Abhyanga: An Ayurvedic Self-Care Ritual

Abhyanga: An Ayurvedic Self-Care Ritual

 We’ve all heard it before: take care of ourselves first; prioritize our own well-being, because only then can we most effectively care for others; we have to love ourselves before we can love anyone else; etc.

It’s easy to understand the truth stated above; however, in our busy, modern-day lives, it can be a challenge to put these truths into practice. Oftentimes, for the person who tries to get it all done, every day, it can be a superhuman task, and prioritizing for ourselves is the last thing on our mind.

It starts with intention. You probably already have the intention, or at least the willingness to have intention, since you’re reading this. So let’s get started. Let’s cultivate the intention to prioritise our own well-being and start by giving our bodies some love with ayurvedic self-massage, known as abhyanga!

 What is Abhyanga?

The word ‘abhyanga’ is composed of two Sanskrit words, Abhi and Anga. Abhi means ‘towards’ and anga, means ‘movement’. It is the secret to beautiful glowing skin and effectively slow-down all your skin’s aging process. It's also known as "snehana," which means "to nurture or love". Abhyanga is an Ayurveda massage which is completely different from normal body massage. It has a tremendous benefit to the body, mind, skin and immune system as well. Massage that involves applying warm herbal oil to the skin, starting at the top and working down. It's a central practice in Ayurveda. Abhyanga is a ritualistic practice that embraces self-care and relaxation. 

Abhyanga is considered such a significantly beneficial therapy therefore its said to be a important part of our Dinacharya (daily regimen) and it’s recommended daily, especially for the elderly, those with more air & ether in their constitution (vata dosha) and for those experiencing stress, anxiety & insomnia to name a few.

Its excellent for pain relief and healing, abhyanga is usually characterised by a specific sequence of strokes using copious amounts of warm, herbal oils suitable for the individual. The oil which we use for Abhyanga at our centre, is prepared by Vaidya Shweta Verma herself to provide the best treatment and healing, keeping the body constituents in mind, each and every patient is prescribed with the oil according to their body type.

There are various abhyanga massage technique & procedure involved for a fulfilling massage therapy. In Ayurveda system, Abhyangam is a part of the Panchakarma therapy in Purva Karma or pre-treatment stage.

Acharya Charak says "The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with a pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age". - Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89 

Ayurveda has the Principle (Prayojana) to maintain the health of healthy people and treat diseases in sick people. Ayurveda also believes that good health is the basis for achieving four goals in life: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.

 

Types of Ayurvedic Massage- Abhyanga

  • Sarvanga Abhyanga – Full Body Ayurvedic Massage
  • Shiro Abhyanga – Ayurvedic Head Massage.
  • Marma Massage – Pressure point massage.
  • Pada Massage – In Ayurveda “Pada” means feet, Ayurvedic foot massage.
  • Kerala Foot Massage – It is a kind of body massage done using feet.
  • Post-Natal Ayurvedic Massage – For new moms.
  • Ayurvedic New Born massage  – for newborn babies

 Benefits of Abhyanga 

  • Balances the metabolism and the digestive fire
  • Reduces stiffness in the muscles
  • Increases blood circulation
  • Nourishes and heals dry skin, itchy skin, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions
  • Reduces stress
  • Anti-aging to the skin, as it promotes blood flow and prevents wrinkles
  • Lubrication of the joints
  • Better, deeper sleep at night

Contraindications of Abhyanga 

Abhyanga is contraindicated immediately after eating, when experiencing a strong headache or migraine, those with excessive mucus or congestion, suffering severe constipation or early stages of fever or directly after having surgery. Abhyanga is also contraindicated during the first three days or during heavy flow of menstruating women.

How long does one abhyanga session takes place 

45 minutes massage and 15 minutes steam. Overall 1 hour (60 min.) session at our centre. 

How to Practise Abhyanga at Home (Self-Abhyanga/ Self Massage) 

We would all love to receive abhyanga from a masseur or a therapist all the time, the second-best thing is to give yourself an ayurvedic massage - often called ‘self-abhyanga’. 

Abhyanga must be an esential part of our daily practice or Dinacharya. Abhyanga is great for general fatigue, stiffness in the joints and muscles, as preparation for the activities for the day, or in the evening it can be practised as post-workout recovery for the muscles and joints. It provide lubrication and nourishment for all the joints, good for bone health and overall health. 

Choose oil tailored to your dominant doshas for balance. For Vata, try almond oil, for Pitta, opt for cooling oils like coconut or sunflower, and for Kapha, use sesame oil sparingly or blend with mustard oil. When uncertain, use sesame oil.

 

Self-Abhyanga Instructions

The most important thing is to warm your oil in order to offset the cold and dry properties of Vata, as well as help to relax the body and make the oil better able to penetrate the skin. And make sure to take a bath or shower with warm water, after practising abhyanga (not before) & voila! Your skin will thank you, too! No need for moisturiser or any other lotions. Try it and feel the difference. 

If you want to experience Abyanga at our centre and indulge in the tranquility, book your session today. 

 

 

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