towel, pebbels, leaves are on table

Ayurvedic philosophy places a strong emphasis on home remedies since they enable people to actively participate in their health. For a variety of illnesses, straightforward cures that are frequently made from easily accessible natural components are advised. This focus on self-care is consistent with Ayurveda’s overarching objective of fostering personal accountability for one’s health.

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that takes into account not just the physical body but also the mind and spirit. Since overall health and mental well-being are closely related, Ayurveda emphasizes the value of mental-balancing activities like yoga and meditation

According to Ayurveda, the spirit is not a distinct being but rather a crucial component of the holistic system that enhances a person’s general health.

Now that we are focusing on your spa visit, it is clear that Ayurveda has an impact that goes beyond its theoretical underpinnings to real-world uses. Traditional healing methods are frequently included into Ayurvedic spa services, which provide therapeutic treatments in line with Ayurvedic principles. These could include customized nutrition plans based on your individual constitution, oil massages, and herbal steam rooms.

lady is getting oil massage

 

Restoring the dosha balance is just as important in the tranquil setting of an Ayurvedic spa as physical relaxation. The spa’s carefully chosen treatments aim to balance the energy in your body, encouraging a deeper level of well-being than meets the eye. It is a comprehensive renewal that recognises the body, mind, and spirit as being interconnected—an experience that is in line with the core principles of Ayurveda.

To sum up, Ayurveda is a shining example of holistic health, providing a timeless strategy that takes into account the complexities of human life. It offers a thorough framework for wellbeing by emphasizing individualized treatment, dosha equilibrium, and at-home cures. May you discover, as you set out on your Ayurvedic-guided spa tour, not just rest but also a deep restoration of equilibrium that penetrates every aspect of your existence.

 

My Visit to the Ayurvedic Spa 

An air of calmness enveloped me as soon as I stepped inside the Ayurvedic spa, preparing me for what seemed to be an unforgettable and revitalizing experience. I was immediately taken to a place that was all about healing and restoration by the décor, which was filled with earthy colors and calming scents.

 

Ayurvedic practitioner consultation:

An essential component of Ayurvedic treatments is the first consultation with a qualified professional. Using the principles of Ayurveda, the practitioner carefully listened to my health history, lifestyle, and concerns during our session to determine my primary dosha. This individualized approach set the stage for creating treatments that were specifically tailored to meet my demands.

 

Let us now explore different type of massages:

 

The Abhyanga, or Ayurvedic massage:

The Abhyanga, or Ayurvedic massage, was the mainstay of my spa experience. The warm, herb-infused oils utilized in this therapeutic full-body massage were selected according to my dosha. I experienced a deep sense of relaxation as the expert therapist used rhythmic strokes to release tension and encourage a profound sense of peace.

abhyanga massage

 

The oils that are utilized in abhyanga are essential for maintaining the dosha balance. For example, Vata types are generally advised to use sesame oil to ground and nourish, whilst Pitta types may prefer to use coconut or sunflower oil to calm and soothe.

 

A Calm Pouring Experience in Shirodhara:

My experience at the Ayurvedic spa was made even more memorable by the Shirodhara treatment. This age-old ritual entails a steady stream of warm oil that is gradually applied to the forehead, concentrating on the Ajna or third eye chakra. Deep relaxation is induced by this captivating method, which also calms the nervous system and enhances mental clarity

I experienced a great sense of relief as the oil cascaded in a rhythmic flow. Shirodhara’s aromatic oils, which are frequently combined with herbs like lavender or Brahmi, added still another level of sensory pleasure, boosting the treatment’s overall effects.

 

Swedish herbal steam bath

After the Shirodhara and massage, I moved on to the herbal steam bath, or Swedana. I was sitting in a wooden room with steam filled with fragrant plants that encouraged sweating and helped flush out pollutants. My skin felt refreshed and my senses were stimulated by the purification ritual that the heat and herbal essences performed.

 

Personalized Lifestyle and Dietary Advice:

Ayurveda lays a strong focus on how diet and lifestyle choices help to preserve equilibrium and ward off imbalances. Following my treatments, the Ayurvedic practitioner gave me specific advice based on my dosha, including lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and herbal supplements that I could include into my everyday routine. The goal of this all-encompassing advice was to maintain the spa experience’s advantages outside of the treatment area.

 

Thoughts on the Harmony of Mind and Body:

I felt incredibly good after leaving the Ayurvedic spa, and it went beyond just my physical health. Incorporating Ayurvedic concepts into my experience has resulted in physical relaxation and the development of a stronger mental-spiritual connection. I related deeply to the idea of holistic health, which took into account all facets of my existence.

potli massage

 

The Ayurvedic System’s Subtle Energies:

The foundation of Ayurveda is the idea that prana, or subtle forces, circulate throughout the body. My encounter with Ayurveda made me more conscious of these energies and how they affect my general well-being. These energies were balanced by the spa treatments, which created a harmonious flow that resulted in an increased sensation of vitality and clarity.

How to Apply Ayurveda in Daily Life:

My visit to an Ayurvedic spa had such a profound influence on me that I started looking into methods to apply Ayurvedic principles to my everyday life. It was through mindful eating and embracing daily self-care practices that I found Ayurveda to be a road map for long-term, sustainable wellbeing. Easy exercises like oil pulling, tongue scraping, and meditation became essential parts of my regimen and helped me feel resilient and balanced.

 

In summary:

My first visit to an Ayurvedic spa was more than just a spa day; it was a deep journey of self-awareness and overall wellbeing. My physical, mental, and spiritual well-being were profoundly affected by the spa’s flawless integration of the age-old Ayurvedic knowledge. The reverberations of that life-changing spa experience reverberate as I continue to live an Ayurvedic lifestyle, pointing me in the direction of lasting health and overall harmony.

 

Ayurvedic Spa For Men And Women

In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and pollution are an inevitable part of our lives, finding solace and rejuvenation is becoming increasingly essential. Ayurvedic spa, rooted in ancient wisdom, offers a holistic approach to wellness, catering to both men and women. This article explores the profound benefits of Ayurvedic spa therapies, delving into the distinct treatments tailored for men and women. Through this comprehensive guide, readers will gain insights into the principles of Ayurveda, various spa treatments, and how these therapies can restore balance and vitality in the lives of both genders.

 

Understanding Ayurveda: The Science Of Life

 

Ayurveda, often referred to as the “science of life,” is a traditional Indian system of medicine that dates back thousands of years. It revolves around the balance of the three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – within the body. These doshas represent distinct energies responsible for various physiological functions. Understanding one’s dosha constitution is fundamental in Ayurveda, as it helps tailor treatments to an individual’s unique needs.

masseue is giving massage to lady

 

What Is An Ayurvedic Spa?

 

An Ayurvedic spa is a wellness center that offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments and therapies aimed at promoting overall health and well-being. Rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, Ayurveda is a holistic healing system that focuses on achieving balance in the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurvedic spa adhere to the principles of Ayurveda, offering personalized treatments and therapies based on an individual’s unique constitution, known as dosha.

Ayurvedic spa provides a serene and nurturing environment where individuals can experience ancient healing practices tailored to their specific needs. These therapies not only offer relaxation and rejuvenation but also contribute to long-term health and vitality, making Ayurvedic spa popular destinations for those seeking holistic wellness.

 

Ayurvedic Spa Therapies For Men

 

Ayurvedic spa therapies for men are specifically designed to cater to their unique physical and mental needs. These therapies aim to balance the masculine energies within the body, addressing issues such as stress, fatigue, muscle tension, and overall vitality. Here are some key Ayurvedic spa therapies tailored for men:-

masseue is giving massage to men

 

  • Abhyanga: The Art of Ayurvedic Massage

Abhyanga is a popular Ayurvedic massage therapy that involves the use of warm herbal oils applied all over the body. The massage is performed by skilled therapists using specific techniques that vary based on the individual’s dosha constitution. For men, Abhyanga helps in relaxing muscles, improving blood circulation, and enhancing joint flexibility. Regular Abhyanga promotes better sleep, reduces stress, and revitalizes the body, making it an ideal therapy for men leading busy and stressful lives.

