Discover the Advantages of Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Self-Massage |
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For thousands of years people have been practicing Abhyanga, a healing self-massage, part of the ancient Indian medicine of Ayurveda.
Abhyanga is a traditional treatment where the whole body is massaged in rhythmic, gentle moves using essential oils.
The advantage of this treatment is that you can do it by yourself and that is why it became so popular throughout the world.
It is believed that by practicing Abhyanga massage daily one can live to see 100 years and improve his or hers general health.
Benefits of Abhyanga
Abhyanga is relaxation method for the whole body, mostly affecting the nervous system.
Also, it is beneficial for skin elasticity, muscle tone and insomnia.
Abhyanga reduces stress, tension, anxiety and nervousness - the main causes of contemporary health problems and that is why it is considered as an excellent natural preventive method.
Abhyanga:
- reduces stress
- stimulates circulation
- improves skin tonus and skin complexion
- eases pain and weakness
- nourishes skin and muscles
- calms, relaxes and helps with insomnia
- calms pitta and vatta doshas
Practicing Abhyanga
Three steps are needed before getting started with your massage:
1. Choose the right oil and warm it
It is important to choose high-quality cold pressed oil because such oil is in its natural state and it absorbs quickly.
Combine the oil according to the season and your body type or consult with Ayurvedic specialist who will determine the most suitable oil for you.
Generally, during spring and summer you can use coconut oil and during fall and winter sesame oil.
Always use warm oil.
Warm it by putting the glass bottle in warm water and leave it for 10 minutes.
Before applying, check the oil temperature to avoid skin damage and burns.
Types of Oil and Their Application
For regular message you can use coconut or sesame oil.
Linseed oil is recommended for skin problems.
Mustard oil, when warm, reduces swelling. It can be helpful with swollen spleen – just gently warm the oil and apply it to the stomach area.
Olive oil is even better since it is considered to be warmer than sesame or mustard oil.
It is especially recommended for massaging children, elderly and weak people.
It nullifies problems caused by Vatta and Kapha and helps with muscle stiffness, pain and swelling.
Also it stimulates skin pigmentation.
Sesame oil helps with digestive problems such as gas, bile and saliva. It treats gout arthritis, muscle pain and swellings.
Almond oil is useful for the brain, nervous system, weakness, old age and premature aging.
Coriander oil eases the increase of body temperature (fever).
Pumpkin seed oil is good for head massage, since it stimulates memory. It also treats insomnia, fever and anxiety.
Buttermilk can also be used for massaging. It heals Vatta and Kapha types and purifies body channels.
It is used for digestive problems, weak absorption of nutrients, diarrhea and dysentery. It is a natural remedy for edema, urine retention, appetite loss and anemia.
Instead of fresh buttermilk you can use low-fat yogurt, diluted with water in equal proportions.
Ghee (clarified butter) is the best medicine for Vatta and Pitta.
It stimulates memory, intelligence, digestion and fertility.
It eliminates body toxins, cures dementia, constipation, and high fever.
Ghee is also used for treating wounds.
2. Pay attention to the rhythm
“Abhyanga is a choreographed massage”, says Larissa H. Carlson, dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda in Lenox, Massachusetts.“Dedicate your attention to the rhythm, counting and style - for example, make five strokes up and down the shin bones and three circles around your knee.
The whole body must be equally massaged” - advises Larisa H. Carlson.
Start from your head or feet, thoroughly dedicating yourself to every part of your body.
Long movements should be directed away from the body towards the heart (i.e. legs, back, arms, neck), while circular moves should be applied to joints, stomach, hips, shoulders, face and head.
The pressure should not be too strong, but it is important that it is firm.
3. Relax your spirit and body
As your oil massage will remove dryness of your skin and provide it with elasticity, also make sure that every move you make brings you peace and relaxation.
Know that the goal of the massage is not just to influence the body externally (skin and muscles), but also to remove stress, worries and emotional burden you carry.
Concentrate on the motions, thinking how at the same time they are relaxing and nurturing.
After the massage:
Relax for 10 more minutes, sit or lie down, do whatever makes you comfortable, then shower with warm water.
If possible, dry yourself naturally without using towels.
Here is a video that shows how to perform Abhyanga.
When to avoid doing Abhyanga
Even though Abhyanga is considered a safe massage with many benefits, in certain cases it is not recommended.
When to avoid Abhyanga:
- if you have swollen, painful areas on the body
- over infected or damaged skin
- when there is high AMA (toxicity) present in your body
- when you are suffering from acute fever, chills or flu
- when you are suffering from acute indigestion or problems with constipation
- during your period
- during pregnancy
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