Photo by Ayurmana Ayurveda

Originally Posted On: https://www.ayurherbs.com.au/how-ayurveda-massage-helps-with-muscle-stiffness/

 

Stiff muscles aren’t just inconvenient and uncomfortable, they can wreak havoc throughout your body. Muscles connect with other muscles, bones and joints so when one is stiff, it can affect other areas too.

Ayurveda therapeutic massage is an ancient method of relieving muscle tension and freeing up those stiff muscles. Using techniques and oils developed over generations, there’s a reason why Ayurveda is still a go-to remedy. It works.

Would you like to be free from the aches and pains that plague you? Do you want your muscles to get stronger and help prevent injuries? When your muscles are smooth and free, they’ll be able to move to their full potential.

Keep reading to find out what Ayurvedic massage is and how it can help you.

What Is Ayurvedic Massage?

Ayurveda itself is a holistic health system that sees the entire body connected and treats it as one. This is a particularly helpful stance when it comes to stiff muscles and muscles tend not to suffer in isolation and instead take tension from other imbalances.

Ayurvedic massage is one type of Ayurvedic treatment and can be a part of a wider therapy plan or enjoyed on its own. It’s most often a type of physical therapy, rather than a tool for relaxation.

Within Ayurvedic massage, there are varying types of massage too. These include:

• Abhyanga
• Marma
• Shiro Abhyanga
• Udwarthanam
• Kativasthi

While these names can sound alien, we’ll go into more detail about the specific types of Ayurvedic massage that help with muscle stiffness.

The Causes of Muscle Stiffness

Muscle stiffness is a discomfort in the muscles that differs from person to person. There are many reasons why you could be experiencing muscle stiffness or tightness and your Ayurvedic practitioner will work with you to find the root cause.

Causes of muscle stiffness include:

• Injury
• Temperature changes
• Underuse
• Overuse
• Diseases or health conditions like fibromyalgia
• Anxiety
• Inflammation
• Disrupted energy channels

Muscle stiffness can cause pain and tightness in the immediate area and even pull other muscles out of balance, creating further discomfort. That’s why dealing with muscle stiffness is a sensible approach.

Using Ayurvedic Massage to Release Muscle Stiffness

Ayurvedic massage is a fantastic way of treating muscle stiffness as it treats the issue holistically. This means that you’ll not only walk away with relaxed muscles, but you’ll get many other benefits too.

Ayurvedic Massage Techniques

There are several types of Ayurvedic massage that are beneficial for muscle stiffness and your practitioner will discuss the options with you.

Abhyanga Massage

This is one of the most common types of Ayurvedic massage and is highly effective in the treatment of stiff muscles and general tension.

Abhyanga massage is a deep tissue massage that your masseuse will tailor to your dosha type and perform with your goal in mind. Your practitioner will choose Ayurvedic oils that match your dosha and support the treatment.

This type of massage soothes muscles and relieves them of tension they’ve built up. By smoothing the muscle fibers and resetting them into their natural places, muscle stiffness fades away.

Abhyanga doesn’t stop there though.

It boosts circulation with benefits the entire body as well as supporting the proper function of your muscles. By relaxing and relieving stress, this type of massage also reduces the risk of muscles tensing up again from stress and mental tension.

Marma Massage

Sometimes Ayurvedic practitioners will recommend Marma massage as part of stiff muscle treatment. Marma massage is a type of pressure point massage that identifies problematic points and focuses on releasing them.

Stiff muscles are sometimes caused by specific points of injury, imbalance or tension and respond well to Marma massage.

Indian Head Massage

Indian head massage treats a stiff neck better than almost any other type of treatment and it has enduring popularity. This type of massage also treats the upper back and shoulder muscles, resulting in wide-ranging relief from stiff muscles.

This massage type is immensely relaxing and not only relieves stiff muscles but encourages mental and emotional wellbeing.

Ayurvedic Oils

There are many types of Ayurveda oils and it takes an experienced practitioner to understand which will work in the treatment of your muscles.

These oils play a large role in Abhyanga massage and work to balance your doshas and support the smooth movement of joints.

Practitioners use some oils for their warming abilities, creating a warmth that travels through your muscles, relieving them of tension and reinvigorating them after injury. Sesame and almond oils are popular for their warming abilities.

Ayurvedic oils can provide pain-relieving qualities and help improve circulation in conjunction with massage. Good circulation helps your body heal itself, reduces inflammation and strengthens muscles.

Long-Lasting Effects

Athletes and professionals around the world in every discipline use massage for relief. It provides exceptional support for your body’s natural healing ability and can speed up recovery from overuse and injury.

Ayurvedic massage has long-lasting effects as it releases tension that can cause further discomfort. The stress-relieving properties of Ayurvedic massage also help reduce the risk of future tension and a regular massage can transform your life.

The Added Benefits Ayurvedic Massage

With Ayurveda massage sessions, you’ll find wonderful relief from stiff muscles and regain your strength and stability. As a holistic treatment though, you’ll get added benefits.

Ayurveda massage also:

• Aids digestion
• Supports toxin elimination
• Reduces anxiety
• Improves skin health and quality
• Connects mind and body

Relax Your Muscles With Ayurveda Massage

Muscle stiffness isn’t only uncomfortable, it can ruin your day and cause more health problems if left untreated. Stiffness can have knock-on effects on other muscles and joints as well as creating feelings of frustration and pain.

With Ayurveda massage, you can get swift relief from muscle stiffness. By improving circulation and promoting faster healing and recovery, a skilled massage will leave your body and mind in an optimum place.

If you’re looking for expert Ayurvedic massage treatments, get in touch with us today. We understand how important it is to feel balanced in your body and mind.