Ayurveda developed in
ancient India some 6000 years ago and is a holistic system of healing. It
looks to reharmonise and restore the human body to its natural state of
equilibrium. The main purpose
of this oil therapy is to educate the body to function gracefully and
efficiently.
The oil therapy replenishes the blood supply thus encouraging neurons to attempt to repair themselves. Where neurons have been permanently damaged, the nervous system tries to bypass the old network to establish alternate communication links. As the healthy nerves are stimulated, new axons branch out and send out neurotransmitters. The dendrites of other neurons are attracted to these neurotransmitters enabling the neurons to link up. The nerves are stimulated extensively by specific oil therapy. The rhythmic motion of hands and oil relax the body and increases blood circulation encouraging quicker removal of metabolic wastes and rejuvenation.
Neither mineral, perfumed nor chemically coloured oils are used on the body. Specific herbs, powders, roots and liquids such as milk, clarified butter and oil are used. They comprise the nine sacred characteristics, which are required in the application of oil therapy. The nine qualities being: unctuous, heavy, cold, soft, fluid, viscous, mobile, slow and subtle, all predominantly of the water element.
The oils stimulate the skin, muscles, veins, arteries, circulation and nervous systems. It improves the skin, strengthens the lungs, intestines, and bones and regulates the digestive system. It also increases the body heat and flow of oxygen
The “sirodhara” is one of the special techniques, which increases the flow of the cerebrospinal fluids, thus strengthening the nervous system and also claims to balance the pituitary and pineal glands.
I had Amir on the 28-day course, which must be done continuously without any breaks.
The treatment helped Amir “calm” down: the oils used were always warm and applied in gentle rhythmic motions. He seemed rather tired after each session but we found him relaxed and easy to exercise. I believe it really did help harmonise his system. There seems to be a lot of emphasis on removal of toxins from the body. His bowel movements became more regular, his reflux reduced and eventually stopped. He also slept more deeply at night. It’s hard to say how well it works but it became easier to handle Amir and thus become more aggressive with his other therapies. I intend to do another session this year and hope to see even more improvements.
Fezia, Amir’s mom