Ayurveda focuses on maintaining health through diet and natural practices like massages. Oil baths and massages are immensely beneficial for the human body and, thus, an integral part of Ayurveda. The Ayurvedic art of massaging the body with medicated and healing oils is referred to as Abhyanga.

This Ayurvedic oil massage is supposed to be a part of one’s daily self-care, helping to improve many aspects of your health. Read on to know all the details related to this Ayurvedic therapy.

Abhyanga massage is a full-body oil massage. It follows the principles of Ayurvedic treatment and utilises herbal and medicated oils. In fact, the main component of this massage is oil. The combination of massage strokes and herbal oils improves the overall well-being of an individual.

Abhyanga massage is generally performed by qualified Ayurvedic massage therapists. However, in the busy schedules of the twenty-first century, it is not always possible to get an Abhyanga massage done by a specialist. In such cases, one can even perform this therapy by himself/herself.

Listed below are the benefits of getting an Abhyanga massage:

• This Ayurvedic massage nourishes and heals the entire body. It lessens the effects of ageing.
• It helps in removing toxins from the body.
• Abhyanga massage improves blood circulation and prevents wrinkles.
• It improves one’s stamina.
• This oil massage may improve vision.
• It makes the muscles vigorous and imparts firmness to the limbs.
• Having this massage helps an individual sleep well.
• The full-body Abhyanga massage facilitates the growth of thick and glossy hair.
• It nourishes, softens and smoothens skin.
• This massage provides lubrication to the joints.
• Abhyanga massage reduces stress.
• The massage increases energy and improves alertness.
• It is said to help with lymphatic drainage.

Given below are details you should know about the Abhyanga routine and requisite oils.

Oils

Routine

Given below is the Abhyanga massage routine:

One can use the oil by itself or blend it with a different oil. Additionally, one can infuse herbs into the carrier oil. Herb-infused oils carry extra benefits. Some of the common herbs used in oils for Abhyanga massages are listed below:

• Turmeric
• Lotus Root
• Basil
• Cloves
• Waterhyssop

Following are the steps to infuse herbs into a carrier oil solution:

Step 1: Heat a cup of carrier oil.

Step 2: Add herbs of your choice and mix. Remove the pan from the oven.

Step 3: Keep it aside for 24 hours.

Step 4: Strain herbs and store the oil in an airtight container.

Given below are the steps to follow for Abhyanga massage. Please note that one can follow these steps for a self-massage at home as well:

Step 1: Choose the oil based on your dosha and heat it. Test the temperature. It shouldn’t be very hot.

Step 2: If you have opted for a self-massage at home, sit or stand as per your convenience in a comfortably warm room. Alternatively, do as the practitioner asks.

Step 3: Apply the chosen oil first to the crown of the head. Gradually work outward from there with circular strokes. Massage the scalp for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Proceed to massage your forehead, cheeks, temples and jaws in a circular motion. Don’t forget to massage the ears, especially the earlobes. Ensure that the massage strokes move in an upward direction.

Step 5: Massage the arms and legs with long strokes and joints and knees with circular strokes. Ensure that the massage strokes are in the direction of the heart.

Step 6: Use broad, clockwise and circular motions to massage the abdomen and chest. While massaging the abdomen, move up first to the right side and then move down to the left side.

Step 7: Massage the feet for a few minutes.

Step 8: Leave the oil on your body for 5 – 15 minutes. The body will soak in and absorb the beneficial properties of the oil. 

Step 9: Shower or go for a warm bath with a bar of mild soap and afterwards, gently towel dry.

Listed below are the different types of Abhyanga massage:

• Sarvanga Abhyanga- Full-body Ayurvedic oil massage
• Marma Massage- Pressure point massage
• Shiro Abhyanga- Ayurvedic head massage
• Pada Massage- Ayurvedic foot massage 

Enumerated below are some important points that one should keep in mind for Abhyanga self-massage:

• The oil needs to be warm, but it should not be very hot.
• One can use an electronic oil warmer for heating the oil.
• Devote at least a few minutes for massaging each body part.
• After the massage, walk carefully because the oil might make one slip.
• After showering, one should use a clean towel.
• One should opt for regular Abhyanga massages for a good result.

This blog has explained all the important details related to Abhyanga massage. If done regularly, this Ayurvedic massage provides an individual with long-lasting health benefits. The steps are not difficult. In fact, one can easily do a self-massage at home at his/her convenience.