Using Skin Essential Oils for Relaxation and Healing

essential oils

Finding time for healing and relaxation in an overly busy environment has become crucial to preserving our wellbeing. The use of Skin Essential Oils is one approach that has grown in popularity due to its possible medicinal advantages. 

These fragrant plant extracts have been utilized for ages in many cultures for their restorative, revitalizing, and soothing effects. We’ll go into the history, uses, and popular variations of essential oils as well as how to incorporate them into your daily routine for relaxation and healing in this all-inclusive guide.

Revealing the Secrets of Skin Essential Oils

Skin Essential Oils, prized for their fragrant appeal and medicinal strength, bear witness to the age-old alchemy occurring in the plant life. These concentrated liquids are made from the very essence of nature’s botanical wonders and contain volatile scent molecules, creating a fragrant tapestry.

Exposing the Heart:

Plant essence, or the biological ingredients that give essential oils their unique scents and medicinal qualities, is where the journey of essential oils starts. Every plant species has a distinct essence that is just waiting to be discovered, whether it is found in the serene lavender fields of Provence or the energizing eucalyptus groves of Australia.

Alchemical Extraction:

Science and nature perform a complex dance in the art of extracting these priceless essences. Utilizing a centuries-old technique called *steam distillation*, plant material is heated to release volatile components that eventually condense into essential oils. The integrity and purity of the plant’s essence are maintained by this time-tested method.

For citrus oils, on the other hand, cold pressing is the preferred technique. Fruits such as oranges or lemons are mechanically pressed to extract the fragrant oils, encapsulating a burst of freshness in each drop. This process is not only effective, but it also guarantees that the lively, spicy qualities of the oils are preserved. 

 

Solvent extraction comes into play for some delicate flowers, such as jasmine or rose, where heat may destroy the integrity of the scent. Here, the essential oil is extracted from the plant material using a solvent, usually hexane. After then, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a fragrant extract that is extremely concentrated.

The Plant Symphony:

The process of making Skin Essential Oils is a beautiful symphony of different plant species. Essential oils are characterized by a variety of scents and medicinal benefits that stem from the variety of plants utilized in their extraction process. These effects range from the invigorating notes of peppermint to the peaceful embrace of lavender.

*Lavender* generates an oil well known for its relaxing and soothing qualities from its lovely purple blossoms. Aromatherapy relies heavily on this flowery jewel, which creates a pleasant haven for unwinding and relieving tension.

On the other hand, the strong and refreshing flavor of *peppermint* essential oil awakens the senses. Its use ranges from reducing headaches to increasing vitality, demonstrating the diversity seen throughout the plant kingdom.

The soft, apple-like fragrance of the *chamomile* flower’s petals yields an essential oil that is well-known for its relaxing properties. For ages, chamomile oil has been used in traditional medicine to promote relaxation and ease tense muscles.

Retaining the Spirit of Nature:

Extraction of essential oils is an artistic endeavor that embodies the spirit of the plant, not just a technical procedure. The expert hands of craftspeople and distillers guarantee that the final oils capture the complete essence of the plant in addition to its aroma.

Commonly Found Types of Essential Oils Natural

Here are some Commonly found types of Essential Oils Natural:

1. Lavender Oil

Fragrant lavender oil is a fragrant symbol of peace. Its calming, flowery scent has made it a mainstay in aromatherapy. Stress reduction is one of lavender’s many therapeutic uses; it has a relaxing effect that releases tension and creates a peaceful atmosphere. Being a naturally occurring sedative, it is a beloved ally in encouraging sound sleep, making it an essential option for anyone looking for a tranquil haven away from the stresses of the day.

2. Energizing Freshness with Peppermint Oil

With its refreshing and minty aroma, peppermint oil is becoming more and more popular among essential oil users. In addition to having a pleasant scent, it heals a variety of illnesses. Peppermint oil is a natural option for individuals seeking relief from headaches due to its cooling effect. Its revitalizing effects give a boost, and its capacity to sharpen focus makes it a valued ally when mental clarity is needed.

