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Unlocking the Secrets of Ayurvedic Massage: Discover the Healing Power of Abhyanga

06/14/2023 | 9 min. read

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Ayurvedic massage, or abhyanga, is an ancient practice rooted in Indian tradition and offers a holistic approach to healing and well-being. Derived from Ayurveda, one of the oldest known system of medicine, this therapeutic massage technique aims to balance the mind, emotions, body and spirit. By harmonizing these elements, Ayurvedic massage promotes optimal health and rejuvenation.

Ayurveda, which translates to "the science of life," is a comprehensive system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It views health as a balance between the individual's mind, body and spirit. It emphasizes preventive care and natural healing methods. Ayurveda recognizes that each person has a unique constitution, or dosha, which influences their well-being. The three doshas are Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth).

The Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage: Healing the Mind, Body, and Spirit

Ayurvedic massage offers a wide array of benefits that go beyond relaxation. By utilizing specific oils, herbs and techniques, it helps restore the body's natural balance and promotes overall health. Some of the benefits include:

  • Stress Relief: Ayurvedic massage techniques alleviate stress, anxiety and tension, promoting deep relaxation and mental clarity.
  • Improved Blood Circulation: The rhythmic strokes and movements used in Ayurvedic massage help stimulate blood flow, enhancing oxygenation and nourishment of body tissues.
  • Detoxification: Ayurvedic massage techniques facilitate the removal of toxins from the body, especially fat-soluble toxins, boosting the immune system and improving overall vitality.
  • Pain and Joint Relief: Through the use of warm herbal oils and targeted massage techniques, Ayurvedic massage can reduce muscle pain, stiffness and joint inflammation.
  • Enhanced Sleep Quality: Regular Ayurvedic massage promotes better sleep patterns, aiding in the restoration and rejuvenation of the body during rest.

The Techniques and Rituals: An Insight into Ayurvedic Massage Practices

Abhyanga can incorporate various techniques and rituals that are tailored to each individual's dosha type. When done by a trained therapist, this Ayurvedic massage can also include the following elements:

  • Marma Points: Ayurvedic massage therapists target specific energy points on the body, similar to the idea of acupressure points, to release energy blockages and restore balance.
  • Swedana: A steam therapy session follows the massage, which helps open the pores, eliminate toxins, and further relax the body.
  • Shirodhara: In this therapeutic technique, a continuous stream of warm oil is poured onto the forehead.

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                                                            What is your dosha? Find out now by taking the dosha quiz

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Unlocking the Power of Abhyanga to Rejuvenate Mind, Body and Spirit

Abhyanga involves the application of warm herbal oils to the body. This massage is considered one of the key therapies in Ayurveda for promoting overall well-being and maintaining balance. Abhyanga can be performed by a trained Ayurvedic practitioners who customize the treatment based on an individual's dosha type and specific needs, or you can do it at home as part of your self-care routine. Abhyanga is one of the favorite parts of my daily routine.

Abhyanga massage uses gentle, rhythmic strokes and circular motions to massage the entire body, from head to toe. The warm herbal oils used in abhyanga are usually sesame oil, coconut oil, or a blend of both sesame and coconut oil. Vata and Kapha doshas do best with sesame oil alone whereas most Pitta individuals require a blend of sesame and coconut oil. If you’re predominantly Pitta, try starting with a 50/50 blend of sesame oil and coconut oil and depending on your response to the massage you can adjust the proportions of the oils. If you feel too cool afterwards, you can increase the total amount of sesame oil used and if you feel to warm afterwards, you can increase the total proportion of coconut oil used.

The oils used in abhyanga are often infused with a blend of Ayurvedic herbs and spices known for their therapeutic properties. Common herbs used include ashwagandha, brahmi, neem, turmeric and manjistha, among others. These herbs nourish the skin, penetrate deep into the tissues and help to balance the doshas.

Abhyanga offers numerous physical benefits that contribute to improved vitality and overall health.

  • Boost Energy Levels: The rhythmic strokes and warm oils used in abhyanga promote circulation, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to body tissues, and revitalizing the entire system.
  • Strengthen Immunity: Improved circulation supports the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of toxins and bolstering the immune response, thus reducing the risk of illness.
  • Detoxification: Abhyanga assists in the elimination of toxins from the body by activating the lymphatic system and enhancing the natural detoxification processes, especially for fat soluble toxins.
  • Muscle Relaxation: The warm herbal oils used in abhyanga help to relax the muscles, reduce tension, and relieve muscle stiffness and soreness.
  • Nervous System Soothing: Abhyanga has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation, reducing stress and improving sleep quality.
  • Skin Nourishment: The herbal oils used in abhyanga deeply moisturize and nourish the skin, improving its texture, elasticity, and overall health as well as slowing down the aging process.

