By Catalina Rahaianu
While each season manifests
differently in each part of the world, Ayurveda considers fall as a season
where the Vata dosha is
dominant. The ancient medical system of Ayurveda explains how the qualities of
nature and the environment manifest in the human system. For example, when it’s
cold outside, you naturally feel more cold. These qualities are categorized as
Vata, Pitta & Kapha bio-energies or doshas. The qualities of Vata dosha are cold, dry, rough, mobile, subtle, and
light. When we shift from summer, which is hot and sticky, to fall
which is usually cool, windy and dry, this can increase Vata in your body and contribute
to you feeling unbalanced. Symptoms of Vata imbalance, such as excess bloating,
gas, anxiety, dryness and uneasiness, can become exacerbated in the fall if we
aren’t careful.
When the temperature, humidity and
length of days start changing as a new season begins, you may respond to these
changes in nature by desiring different foods and daily routine. As the weather
cools in fall, you may notice you feel like warmer foods and
different tastes – if you are in tune with what your body is telling you. When
you tune into nature's intelligence and your own body's needs, then you will
naturally crave the foods and daily routine that will support you as the
seasons change.
To read more about diet & lifestyle support for fall season: http://blog.naturopathicfoundations.ca/2015/10/balancing-vata-in-fall.html
One of the best ways to support
balance during fall is Ayurvedic massage or “Abhyanga”. This therapeutic massage
is a traditional form of massage which supports the nervous system, promotes
relaxation while detoxifying the body during this transitional season. Warm,
medicinal oils are customized to your body type and health condition and are applied
to the full body. As we move into fall, these massages are incredibly
soothing and will better prepare you for the winter season.
Abhyanga massage
will help with overall blood circulation and stimulation of the
internal organs, will calm the mind disturbed by the winds
and the changes in temperature, will facilitate the elimination of
impurities from the body. Read more about how abhyanga massage can
benefit you:
Benefits of Full Body Abhyanga
• Relives and prevents sinus
and chest congestion due to cooling weather
• Improves sleep, strengthens and improves vision
• Strengthens your Ojas (immunity)
• Tones our tissues, bringing vigor and vitality to the body
• Improves circulation to extremities and internal organs
• Calms Vata (air and space) and Pitta (fire and water) while helping Kapha (water and earth) flow
• Improves sleep, strengthens and improves vision
• Strengthens your Ojas (immunity)
• Tones our tissues, bringing vigor and vitality to the body
• Improves circulation to extremities and internal organs
• Calms Vata (air and space) and Pitta (fire and water) while helping Kapha (water and earth) flow
What to expect?
An Abhyanga
treatment lasts 30, 60 or 90 minutes, can be done daily, weekly or monthly depending
on your health concerns. It is most beneficial when a few are done close
together. It is best to wear comfortable clothes and come on a light stomach
(avoid eating a heavy meal right before treatment). Hydration before and after
treatment is essential to support detoxification. Your practitioner may advise
herbal teas or certain foods customized to your body type. Treatments are done
in quiet to optimize your healing.
How is Ayurvedic massage different from conventional massage?
Abhyanga massage uses warm oils which
are infused with herbs and essential oils that work medicinally when absorbed
through the skin so it is considered a therapeutic massage, with relaxation
benefits. The head, face and sinus treatments are unique to
abhyanga and very helpful in revealing headaches, sleep problems as well
as sinus conditions.
Pressure is generally on the lighter
side since abhyanga massage targets the lymphatic system and circulation of
blood and prana or chi. If you have specific muscle tension, your therapist may
use more pressure to target muscles and ligaments. Abhyanga also incorporates
“marma points” or acupressure points which supports healing on a physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual level. This treatment is also emphasizes
massage around the joints so is excellent for joint stiffness, arthritis or
other issues. It is safe and therapeutic to do both types of massage and many
people find benefits with a schedule of abhyanga and conventional massage.
Please speak to your therapist to learn about what is best for you.
If you haven’t tried Ayurvedic
massage, fall is the perfect time to reset your system and treat yourself. If
you would like to know more about Ayurvedic massage, please contact Catalina who is trained in Ayurvedic
therapies at catalina@naturopathicfoundations.ca
To
book an appointment, please call the clinic at 905-940-2727.