3. Soothing Elegance: Chamomile Oil

This oil is made from the delicate blossoms of chamomile, which is the pinnacle of botanical elegance. Treasured for its calming properties, chamomile oil acts as a salve for the tired spirit. Its calming scent fosters a calm environment that encourages rest and tranquilly. With its soothing voyage into a world of tranquilly, chamomile oil is a go-to pick for individuals seeking refuge from life’s worries, whether it is applied directly or diffused in the air.

Examining Aromatherapy and the Topical Using Essential Oils

Aromatherapy: A Harmony of Perceptual Experiences

Aromatherapy explores the deep relationship between aroma and wellbeing and is sometimes referred to as the “olfactory symphony of healing.” Using Essential Oils, this all-encompassing therapeutic method creates a sensory experience that goes beyond the tangible and into the domains of mental and emotional balance. When these aromatic chemicals interact with the olfactory receptors after being released into the air by diffusers or inhalation, magic happens.

The Dancing Limbic System

The limbic system, a complex network of brain structures linked to emotions, memories, and behavior, is a major participant in this fragrant dance. When essential oils are inhaled, a fascinating interaction begins, activating the limbic system and evoking emotions beyond simple smell recognition. 

The peaceful embrace of lavender, the energizing rush of peppermint, or the soothing elegance of chamomile—all of these infuse the limbic pathways with a therapeutic journey that has a dramatic effect on memory recall and emotional equilibrium.

Alchemical Emotions

Aromatherapy is a kind of emotional alchemy that goes beyond the physiological aspects. While citrus oils’ zesty notes may elevate spirits, lavender’s soothing whispers may help one achieve a feeling of peace. Hence, aromatherapy turns into a multipurpose instrument that balances the internal emotional symphony and promotes long-lasting wellbeing.

Application Topical 

Our skin serves as a further canvas for the therapeutic creativity of Skin Essential Oils because of their concentrated and intense nature. Through topical administration, these fragrant elixirs can be directly absorbed into the body, a process that has its roots in centuries-old techniques. This strategy provides focused advantages by precisely tackling particular issues.

Magic Massage

Essential oils become massage miracles when diluted with carrier oils like sweet almond or jojoba. A sensory symphony is produced when the medicinal properties of oils are blended with the tactile experience of a massage. Whether the goal is to produce relaxation or release tense muscles, massage therapy becomes a holistic practice that touches on mental and emotional calmness beyond the physical.

Quality Skincare

Adding Skin Essential Oils to skincare regimens opens up a world of opportunities for glowing health. Essential oils provide a natural and fragrant approach to skincare, whether you customize your face oil or add a drop or two to your regular moisturizer. With the charm of nature, each drop nurtures the skin and addresses issues while encapsulating botanical energy. 

The chemistry of essential oils essentially tells a fascinating story about sensory discovery. Essential oils weave a tale of holistic well-being, where fragrance becomes a transformative force, nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. From the olfactory symphony of aromatherapy, engaging the limbic system and emotions, to the precision of topical application, where the skin becomes a canvas for therapeutic artistry.

Including the Best Rosemary Essential Oils in Your Daily Regime

Diffusers

Diffusers are a common way for people to benefit from the Best Rosemary Essential Oils. These gadgets release the oils into the atmosphere, filling your living areas with a fragrant and healing atmosphere.

Relaxation and Massage

Incorporate Skin Essential Oils into massage sessions to harness the power of touch. For a calming and fragrant massage, dilute the oils with carrier oils such sweet almond or jojoba.

Homemade Skincare and Beauty

You can make your own natural skincare products by mixing your preferred carrier oils, creams, or lotions with Skin Essential Oils. This enables you to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy and customize your cosmetic routine to treat particular skin conditions.

Skin Essential Oils for Particular Therapeutic Applications

Relieving Stress

Diffuse relaxing oils, such as frankincense, bergamot, or lavender, to help combat everyday stress. When you meditate or just before bed, try diffusing these oils as part of a relaxing ritual.

Pain Relief

Applying peppermint oil topically may help relieve tension headaches. Apply a few drops diluted with a carrier oil to your neck and temples, massaging them gently.

