Abhyanga is one of the oldest and most popular practices of Ayurveda. It includes applying warm and medicated herbal oils to the body. A form of therapeutic self-care practice that helps to balance the body, mind, and spirit, consequently promoting overall health. Abhyanga is usually part of a regular practice (Dinacharya) in Ayurveda, helping to improve blood circulation and nourish skin health.
The Abhyanga massages use herbal oils that are tailored to each person’s body constitution, which is also known as Dosha in ayurvedic terms. The oils are applied in long, rhythmic strokes that stimulate the skin, muscles, and nerves, supporting the flow of prana (life energy) throughout the body. The warmth of the oils absorbs deep into the tissues, helping to detoxify the body, boost blood circulation, and remove accumulated toxins (Ama).
Sarvanga Abhyanga
An extensive full-body massage using warm, herbal, and ayurvedic oils, with the focal point being on your overall wellness and revitalisation.
Shiro Abhyanga
If you’re looking for something for your neck, head, and shoulders, Shiro Abhyanga would be the top pick. While benefiting hair and scalp health, it also helps relieve your stress, tension, and headaches.
Ekanga Abhyanga
For cramps, stiffness, or injuries and particular body parts like your back, legs, or arms, Ekanga Abhyanga would be the best recommendation.
Pada Abhyanga
This is a massage for the foot that focusses on stimulating the marma points (vital energy points) on the feet. It helps in improving sleep, reducing stress, and grounding the energy.
Newborn Massage
A soft-handed massage designed for newborns, using mild, natural oils to promote healthy growth, strengthen the immune system, and improve sleep patterns.
Postnatal Massage
This massage is specifically for new mothers to help them recover from childbirth, build the strength of the body, and improve lactation. Moreover, it also helps in balancing the doshas after delivery.
Before an Abhyanga massage, one must prepare the environment. First, ensure the room is warm and comfortable, creating a soothing and peaceful atmosphere. The herbal oils should be heated to a pleasant temperature that feels relaxing on the skin. Wear comfortable clothing and remove any jewellery or accessories. It’s also advisable to eat a light meal about an hour before the massage to avoid any discomfort. Basically, the idea behind this is to keep your body as light as possible.
An Abhyanga treatment is a truly relaxing and revitalising experience. The therapist will massage your body with warm, medicated oils, using long, rhythmic strokes that soothe and rejuvenate. The gentle yet firm pressure focusses on marma points, releasing tension. By the end of the session, you’ll likely feel deeply relaxed, refreshed, and wonderfully at ease, so much so that a little post-massage nap might be hard to resist.
The duration of an Abhyanga massage typically lasts from 45 minutes to an hour. For newborns and postnatal massage, the duration may be shorter, around 20 to 30 minutes, varying on the individual’s needs and comfort.
The medicated oils used in Abhyanga are vital to its effectiveness. Different oils are picked based on an individual’s dosha and any specific health conditions. For example, sesame oil is commonly used for Vata dosha, coconut oil for Pitta dosha, and mustard oil for Kapha dosha. The oils are infused with various herbs that enhance their therapeutic properties, helping to nourish the skin, calm the mind, and detoxify the body.
Let the body rest and allow it to absorb the oils after an Abhyanga massage. Refrain from taking a bath immediately after the massage; rather, let the medicated oils sit on the skin for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the therapeutic properties of the oils to penetrate deeply into the tissues. It is also suggested to avoid heavy meals, strenuous activities, and exposure to cold weather right after the treatment.
Abhyanga is beneficial for many conditions, such as:
Tension and anxiousness
Trouble sleeping or insomnia
Joint and muscle pain
Improper blood circulation
Skin problems
Digestive issues
Exhaustion and lethargy
Neurological disorders
Postpartum recovery
The benefits of Abhyanga are various, like the following:
Enhanced blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
Cleaning of the body
Better skin texture
Alleviation of muscle tension and joint discomfort
Improved sleep and relaxation
Balanced body constitution, or doshas
Strengthened immune system
Boosted energy and vitality
Reduced bloating, stress, and anxiety levels
Abhyanga is not just a massage treatment; it’s a dynamic approach to wellness, deeply embedded in the heritage and wisdom of Ayurvedic practices. Frequent and constant practice can result in substantial improvements to physical, mental, and emotional well-being.