A Breakdown of Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage and Its Benefits

‘Abhyanga’ is a form of ayurvedic massage therapy that is usually done with warm oil. The type of abhyanga massage and what abhyanga oil is used for treatment vary based on a given individual’s ayurvedic body type and wellness goals. This massage therapy may be administered by a trained therapist or may even be carried out by oneself – following the advice and guidance of an ayurvedic doctor or trained therapist.

What Are the Main Types of Abhyanga Massages?

There are three main types of abhyanga massages, these being:

Sarvanga abhyanga, which involves a full body massage. Oil is applied and massaged into the entire body, including the upper and lower limbs, torso, and feet, for a holistically relaxing or therapeutic outcome.
Shiro abhyanga, which is essentially a head massage. Oil is applied and massaged into the scalp. The process also often includes the neck and shoulders and is intended to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
Mukha abhyanga, which is a face oil massage that is designed to tone facial muscles while improving blood circulation, lymphatics, and skin health.

Significance of Abhyanga Oil

The abhyanga oil used plays a significant role in ayurvedic abhyanga massage. Ideally, the oil selected depends on the ayurvedic body type of the individual (i.e. their predominant dosha type – vata, pitta, or kapha), while also taking into consideration any allergies that they might have.

Vata dosha – These individuals usually have dry skin. Heavy oils such as sesame oil, almond oil, or avocado oil are used for extra hydration and nourishment.
Pitta dosha – These individuals usually have sensitive or heated skin. Neutral oils such as sunflower oil or ghee are used for such individuals.
Kapha dosha – These individuals usually have oily skin. Lighter oils such as flaxseed oil or safflower oil may be used for therapy and may be applied in lesser amounts.

Oils may either be used as they are or may be blended with other oils to create the best combination for an individual’s skin and body type.

The small molecular structure of these abhyanga oils allows for easier penetration into the skin. This means that they can hydrate dry tissues, lubricate joints, and nourish the nervous system. In some cases, these oils also help to mobilise and remove stagnant toxins by stimulating circulation. In other instances, they can help to cool the body down by dissipating internal heat and subsequently cause relaxation and calmness.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage

There are several benefits associated with ayurvedic abhyanga massage, which is usually a customised form of treatment. These include:

hydration and nourishment of the skin and improved suppleness, complexion, and tone.
improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
better digestion and detoxification.
better regulation of blood pressure.
better hormonal balance and reproductive health.
relief in muscle and joint stiffness/discomfort.
calmer nervous system function and reduced anxiety.
improved sleep quality.
improved energy levels and physical strength.
slower/better age-related changes.

Abhyanga Treatment at Adhitya Ayurveda

Following are the steps that are followed to carry out ayurvedic abhyanga treatment at Adhitya Ayurveda:

Initial consultation – One of our trained Ayurvedic practitioners will have a one-on-one consultation to assess your requirement and determine your Ayurvedic body type (based on the balance of vata, pitta, and kapha doshas). You will also discuss what type of abhyanga massage (mukha, shiro, or sarvanga) would work best for you.
Selection of suitable oil – Depending on your ayurvedic body type and any existing skin conditions or allergies, the practitioner will recommend a suitable abhyanga oil to use.
Application of warm oil – The selected oil will be applied onto your face for a face massage, scalp and shoulders for a head massage, or entire body for an abhyanga full body massage. The oil is usually not heated externally but is made warm by rubbing it between the palms before application.
Abhyanga massage – The oil is gently massaged into the face, scalp and shoulders, or body (depending on which type of massage is being carried out). In the case of sarvanga abhyanga, treatment usually starts with the upper limbs, followed by torso and lower limbs (i.e. moving away from the heart).
Post-treatment relaxation – Following the abhyanga massage, there will be a relaxation time for your body to return to its state of equilibrium while still experiencing the benefits of the concluded oil massage.

Abhyanga Treatment: Part of a Broader Wellness Process

At Adhitya Ayurveda, our trained and dedicated team attends to each individual on a one-to-one basis, with an initial consultation followed by a personalised treatment plan. Treatment may be customised to focus on a given medical condition or requirement, such as neurological, dermatological, reproductive or cardiac conditions, or weight loss. Treatment may otherwise be targeted towards holistic wellness goals to de-stress, reinvigorate, and boost one’s physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Abhyanga treatment is just one aspect of a broad spectrum of Ayurvedic treatments that Adhitya Ayurveda offers. It may be carried out by itself, or as part of a larger treatment plan that includes some form of abhyanga massage.

Who Should Consider Doing Abhyanga?

Anyone can try abhyanga treatment under the guidance of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner (with a few exceptions, as mentioned below). It is particularly recommended for:

Individuals who are physically, mentally, or emotionally stressed/fatigued and seek healing and a boost to their overall wellbeing and energy levels.
Wellness travel enthusiasts who are looking for a relaxing, restorative experience with long-term benefits.

Precautions to Take When Doing Abhyanga

While abhyanga treatment is generally good for everyone, there are exceptions for this. Individuals should avoid abhyanga massages if:
They are pregnant or menstruating.
They are ill (e.g. with fever, cold, flu, or some other infection).
They have an existing or long-term dermatological condition.
They have chronic health issues such as cancer, atherosclerosis, etc.

It is also important to take the following guidelines into consideration when preparing for abhyanga:

– Consult a qualified ayurveda practitioner before treatment to determine what oil and routine are best for your body.
– Avoid strenuous activity or exercise before and after the abhyanga treatment.
– Avoid having meals just before an abhyanga massage.
– Follow the short-term and long-term instructions given by the practitioner to reap the full benefits of your abhyanga treatment.

Adhitya Ayurveda offers one-on-one consultation, healing, and therapy sessions to help restore wellness. Get in touch with our well-informed team for more information on how to get a consultation or arrange an ayurvedic abhyanga massage treatment plan to maintain or regain your holistic wellbeing.