Tag Archives: Massage

What Is Nirgundi? Vitex negundo or nirgundi is an herb widely used in Ayurvedic, Chinese and western herbalism traditions. Let’s take a look at nirgundi’s Ayurvedic properties, uses, and benefits. It is a shrub or small tree native to the tropical regions of Asia as well as Eastern and Southern Africa, commonly found growing …

What Is Castor Oil? Castor oil, also known as eranda taila in Sanskrit, is a thick oil made from Ricinus communis, the castor bean. Here, we discuss the benefits of using castor oil along with its Ayurvedic applications. Castor oil has been used therapeutically for centuries. The plant is native …

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of sesame oil, using sesame oil for skin, whether sesame oil is healthy, sesame oil nutrition facts, and viable sesame oil substitutes. Sesame is known as tila in Sanskrit and its botanical name is Sesame indium L. In general, there are two …

I committed to 30 days of abhyanga self-massage and here’s what happened. “The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to injury or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and …

What Is A Bad Knee? Most of us would have come across at least one episode of knee joint pain, sprain, crackling noises in the knee, or swelling. During these times, we usually resort to over-the-counter medications. Let’s take a look at Yoga poses for bad knees along with other …

In this article, we’ll discuss shiro abhyanga (head massage with Ayurvedic oils) as part of a daily regimen and its therapeutic benefits like promoting hair growth. We’ll also see some research studies supporting the use of shiro abhyanga in various clinical conditions. So, how exactly does hair grow? Hair Growth …

A Marma point is an anatomical point where the muscles, arteries, veins, nerves, ligaments, bones and joints meet. According to the ancient Ayurvedic sage Sushruta, marma points are the seats of life.1 They are also the sites where not only tridoshas (vāta, pitta and kapha) are present but their subtle …

According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science and India’s alternative medicine system, living in harmony with the rise and fall of the sun is paramount for good health. Daily routines and bedtime routines are necessary for both children and adults. If you don’t sleep well or your loved ones …

If my hard core Ayurvedic friends knew I was a fan of the smoothie bowl they would probably disown me and call the ‘ama police’. Read: Why Good Ayurvedists Don’t Drink Smoothies The ‘ama police’ are the Ayurvedic individuals committed to serving and protecting your digestion from mis-digestion or ama. I wish there …

In reality, holding on to weight and looking older (and feeling it) are two expressions of the same root cause: depletion. The habits we cultivate over our lives which result in depletion (vata imbalance), are the same that result in unhealthy eating and exercise patterns, and poor self care. I’m …

Can you remember your first day at school? I sure do. I have a vivid memory of standing in a small car park, clinging to my mother while a group of snotty, red-eyed children and a rather large “Trunchbull” waited patiently in a line for me to join the group. …

I know you may be asking, “What’s with this obsession with oil and self-massage in Ayurveda?” Or maybe, “Why do I need to massage myself daily?” Good questions. You may also be asking yourself, “Is self-massage really going to be better than or as good as if someone else gives …

Fall is here and that means it’s Vata season. The weather is cooler, the wind is blowing, the air is dry and all natural life is going dormant for the coming winter. This is the time to adjust to new lifestyle practices to keep the system in balance, and disease …