Abhyanga can be part of a regular self-care routine or can be part of a therapeutic treatment in Ayurvedic wellness centers or spas. If you would like to bring the benefits of abhyanga into your daily (or nightly) routine, here is some guidance to help you get started.

Abhyanga: Practical Points

The complete oil massage usually takes 10-15 minutes; however, it can be performed in only 5 minutes by reducing the number of strokes in each position. This is an adequate amount of time to spend on a routine basis and will give rewarding benefits if done regularly.

For another time saving technique, transfer a 3-4 day supply of oil into a glass bottle. Heat the bottle in the bathroom by placing it in a container filled with hot water. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to warm up while you brush your teeth, etc. Do not microwave the oil.

To start, massage the head and neck first then apply the oil to all parts of the body before you begin the rest of the massage. This will allow the oil to be on the body for the maximum amount of time before taking your bath or shower.

Ideally, leave the oil on for up to 30 minutes after massaging before taking your bath or shower. However, if time does not permit you to leave the oil on, you can bathe or shower immediately following the massage.

The oil massage may also be done in the evening, if morning time is not possible for you.

How to do Abhyanga Yourself: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. In the morning (or evening) heat about ¼ cup of cured oil to slightly above body temperature. The massage should be done with the open part of the hand rather than with the fingertips. Start by massaging the head. Place a small amount of oil on the fingertips and palms and begin to vigorously massage the scalp. The head is said to be one of the most important parts to be emphasized during an Ayurvedic daily massage so spend proportionally more time on the head than on other parts of the body. 
  2. It is recommended to also apply oil gently with the open part of your hand to your face and outer part of your ears. You do not need to massage these areas vigorously.
  3. Massage both the front and back of your neck, and upper part of the spine. You may want to now apply a small amount of oil to your entire body before proceeding with the massage. This will allow the oil to have the maximum amount of time on the body.
  4. Next massage your arms. The proper motion is back and forth over your bones and circular over your joints. Massage both arms, and especially the hands and fingers.
  5. A very gentle circular motion should be used over your heart. Over the abdomen a gentle, clockwise circular motion should also be used.
  6. Massage the back and spine. There may be some areas that are more difficult to reach.
  7. Massage the legs. Like the arms, use a back and forth motion over the long bones and a circular motion over the joints.
  8. Finally, massage the bottoms of your feet. The feet are also considered important, so proportionally spend more time on them. Use the open part of your hand and massage vigorously back and forth over the soles of the feet.

SEEDS OF WISDOM

The Sanskrit word, sneha means “to oil” as well as “to love.” Across global traditions, to anoint someone with oil is a sacred act. Ayurveda has a beautiful propensity for taking the sacred and infusing it into mundane parts of life. Daily oil massage, or abhyanga, is a way to remind ourselves of the sacred nature of life during an otherwise seemingly mundane task—bathing the body.

When we nourish the body and mind through nurturing touch during our daily Ayurvedic oil massage, we’re expressing self-love and every cell in our body receives that message. There is no greater healing power than love. The seemingly miraculous shifts that I see in my patients begin with a cultivation of self-love, which sends biochemical signals throughout the body and mind saying, “I am safe, I am valued and I am cared for.” This message spontaneously invites healing.

That is why even if you’re only able to do a 5-minute ayurvedic oil massage, it is 5 minutes that you are dedicating to remembering that you are valuable and worthy. This message is the antidote for the overwhelm, anxiety/depression and pressure that we experience too often in modern life, which seeds chronic disease. This simple daily reset, in the form of a warm oil massage, breaks the cycle of stress and disease and brings us back to our true nature—we are a sacred expression of life’s love.

Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary

Meet Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary

Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary is an integrative neurologist, Ayurvedic practitioner, and author of The Prime and Sound Medicine. Her combined expertise in both modern neurology and the ancient science of health known as Ayurveda gives her a truly unique perspective that has helped thousands of people to feel better and achieve health goals they never thought possible.

More About Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary