Beauty Massage (Vertebral Column)
In ayurveda it is termed as the seat for avalambak kapha, spinal cord, asthi and majja dhatus (bone and marrow seats). 24 vertebras; 7 cervical, 12-thoracic and 5 in lumbar regions compose this. This is highly attached with muscles, ligaments and joints. There are 22 discs between these vertebrae and nerves pass through the openings in the vertebrae.
It is believed in ayurveda that if the vertebrae are properly aligned and strong, the vital force will flow in the body for longer duration. For the masseur must know how to put those vertebrae in normal alignment.
The spinal fluid passes through out this column and plays a vital role maintaining the health, vigor, vitality and virility. Massage regularly on this area helps one to be calm and may cure nervous disorders. One has to remember that massage without oil and just with the pressure wont work.
Before one starts the massage, the oil is applied over the spinal cord, by using friction, giving alternate pressure by two thumbs. Twisting the spinal column both the side is the best exercise for the spinal cord. This also increases the spinal fluid circulation within that. The massage can be done using kneading, tamping and other plenty of the methods.
The method –
Ask the patient to lie down on his/her back. According to kundalini shashtra in yoga, human beings have seven charkas along with spine, which are centers of consciousness. In order to restore these centers, one must locate these areas and massage them with the thumbs using circular movements. For this place the thumb at the base of the spine then move upwards while making semi-circular movements on the whole back and on both sides of the spine. Remember that during this keep both the thumbs on either side of the vertebral column. Usually tapping and kneading is appropriate. All the time rubbing is must but with caution as it should not hurt the person. Oil the spine and then start from base to the top.
The ideal method is getting outwards from the center of the spinal column. This you can carry on through out the back. But at lower back, use your both the hands from the lumbar region, make the semi-circular movement and come down to the place where buttocks start getting separated. Your hands must pass the sacro-iliac dimples, which fall in between the way. At the shoulder grid, use your full hand to grasp the whole shoulder and then lift it and release it several times.
Finish the massage by swiping oil with the cotton cloth.
BENEFITS –
- Relieves the stiffness of the whole column.
- Makes the free flow of the spinal fluid.
- Relieves the tension.
- Makes body flexible.
- In some cases, it relieves the cord compression and hence may be beneficial in nerve-root disorders.
- If done perfectly, can give relief from prolapsed vertebral disc.
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