Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. Ayurvedic medicine is an up and coming practice in the United States. In Western medicine it is regarded as a complementary or alternative medicine however, Ayurvedic medicine is the traditional medicine in Eastern cultures of the Indian subcontinent. According to the National Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) about 80% of Indians still use Ayurveda as their traditional system of medicine. In addition Ayurvedic medicine is also used in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan.

 

Who doesn't enjoy a massage? The peaceful atmosphere, relaxing music, incense, and warm oil rubbed deep into those sore and overworked muscles sound heavenly. It is no wonder that ayurvedic massage has become so popular around the world in recent decades. Ayurvedic products cover a wide range of applications, but perhaps the most enjoyable of all are ayurvedic oils for massage. Although, just because it's enjoyable doesn't mean it's not beneficial to your health. On the contrary, in addition to the numerous health benefits resulting from the thorough relaxation of a deep massage, the specialized ayurvedic oils which are used in the various forms of massage treatments work in subtle and profound ways to the greater benefit of the patient. Ayurvedic medicine has organized massage treatments and their respective oils according to the purpose and indications of the treatments, each falling into the general category of the particular dosha which is responsible for the condition.  ayurvedic medicine melbourne

 

Perhaps the most famous and most enjoyable of all ayurvedic products are the rasayanas, or medicated jellies. These are made by blending a powerful herbal decoction with jaggery, or raw sugar, and then cooking it into a jelly preserve. These are sweet and satisfying, and they deliver the herbs to the blood and muscles with a potent nourishing boost. The most popular among ayurvedic rasayanas is Chyawanprash, which is a blend of almost 40 herbs, and it is renowned for its enhancement of almost all bodily functions, primarily the nutritional functions of the blood and the subtle channels. Rasayanas are designed for many different purposes, and are one of the best ayurvedic products for long term use.

 

The most common cause of conditions which ayurvedic massage is used to treat is vata imbalance, which manifests as stress, anxiety, nervousness, tenseness of muscles and dryness of the skin and bones. The relaxation of a massage and moisturizing effects of oil are great for all of these conditions. The best ayurvedic oil for treatment of vata is sesame oil. It is warm, heavy, as well as both lubricating and nourishing to the skin, bones, and nerves, and calming to the mind. It is the only ayurvedic oil able to penetrate all seven layers of skin to deliver its nourishing gifts to all organs and tissues. In addition, it is a great vehicle for tonic and rejuvenative herbs, particularly ashwagandha, shatavari, and bala, all of which are great tonics for vata. Sesame oil works synergistically with the nutritive, softening, and moisturizing effects of these herbs, rendering their combination a great treatment for the skin and deeper tissues. Panchkarma Detox

 

Pitta imbalance can often express itself through anger, stress, frustration and irritability, which also makes it a great candidate for massage treatment. Pitta is the dosha of fire and when aggravated it spreads its heat throughout the body. Consequently, many treatments for pitta involve cooling energies, and the best oil for this is coconut oil, which has a very cooling energy. Coconut oil's cooling, moisturizing, and nourishing effects calm the fiery pitta dosha and help to relieve the thirst and burning sensations of many tissues of the body. However, medicated ayurvedic oils for the treatment of pitta usually use a combination of sesame and sunflower, where the penetrating properties of sesame are utilized and its warm energy is balanced by the cooling energy of sunflower oil and the accompanying herbs.

 

Aristas or medicated wines are another very potent form of ayurvedic preparation. They are made by mixing herbal decoctions with jaggery and yeast, which is then fermented for at least three months prior to use. The small amount of alcohol that is produced acts as a powerful vehicle for the healing properties of the combined herbs, delivering them deep into the subtle tissues of the nerves. These are great for a variety of applications but perhaps most so for vata related conditions which benefit from the heating effect of alcohol on the nerves. Most notably among these is Ashwagandharista which combines the subtle delivery and heating effect of alcohol with the powerful vata balancing and tissue strengthening effects of ashwagandha and 22 other herbs. It is great for calming nervousness and anxiety and invigorating a body worn out by the erraticism of vata imbalance. Aristas are a very powerful ayurvedic product.