Sleep Aid

Diffuse oils like lavender, chamomile, or cedar wood to create a sleep-inducing atmosphere in your bedroom. As an alternative, place a cotton ball next to your bed or a few drips on your pillow.

Safety Points to Remember

Allergies and Dilution

Because essential oils are highly concentrated, it is imperative to dilute them before applying them to the skin. In addition, do a patch test before to broad usage and be aware of any possible allergies.

Professional Consultation

Before adding essential oils to your routine, speak with a healthcare provider or aromatherapist if you are pregnant or have any particular health concerns.

Final Thoughts

Skin Essential Oils provide a natural and fragrant route to wellbeing in the areas of relaxation and healing. The world of essential oils offers a plethora of solutions for managing headaches, relieving stress, and getting a good night’s sleep. Accept the power of aromatherapy and allow these miracles of nature to accompany you on your path to a calmer, more rested, and more youthful self.

Some products to use:

Organic Lavender Essential Oil

Discover the magic of Organic Lavender, a well-known essential oil loved for its soothing scent and healing powers. Whether you need to relax, sleep better, or soothe your skin, this certified organic oil is your go-to solution. Just a few drops can create a calm atmosphere and help with stress. Mixed with a carrier oil, it works wonders on minor cuts and irritated skin. Plus, it’s USDA Certified Organic, meaning it’s free from GMOs and supports biodiversity. Embrace the natural benefits of Organic Lavender for a serene and eco-friendly approach to well-being. 

Hemp Essential Oil      

The organic hemp essential oil, distilled from Pacific Northwest-grown Cannabis sativa, brings a healthy glow to the skin and adds herbal notes to perfumes. Hemp, used for fabric, food, and more, has a rich history dating back to 8,000 BCE.

This essential oil, free from THC or CBD, has a tangy aroma with earthy undertones. It blends well for aromatherapy, dilutes for a skin-nourishing moisturizer, and promotes relaxation when combined with lavender or clary sage.     

AURA CACIA TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL 0.5 FL. OZ.

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil is renowned for its purifying properties, making it a go-to for household cleansers. While its warm, nutmeg-like aroma may not be the focus in aromatherapy, its physical benefits are highly valued. Aura Cacia’s Tea Tree Essential Oil, native to Australia and New Zealand, has been meticulously cultivated to ensure maximum effectiveness and ease of use.

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.

 

 

Guide to create your own spa at home

Think of a long week, strict deadlines, late nights working and managing the home simultaneously, how do you feel? Tired? Exactly. Now think of a whole body oil massage with essential oils, or getting yourself a relaxing spa with meditation music and scented candles around. How do you feel now? Extremely relaxed right? 

Just the thought of a good body oil massage in the wonderful setting and decor, already makes you feel a bit relaxed even if you are swamped with work. But in the strict schedules, visiting a spa nearby would sometimes not be feasible. What if I tell you that you can create your own spa at your home.

Without traveling anywhere and spending money on the extravagant spa settings, you can actually experience the same level of relaxation at the comfort of your home. No need to travel, especially when you are tired and don’t have time and energy to go out.

girl is getting massage

Home spa and self massage, Abhyanga, won’t take much of your time and you can create the space exactly as you like. Create a good meditative music album, buy good quality scented candles, get your favorite towels. Buy essential oils which are easily available in the market and vary depending on the use and you are all set to go.

Create your own spa at home

For any spa treatment or an ayurvedic body  massage to work, the aim is to relax the tension in the muscles and tiredness of the body and help to revitalize and rejuvenate. To help achieve a relaxing feeling, nothing can beat your own corner at your home.

Creating a home spa or Abhyanag, self-massage, is really about getting to spend your time on yourself. It is the much required me time that we mostly don’t get to spend on ourselves.

It is one of the easiest and one of the most efficient ways to give you some time alone followed by peace and refreshment.

In order to create your own home spa, follow some simple steps and you can release your tension as and when required. Unlike searching for a good spa nearby and spending money on a time restricted body massage, create the free of cost home spa with your time constraint.

Step 1: Create your own corner and work on the decor. According to research, the decor, wall colors, artifacts around, incorporating plants can alleviate your mood. Light a candle or two, if candles are not your style, buy a diffuser with natural essential oils. Blue Nectar is an ayurvedic brand which have 100% pure and natural essential oils such as Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil, Tea tree Oil, Peppermint Oil. Choose any oil of your choice and simply use it in diffuser.

Step 2: Invest in good quality massage oil, enriched with natural ingredients oil. The ayurvedic herbs can enhance relaxation and provide hydration to the whole body. It even improves the skin’s elasticity.

Check out the newest range of massage oils in the market: 

Balalakshadi Jasmine Bath & Body Massage Oil, with the richness of key ingredients like almond oil, ashwagandha and jasmine, this massage oil by Blue Nectar help you relaxation, while provoding a soothing effect on the skin.

Ayurvedic Body Massage Oil Narayana by Forest Essentials is a massage oil which helps in relieving pain and is also anti inflammatory in nature.

Relaxing Massage Oil by L’occitane is a massage oil that helps to relax the senses and makes skin supple.

Devtvakadi Pain Relief Oil and Potli for Joint and Muscular Pain by Blue Nectar is a combo of pain oil and ayurvedic potli, to help relieve pain in the joints and improve the blood circulation and works effectively against stiffness.

Step 3: Oil massage the entire body thoroughly in a circular direction. A good oil massage improves blood flow and removes the dead skin. After the massage, take a nap for 15-20 mins, let the skin absorb the goodness of natural body oils.

Step 4: Use a face mask and a  body mask after the oil massage. Take a long and nice hot shower. If you have a steam sauna at home, indulge in that. Keep your favorite magazine or a novel handy to enjoy your time. Prepare yourself green tea with some honey and let the inner body detox too.

towels, stones and flowers are on table

Once you are done with these steps, you will instantly feel relaxed and your skin will feel smooth and supple.

What are self-oil massage techniques?

The massage techniques used in the spa are well supervised and done by experts and massage professionals. But when we try self massage, we need to be peculiar about a few things. Performing self massage or Abhyanga requires a sequence. Listed below are a few steps to be followed:

Step 1: Head Massage – Start the massage with a head massage. Use natural hair oil like coconut oil, almond oil or even any regular ayurvedic hair oil to start massaging the scalp and slowly moving towards the strands. Use your index finger and the long finger to press the points on the scalp. This can even help minimize headaches.

Work on the temple area and the forehead. Apply pressure using the fingers in circular motion.

Step 2: Neck and Shoulder massage – Neck and shoulders are the most neglected body parts but the most affected one due to desk job or sitting postures. Use your fingers and apply pressure making circular motion from the back of the ear till the end of the shoulders.

Step 3: Back Massage – For back and lower back massage, which tend to get stiff and you experience back pain, stand upright against a wall and place a tennis ball between the wall and the back. If you have a massage roller, it is the best optionotherwise a tennis ball works fine. Roll the ball across the back and see for trigger points and then apply pressure for 15-20 seconds on each point.

Step 4: For hands and legs, apply the essential oils or body massage oils and start massaging in circular motion. For legs, hold the foot and curl the toes. Use the thumb to massage the foot and apply pressure on the points. For hands, take smaller sections and repeat massaging in the circular manner. Switch the hands.

For best results, it is suggested to take a hot shower after the body massage.

Is self massage right for you?

Self massage is a great technique to help relax tension and relax the muscles. Experts advise a daily body massage depending on the available time. Other problems like stiffness, dry skin, troubled sleeping, headaches can be minimized by self massage. It is one of the methods of self care and maintaining the well being of the body and the soul.

Along with flushing the negative thoughts from the mind, detoxifying the largest organ of the body, skin, is also equally important. Self massage in your comfort space can help you achieve both.

girl is getting back oil massage

What to do after self massage

Though the self massage is really important for the body and the overall skin, the post massage process is equally important.

Hydrate yourself after the body massage, as it is a dehydrating process. It focuses on the nutrient deficient areas and trigger points. The toxins of the body especially the nutrient blocked areas are flushed out with the help of water. Along with the toxin and metabolic waste, drinking enough water ensures fluid pumping and assists in circulation.

