PINDA SWEDA MASSAGE

when you feel tense, ‘jointy’ and achy

Sounds Scandi but it’s not –

Pinda Sweda is a gem of an Ayurvedic treatment, perfect for us stressed-out gals who suffer aches for all reasons!

l Why so good? The clue’s in the name. ‘Pinda means compress/poultice and Sweda means “to sweat”,’ says Ayurvedic practitioner Colette Park. So, imagine a nice warm compress on those aches, and you’ll get the picture. It’s good for arthritic aches, lower back pain, tense muscles and joint pain.

l What happens? This is a warming, softening treatment that works deeply and feels luxurious. It’s down to a combination of hot oils and herbs. Here’s how it rolls…

Your body is first smoothed over with oil. Then poultices filled with medicinal herbs, such as ginger, coriander, mustard seeds, ashwagandha and other Ayurvedic herbs, are dipped into hot oil.

‘They’re massaged over the body using different strokes – circular, transverse, and long, plus tapping movements,’ says Colette. ‘Tapping is detoxifying as the movement forces blood out and back into the muscle tissue. You can almost say that Pinda Sweda is another way of taking herbs.’

l Feels like? ‘It’s incredibly soothing,’ says Colette. ‘It’s as if your muscles are melting under the warmth of the poultices. Pressure is light to medium as it’s the heat that’s doing the work.’

l Hidden potential? It’s deeply relaxing and de-stressing. It also increases circulation, gives a sense of lightness and of feeling energised. Plus, it improves sleep and can reduce bloating.

l Cost? A full-body Pinda Sweda costs around £90 for 90 minutes but varies nationwide. Localised treatments for back or legs cost around £50 for 45 minutes.

Colette Park practises Ayurvedic massage in Wimbledon and Chelsea in London and Richmond, Surrey. Contact her at ojas.life. Find therapists nationwide at the Ayurvedic Professionals Association, apa.uk.com.