Frequently Asked Questions
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Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga) is different from other types of massage because it uses warm therapeutic oil as well as a quick steaming treatment at the end (Swedana) to enhance the therapeutic benefits. The massage strokes are performed at a different speed, intensity, or pressure depending on each client. Strokes used on the body differ from the head, face, or even around the spine. Steam treatment allows the body to sweat to flush out toxins and improve blood circulation.
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Oils that are used in REVIVE Ayurveda are therapeutic grade and examples of oils used are pure Sesame, Chandanadi, Dhanwantharam, and Mahanarayan oil. The basic and common oil used is Sesame oil. The latter oils are therapeutic and used based on the client's health state. Ayurvedic massage oils are generally safe and not known to cause any allergic reaction but before the massage is performed, a quick skin patch test is done on the client.
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Shiro means head and Dhara means flow, which involves a gentle and continuous stream of thin medicated warm oil poured over your forehead along the hairline and eyebrow focusing on ‘Ajna marma or Ajna chakra‘, an area where nerves are highly concentrated and connected to the three major glands, the hypothalamus, pituitary and pineal glands.
The hypothalamus is also known as the “master gland” because its most important function is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system (hormonal) by controlling the pituitary gland. This is where emotion, stress, sleep, circadian cycles, appetite, thirst, body temperature, and other bodily functions are controlled. The pineal gland is often referred to by mystics as the “third eye.” The third eye is the connecting link between the physical and spiritual worlds, and one might say the sacred place of extrasensory perception in the brain. Now, most doctors understand the pineal gland is important because it produces melatonin that regulates circadian cycles and induces sleep. Also, the pineal gland needs darkness to secrete melatonin.
Hence, the rhythmic flow of the oil in Shirodhara creates a subtle vibration, stimulating these glands and helping one to better manage his/her stress, sleep, emotions, and circadian cycles. It also helps to promote your feel-good hormones, dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin.
In addition, the pressure of the oil onto the forehead creates vibration, and this stimulation creates positive energy around the heart chakra like listening to a Buddhist singing bowl.
For that reason, Shirodhara is found to be equated with a meditative state and relieves symptoms of anxiety, stress, fatigue, hypertension, tension, worry, fear, insomnia, and headache as well as depression.
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In current times, lower and upper back pains are becoming more common issues in many adults due to heavy lifting, prolonged sitting or even standing, gym or weight lifting exercises that have gone wrong, desktop jobs or working from home, and being on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops for a long period of time. This has increased over time. Ayurveda provides a natural solution to this.
Kati basti is a one-of-a-kind therapeutic technique due to its simple, non-invasive, and effective approach. Sometimes it is known as Indirect Physiotherapy because there is no direct manipulation and here the warm medicated oil does the treating ‘work’. This treatment is part of an intensive Ayurvedic treatment regimen known as Panchakarma or performed as a solo bodywork therapy.
In this procedure, warm medicated oil is kept in a specially formed frame ring prepared from black gram flour over the lumbosacral area or any adjacent part for a certain time. The oil is generally heated at a safe temperature and pooled over the affected area. The temperature of the oil is then maintained at a specific value throughout the therapy session.
The application of therapeutic heat creates a warming effect that has a calming effect via sensory neuron endings and induces vasodilation. Vasodilatation improves blood circulation, resulting in the removal of catabolic waste and increases anabolism as tissue receives nutrients and oxygen promptly. Heat also improves the local metabolism of cells and the elasticity of fibrous tissue. Consequently, connective tissue such as tendon tissue and ligament will also become more elastic.
This technique also relieves pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation of the localized affected area. Oils used help to nourish and strengthen the affected joints or even lubricate the joints and reduce pain or discomfort by soothing the nerves surrounding the affected area within a length of time.
Recommended for chronic lower and upper back pain, sciatica, joint pains, and restricted movement of the neck, back, and shoulder area.
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Steam sauna or steam treatment (Swedana) is a specialized and commonly used technique after an Ayurvedic Massage (Abhyanga). It is a rather important technique and provides completeness to the whole massage process. Without Steam Sauna, it is like serving a meal without salt.
In Steam Sauna treatment, only the body gets warmed up and not the head. The temperature in the sauna is maintained to help the body sweat (approximately 42 - 48 degrees) and is done for 10-15 minutes only so there is no overheating.
Sweating is induced by the application of warmth to the body without getting heated directly. Pores on the skin open up, helping to release build-up and impurities. At the same time, this allows the skin to interact with the therapeutic oil and further assist the body in this process. The therapeutic properties in the oil may provide indirect benefits to one’s body. Sometimes, a decoction of herbs or flora essence is used instead of water during the swedana process.
Swedana helps to provide relief in pain, swelling, and stiffness in neuromuscular, and musculoskeletal-related conditions. It also helps to flush out toxins and improve blood circulation, cellular metabolism, cell activation, and even the respiratory system. Finally, but not least, one will feel lighter and relaxed.
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Yes, but it’s not usually recommended.
If you are feeling too hot the sauna can be excluded after the massage or the temperature of the steam sauna can be adjusted to accommodate your body heat.
The steam sauna’s main purpose is to promote sweating and not to increase body heat. That's the reason Ayurvedic massages differ from other massages.