Stretch a little after the body oil massage or a home spa, to realign all the muscle fibers and ensure the pain relief in the muscles. Stretching also trains the nervous system and maintains the elasticity between joints.

Recharge the body by eating a light meal. Not the regular stomach filling one but something like salads, raw vegetables, a banana or some almonds to re-energize the body.

Pay attention to trigger points if any. If there is a particular pain that started after the massage and observe carefully for a few days. If it doesn’t go away, consult a doctor. Check for any reactions with the oils you are using for massage. If any irritation or redness occurs, switch to a different oil.

Can self massage relieve pain and tension

Self massages are proven to be one of the best methods to release any tension or discomfort. As we are fully aware of the area of pain, massaging it on our own can give relief a lot sooner.

Self oil massage can ease any stress or anxiety.

Getting a professional spa may work for a few days, but it doesn’t give a long-lasting effect. To ease the pain, you will have to take frequent appointments which can be expensive. The advantage of self massage is that you know your body and you can work on it whenever you feel necessary.

Key Takeaway

Though home spa and professional spa come with their respective benefits, self oil massage is pocket friendly and saves travel time. Whenever you feel like having me time or releasing the tiredness of a long week, body massage with goodness of natural ingredients and soothing fragrance comes to the rescue.

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!  

Bad Habits That Cause Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most chronic and common discomfort 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 doctors. Though we often experience back pain, we cannot specify the actual reason for its occurrence. It may be due to a bad sitting posture, it may be associated 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 a long time sitting in front of a desktop or a laptop.

 

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 for 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.

 

Daily activities: We don’t maintain the right posture while 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 caused due to the wrong sitting posture.

 

Remedies for back pain:

You must be wondering how to get rid of 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 instructions. 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, increase 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.

Acupuncture: This is the procedure to insert a sterilized needle inside your skin at some specific points. Appropriate acupuncture can relieve you from 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 stretches are the best way to reduce the intensity of pain that causes back pain.

 

Is massage effective in reducing back pain?

Massage therapy is often really effective in order to reduce back pain. But you have to ensure that it causes muscle tenacity or over-exhausted muscles. A regular basic massage therapy might help you to improve your health. Basically, massage for Back Pain is one of the most popular therapies that help lots of people with the 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 the back pain that 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.

To sum up, there could be numerous reasons for back pain but knowing the root cause and taking corrective action will go a long way in managing back pain. If the pain does not require medical supervision, then natural therapies and ayurvedic therapies work the best.

Sattvic Diet: What it is, benefits and more

Heavily influenced by the Ayurveda, a sattvic diet is essentially a clean and pure vegetarian diet made up of legumes, pulses, sprouts, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, etc., that attempts to make individuals their healthiest selves. It promotes both the purity of the human mind and that of the body. This diet, way of living even, is very popular among people who are actively involved in the practice of ‘yog’ or as the westernized version of the word we like to call ‘yoga’. The diet or lifestyle is fairly simple to follow, especially in India since there still remains a culture of preparing our food from scratch at home and processed foods are much easier to avoid as compared to the west. While I try to follow a largely sattvic diet and am very happy with the results it has given me from time to time, the verdict on how good a sattvic diet may be for your body and overall health is heavily debated upon among fitness enthusiasts.

 

sattvic diet is essentially a clean and pure vegetarian diet

 

 

Three Types of Food

When we read about the traditional teachings of yoga and other ayurvedic practices, we come to know that all foods/diets are classified into three main categories or traditionally known as ‘gunas’, namely, Sattva (our hero for today!), Rajas, and Tamas. These categories or gunas are representative of the qualities that are present in everything in life, including food. They’re reflective of the behaviour we have, the thinking we possess, our health, and the diet we consume. According to Ayurveda, and other religious texts, people have all three gunas, only with varying proportions.

 

Sattva

Being the highest guna, Sattva represents balance and harmony and is considered to be the ideal state. The term “sattva” or “sattvic” refers to themes like harmony, health, purity, and well-being. Foods in a sattvic diet are prepared and eaten with awareness, gratitude, and love. These foods are said to improve your consciousness levels.

