Kerala Massage - Treatment, Procedure And Side Effects

Kerala known to be the land of Ayurveda is a state that specializes in body massage treatments. Kerala massage is not a conventional massage. It is a holistic treatment therapy that helps build overall good health. Those who get Kerala Ayurveda massage done experience great relaxation and feel energized the whole day. If massage, if done on a regular basis, is known to improve sleep patterns and keeps the body away from toxins and illnesses. Apart from good health, it has wonderful benefits on the skin too. It leaves the skin feeling fresh, glowing and beautiful. Kerala massage also helps improve the tone and strength of muscles.

Kerala massage has a wide range of benefits to the body. It helps in balancing Vata dosha, Kapha dosha, and pitta dosha. Kerala massage has been trusted for over 2000 years now and is considered as an effective treatment for relief of body pains and aches. It provides complete rejuvenation of the body, builds resistance against infections, activates the mind, improves the complexion of skin and reenergizes the body. Kerala’s fair climate and resources makes it a perfect destination for soothing Ayurveda massage and other traditional therapeutic treatments here.

Kerala massage is a masterpiece of Kerala done using herbal medicated oils. The massage is done by therapists in a synchronized way for about 30 to 45 minutes. The pressure points and strokes vary based on the age and medical condition of the individual. Kerala massage typically involves a seven position therapy to treat the body physically, emotionally and mentally to balance the doshas.

The massage is done in a rhythmic motion to relieve stiffness in muscles and joints. It is a stimulating treatment that improves blood circulation, enables removal of toxins and metabolic wastes, and cures disorders like anxiety, stress, depression, arthritis, backaches, fatigue, and injuries. After the medicated oils are massaged on the body, the body is exposed to steam and heat. The hot steam makes the medicated oils seep deep into the body and nourish it from within.

Visitors who intend to get the massage done are asked to lie down on a wooden table. Trained masseurs apply herbal medicated oils and conduct the massage under the supervision of the ayurvedic physician.

• Medical ailments: Kerala massage is specifically known to cure ailments like arthritis, paralysis, and spondylosis.
• Relaxation and lifestyle: Kerala Ayurveda massage helps in rejuvenating the body, inducing sleep, boosting immunity, increasing lifespan and overall well-being.
• Mental well-being: Massage treatment is also known to prevent sleep disorders, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Beauty: Synchronized massage with steam bath also improves skin complexion, softens skin texture and prevents ageing.

Who is eligible for massage?

Although there are no restrictions to Kerala massage, the massage can be performed only on certain age groups and medical condition. Adults between the age group of 18 to 60 are eligible for massage. If you doshas are currently out of balance, then it’s the right time for you to opt for Kerala massage. Massages to pacify doshas are based on personal constitutions and outer environment. Doshas are also pacified based on the type and season. To understand your current condition and ayurvedic constitution, you can take the vikriti and Prakriti test.

Although Kerala massage is highly beneficial for overall good health, there are certain sections and groups of people who are not eligible for the treatment.

1. Those women who are having their menstrual cycles at the time of massage. Massage can further trigger the release of toxins and tax the body at a time the body is already undergoing stress.
2. During pregnancy, as it is not good to initiate any detox process during pregnancy and precaution should be taken to protect the fetus and the mother.
3. People suffering from infections such as flu, chills, and fever
4. People suffering from indigestion and gastric disorders
5. Those with infected or damaged skin
6. Those with swollen areas in the body
7. Any persistent medical history

Although Kerala massage is rejuvenating to the body, it is better to avoid strenuous or hectic work after a massage. It is ideal to relax and skip large meals and stay away from alcohol and carbonated beverages. Instead, have smaller and lighter meals with fresh fruit juices.

Each Kerala massage differs from the other as they are performed based on body’s current condition, external environment, age, skin type, medical illnesses, and doshas. If you experience any adverse symptoms after a massage, contact your ayurvedic practitioner immediately.

After the massage, take a leisure shower and wash off the excess herbal massage oils. Soon after a shower drink some cold water. This will keep the body hydrated and balanced the rest of the day.

As the saying goes Touch nourishes life as food does, ayurvedic Kerala massage plays a critical role in healing the body from within, improving mental stability, and balancing the doshas that govern the physiological activity in the body.

The recovery period after Kerala massage is almost instantaneous and one feels energized immediately after one session. However, it takes a few regular sessions in the upcoming months to see positive results of the massage on the body and mind.

Ayurvedic Kerala massages are offered in different packages ranging from full treatment programs to individual sessions depending on your needs. The estimated duration of all types of Kerala massage is about 30 to 60 minutes on an average.

However, the price range differs based on the type of massage you take. “Dhara” ayurvedic Kerala massage for head and other parts of the body costs between 2200 to 6033 INR for each session. “Snehapanan” massage performed for skin problems and digestive disorders costs between 630 to 1370 INR. Long-term therapeutic massage packages cost between 6500 to 30500 INR for 5,7,14, and 21 days. Prices vary according to the number of days the massage is taken.

There are several alternatives to Kerala massage that are being performed on people all over the world. Those not eligible for Kerala massage can opt for these alternative treatments. Some of these alternative treatments include acupuncture, Thai massage, Japanese massage, bamboo massage, and reflexology.

These alternative therapeutic massages are also known to increase the mental and physical state and well-being keeps the body energized and rejuvenated. It also helps if effective detoxification of the body keeping it clean and healthy.