 

  • Panchakarma: The Detoxification Ritual

Panchakarma is a comprehensive detoxification process in Ayurveda that includes five therapeutic procedures: Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal administration), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting). These procedures are customized based on the individual’s dosha imbalance and help men in eliminating accumulated toxins from the body. Panchakarma therapies not only detoxify but also rejuvenate the body, improving digestion, boosting immunity, and increasing energy levels.

 

  • Shirodhara: Tranquilizing the Mind

Shirodhara is a deeply relaxing Ayurvedic therapy where a continuous stream of warm herbal oil is poured onto the forehead (the ‘third eye’ region) for a specific duration. This therapy helps calm the nervous system, reducing mental stress and anxiety and promoting mental clarity. For men facing high stress levels due to work or personal reasons, Shirodhara offers a profound sense of relaxation, balancing the mind and enhancing focus and concentration.

 

  • Nasya: Nasal Administration for Mental Clarity

Nasya is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves administering herbal oils or powders through the nasal passages. This therapy is particularly beneficial for men suffering from sinus congestion, allergies, or mental fog. Nasya helps clear the nasal passages, improving the flow of oxygen to the brain, which in turn enhances mental clarity, focus, and cognitive functions. It is especially useful for men engaged in mentally demanding professions.

ayurvedic leaves and ingredients

 

  • Kati Basti: Therapeutic Back Treatment

Kati Basti is a localized therapy focused on the lower back area. Warm herbal oil is poured into a well created using dough over the lower back. This treatment is excellent for men who experience lower back pain, muscle spasms, or stiffness. Kati Basti helps in relieving backaches, strengthening the muscles and improving flexibility in the lumbar region, allowing men to maintain an active lifestyle without discomfort.

 

  • Ayurvedic Yoga and Pranayama: Balancing the Energies

Ayurvedic spa often integrate yoga postures and pranayama (breathing exercises) tailored for men’s dosha types. Specific yoga poses and breathing techniques help balance the energies within the body, improve flexibility, and enhance overall vitality. Regular practice of Ayurvedic yoga and pranayama empowers men to manage stress, maintain physical fitness, and achieve mental and emotional equilibrium.

 

  • Sound Therapy and Meditation: Stress Reduction

Sound therapy, using soothing sounds and vibrations coupled with meditation, provides men with effective tools to manage stress and achieve deep relaxation. These practices calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote mental clarity. Sound therapy and meditation sessions in Ayurvedic spa are structured to suit men’s needs, offering them a peaceful sanctuary to unwind and rejuvenate.

Incorporating these Ayurvedic spa therapies into their routine can significantly benefit men, helping them manage stress, improve physical health, and attain mental peace, ultimately leading to a balanced and fulfilling life.

sound theraphy

 

Ayurvedic Spa Therapies For Women

 

Ayurvedic spa therapies for women are specifically designed to cater to their unique physical, emotional, and mental needs. These therapies are rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and aim to balance the feminine energies within the body, addressing issues such as hormonal imbalances, stress, skin health, and overall well-being. Here are some key Ayurvedic spa therapies tailored for women:

 

  • Udvartana: Revitalizing Body Scrub

Udvartana is an exfoliating Ayurvedic therapy that uses a mixture of herbal powders and oils to scrub the body. This treatment helps in improving blood circulation, reducing cellulite, toning the skin, and promoting overall skin health. For women, Udvartana is beneficial as it not only enhances the skin’s texture but also promotes detoxification, leaving them feeling rejuvenated and revitalized.

 

  • Yoni Pichu: Feminine Rejuvenation

Yoni Pichu is a specialized Ayurvedic therapy for women that involves placing a cotton pad soaked in herbal oils on the vaginal area. This therapy is particularly beneficial for addressing feminine health issues such as vaginal dryness, discomfort, and menstrual irregularities. Yoni Pichu helps in promoting vaginal health, reducing inflammation, and providing a sense of balance and well-being to women.

 

  • Panchakarma: Comprehensive Detoxification

Panchakarma, the ancient Ayurvedic detoxification process, is highly beneficial for women. The therapies involved in Panchakarma, such as Virechana (purgation) and Basti (enema), help in removing deep-seated toxins from the body. These treatments are especially helpful for women dealing with hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and reproductive issues. Panchakarma therapies promote hormonal balance, enhance fertility, and support overall reproductive health.

 

  • Soundarya Vardhini: Enhancing Beauty Naturally

Soundarya Vardhini is an Ayurvedic therapy focused on enhancing beauty using natural ingredients. This therapy includes herbal facials, skin treatments, and massages tailored for women. The use of specific Ayurvedic formulations helps in improving skin complexion, reducing blemishes, and promoting a youthful glow. Soundarya Vardhini therapies are designed to boost confidence and enhance the natural beauty of women.

 

  • Pada Abhyanga: Rejuvenating Foot Massage

Pada Abhyanga is a therapeutic foot massage using warm herbal oils. Women, who often spend long hours on their feet, find this treatment particularly soothing. Pada Abhyanga not only relaxes tired feet but also improves blood circulation, reduces swelling, and promotes better sleep. By focusing on the feet, this therapy indirectly influences the entire body, providing a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation to women.

Incorporating these Ayurvedic spa therapies into their lives can empower women to embrace their femininity, enhance their overall well-being, and achieve a sense of balance and vitality. These therapies are not just pampering sessions but holistic approaches to women’s health, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of their lives.

ayurvedic foot massage

 

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Spa For Men And Women

 

Ayurvedic spa offer a myriad of benefits for both men and women, addressing various physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being. Here are the key benefits of Ayurvedic spa therapies for both genders:

 

  • Physical Relaxation and Rejuvenation: Ayurvedic massages, such as Abhyanga, Udvartana, and Pada Abhyanga, relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and reduce physical tension. These therapies are particularly beneficial for individuals with stressful lifestyles, providing deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

 

  • Stress Relief: Ayurvedic spa therapies like Shirodhara, Sound Therapy, and Meditation help in reducing stress levels significantly. The calming effects of these therapies promote mental relaxation, alleviate anxiety, and enhance overall emotional well-being.

 

  • Detoxification: Panchakarma therapies offered in Ayurvedic spa facilitate detoxification at a deep level. These therapies eliminate toxins from the body, promoting better organ function, improved digestion, and increased energy levels. Detoxification is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing various chronic diseases.

 

  • Hormonal Balance: Ayurvedic treatments, especially those focusing on specific areas like Yoni Pichu for women, help in balancing hormones. Hormonal balance is crucial for women’s reproductive health, while for men, it supports vitality and overall energy levels.

hormones

  • Skin Health: Ayurvedic spa therapies like Udvartana and Soundarya Vardhini are excellent for skin health. They promote better blood circulation, cleanse the skin, and improve complexion. Herbal formulations used in these therapies nourish the skin and help in reducing blemishes and signs of aging.

Ayurvedic spa therapies offer a holistic approach to health and well-being, providing tailored solutions for men and women. By incorporating these therapies into their lives, individuals can experience profound benefits, leading to a healthier, happier, and more balanced life.

 

Conclusion

 

Ayurvedic spa offer men and women tailored solutions for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By embracing the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, individuals can rediscover balance, vitality, and harmony in their lives. Whether seeking relaxation, stress relief, or holistic healing, Ayurvedic spa therapies provide a transformative journey, reconnecting individuals with their inner selves.

 

 

Let us look how we enjoy the mesmerizing experience of ayurvedic organic spa:

 

The Ananda Spa is a peaceful online hub where you can discover relaxing Ayurvedic spa experiences in the beautiful Himalayas. The website’s calm design highlights its top-notch treatments and holistic getaways.

 

The Ayurvedic Healing Village website offers a glimpse into a soothing retreat, presenting authentic Ayurvedic healing experiences. Set against a serene backdrop, the site showcases various wellness treatments and traditional practices for a holistic approach to well-being.

ayurvedic spa

The Blue Nectar features a collection of Ayurvedic body massage oils, offering natural and aromatic products designed to enhance well-being and relaxation through traditional Ayurvedic principles. Explore the selection for a holistic approach to skincare and rejuvenation.