 

Rajas

Rajas as a guna, represents the movement as well as activity. Foods that increase this guna can lead to stress and overstimulation. The term “rajas” revolves around themes like activity, anger, restlessness, and stress. This type of diet usually consists of spice-heavy, rich in taste (basically my only source of joy on some days!) foods that give instant bursts of energy, but this energy is neither long-lasting nor sustainable and can disturb the mind-body equilibrium. It is also suggested that a person with this diet is more likely to have a weak and imbalanced digestive system. This particular category has some of my favourite foods namely onion and garlic, which according to old wives’ tales heighten sexual urges and are effective aphrodisiacs! (Perhaps that’s why we’re asked to avoid them?)

 

Tamas

Tamas as the base guna, is often associated with dullness, laze, lethargy, pessimism, and weakness. A tamasic diet is primarily made up of chemically processed foods like alcohol, cigarettes, eggs, and poultry, etc. This diet is often linked to diabetes, obesity, and some liver diseases.

 

 

What is a Sattvic Diet?

For the most part, a sattvic diet is a fiber-dense, low-in-fat, completely vegetarian diet followed by many health-conscious and environment-friendly people all over the world. According to Ayurveda, a sattvic diet is the best choice to make because it can promote longevity in a person’s life, indirectly improve/support their mental health as well as give them a boost in their physical strength. Sattvic food is known to be abundant in the life force, hence, the foods in a sattvic diet are known to be fresh, easy to digest, and most of all, seasonal.

 

Sattvic diet is the best choice to make because it can promote longevity in a person’s life

 

More often than not, people do not put a lot of thought into their food, at least not from a spiritual perspective. It’s mostly about, what’s the tastiest, what’s easier, and what you’re in the “mood” for. This is primarily where a sattvic diet differs. It takes into consideration things like the diet’s composition, the environment wherein the food is to be prepared, the mood of the person preparing it, and the quality of said food.

 

 

Foods You Should Eat

There are a lot of foods that the Sattvic way of life prohibits strictly. This may be slightly annoying at times (okay maybe a bit more than slightly) but there still exists a wide variety of nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables, pulses, and more that are extremely delicious and more than satiating.

Here’s a list of permissible foods: –

 

Dairy and Oils

Ayurveda considers animal milk from cows to be one of the purest sattvic foods. It is said that milk holds the medicinal properties of the plants eaten by the animal. Dairy-derived products like Ghee, yogurt, butter, paneer, some types of cheeses (primarily fresh and young ones), etc., are all sattvic provided they haven’t been processed commercially. Oils, on the other hand, have the limitation of being only cold-pressed if they are to be consumed by someone on a sattvic diet.

 

Fruits and Vegetables

All fruits are considered sattvic except for their dry/aged versions. Since a sattvic diet is centred around fresh and natural ingredients, it doesn’t leave room for the same ingredients to age and develop into other delicacies. A great example of this would be grapes. Grapes are sattvic when eaten ripe but raisins (aged grapes) are tamasic. Most vegetables are also sattvic barring exceptions like Onions & garlic (as they’re pungent and rajasic in nature) and potatoes (they’re tamasic in nature). Followers of the sattvic diet and lifestyle emphasize the importance of eating green vegetables.

 

Grains and Pulses

Whole grains such as bajra, barley, jowar, oats, quinoa, ragi, rice, wheat, etc. Porridges and chapatis made from these are healthy to consume and the sattvic diet encourages followers to eat them because of their nutritious value. This list is exclusive of leavened bread since they are processed and made with yeast. (so, you can kiss those garlic naans and grilled cheese toasts, goodbye!)

 

Nuts and Seeds

All nuts and seeds provided they’re not roasted or salted are considered sattvic.

 

nuts and seeds provided they’re not roasted or salted are considered sattvic

 

Spices, Aromatics, and Sweeteners

Spices are where there are stricter limitations in a sattvic diet. Just because a type of spice is natural doesn’t necessarily mean it is sattva-approved. Common household spices like black pepper, cumin, coriander seeds, ginger, turmeric not only make your food taste great but also aid digestion. And while most forms of processed sugars are prohibited in a sattvic diet, honey as a sweetener is considered healthy and can be eaten without many restrictions.

