Massages in Various Conditions (Joint Pain)

This is one of the most common problems in the world. The usual treatment available in the allopathic is NSAID’s and certain painkiller apart from some rare cases where the surgery is needed.

Since years ayurveda has the answer for all the joint pains. All the joints are suppose to be the seat for Vata dosha. The Vata dosha is suppose to be cool, subtle, rough, movable and minute. All the diseases that involve joints usually involve Vata dosha. As said in ayurveda there is no pain without Vata dosha. So whenever there is a joint pain it is consider that the Vata dosha is getting involved and hence vitiated.

The common sites for joint pains are back, shoulder and knee. The back pain generally refers vertebral pain. The joint pain sometimes does involve the inflammation (swelling) and red discoloration. Involvement of redness and swelling proves the presence of Kapha dosha at the site.

It is hazardous to start massaging the body without knowing the condition as the massage does have contraindications within it. Usually when there is swelling the massage with the oil is avoided, as ayurveda believes that the Kapha dosha will get aggravated if one applies oil on that ultimately resulting on worsening of the case.

When there is pure Vata dosha involvement (a pain without swelling or discoloration) then the massage is useful. However it is always advisable to see ayurvedic physician before applying any kind of oil or lotion.

Here are some of the oils those are used for massaging joint pains…

• Dhanwantaram tailam (special ayurvedic preparation)
• Kottumchukadi tailam (special ayurvedic preparation)
• Eranda tailam (castor oil)
• Tila tailam (sesame oil)
• Ashwagandha tailam (withania somnifera oil)

The procedure –

Making sure that there is no swelling or redness over the area, the local site is washed properly and cleaned. There should not be dust particles as it may block the route of oil into the skin.

It is always advisable to get tested first. Apply the oil somewhere on the body (preferably on the back of your palm) and wait for at least half and a hour confirming that there is no reaction due to oil or lotion application.

Then the oil is heated and kept slightly warmer than the body temperature. For the knee, the best posture is to sit on a normal chair peacefully. The oil is applied with the circular movement first and then reverse to that. This is done for minimum 15-20 minutes. During that if any discomfort is felt like irritation kindly stop the massage and consult your ayurvedic physician. After an application the oil is kept for minimum 2 hours and then wiped off with warm water. A smooth cotton cloth would give final touch. At knee traditionally the steam bath is given locally with different herbs and with special technique that enhances the efficacy of the massage.

On the back as described earlier, one masseur is required. The ideal method is getting outwards from the center of the spinal column. This one can carry on through out the back. But at lower back, use both the hands from the lumbar region, make the semi-circular movement and come down to the place where buttocks start getting separated. Hands must pass the sacro-iliac dimples, which fall in between the way. If the shoulder is giving trouble then at the shoulder grid, use your full hand to grasp the whole shoulder and then lift it and release it several times. The same fashion as of knee is also applied here. Massage in a circular movement over the shoulder carrying it up to biceps both the sides.

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