 

The Blue Nectar Products showcases a diverse range of Ayurvedic skincare and wellness solutions, emphasizing the fusion of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern beauty care. Explore the site for a curated collection that embodies the essence of Ayurveda for a holistic spa experience.

 

 

Benefits of Massage Therapy and Why Athletes Love It

Are you an athlete? Have you been struggling with intense muscle cramps and severe pain from injuries? If these are your concerns, we have just the right solution for you!

Massage therapy has come a long way over the years, from sceptics not believing its

And now massage therapy has made its way into the sports industry. Studies have found that regular massage therapy can help athletes reduce the impact of injury and further increase their recovery rate. For athletes, who are especially prone to injuries having a prevention measure is excellent for both their physiological and psychological well-being. This is why many athletic trainees gravitate more towards oil massage therapy and include it in their regime.

To get an in-depth understanding of what massage therapy really is and how it benefits your body, keep reading.

What is sports massage?

Sports massage is a form of massage that has its roots dating back to the Roman and Greek eras. Now, we see sports massage being adopted everywhere thanks to its wide range of benefits. Sports massage can help prevent the body from injuries and prepare the body for athletic training and intense workout. It has also proven to be beneficial in increasing the recovery rate from injuries. Thus, all-in-all, massage therapy is great for relieving muscle tension and should be adopted by every athlete worldwide.

Masseue is giving back massage to athelete

What is deep tissue massage?

In this massage technique, the musculoskeletal tissues are targeted which further helps with muscle strain and provide relief from sports injuries. Deep tissue massage is especially good for athletes since it is proven to provide instant relief from muscle strain caused by training and intense workout.

The unique massaging technique used in deep tissue massage is known to be excellent for releasing muscle tension and stress. Unlike regular massages, deep tissue massage incorporates the usage of slow and forceful strokes thus targeting the muscles and connective tissues in the body. Just a 30 minutes deep massage session can be extremely beneficial for you especially if you are athletic.

Deep tissue massage vs Sports massage

Now you might be wondering what is the major difference between deep tissue massage and sports massage. Well, the major difference is that deep tissue massage is designed for the whole body while sports massage is meant for specific areas that either need to be protected from an injury or are recovering from one.

Nevertheless, both massages are great for you depending on your needs and requirements. If you are looking for general relief from pain then you can opt for the deep tissue massage, however, if you want a more area-specific massage and want to get rid of the pain that has been built up over time, then sports massage will be your best bet.

Benefits of sports massage for athletes

There are tons of benefits of sports massage and few of which have been mentioned earlier. We will now look into the various benefits of sports massage and understand why it is so popular among athletes.

Reduces muscle pain

Muscle pain is one of the major concerns of every athlete. Due to intense training and regular workout regimens, muscle pain becomes extremely common among athletes. However, if not rectified on time, muscle pain can result in major discomfort and prevent you from performing well. Thus to maintain your body at its optimal level, treating muscle pain is extremely crucial.

Our specialists here at Blue Terra is well trained to provide instant relief from acute muscle pain and help you recover from those stubborn back aches and neck pains.

Masseuse is giving ankle massage to the athelete

Prevents muscle cramps

Muscle cramps are usually a result of lactic acid accumulation in the muscles that is secreted when our muscles are overworked or strained. Experiencing muscle cramps is pretty normal, however, it can result in extreme levels of pain and affect your everyday functioning.

Massage therapy is an effective way to get rid of the excess lactic acid accumulated in your muscles thus preventing muscle cramps and various other discomforts.

Improve sleep patterns

Experiencing acute pain and cramps can really affect your sleep cycle in a bad way and having a bad sleep cycle is extremely detrimental to your health. Thus, sports massage therapy can greatly reduce the impact of pain caused by muscle strain and injuries and allow you to get the good night’s sleep that you deserve.

Increases recovery rate from injuries

One of the major reasons why sports massages became so popular in the first place is their benefit in increasing the recovery rate of injuries. Now we are very well aware of the fact that athletes are extremely prone to injuries and sustaining an injury can not affect them physiologically but may even result in psychological distress, thus to prevent this, many athletes opt for sports massages so that they can recover faster from their injuries and get back to their best form as soon as possible.

Protects the body from sustaining major injuries

Earlier you saw how massage therapy can help you recover from your injuries at a faster rate, however, in addition to this, massage therapy can also help your body from being more prone to injuries. It has been found that pre-event workouts are especially beneficial to prevent one from sustaining major injuries during training or workout.

Remove toxins and build up stress from muscles

Another benefit of massage therapies is that it helps release toxins from your muscles and also provide instant relief from all the stress that has been building up in your muscles.

Here at Blue Terra, we use the best body massage oils that have been specifically designed for sports. Our wide range of body massage oils contains sesame and cinnamon oils, which are known to be active agents in releasing muscle tension, uncomfortable knots and pain. One such product that we swear by is the Devtvakadi pain relief oil by Blue Nectar which contains both of these active agents in high concentration, thus providing you with instant relief from acute muscle and joint pains.

Increase flexibility

Massage therapy is an excellent way to train your muscles. The massage technique used in sports massage is particularly good for not only providing relief from pain but also increase flexibility and enhancing muscle movement.

Maintains psychological well-being

Besides the many physical health benefits of sports massage, these massages also have several psychological benefits. Muscle and joint pain can be pretty annoying and agonizing, which will result in a bad mood and mindset, this is when sports massage therapy comes into play. With sports massage therapy you can instantly get relief from your pain. Furthermore, the calming properties in the body oils used here will help you release all your stress thus maintaining your overall psychological well-being.

Athlete is holding his knee due to pain

Precautions

While sports massages have their own sets of benefits, there are certain things you need to keep in mind before opting for massage therapy. Make sure that your therapist is a licenced massage therapist and is well aware of the procedure. Here, at Blue Terra, all our massage therapists are licensed therapists who have all the knowledge about massage and sports medicine.

For people with acute infectious disease, hernia, cancer, high blood pressure, varicose veins and other skin conditions, it is recommended to consult a physician before going ahead with sports massage.

It is also important to look into the type of injury sustained by the patient since certain types of injuries are not supposed to be handled with massage, such as fractures. Thus you must keep these mandatory precautions in mind before booking an appointment for any massage therapy.

Side effects

There are a lot of doubts and concerns regarding sports massages and massages in general and we are here to debunk them all. Massage therapy is an age-old practice and it has been a part of our culture for centuries. Massage therapies are extremely safe and if implemented properly, they can be a life-changing regimen for all.

The bottom line

Sports massage or deep tissue massage have their own sets of benefits and can be extremely good for all the athletes out there. However, these massages are not only restricted to athletes or sportspersons. Anybody who is suffering from muscle pain or cramps can opt for these massages as they have been designed to provide relief from pain.

Regardless of whichever massage you go for, make sure you keep in mind all the precautionary measures and make sure to go to a professional massage therapist who will cater to your needs.

Relaxing Self-Care Body Massage Ritual |Top 8 Body Massage Oils

The hustle culture has been around for a while and most people we know are running around, trying to do it all and get it all. Taking a break is normalized, but the internet makes sure we can’t chill even while taking a break. All this takes a toll on our physical health and pushes us towards a slow burnout. Little things like pursuing a hobby, taking a vacation, getting massages etc. can go a long way in helping us stay sane and relaxed. While other recreational activities may take more time than you can afford, body massages are a great way of relaxing your mind and giving yourself the self-care you need! As relaxing as these massages are, they also stimulate your nervous system and release the tension your body carries. Various body massage oils can elevate your experience and destress your mind.    

 

Benefits of A Body Massage

Body massages to an adult are the equivalent of children having ice cream. It is a great way to relax and prepare the body and the mind for work that is due next week. Sometimes, when you can not slip away for a weekend, a spa day can help you immensely. The atmosphere of the spa, the aroma of the body massage oils and the pressure applied by the masseuse act together to calm your nerves.

