Tag Archives: Ayurveda

Therapeutic Coconut Oil Massage

Posted on by

As with most tropical countries, coconut oil is very popular in Sri Lanka as well. Apart from it’s dietary goodness, it also makes a wonderful massage oil. We use it as the base for all of our massages unless requested otherwise by the client (which is very rare – coconut oil is awesome, so why would they want to reject it?)

Studies on individuals with dry skin show that coconut oil can improve the moisture and lipid content of the skin, and that it is as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer. Coconut oil can also be very protective against hair damage and scientific studies have shown its effectiveness as sunscreen, blocking about 20% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Coconut oil is a very light oil that is easily absorbed into the skin. In fact, it is absorbed so quickly that some massage therapists mix it two-to-one with olive oil to make it thicker. This property means it gets to work faster spreading its wealth of healing powers.

Coconut oil’s lauric acid kills any stray fungi, bacteria or viruses hanging out on your skin waiting to make you ill. In fact, if you have any open sores, it helps them to heal faster. Studies show that coconut oil kills pathogens that cause influenza, measles, herpes, ulcers, UTI’s, pneumonia, candidiasis, ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Coconut oil contains vitamin E, which is known as the skin vitamin. It helps moisturize, revitalize, heal and protect your skin. It is all natural, unlike mineral oil, but moisturizes just as well. It is beneficial for treating skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

An added bonus to a coconut oil massage is that is does not stain your clothes. If any of the oil gets onto your clothing, it washes out very easily, unlike other oils. Plus, it smells great. Get a coconut oil massage from Krishna, and feel the magic yourself.

Ayurveda Abhyanga Massage in Colombo

Posted on by

Abhyanga full body massage is the very popular option among my clients, with good reason. It is one of the single most important practices one can incorporate into their daily routine to help maintain a healthy body. A daily abhyanga massage is not practical for most of us, but it’s a worthy treatment to take regularly.

The meaning of ‘Abhyanga,’ is the application of oil to the body. The massage involves liberally covering the client in oil and then using smooth, gentle movements to rub the oil deeply into the body.

Traditionally, abhyanga massage is performed in the morning, to clarify the mind and stimulate the client for the day. However, this is not always an option for my clients, so I conduct the massage in the afternoons and evenings too. The client lies unclothed on a bed (it’s rare to find a massage table on an outcall visit), and I pour specially formulated oil over her body. Coconut oil is used as the base, and herbal oils are mixed based on the dosha (body characteristics) of the client. The oil is allowed to soak in for several minutes before the massage begins, using rhythmic, gentle strokes with the whole palm.

Abhyanga massage differs from many Western massage techniques in that it is not deep. It is meant to nourish the body with touch and rich oil, and while it certainly promotes healthy circulation and and joints, it does not deeply penetrate the soft tissues of the body. My variant of Abhyanga is sensual, with slow and thorough strokes that gently stimulate the nerve endings and equally generates a return to balance of the nerves.

After the massage is over, the client is encouraged wait for 15 minutes or more, then to shower or take a warm bath to encourage absorption of the oil. A regular routine of abhyanga massage can be very beneficial for the skin.

If you’re interested in learning more about my massages, or would like to make a booking, please send me a message.