Oriental massage
The origin
It is said that the development of hammams and massages in the Maghreb territories dates back to the seventh century and is due to the prophet Mohammed. These, apparently, once discovered the practice of steam baths and the massages that accompanied them, very common in the Greek and Roman civilizations, would have been immediately conquered by their purifying virtues for the body and the spirit. To the point of introducing them into religious practices, encouraging the construction of Turkish baths attached to mosques. In the 11th century, an illustrious Iranian doctor and philosopher, Avicenne, spoke of the therapeutic qualities of massages, emphasizing that these practices are successful "to dissipate the harmful substances present in the muscles and which are not eliminated by physical exercise. "
The ritual
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The oriental massage is traditionally preceded by a session of about 20 minutes in the hammam. These steam baths, characterized by arabesque and refined decorations, are located in closed and not very bright spaces and are often associated with pine or eucalyptus essential oils. Thanks to the strong heat and humidity, they are able to relax the muscles, promote the elimination of toxins, open the pores of the skin and relax, both physically and mentally.
This stage is extremely important in the massage ritual: it prepares it. After a few minutes of rest outside the hammam, the massage can begin. It is practiced on bare skin, with the help of warm Argan oil. The oriental massage is performed on the whole body, from the feet to the head, following the muscular configuration. The expert hands of the masseur feel muscle tension and insist on painful areas, especially at shoulder height. The expert also works around the belly, drawing clockwise circles with his hands. Finally it lingers on the solar plexus and opens, through pressure, the rib cage. Generally, the session ends with a few minutes of relaxation, accompanied by the traditional refreshing and digestive mint tea.
The benefits
- The techniques used in this massage promote the elimination of toxins, relaxation and flexibility of the muscles. In fact, the oriental massage is aimed above all at relaxing the muscles to promote general well-being.
- Argan oil, particularly rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and polyphenols, strengthens cell functions and nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
- Thanks to the antioxidants it contains, mint tea promotes the elimination of toxins released during the massage and contributes to the regeneration of the body.