 

 

Foods You Must Avoid

Edible forms of fungus

Fungus in our food is more common than you think and contrary to popular opinions, it is not gross. Many aged types of cheeses, especially blue cheese, are purposely injected with mold to develop flavor and texture (which is where they get their funky smell from). Other common food fungi are all varieties of mushrooms and those of truffles. These ingredients are safe to consume but not sattva-approved as they’re tamasic in nature.

 

Alcohol

People avoid the consumption of alcohol for all sorts of reasons, including the adverse effects it has on their liver in the long run. Similarly, a sattvic diet, when followed properly, does not have alcoholic beverages in it, especially for recreational purposes. Any edible product with alcohol is tamasic in nature and increases aggression in a person.

 

Meat

Animal by products except for milk are not sattvic. Poultry specifically is tamasic in nature and is often linked to exploitative tendencies.

 

Eggs

Also, tamasic, eggs are excluded from a sattvic diet since they’re a form of life, and sattva being abundant in life-source itself, does not condone taking another life away.

 

Refined fats and fried foods

We’ve established only cold-pressed oils and healthy fats like Ghee are permissible in a sattvic diet, those too, only in small quantities. So fried foods are rajasic and are associated with laze and lethargy. Hence, they are not meant to be paired with sattva.

 

Ghee is permissible in a sattvic diet

 

Yeast-fermented Foods

There are no denying fermented foods are absolutely delicious. They get that delicious taste and flavor from being exposed to warmer temperatures for long periods of time. And while they can be really good for your gut health, they are certainly not sattvic as to get that concentration, letting them ferment and not be “fresh” is required. Since the sattvic diet is all about fresh ingredients that are in the perfect state of ripeness (neither under nor over), introducing active yeast to any sattvic food, makes it tamasic.

 

Inflammatory spices

Spicy foods may do great things for your tastebuds, even your cold (eating spicy food when you have a blocked nose is the best home remedy ever, speaking from experience!) but it certainly isn’t friends with your skin or your entire digestive system. Spices like red chili powder (locally known as either “pisi degi mirch” or “Kashmiri Laal Mirch powder”) are extremely inflammatory for your intestines and can cause your stomach to be upset. They also are common triggers for acne breakouts. Being tamasic in nature, inflammatory spices are excluded from a sattvic diet.

 

 

Benefits of a Sattvic Diet

Helps in weight-loss

Foods prohibited by sattva in Ayurveda are naturally calorie-dense and rich in carbohydrates, which are the primary weight-increasing factors. Following a sattvic diet is great for someone who wishes to lose weight as the foods that are promoted in a sattvic diet are naturally low in calories while still being filling as they are fibrous and also boost metabolism.

 

Prevents heart diseases

The reason behind most heart diseases is the concentration of fats in our bodies. Eating fatty foods only worsens the situation and paves the way for issues like attacks, strokes, heart failures, etc. Since a sattvic diet anyway condones the consumption of large amounts of saturated or even healthy fats, this diet and lifestyle can prevent the onset of heart diseases in an individual, as well as help heart patients, manage their diseases better.

 

Prevents diabetes

Provided diabetes does not run in your bloodline, following a sattvic diet can help you avoid it in the long run. Typically, diabetes becomes an issue for an individual when they lead an unhealthy lifestyle, are overburdened with stress, are dealing with obesity, and/or when they consume a lot of processed foods and sugar. All of these causes are practically eliminated when they follow a sattvic diet as stress is reduced by a great extent, the diet helps one manage their weight and avoid obesity, and any unhealthy sugar-carrying carbs and processed foods are cut out of one’s diet.

 

Strengthens immune system

To put it metaphorically, your immune system is like an engine. It is constantly in action to keep your body running at its peak and to help it fight any impurities, viruses, and infections that enter your body. A healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet is the “fuel” for this engine. You cannot expect a vehicle to run smoothly if it is not being powered with the right type of fuel. Similarly, for your immune system to be strong enough to protect you from viruses and infections, it needs a diet free from unhealthy fats, processed sugar, and most of all, toxins, all of which are not present in a sattvic diet.

