What is Abhyanga: Why This Ayurvedic Massage Is Trending Now?

Over the last decade, ancient wellness practices such as Ayurveda, Panchkarma, Yoga and Abhyanga (Oil massage) along with ayurvedic therapies in Kerala have gained popularity attracting fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers from across the globe. People are inculcating the wisdom of the sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda in their day to day lives. With a heightened increase in lifestyle diseases, mental issues, and physical stress, people have become aware about prioritising self-care and mental health. This is where the ayurvedic massage benefits have gained centre stage and today are in high demand. As per a report presented by the Global Wellness Institute in 2023, the global fitness industry has been estimated at over dollar 5.6 trillion, which shows that more and more people are turning towards holistic therapies such as Ayurveda for dealing with physical and mental ailments.

 

What is meant by Abhyanga?

Abhyanga is one of the most authentic and ancient practises of Ayurveda which has been practiced over centuries and passed down over generations. Abhyanga is especially recognised today for relaxation and calming down the nervous system. It has become a prerequisite in today’s hectic lifestyles. Abhyanga includes infusing the oils with various kinds of herbs, so that the oil can absorb the therapeutic qualities of the herbs and then this oil is gently warmed and applied over the entire body of the patient in rhythmic circles with apt amount of pressure to deliver him comfort and relaxation. The word Abhyanga is a Sanskrit word which is made up of two words Abhi and Anga meaning towards limbs. Abhyanga is more than a simple massage therapy as it is more of an external Oleation process that helps in detoxifying the body, nurturing the skin and joints, and balancing the doshas of the body – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The application of oils penetrate into the body and help in improving blood circulation, strengthening the tissues and also bringing restoration.

 

The process of Abhyanga

An ideal Abhyanga session is performed in a peaceful and calm environment. The Ayurveda Massage in Kerala offered by Lokah Ayurveda, nestled in the backwaters of Kerala offers the perfect atmosphere and relaxation zone for the body to absorb the entire benefits of this massage therapy.

·        Right selection of oil - The Ayurvedic practitioner first chooses the right set of oils and then infuses the oil with various herbs that are decided to be chosen as per the patient’s body’s constitution. Different herbs affect the body differently having varied qualities and aromas. The right selection of herbs and oils aims to deliver maximum therapy and relaxation to the patient.

·        Warming the oil – After the oil and herbs have been chosen and infused with, the solution is gently warmed to awaken the therapeutic benefits of the herbs and the oil. Also, the warm application of oil will help in easing muscle pain and offering relaxation that is skin deep.

·        Technique of massage – The next and the most important step of the Abhyanga therapy is the technique of massage. Every masseuse has a unique technique of massaging. Generally, the oils are massaged in an upper direction for the lower body and in a downward direction for the upper body. The idea is to bring the blood circulation closer to the heart. Also, during the massage various Marma points (vital energy points) are activated that help in opening up subtle energy channels in the body.

·        Span of the massage – Generally an Abhyanga therapy lasts for around 45 minutes to an hour. The massage session can also be accompanied with relaxing music or mantra chanting in the background, along with aroma therapy to induce maximum relaxation and absorption of the massage.

·        Post massage care – Ayurveda prescribes a before and after care after all of its therapies so that the patient gets the time to stay in the therapy and enjoy the relaxation and healing benefits of the program. After the Abhyanga therapy is completed, the patient is suggested to rest for a short time and then take a warm bath so that his pores can be opened releasing the Ama (toxins) from the body, helping the stiff muscles relax and the skin glow.

 

Unique Ayurvedic Massage Benefits

Today this ancient Ayurvedic massage therapy is being chosen and appreciated globally for its unique benefits worldwide.

·        Detoxification - The rhythmic application of herbal oils not only detoxifies the body externally, but also helps in expelling harmful toxins internally from the body. Since the selection of herbs and oil is done on the basis of the patient’s unique body constitution, the ingredients used are customized and therefore meant to address specific concerns of the patient.

·        Relief from mental issues – One of the primary reasons that Abhyanga has become globally popular today is the relaxation it offers. Especially to patients dealing with mental issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and unnecessary over thinking. Abhyanga comes across as one of the most relaxing therapies without having any side effects or hefty cost on the wallet.

·        Pain Relief – In addition to detoxifying the body and relieving from mental issues, Abhyanga also helps in relieving from muscular pain. Often athletes and even working professionals tend to have long sitting hours in one position throughout the day. This puts pressure on the muscles and joints. Abhyanga helps in deep relaxation of the body and relieves the body from physical pain and stress.

 

Conclusion

Today, Abhyanga is looked as not just as a simple massage therapy, but as a healing session where one can come and completely let go and relax. Abhyanga has been a time tested therapy in Ayurveda which has been practiced over the centuries and is now gaining popularity globally. In our everyday lives dominated by tight work schedules, hefty deadlines, social commitments, and endless distractions that cause stress, anxiety, physical discomfort and fatigue. Abhyanga has come up as a hero in natural remedy for deep relaxation.