What is Ayurveda and why is massage important to the Ayurveda system?
For over 3,000 years, Ayurveda (Ayur = life, Veda = knowledge) in India and eastern cultures, has been the most substantial and successful system of the mind-body wellness. In Ayurveda, it is believed that the health of the individual depends on the balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The Ayurvedic system has been in alignment with yogis and the practice of yoga for just as long.
Ayurveda also uses that concept that everyone is made up of two or more elements of the universe: space, are, fire, water, and earth. The say these elements are combined within our system is creates vital life force energy, in which results in three ‘doshas’. These doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha; all three controlling different aspects of your health.
The way in which these doshas can be properly balanced, leading to living a vital and healthy life, can be influenced in many different ways, including the diet, sleep, exercise, and even through massage.
One of the most important type of massage used through generations in India, is the Ayurvedic Indian Head Massage. This massage also benefits the whole body in a physical, mental, and energy aspect. Traditionally this type of massage, or “siro abhyanga”, starts with the application of oil to the head “shirodara or shirahsheka” according to your dosha and hair/skin type. Vigorous massage techniques through the scalp are used, pulling the oil through the strands of hair, and following with the massage of the face, neck, and shoulders.
When this massage was introduced in England, these techniques became more relaxed and soothing to the scalp and face. However, the many benefits remain the same. How does this massage help?
Body:
- Stimulates the Central Nervous System
- Reduces Headaches, Migraines, and Neck/Back Pain
- Stimulates Hair Growth, and Strength
- Clears sinuses and helps drain the lymphatic system.
- Improved blood circulation increasing oxygen supply to the brain and drains away accumulated toxins
- Reduces Muscles Stiffness and Tenderness
Mind:
- Relieves Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
- Helps to dissipate mental tiredness, stress, depression resulting in greater mental alertness and concentration and clearer thinking.
- Relieves sleeplessness, restlessness and insomnia
Spirit:
- Balancing and Renewal of energy, chakras and marmas in the body
- Helps to balance your dosha
At Samatva Yoga, Ayurvedic Indian Head Massage is offered for these various health reasons. As Ayurveda and yoga go hand in hand, and Samatva focuses on your wellness, this massage is a welcomed addition to the Body Works treatments offered. Two different practitioners, both with unique treatments will be happy to help in your Indian Head Massage experience.
Life by Ayurveda helps keep you revitalized and balanced to enjoy your day to day life to it’s fullest. We suggest trying out the Indian Head Massage to give you an introduction to this incredible treatment.

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Comments
Great information. It is so helpful.. Thank you for publishing this blog.