 

Improves digestive system

Since sattvic foods are naturally high in fiber and are free from most inflammation and indigestion-causing agents, they are able to facilitate a smoother functioning of your digestive system.

 

 

Concerns of a Sattvic Diet

Elimination of Important Micronutrients

One reason why many people are not fond of the sattvic way of life is that the diet completely cuts out and poultry and lacks certain micronutrients like vitamin B12, omega, etc., required by the body that unprocessed vegetarian foods do not have. It also cuts out some healthy vegetables and other growths like onions, garlic, and some other roots as well as many healthy, nutrient-rich varieties of mushrooms.

 

Not enough sources of protein

Since the sattvic diet cuts out all poultry, it also gets rid of the most stable sources of protein. Protein is important for all humans alike as it gives strength to our muscles. On a sattvic diet, one has limited sources of good quality, protein-dense foods that are also low in calories, the primary ones being Paneer, Tofu, Whey, and perhaps some legumes like Beans and Chickpeas.

 

Poor Hair Strength and Quality

Protein intake is also the key to longer, stronger, and healthier hair. The lack of protein in a sattvic diet can adversely affect the quality of your hair.

 

Low Energy Levels

While staunch followers of the sattvic diet claim it greatly increases their energy, the elimination of caffeine (as both tea and coffee are tamasic) intake can cause serious drops in your energy level, at least initially as the adrenaline production slows down and resets (not consuming my morning coffee is a personal recipe for disaster).

 

 

Reasons to Follow a Sattvic Diet

Beauty

Following a sattvic diet can enhance your natural beauty and improve the appearance of your skin as it acts as a detox, eliminates all inflammatory agents and toxins from your body, ultimately making your skin smoother and clearer.

 

sattvic diet can enhance your natural beauty

 

Flexible

While it may seem like in a sattvic diet, there are a lot of mandates, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. Since this diet is usually followed individually and not regulated by a responsible authority as it would be with another diet where your trainer would monitor what you’re allowed to eat, it can be flexible with what works for you and can be customized to fit your schedule and needs better.

 

Cost-Effective

Since foods in a sattvic diet are largely unprocessed, they’re also much more affordable as you’re not paying for multiple people’s work and resources put into your food product.

 

Easy to Veganize

My favourite part about a sattvic diet is how easy it is to veganize it. The only products to be eliminated from the said diet are dairy and honey. And poof! Just like that, your food is completely cruelty-free.

 

 

Reasons to Avoid a Sattvic Diet

Can be Limiting

Because there’s just so much that one is prohibited from eating while on a sattvic diet, it can often feel limiting. Followers may feel like they do not have enough choices or they may feel compelled to give up foods they are fond of causing them to be dissatisfied.

 

Difficult to Switch

When you’re not able to eat the things, you love and are expected to make impractical and drastic changes to your diet and lifestyle, the switch to a healthier way of living can be extremely difficult to make.

 

Lack of Scientific Backing

Sattvic Diet has a clear influence from the Bhagavad Geeta, which is holy and important but the diet itself and the principles it is based on do not have a lot of scientific research accurately supporting their claims, especially since Ayurveda is not regulated in the West.

 

Time-Consuming

The sattvic diet requires all ingredients to be fresh and prepared in a clean environment at one’s own home. Ensuring that all of these requirements are met while preparing one’s food can take up a lot of time. Hence, it may not be an ideal fit for extremely busy people.

 

 

Parting Note

Like any other popular diet, the Sattvic diet too has its pros and cons. Its effectiveness depends on the needs of the person following it. Contrary to what Ayurveda claims, the Sattvic diet cannot suit everyone. It may bring out amazing results in terms of weight loss and skin health in one person while being completely impractical for the next. The best way to approach this diet is to do your research, understand the pros and cons listed in this guide, and follow it subjectively. Start slow and build up your comfort with this new regime.

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.