Many pilgrims consider their arrival to Santiago to be a ritual of purification and inner cleansing – the beginning of something new and exciting, and the end of something stagnant that they want to discard from their lives.
There are numerous rituals of this type, such as the traditional burning of a personal belonging at the foot of the lighthouse once you reach Finisterre, where the wind and rain have weathered the granite into pías, concave hollows resembling altars (this tradition is currently not allowed).
I suggest a healing ritual that is extremely beneficial for the body, especially if practised regularly or on special occasions (such as this one): Ayurveda Abhyanga. A magnificent option for the culmination or finishing flourish to your Camino that will help you rebalance your energy, not only physically, but also emotionally and spiritually.
This ritual is highly personalised, because depending on your DOSHA (which is determined by your bone structure and muscles, body temperature, skin type, sensitivity, and your digestive, intestinal and nervous system), you could be: VATA, PITTA or KAPHA. According to your dosha, I will apply a different amount, temperature and type of natural Ayurvedic oil, and a different speed and pressure of massage to achieve your full balance.
The secret of youth and beauty is good circulation of vital fluids and the proper elimination of waste materials on a regular basis. With that in mind, this ritual plays an important role in helping you feel younger, more energetic and more attractive. If you complement this with a healthy and balanced diet, such as the Ayurvedic diet, you will live a long and healthy life.
Benefits:
Not only is this an outstanding relaxing massage that will reduce your levels of stress, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, blood pressure, pain and sorrow and increase your tolerance and patience, but it also has enormous therapeutic power, as it will help you eliminate waste products (sweat, urine, faeces, etc.), activating blood circulation and helping to improve overall health.
- Stimulates the respiratory system.
- Increases longevity (by improving the functions of vital organs and tissues).
- Strengthens the immune response.
- Gives you stamina (physical and mental), vitality, strength and sex drive.
- Improves skin complexion, delaying the appearance of wrinkles and skin diseases.
- Accelerates the healing of wounds and injuries.
- Eliminates fatigue caused by mental stress and tension.