Relieves pain

Body massages are a great way of relieving pain that comes from improper posture and a hectic lifestyle. Slouching in chairs, standing for long hours, and prolonged screen time is likely to cause a headache, and pain in the neck, back and legs. Long hours at work may cause excessive body aches. A good body massage includes applying pressure on the body which helps comfort the pain. The pressure helps the blood flow better, and the warmth of the oils coupled with body heat relaxes the pain. Using a soothing body massage oil to massage the body on a weekend is all you need to recuperate from that pain and get back to the grind.

Relieves stress

Hectic days at work cause a lot of stress and spa commercials always portray people lying peacefully, with their eyes closed. The body massage oils they use are relaxing and a great way to destress. Corporate retreats often offer spa weekends to employees, as a way to unwind and relax, because the employees feel rejuvenated after massages and are able to focus on work more efficiently than before.

Relaxes nervous system

Body massages relax the body and release the tension caused by excessive working hours. The strained nerves and muscles relax when pressure is applied to them. Body massages are known to induce the production of endorphins, also known as happy hormones. An increase in endorphin levels makes people feel good. A relaxed nervous system ensures a decrease in corticosteroids (stress hormones) and helps you relax. A body massage oil containing ashwagandha is known to be great for the nervous system.

Detoxifies lymphatic system

Body massages are a great source of detoxifying the lymphatic system. Lymphatic vessels present in the body with lymph nodes are meant to filter out waste and dead cells. If the lymph flow is slacking, the vessels retain fluid which can be very uncomfortable, especially around the neck, back and groin. Body massages intend to help people with sore muscles by increasing the blood flow throughout the body which in turn helps drain the retained fluid and relax the body to a great extent.

Improves blood circulation

Body massages help relax the muscles and thereby aid in improving blood circulation in the body. The soft tissues of the body, when stimulated, release toxins through blood and lymph nodes. This is known to significantly lower fatigue and make a person feel like they have control over the pain that they experience. The improved blood circulation ensures that the bones and the organs function better.

Helps with insomnia

Body messages provide relief from pain and stress. Often, people tend to fall asleep while receiving a massage. The pressure applied to affected areas releases the knots of tension that are created due to the unhealthy lifestyle we lead and lowers stress. The body slips into a state of relaxation as the nervous system is awakened. People with lower stress levels and a relaxed mind are less likely to develop insomnia as compared to those with higher stress levels and tense minds.

Relaxes the body

Think of the body as a machine, for example, a car that moves around and does things. It needs fuel in the form of food and rests in the form of sleep. A car is serviced every once in a while, for better performance. Body massages, when accompanied by body massage oils, act as the servicing of the machine that our body is.

 

Top 8 Body Massage Oils

Body massages without a good body massage oil are like lemonade without sugar. These oils are often enriched with herbs/components that particularly help the body. Before you go search for the best body massage oil for yourself, we have here a carefully curated list of 8 exceptional body massage oils, so you can pick the one that matches your requirements.

Avocado Stress Relief Body Massage Oil by Biotique

An oil specially formulated for body massages, it is a blend of various oils and other natural ingredients like dandelion extracts, avocado, etc. It claims to relax muscles and relieve the body from tension and fatigue. It is also claimed that this body massage oil benefits you with good sleep when you apply it to the soles of your feet at night.

Chief ingredients

  • Almond Oil- It is a great moisturizer which gives a glow to the skin while lightening dark spots.
  • Camphor Oil- It is known to be a great muscle relaxant that has antiseptic properties. It is also known to have sedative properties that provide better sleep.
  • Neem Oil- Neem is a magical ayurvedic ingredient that has multifarious uses. It has antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties that maintain the overall health of the skin.

Pros

  • It is quite affordable
  • One bottle lasts fairly long
  • It has a mild fragrance

Cons

  • It can only be used for a massage. It is not suitable to be used as a moisturizer because of its sticky texture.
  • It contains only 0.2% avocado oil despite containing avocado in its name.

Aroma Magic Organic Almond Oil by Blossom Kochhar

A blessing for extremely dry and sensitive skin, this cold pressed oil is extremely moisturizing, yet non-comedogenic. Almond oil is known to fight signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It is a multipurpose product that may be used as a facial oil or hair oil on its own and a body massage oil after it is mixed with an essential oil/carrier oil of your choice. It claims to provide relief to itchy and irritated skin.

Pros

  • It is free of artificial colors
  • It is free of artificial fragrance
  • It is completely organic
  • It is not tested on animals

Cons

  • It will only act as a carrier oil if used as a body massage oil.
  • Almonds do not necessarily have muscle-relaxing properties
  • It can trigger an allergic reaction in people with nut allergies.

 

Balalakshadi Aromatic Sensuous Bath and Body Massage Oil by Blue Nectar

This body massage oil claims to soothe and relax the body. A blend of almond oil and sesame oil powered with ayurvedic ingredients like Bala and Ashwagandha etc., it gets easily absorbed into the skin. It may be applied before the bath and used as a body massage oil or after it, as a moisturizer.

Chief Ingredients

  • Jasmine- It has calming properties that are known to soothe the skin, with an excellent fragrance.
  • Ashwagandha- Ashwagandha has many uses in Ayurveda, one of which involves lowering stress in the mind as well as the body.
  • Almond Oil- It is one of the best oils for the skin. It lightens dark spots and adds glow and radiance to the skin.

Pros

  • It is an ayurvedic preparation
  • It is extremely affordable’
  • It is easily available

Cons

  • It has a slightly thick texture, which makes it a little difficult to wash off.
  • It comes in a standard bottle. No pump/dropper is provided.

Mother’s Body Massage Oil Balaswagandhadi by Forest Essentials

It is a completely ayurvedic body massage oil which tones and moisturizes the skin. It claims to make the skin appear firm and glow from within.

Chief Ingredients

  • Country Mallow- Also known as Bala in Ayurveda, this herb is known to calm the nervous system. It provides relief from muscle pain.
  • Winter Cherry- Also known as Ashwagandha in Ayurveda, this herb is known to lower stress levels by calming the brain and reducing swelling.
  • Liquorice root- Also known as Yashitmadhu in Ayurveda, it is claimed to be a great moisturizer and a natural sunscreen which protects us against the harmful rays of the sun.

 Pros

  • It is a completely ayurvedic formulation
  • It is free of chemicals and parabens
  • It has eco-friendly packaging.

Cons

  • It does not really help a lot with relaxing pain, despite the claims.
  • It is fairly expensive.

 

Body Massage Oil, Lemongrass and Lavender by St. Botanica.

A concoction made by mixing lemongrass and lavender essential oils with cold pressed oils, this body massage oil benefits you by relaxing sore muscles and giving you soft and glowing skin.

Chief Ingredients

  • Bran Oil – It helps in keeping the skin moisturized and nourished.
  • Sweet Almond Oil – It moisturizes and softens the skin and adds glow.
  • Grapeseed Oil – Enriched with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, it promotes the overall health of the skin.

Pros

  • It is a 100% natural product free of parabens and mineral oils
  • It is vegan
  • It is not tested on animals

Cons

  • It has an overpowering fragrance because of the essential oils
  • It is not suitable for oily skin
  • It may irritate your skin

 

Khadi Natural Jasmine Massage Oil

An oil blend of all-natural ingredients, this product claims to bring relief to stiff joints and sore muscles, and reduce tension and stress.

Chief Ingredients 

  • Olive Oil- It acts as an emollient and is deeply moisturizing to the skin.
  • Sesame Oil- It is rich in vitamins B and E. It helps in calming rashes and fading scars.
  • Sunflower Oil- It is rich in antioxidants and prevents premature aging.

Pros

  • It is very affordable
  • It has a mild fragrance

Cons

  • It is greasy and a little difficult to wash off.
  • The packaging is a little flimsy.

