Ayurvedic Massage in Goa India
A Legitimate experience on your Goa
Holidays...
Goa India is on an Ayurveda trip.
Behind every road bend is a board promising you an Ayurvedic
massage. But if you want a legitimate experience, stick
to the big hotel spas or recommended centres.
Ayurveda in Goa India comes in the avatar of a
holiday pastime and is a much abbreviated version of a
complete system of medicine, said to be atleast 5,000 years
old.
Most places in Goa India will offer at least
the five therapies below, most popular with the intrepid
health tourist.
Shirodhara
If you have never tried Ayurveda
before, and are a little skeptical start with this. You will lie
on one of these wooden massage tables imported from Kerala, said
to be made of the antiseptic neem wood, while a gentle stream of
oil pours continuously on your forehead from a funnel-like pot
hanging on a pole. Usually, herbal oil is used and if your spa
or health centre is truly dedicated, it will be a mixture of
oil, milk, butter – all medicated. Amrital Kerala Ayurvedic
prescribes Shirodhara for 40 minutes daily for 7 to 21 days for
chronic insomnia, memory loss, headaches and tension. As a
one-off, you will come out smiling soporifically, convinced of
the oneness of the universe.
Pizhichil
Linen strips dipped in lukewarm medicated oil
will be applied all over your body, by two to four therapists in
a rhythmic manner for about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on your
needs and the dedication of your doctor. As a treatment, it is
supposed to benefit arthritis, paralysis, hemiplegia, nervous
disorders and sexual weakness. As a one-off, it’s very
invigorating and great after a tough gym workout.
Abhyangam
A full-body oil massage, where strokes
vary with the person’s needs, it is said to be good for
dislodging stubborn body fat. It is also good for diabetic
gangrene, which arises due to lack of circulation in the
extremities.
Kizhi
Poultices of fresh herbs or powders are
dipped into oil and the body is hit gently with that bundle.
Good for aches and pains, arthritis and sport injuries.
Udvarthanam
Also known as powder massage, where herbal
powders are rhythmically massaged onto the body. It is preferred
mostly by foreigners who are not used to too much oil. On the
medical side, it is good for skin diseases, impaired
circulation and obesity.
All these treatments are followed by a warm
bath or a sauna, in whichever spa you choose.
