Abhyanga massage therapy is done on the body using warm herbal oils. The massage is done in the direction of arterial blood movement. This helps to improve blood circulation, provide relief from pain and stiffness, and help in de-stressing. It also helps in correcting energy (Dosha) imbalance in the body.
Abhyanga ayurvedic massage is done as a part of Panchakarma treatment. This treatment is done as a part of detoxification and cleansing. Abhyanga is an essential preparatory step of Panchakarma treatment. During the treatment, Abhyanga massage is done to prepare the body for the detoxification process. It helps to move toxins towards the gastrointestinal tract to facilitate its smooth elimination.
There are different types of massages that can be done as a part of Abhyanga massage. This classification is done based on the body part being massaged. The types of Abhyanga are:
Sarvanga Abhyanga: This is a full body massage that is done for the entire body and benefits the whole body.
Shiro Abhyanga: This massage is done on the head. It is helpful in ensuring relaxation and relief from headaches and sinus problems.
Ekanga Abhyanga: This massage is done on specific parts of the body, to relieve pain or stiffness.
Pada Abhyanga: This is a foot massage done for the foot and toes. It helps to provide relief from aching feet and related problems.
Newborn massage: This is an oil massage done on newborn babies. This can be very helpful in improving their overall health condition and nourishes the skin.
Postnatal massage: This Abhyanga massage is done for women who have just delivered a child. The massage helps restore health, which is affected after delivery. It helps to remove Vata Dosha that can be in excess. This massage helps strengthen muscles and make skin firm again.
Abhyanga massage is usually done by an expert Ayurvedic masseur. This helps to ensure the best results. Abhyanga can also be done at home as a self-massage. This can be done regularly to improve one’s health. Periodical Abhyanga massage at Ayurvedic spa can be done to get the complete benefits of Abhyanga.
Abhyanga massage offers many health benefits. It is because of these benefits that Abhyanga is so popular. The benefits include:
It helps in physical and mental relaxation. Abhyanga relaxes the muscles of the body that are strained or overworked. It also helps to calm the mind and brings relief from stress and tension. It can help people with depression by relaxing their minds.
Studies have shown that Abhyanga helps in reducing blood pressure. This is because of the positive effect on blood circulation.
Since Abhyanga involves massage of the skin, it provides benefits for the skin. It helps to improve skin health. It can moisturize the skin and improve its texture. It can be helpful in providing relief from skin problems like wrinkles, scars, and signs of aging.
Head massage can be very helpful in improving scalp health. This can solve hair problems and promote hair growth.
Those who have back pain, muscle strain, and related problems can experience relief from aches and pain. It helps to reduce stiffness.
Abhyanga helps to slow down aging. It helps in rejuvenation.
Abhyanga can be very helpful for improving the working of the digestive system.
It improves overall energy and increases physical strength. It also improves mental agility and sleep cycles.
Abhyanga oil refers to the oil used during the massage. The use of oil during the massage is mandatory. The oil used should be warm or lukewarm so that it produces the best effect.
Where Vata Dosha is affected, sesame oil or Dhanwantharam Thailam is usually used.
Where Pitta Dosha is affected, the oil used is coconut oil or CHandanadi Thailam can be used.
Where Kapha Dosha is affected, mustard oil or Karpasasthyadi Thailam can be used.
For effective Abhyanga, the oil is infused with herbs that can help pacify the Dosha.
The following tips can help you prepare for Abhyanga:
The oil used should be warmed but not too hot.
Dip your fingers into the oil and massage with gentle strokes on the specific parts of the body. The chest, neck, abdomen, eyes, and face should be massaged lightly. The arms and legs need massage with long strokes.
The joints should be massaged through circular motions.
Abdominal massage should be massaged towards the large intestine.
A warm bath should be taken after a 15 minutes gap.
Abhyanga massage is a powerful Ayurvedic therapy that can help relax your mind and body. Whether done as a part of a Panchakarma process or done separately, Abhyanga offers multiple health benefits. It nourishes the tissues, removes toxins, cleanses the skin, and improves overall health. Abhyanga needs to be done by a trained masseuse under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician. Ayurvedagram is a reputed Ayurvedic centre that offers Abhyanga massage. You can contact us at Ayurvedagram anytime to fix an appointment. Based on your health condition, the right kind of massage is suggested to help improve your health and rejuvenate your mind and body.
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