 

Body Oil, Fragrance-Free by Neutrogena

This light body oil acts as a great moisturizer and can act as a body massage oil when mixed with essential oils. It claims to lock in the moisture and give you soft and supple skin. However, it is a chemical product and does not have many natural/Ayurvedic ingredients

Pros

  • It is a very lightweight oil that gets easily absorbed into the skin.
  • It does not irritate the skin.

Cons

  • It contains synthetic ingredients
  • It is fairly expensive
  • It is not easily available.

 

Spa of The World French Lavender Massage Oil by The Body Shop

A body massage oil infused with Lavender essential oil, this oil claims to relax the body and the mind and calms the senses.

Chief Ingredients

  • Sweet Almond Oil- It moisturizes the skin and adds a glow.
  • Sesame Oil- It acts as an emollient and softens the skin
  • Jojoba Oil- It treats various skin conditions like acne, eczema, etc

Pros

  • It is a vegetarian formulation
  • It is cruelty-free.
  • It has no synthetic ingredients

Cons

  • It is not meant for oily skin
  • It is fairly expensive.

 

Body massage oils are a great addition to a regular body massage. While an ordinary body massage will also destress your mind and your body, a massage with a body massage oil will elevate that experience because these oils are rich in ingredients that target specific issues. Try it whenever you can and get ready for an ultimate relaxing session that rejuvenates your body and gets you ready for the hustle, yet again!  

How I recovered from Knee Sports Injury without listening to doctors!

Dont let Lifestyle Problem come in way of your Passion

Passion in life
Sports as Passion

 

It is a big problem if you dont have a passion in life. But its a bigger problem if you have a passion but are not able to pursue it. I am a 40 year old running my own start up and a passionate sports enthusiast. Besides being an arm chair sports analyst, I have been actively playing some or the other sport throughout my life. While early years were dedicated to cricket or Soccer with boys 5-7 years senior to me, senior school years were more about Volleyball & Soccer. Hockey got added in college in my sports portfolio and I graduated from my college with outstanding contribution to Hockey 🙂

Team work came in Corporate life and team sports went out in personal life!

Soon realised that team sports are no more possibility with a hectic professional life, I shifted my interest to individual sports and indulged in Tennis which I have been pursuing for last 15 years. Sweaty body, bruised muscles & fatigued legs in tennis court taught me meaning of passion. Soon I started eating, drinking and sleeping tennis. Evening dinners were planned keeping in mind Tennis game next day. Travel to outstation were planned according to my tennis partner schedule. I figured out the best tennis facebook page and tennis you tube channels. Roger Federer replaced the existing gods.

All this was fine when I was in my 20s or 30s.  Those were heady days – drink eat, sleep, play, repeat. So partying till wee hours in morning was followed by tennis game in early hour interspersed with few hours of sleep. Hunt was on to find the next tennis tournament, ensure that we get court booking and which ball bounce and speed produces max number of rallies!

While this continued for good 10-12 years, but age caught up not only in calendar but also with my body. I for the first time understood the real meaning of Back Pain when I was 36 years old. And for last 2 years, I have been battling with various episodes of different intensity, duration of Back Pain, Knee Pain etc. One of the most frustrating moment of injury was where I injured myself in first point of first round match of tournament. Unsurprisingly, I lost 6-1 in the first round in the tournament where I was expected to proceed much more.

Pain Back due to tennis

Graceful ageing

This cycle of tennis play, injury, rest/recovery went for almost 12-18 months. Initially injury & rest period used to be 1-2 weeks in quarter of year but slowly injury and rest period started occupying majority of quarter. From my personal and first hand understanding of how body changes with age, I realised few things. Firstly, we need to accept natural aging process and respect it. We no longer could do all the body calisthenics that we could do in our teens or in our 20s. Secondly, our mind and body needs continuous nurturing. This nurturing could be in form of counselling when we are in 20s, in our 30s/40s it may be in form of healthy lifestyle, proper rest, diet etc. Thirdly, it is difficult but not impossible to recover from serious sports injuries and resume physically active lifestyle.

I experienced these points first hand when I started facing Knee Pain after my tennis game. Possibly one of the best tennis match where i won the 1st set 6-0 but when to loose the 2nd set 7-6 in tie break (tie break score 10-8)! On the day of the match, I didnt feel anything but minor niggle and pains in body which I would ascribe as ‘Sweet Pain’. Next day morning was impossible where I felt almost an iron rod wedged inside my knee down to calf. I could bend my knee with tremendous discomfort and pain. And once I could bend my knee, I couldnt straighten it!

Image result for knee pain

Dont let Back or Joint pain come in pursuit of passion

Initial reaction was to simply dismiss this injury as one more digression from tennis. My normal first hand treatment course – Break from tennis, Volini, muscle relaxant, physiotherapy sessions etc was not helpful. This pain didn’t subside even after couple of months and this is when I got MRI done on advise of orthopedics. What came out was a Medial Meniscus tear and hence started process of rehabilitation post Median Meniscus tear. While doctors suggested Cortico Steroid or PRP injections, I opted out of it and decided to initiate structured rehabilitation process

  1. Good improvement in diet: This was possibly something I was ignoring and possibly the root cause of multiple and frequent injuries. Not realizing that muscles start wearing off after 35 years of age and requires more nutrition, I continued my existing diet despite my ageing body and increased playing frequency. I realized that my 65% of daily calories were coming from carbohydrates and protein intake was much lesser. I tried to balance diet by reducing carbohydrates and improving protein percentage in form of protein shakes, more cottage cheese, more eggs/day etc.
Protein to build muscles
High protein diet
  1. Personal physical trainer: New injuries bring new perspective to life and hence need to experiment with new things in life. As a part of rehabilitation process, I stepped into gym possibly for the first time in my life. As it was the first time in gym for me, I started using Personal trainer who could advise on what to do and what to avoid. Within 30 days I moved from 2-3 Squats per session to 40 Squats with weights per session. I started doing leg curls with almost 30-35 kg of weight. While main purpose of joining Gym was to strengthen lower body, but started working on upper body as well and could soon see more muscular shoulder and biceps. And more importantly that “sweet pain” begin to happen after gym workouts:)
  2. Regular Body massage: Muscles are like small kids. You could provide them right nutrition (diet improvement), push them around (gym), but unless you connect with them and nurture them, they wouldn’t turn out to be the person you desire. Body massage helped me provide rest and relax muscles which was much needed after tiring work out or stressful days. Even when I was not able to for regular massage in Spa, I would simply apply oil post bath for 5-7 min on important joints/muscles. This is what Ayurvedic principles prescribe to apply oil on joints on a regular basis for few minutes. Surprisingly, this not only take care of dry skin but also helped in stronger joints, relaxed muscles etc.

 

body massage for back pain
Back pain Relief from Massage

While I am dying to hit back the tennis court soon, I have been strongly advised to give it enough time to avoid recurring injuries. And here I am penning this blog to do mental recap of my journey over last 3-4 months. While I am not sure, how soon I will be back to tennis but can definitely feel that this is the right way of treating any muscular or joint related injury. While medicine, balms could help to overcome the immediate injury, but if there is a trend of recurring injury, then we need to read warning signs that our body is giving us before it become more serious than a localized injury.

Living with Chronic Pain – What is Sciatica Pain

The term sciatica medically describes the indication of leg pain with the symptoms of numbness, tingling, and weakness. In general, it initiates in the lower back and passes through the buttock down to the sciatic nerve in the back portion of each leg. Some of the general back pain problems such as spinal stenosis, lumbar herniated disc, spondylolisthesis can cause sciatica symptoms. Basically, Sciatica Pain is a general pain distressing the sciatica nerve that extends to each leg from the lower back portion.

Common causes of sciatica:

  • Lumbar herniated disc or bulging disc
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Trauma
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal tumors
  • Piriformis syndrome

 

Sciatica Symptoms

Common symptoms of sciatica:

  • Continuous pain in one side of your leg or buttock.
  • Experiencing worse pain while sitting.
  • Numbness, weakness or feeling difficulties while moving the toe, foot or leg.
  • Feeling acute pain when trying to stand up from sitting or walk.
  • When pain spread out down the leg but rarely it occurs only on the toes.

Though the symptoms are quite painful and acute sciatica can hamper your daily work schedule, it is very rare that permanent sciatica nerve damage happens. Also, it can hardly damage the spinal cord.

Treat sciatica pain Ayurvedically:

If you want to get relief from the disturbing pain, you have to undergo certain therapy such as the Ayurvedic Treatment for Sciatica Pain. Now, you must be wondering is Ayurvedic treatment is that much effective for sciatica? Basically, lots of people don’t like to take high-power medicines that cause side-effects after a certain period. So, Ayurvedic herbal treatment is the new practice now among the sciatica patients. The main plus point of Ayurvedic treatment is that it is totally natural and no chance of developing any harmful side-effect after using for a long time.

Ayurvedic Treatment

Sciatica is referred to as “Grdhrasi” in Ayurveda and “vulture’ is the meaning of it. The name refers to the limping pace of someone due to a piercing pain of sciatica. Ayurveda says pain is due to “vata”. “Vata” means “that which spreads”. Generally, sciatica is an example of vata disorder. In Ayurveda, you will get a wide range of natural therapies and remedies for sciatica.

Here, we are discussing 4 types of most popular Ayurvedic treatments.

  • Kati Basti

It is a treatment for the lower back to relax the muscles here and to reduce stiffness. In Ayurveda, “kati” means lower back whereas “basti” refers to “hold”. Flour dough is used to structure a well on the lower back portion of the patient. Then it is filled with lukewarm oil. It is necessary to maintain the warmness of the oil. It should be replaced when it becomes cool. Hot oil is used here to increase the blood circulation in the particular area. Thus it relaxes the muscle by reducing its tension, reduces stiffness, improves movement and relieves pain.

  • Massage and Steam Therapy:

A traditional full body massage in an Ayurvedic style truly helps to relieve muscle pain. The massage is performed by professional persons who use medicated herbal oil for massaging. This herbal oil quickly gets absorbed through your skin and provides required nourishment to the muscles. Ayurvedic massage or “Abhyanga” is normally followed by a steam therapy. Depending on the severance of the pain, the steam may be localized or you may have to take for your entire body. Massage for Sciatica Pain is sometimes really effective in order to get relief from the acute pain.

Sciatica Pain

  • Therapeutic Enema:

It is the procedure to insert herbal oil or a specific herbal preparation (decoction) inside the colon. It is done to remove excess vata from the pelvic area. Both the colon and rectum have high lymph and blood circulation which leads to the maximum absorption. Researchers have confirmed that the enemas delivery is far more effective than the other general procedures. The herbal substances passed into the bloodstream more efficiently.

  • Herbal Supplements:

Some specific herbal supplements are frequently used to reduce vata in your lower back area. It is advisable that always consult an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner before consuming herbal supplements. Otherwise, you may have to suffer from another type of difficulties due to the wrongly chosen herbs.

Castor oil: It has a soft purgative effect that is effective to reduce vata.

Dashamula: it is a popular traditional herb with a great combination of 10 roots.

Ashwagandha: it is used to reduce pain. It also can rejuvenate the affected area and provides proper nourishment.

Guggulu: it is a gum-like resin originated from a small tree. It includes anti-inflammatory property and strongly reduces pain. In general, it is used for joint pain.

Sciatica and other chronic lower back pain can be efficiently treated Ayurvedically. If you can depend on Ayurveda treatments, you don’t have to take those painkillers. Also, you don’t need to undergo any type of spinal injections and surgeries. Ayurveda also leads people regarding the healthy diet plan and lifestyle changes. Thus you can avoid lower back pain from occurring. Ayurvedic Treatment for Back Pain will help you to bring back the desired body balance.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Back Pain

Some of the lower back pain symptoms do not imply a sciatica pain. Lower back pain also may happen due to muscles tension, sudden ache, skeleton irregularity etc. if you can treat sciatica by following Ayurvedic therapies; it is also possible that you can treat other lower back pain symptoms with the help of Ayurveda. For an instance, body massage is equally effective for both of these back pains.

Why is massage so effective? A perfect pressure point massage can heal your pain and make your muscles relaxed. This is most effective for those patients who are suffering from lower back pain caused by muscle strain and tension. If the therapist targets the correct muscle, you will get an instant result. Different types of massages are available in Ayurveda for lower back pain. Massage for Back Pain includes traditional Ayurvedic full body massage, partial massage, potli massage, acupressure and many more. Depending on your pain type, you should choose the correct one. Perfect massage will increase the blood circulation in the affected area and thus it reduces pain slowly. But you have to wait for long to get full recovery.

Bad Habits That Cause Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most chronic and common discomforts experienced by most of the people worldwide. A huge number of people have suffered from back pain at least once in a lifetime. Although back pain is not a serious health issue, it is uncomfortable and painful. It reduces your energy and increases the frequency of visiting doctor. Though we often experience a back pain, we cannot specify the actual reason for its occurrence. It may cause due to a bad sitting posture, it may associate with the muscles, bones or ligaments and a defective lumbar spine also can cause severe back pain. Back Pain Posture is one of the most common reasons nowadays because people work for long sitting in front of a desktop or a laptop.

Causes of Back Pain

Common causes of back pain:

  • Muscle or ligament strain: heavy lifting or abrupt awkward movement can strain your spine or back muscle. In a certain physical condition, a continuous strain on the back can be a reason of painful muscle spasms.

  • Bulging or ruptured disk: disks are the cushions placed between the vertebrae in the spine. The flexible material placed inside a disk may rupture, bulge or press a certain nerve. Disk diseases or slip disk is a serious cause of back pain and that too a chronic pain.

  • Arthritis and osteoporosis: osteoarthritis can affect your lower back bones and spine. It causes narrowing the space between the bones and spinal cord and that causes severe chronic back pain. Sometimes due to porous or fragile bones, vertebrae can develop density fracture.

  • Traveling: sitting for long in the flights or trains and walking for long carrying an overloaded backpack can cause Back Pain due to traveling.

  • Daily activities: We don’t maintain the right posture of sitting during our work. Also, we don’t follow the correct rule in order to plan our sitting arrangements. A straight back hard surfaced chair is always preferable to avoid back pain causes due to the wrong sitting posture.

Back Pain

Remedies for back pain:

You must be wondering how to get rid of a chronic back pain? Is it ever possible to achieve a complete recovery from the back pain? Choosing the right treatment for Back Pain is quite difficult. Now, we will discuss all of the fruitful remedies of back pain. You can overcome most of the back pain symptoms by following proper home remedies. But in some serious cases, you may have to consult with your doctor or may have to consider surgeries. Depending on the severance you have to decide the type of treatment.

Medications: Some popular pain reliever may get you relief from back pain. But you should take them according to your doctor’s instruction. Otherwise, harmful side effects may happen.

Exercise and Physical Therapy: exercise is the best remedy to treat back pain. Regular exercise can strengthen your abdominal and back muscles, increases flexibility and improves posture. Physical therapy is another keystone of back pain treatment. A therapist will apply various treatments including ultrasound, heat, electric stimulator and other muscle relaxing techniques.

Excercise and Physical Therapy

Acupuncture: this is the procedure to insert sterilized needle inside your skin at some specific points. Appropriate acupuncture can relieve you from the lower back pain.

Yoga: Specific types of yoga including breathing exercises, practicing certain poses and postures, some popular muscle and mind relaxation techniques can help you to get rid of the chronic back pain. Yoga is a therapy where we learn to strengthen and stretch our muscles. Specifically, yoga is the best way to reduce the intensity of pain that causes due to the back Pain Stretches.

 Is massage effective in order to reduce back pain?

Massage therapy is often really effective in order to reduce back pain. But you have to ensure that it causes due to the muscle tenacity or over-exhausted muscles.

A regular basis massage therapy might help you to improve the health condition. Basically, massage for Back Pain is one of the most popular therapies that help lots of people with varieties of spinal conditions such as:

  • Muscle tension
  • Ache
  • Inflammation
  • Stiffness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Pain

Using certain specialized tools or simply by using the hands, massage therapists rub, stroke and knead your back and thus it helps to increase the blood circulation throughout your body. It helps the affected muscles to gain more oxygen and nutrients and then eliminates toxins. Finally, you get relieved from back pain.

How does potli massage reduce back pain?

Potli massage is a famous therapy from Ayurveda for back pain relief. Wondering how this potli massage therapy works for your body actually? Potli massage for Back Pain works best for back pain occurred due to the diseases such as spondylitis or osteoarthritis.

It is done using some specific heated herbals in a pouch or potli. Then it is dipped into the warm herbal and medicated oil. It rejuvenates, nourishes and relaxes the affected area by massaging the potli on your entire back. You will experience a therapeutic effect while placing the potli on your back. It heals your pain and relaxes the muscles. You will feel refreshed after taking a potli massage.

How To Get Rid of Chronic Back Pain

Anybody who has experienced lower back pain knows how disabling it is. The issue prevents the affected individual from working productively at work and do many physical activities. There is no magic cure for chronic back pain. However, over time many treatments can reduce or even eliminate the problem. We look at the various treatments for chronic back pain.

• Lose Weight Gradually

An obese person has higher chances of getting chronic back pain. Obesity results in more pressure on the spine causing or aggravating chronic back pain. But be warned. Strenuous physical activities aimed at losing weight put additional pressure on the spine. That will definitely make the condition worse. Do light exercises gradually increasing in intensity. The key is to be gentle on the spine while losing weight. The lesser your weight the less the burden on your spine.

• Yoga

Yoga is an ancient Indian science. But it must be practiced under the guidance of a qualified and experienced instructor. There are many yogic exercises that are gentle on the spine as well as strengthen the spine gradually. The key is to be patient and persevere.

• Physiotherapy

This is another excellent treatment option. Based on factors such as your age, weight and condition of the spine the physiotherapist will suggest exercises that strengthen the lower back and help eliminate/reduce pain.

• Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine. It has been around for thousands of years. A trained Ayurvedic practitioner can recommend Ayurvedic medicine and/or oils to massage your back. Unlike Allopathy, Ayurvedic massage treatment has much lesser side effects.

• Indulge in Activities that make you Happy

Everyone has their favourite activity and/or hobby. The latter may vary from person to person. But it takes your mind off the back pain and ramps up your level of pain tolerability. So, whenever you find the pain unbearable do your favourite activity.

• Aromatherapy

The smell of essential oils extracted from flowers can help. It makes you feel better and forget life’s troubles. So, whenever you feel like popping in a pain killer sniff essential oils instead. It reduces stress and makes pain more bearable. Usually Aromatherapy doesn’t have major side effects. Check with your doctor before trying out this alternative medicine.

Aromatherapy

• Have Adequate Sleep

If you get quality sleep you are energetic during your waking hours. It also lets your back get ample rest which aids the healing process. You need to give your back enough rest to cure the pain. A good idea is to put a soft pillow behind your back while working for the sake of physical support.

• Massages

Certain oils have healing powers such as Ayurvedic oils and others. Massaging your back by a trained masseuse boosts blood circulation and accelerates the healing process. Massages are a popularly practiced and powerful technique to drive pain away from the affected areas.

 

Ayurvedic Massage Oil

• Correct Posture

Incorrect posture is a leading cause of lower back pain. If your job is sedentary make sure your chair supports correct posture, is comfortable to sit in and provides adequate support to your back. The bed you sleep in should not be uncomfortable and should offer good support to your lower back.

• Regularly Exercise

Physical activities release endorphins in your body. Endorphins aid in stopping the pain signals manifesting in the brain. Also, the former brings down depression, stress as well as anxiety which are mental health conditions linked to chronic back pain and also aggravate the pain.

• Apply Cold Packs or Hot Packs

The usage of cold packs brings down inflammation a leading symptom present in any kind of back pain. Cold packs play the role of a local anaesthetic. Heat packs ramp up blood flow to the affected region supplying much needed nutrients. The former also blocks the pain messages dispatched to the brain. You can use the packs individually or as a combination for best results.

• Good Diet

Calcium deficiency or protein deficiency may also contribute to lower back pain. Eat a well-balanced diet containing adequate fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins as well as minerals. If you suspect your diet isn’t adequate try consuming supplements prescribed by a qualified physician.

• Stretch your Hamstrings on a Daily Basis

Tight hamstrings are one of the causes of lower back pain. To treat the former condition regularly do hamstring stretching exercises. Make sure you do the latter very carefully and gently.

• Leverage Psychology as a Tool

If you are obsessed with your pain, your condition may become worse. Refrain from brooding over the same. Go out of the house, socialize or take a walk. In short do activities that distract you from the pain. Keeping busy will leave you with practically no time to obsess over your lower back pain. Visual imaging is a tool that may be effective for you. You can imagine in your mind that your pain is becoming lesser and lesser and ultimately disappearing.

• Meditation

Relaxation of the mind and body is effective against many kinds of chronic pain. Try out relaxation techniques such as meditation at home or in an outdoor setting to battle lower back pain.

• Join a Support Group

Remember that you are not the only person suffering. Many other people do with varying levels of success. A support group gives the opportunity to open up about your problems. You can benefit from the tips and invaluable experience of fellow sufferers.

• Stay Positive

A positive attitude will boost your will power and ensure you stay on the course of treatment. Seek out people and places emanating positive vibes.

• Consult a Medical Professional

If all treatment options fail, seek the opinion of a qualified medical processional. He/she will recommend medicines to alleviate the symptoms and treat the underlying cause. Sometimes surgery will be advised to cure the problem. Make sure you go to a reputed physician. Speak to his/her previous patients to get a better picture about the physician’s expertise.

Massage Therapy

Other nonsurgical treatments include laser therapy, Acupuncture, electrical nerve simulation, biofeedback therapy and more.

Got Stiff Back or Back Pain? A Body Massage Could Help Relieve Back Pain or Stiffness

Stiff Back
Wrong posture and back pain (Pic Credit: Avazo.com)

“Ouch, my back is stiff and it hurts,” groaned Vikram, as he sat on the chair and bent over to lace his shoes. Is this how you feel each morning? If yes, its time you take a look into your life style and make minor changes such as including a body massage in your monthly health routine.

One of the most common condition experienced by young as well as middle-aged Indians is the back pain. Generally, backpain starts in the lower back and later the pain spreads over the buttocks and from down the back of the thighs. If left untreated or ignored for a long time it can worsen leading to a severe pain that can even wake you up from sleep.

A reputed Back and Spine Clinic in India presented its Insights Report on The World Spine Day 2017.The report was based on the study of the samples of 20,000 patients across the four metro cities of India. As per the report, 20 percent of the young Indians falling in the age group of 16 and 34 are undergoing treatment for back pain. This is a growing medical concern among both young men and women.

 

Pack Pain relief
Back massage relieves back pain

 

Good eating habits along with regular exercises and following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the stiff back to an extent. Another way to relieve your back pain is to have regular therapeutic massage either in a wellness center or at home using ayurvedic oil (link to the blue nectar oil). Its always good to be aware of the causes of stiff back or back pain.

 

Causes of Stiff Back/Back Pain

A stiff back prevents you from doing even a simplest of tasks. Being aware of the causes of the pain may help you find the right course of the treatment. Making small changes in your current life style can have a bigger impact on your health.  Let’s have a look at five major causes of back pain or stiff back

  1. Bad sitting posture 
Wrong posture leads to back pain
Wrong Posture

Bad sitting posture puts a strain on the lower back muscles, and in the long run it may even change the anatomical structures of the spine resulting severe damages to the joints, nerves or discs.

Some of the sitting posture that should be corrected include

  • Leaning towards the computer without utilizing the support of the chair.
  • Sitting on the edge of the chair.
  • Staring up or down on the screen of the computer or other hand-held gadgets.

Also avoid sitting continuously for prolonged hours.

