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Massage means communication. Wherever we touch the body, change will happen. Not only will it influence the particular site touched, but there will also be a retort throughout the entire body. This is usually recognized in Reflexology where points on the feet, hands. Or ears are massaged to help the cleansing and re-energizing of organs, joints, or limbs. It is also documented in Shiatsu, massage that uses acupuncture points to draw out a response in the electromagnetic energy field of the body. In polarity therapy, this reflexive response is in the slight fields of energy that enclose the body- even the thought forms become unbound from their obsession to the physical body. The Ayurvedic Facial Massage Sequence employs all of these method plus oleation massage, absorbed on areas or the face, scalp, neck, and shoulders – normally tense areas.
Fascinatingly, if most westerners were asked, “where do you think?” they would point to their heads. Easterners, in contrast, point to their heart region- the center of feeling. This perceptual difference, together with western culture’s speed and intricacy with modern technological lifestyles, creates a focus of a lot more energy in the upper regions of the body (i.e. head, neck, shoulders). Thus, in this modern world, our heads tend to feel busier than the rest of our bodies. Our thoughts and emotions be apt to constrict and twist the muscles of the face, head, neck, and shoulders particularly. Sometimes we are more aware of one area than another: maybe pain or tension around our eyes, jaw, chest, back of the neck, or one shoulder. This type of uneasiness is the way our bodies have of communicating messages to us, letting us know that all is not fine and flowing freely. Releasing the discomfort not only eases the pain in these areas, but may also release memories, emotional traumas, and/or visual images. Let go neck tension, for example, allows energy to flow more freely between the head and the heart. This facilitates better connection between our thoughts and emotions, our habits and patterns. The shoulders are often tight due to unexpressed or repressed feelings, as is the jaw. When this tension is released, communication flows more obviously with more self-assurance and less nervousness.
By working on the head, neck, and shoulders many changes can be make easy. With such potential, it is very important to work with intense care and gentleness. Keep in touch with the other person throughout the session and help them to keep in touch with themselves. If anything of a serious nature comes up, suggest further professional guidance, although it is my observation that Ayurvedic treatments are self-resolving in that many times disturbing feelings come to light, are noted, and then leave, never causing problems again. Just as adding Indian spices to your food improves digestion, adding these techniques to your regime of regular self-care can help perks up mental digestion, leaving nothing unreal with or haunting.
Throughout the massage description, I have chosen to use the word ‘frient’ for the person in receipt of massage. They may be your relative, client, and lover. Whoever they are, they should be treated with your greatest compassion and respect in true friendship. So the word ‘frient’ is there to remind you of this as you flick through the commands.
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Ayurvedic Facial Massage
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