“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest hers/his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease“ – Thomas A. Edison
For all of us, stress and unresolved emotions accumulate in our body tissues on a daily basis. In particular, stress can be particularly damaging and serves as the root cause of most diseases. Ayurvedic massage techniques contribute to the processing and removal of these negative influences. Studies show a professional therapeutic massage once a month will dramatically lower stress levels and rejuvenate the body. Long term, daily stress can be managed through the incorporation of simple healing techniques like meditation, yoga, Ayurvedic massage and nutritional planning (based on your Ayurvedic body type) into your daily routine. When balanced with traditionally recommended relaxing methods like exercise, laughter and breathing techniques, the impact can be quite remarkable. Balance is the key word. Located in the maritime district of Newport, the Seaside Academy of Massage and Ayurveda acronym (SAMA) is the ancient Sanskrit word for “balance.” At SAMA, individuals can learn the healing sciences of Ayurveda, massage and yoga at a single location. The Wall Street Journal recently published an article on the profound benefits of basic massage, but Ayurvedic oil massage, also known as abhyanga, transcends most forms of bodywork when it comes to reversing the aging process and rejuvenation.
What is Ayurveda? It is India’s ancient medical system that holistically treats the body, mind and spirit. It was founded on the concept that the human body, given the right support, has an inherent capacity to heal itself. Considered one of the top three medical systems in the world as listed by the World Health Organization, Ayurveda touts that all of creation is made up of five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. Each individual is born with a unique combination of these elements that is determined at the moment of conception.
Over 5,000 years ago, the science of Ayurveda understood oil was lipophilic, which means it can dissolve oil-like substances within the body such as fat and oily toxins. When oil is applied to the body during massage in a specific sequence, pressure and amount, the massage oil can help dissolve fat and toxins in the subcutaneous layers of the skin. Ayurvedic oil massage also transmits an “all is well” signal to the brain unconsciously bringing us back to the warm, safe, loving feeling we experienced floating in the amniotic fluid of the womb. Conversely, the use of manufactured creams, lotions, and refined oils (whose ingredients you can’t pronounce) can suppress the body’s metabolism, clog the lymphatic system and poison the physiology. It is critical to use nourishing topical oils to expel toxins, strengthen the immune system and provide deep healing and rejuvenation. According to the medical science of Ayurveda, for maximum results, apply oil to the skin every morning before a shower or bath. In the evening, apply it to the crown of your head, ears and soles of your feet for the most restful sleep. An Ayurvedic principle: Do not apply anything to your skin that you would not eat, so choose your oils carefully and enjoy the sweetness of life.
Karyn Chabot, D. Ay. MS, LMT has an extensive education in the healing arts. In 1997 she graduated from The Ayurvedic Institute New Mexico, where she studied with the renowned Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Vasant Lad. Karyn is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and The National Ayurvedic Medical Association. Visit samaseasidewellness.com