  1. Slipped disc or Herniated disc

Here the back pain is as the result of the wear and tear in one of the discs of the spine. A sharp pain is felt while getting up after sitting down for a long period of time or even following a sneeze or laugh. The stiffness of the back and the pain aggravates while moving around. Hunching forward may intensify the pain.

  1. Obesity or overweight leads to low backpain 
Obesity Managemnt
Obesity

Many people are not aware that over-weight or obesity contributes to back pain. The weight around the abdomen increases the stress and strain on the back. When a person has excess body fat he is called as obese. The reasons for obesity could be numerous ranging from low metabolism to excess consumption of fat and greasy food habits. Regular exercise, controlled diet and therapeutic massages using anti-cellulite oil (https://www.bluenectar.co.in/ayurvedic-herbal-back-pain-and-joint-strengthening-oil.html) will help reduce your weight. This in turn would reduce the nagging pain in the lower back.

  1. Tight Hamstrings

Hamstrings are large, strong and powerful muscles that run through the back of the thighs. Lack of any physical activity or if there is no stretching exercise before or after a strenuous workout can result in tight hamstrings. This will hamper the motion in the pelvis area leading to stress on the lower back. This can be reduced through targeted hamstring stretching and proper massages.

  1. Osteoarthritis of the spine

When the cartilage between the facet joints in the lower back is stretched or broken it can lead to stiff back. As the person ages, there is a friction between two joints leading to severe pain. This is usually seen in senior citizens.

Popular Treatments for Back Pain

Total bed rest – This is one of the traditional treatment where the several days of complete bed rest would be recommended along with light physical activity to relieve discomfort.

  • Ice pack application – This help to loosen as well as relax the muscles in the lower back. It also aids relieving the tension.
  • Stretches and exercises – Back stretches including a few yoga postures help relieve lower back pain and stiffness.
  • Oral Medication – A medical practitioner would prescribe muscular relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs. These medicines give temporary relief. When the effect wears off the pain comes back.
  • Why Opt for Therapeutic Massages to Relieve Back Pain

Massage is an alternate therapy that relieve many spinal conditions including stiff back, back pain, muscular tension, aches and inflammation.  Some of the benefits of back massage include the following:

  • Massage promotes muscle relaxation – Regular massage reduce muscle spasms that occur when the rib joints lose mobility. The therapy will aid in releasing tension in tissues and thereby increase the mobility of pelvic area.
  •  Improves blood circulation – The soreness of the lower back muscles will be reduced when massaged. The reason is it increases the blood flow in that region.
  •  Massage increases the level of endorphins – When you undergo back massage therapy to manage chronic pain, the body produces the feel-good chemicals called endorphins. This is considered to be one of the biggest benefits of therapeutic back and body massage.

Though once considered to be an alternative approach for back pain management, today it’s a popular therapy much sought after. Choose a reputed wellness center  that provide pain management and customized as well as proven massage therapies such as Ayurvedic therapies, spot therapies, Instant relief therapy and so on.

Why are my joints so stiff? What can I do?

What is a JOINT?

A joint is a junction in our body, where 2 bones join together. Joints allow movement in human body. Without these joints we wouldn’t be able to sit, stand, nod, bent and so on. If these joints become stiff, we have great difficulty in our movement.

Stiff joint has become a very common problem for everyone, nowadays. Sometimes you may feel stiffness in your joint due to some disease that your body may be undergoing. You may also feel joint stiffness after staying in a position for a long time. There are a number of reasons behind joint stiffness.

Joint stiffness can also lead to pains in different body parts like back pain, knee pain, pain near your knees etc. There are many treatments and remedies that will help you to get rid of such health related issues. However, you should evaluate each of the available remedies and ensure that you chose the best one for you. This article has been written to provide you with some details about the reasons and cures for joint stiffness and other issues related with this.

Joint Pain
Stiffness in Joints

Before anything and everything, lets first figure out the causes of Joint Pain. Let’s understand why the joints become stiff and then work around the method to cure or how to get relief from joint pain and stiffness.

Why does joint stiffness occur?

Joint stiffness may occur due to some diseases or may be because of your sitting or sleeping habit. If you sit for a long time you may feel that your joints are stiff when you get up. You may also feel that your joints are stiff when you wake up. This may happen because you stay in a same position for a long time. Due to this the body fluid gets away from your joints even the blood flow gets reduced. Because of fewer amount of body fluids near the joints you feel the stiffness. This stiffness does not stay for long time. After few minutes you will get relief from such stiffness.

Your over weight may also give you joint pain and stiffness. This stiffness occurs due the continuous press of your weight on the joints. To cure such pain you should focus on your weight loss.

But there are also some diseases that cause joint stiffness. Following are some of the diseases that may cause Joint Stiffness-

  • Rheumatoid arthritis– this is a chronic inflammatory disease. This is an autoimmune disease, which means your body parts are attacked by your immune system. This may lead to deformity of joint and severe joint pain.

 

  • Osteoarthritis– this is the most common among all type of arthritis. In this type of arthritis the bones get damaged severely. You may find tear on the bones due to this disease. This causes swelling and also stiffness. The pain which it causes is unbearable. It can attack any of you body part like knees, fingers, neck, hips etc.

 

  • Lumps– this is a disease like rheumatoid arthritis. It attacks itself including the surrounding tissues, bones and joints. This disease is very difficult to identify. This is such a disease that is not curable. But the treatments can reduce the pain, stiffness or swelling.

 

  • Bursitis– Bursae are small fluid sacs that are already present in your body. These are situated near the joints. When these fluid sacs get inflamed then it is called bursitis. This disease causes stiffness around the joints. This can attack any joint of your body. It mostly attacks the knee or elbow joint.

 

  • Gout– This is a disease that happens suddenly. It may attack you when you are sleeping. This gives you sudden stiffness in your joints. This also causes pain near the joints.

 

  • Bone cancer– joint stiffness or joint pain does not occur mostly due to bone cancer. But it may cause swelling and stiffness in your joints and it also bring pain to your joints.

These are some of the reasons due to which you may feel joint stiffness. Let’s now try to understand some of the methods to get rid of such health issues.

Remedies for Joint Pain

Following are some remedies mentioned-

  • Hot and cold compress– Before you go for the medicinal treatment of this problem you may try some home remedies like hot and cold compress. You may apply cold compress with some ice in a bag and apply that on the joint that is paining. You can do it several times throughout the day. But apply it continuously for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also do the same for hot compress. Put some hot water in a bag and give the temperature on the joints. You can apply both hot and cold compress or you may apply any of these two. It may depend on the amount of relief that you would get with them.

 

Hot and Cold Compress
  • Medicine– You can find a number of medicines that claim to reduce the pain which may occur due to any of the above mentioned diseases. However, no medicine can totally cure such diseases. PRECAUTION: Before you consume any of these medicines you should consult a doctor. A wrong medicine can have many side effects.

 

  • Ayurvedic treatment– Ayurveda has treatment for every disease. This is the most ancient form of treatment. The ayurvedic medicines are made up of 100% natural ingredients so that they do not cause any harm or side effects. There are also some essential oils that are used to cure such problem. Ayurvedic treatment for joint pain or ayurvedic treatment for back pain is very famous amongst all. Ayurvedic treatment is quite popular all over India. These treatments are done with the plants and ingredients derived from nature.

 

  • Exercise– This is one of the best method to cure such kind of pain. MOTION IS THE BEST LOTION. Since the ancient time yoga has been practiced since to stay fit. Yoga also helps to cure such disease. Yoga is all about controlled breathing and releasing oxygen to various body parts. You can also do other exercises to get rid of joint pain. But it is more preferable to do yoga to get some relief from joint pain or back pain. If you do yoga throughout your life span, you will be able to prevent many diseases and you will also get rid of some diseases.

 

These are some of the many remedies that are available for any kind of Joint Pain. It’s however recommended to consult a medical practitioner for the correct diagnosis. Once you are aware of the kind of pain you are suffering from, you could choose from the available treatments and remedies. But remember, keep moving and keep walking. Keep those joints in motion to avoid discomfort.