Abhyanga
Ayurvedic Massage

Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic massage that is used to maintain health. As with other Ayurvedic types of massage therapy, like kalari massage, this massage uses lots of massage oil. The therapist uses long gliding strokes to warm tissue and increase circulation.

This type of massage is gentle and doesn't penetrate deep layers of muscle tissue. It is meant to nourish the skin with oil and increase the circulation to muscle tissue and joints. It's part of standard health maintenance in Ayurvedic medicine.

This massage has quite a few benefits. It can help...

abhyanga

increase circulation
decrease stress and anxiety
improve muscle tone
improve skin health
improve sleep
help rid body of toxins
increase stamina
ease depression
increase mental alertness

This therapy is usually done in the morning before you start your day. You are asked to remove your clothes and lay on a massage table. The therapist will then put oil all over you. Large amounts of massage oil are used. Usually they use sesame or coconut oil. The oil is infused with herbs that are specially formulated for your dosha.

In Ayurvedic medicine, they believe that people contain 3 doshas or characteristics:

Vata (air and space)
Pitta (fire and water)
Kapha (water and earth)

When these doshas are imbalanced it negatively affects your health. The herbs in the oil are used to help balance your doshas.

Once the oil is on your body, the therapist will let it soak into the skin for a few minutes before starting the therapy. The massage is soothing and relaxing. The therapist uses a relaxed open palm and long flowing strokes.

Abhyanga should be done every morning to maintain health. If you can't afford to get a massage every morning, you can massage yourself with massage oil. Self-massage is a wonderful healing practice that can increase your overall health and peace of mind. I give detailed instructions on how to do an Ayurvedic self-massage in my ebook, Self-Massage for Healing. Sign up for my monthly newsletter below to get your free copy.

Kalari Massage--Find out more about this ancient Ayurvedic form of massage.

Massage for Stress--Find out how massage can help reduce the levels of stress you feel.

Massage for Depression--Find out how massage can help you when you're feeling blue.