Indian Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga): what it is, types and benefits
In India, massage is an integral part not only of the healing process but also of everyday life. There are daily rituals that include various rubbing movements. The main principle of Ayurveda is to consider a person as a whole. Healers never treat a single organ; they assess the functioning of all systems and find the root of the problem. Ayurvedic massage works with the body and biologically active points (marmas).
Features of Ayurvedic massage
Indian Ayurvedic massage is not just a relaxation technique; it's largely a therapeutic procedure. It can be performed on the whole body or on specific parts. There are special treatments for just the feet or head, and sometimes only the spinal or abdominal area is worked on. It all depends on the objective. An Ayurvedic doctor will help you choose a particular procedure after an examination and diagnosis of the problem.
Women appreciate Ayurveda for its ability to relieve tension and improve their overall well-being, as well as the condition of their skin and hair. Men are drawn to its relaxing aspect, deep muscle work, and healing benefits. There are no significant differences between male and female massages, apart from perhaps the pressure applied.
The massage courses that we're accustomed to take several months and only provide a general understanding of this art. In India, Ayurvedic doctors study the principles and techniques of massage over 6 years, whilst simultaneously obtaining a higher medical education.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of a proper Ayurvedic massage is the holistic health of the entire body. During the session, not only the muscles are worked on, but also all organs and systems are involved, including the psychological component. A course of treatments helps to restore strength and relieve accumulated tension. Oils, a gentle diet, and lifestyle (rest, meditation, yoga) help to relax and improve well-being.
After treatments, discomfort sometimes arises, but it's difficult to call it a drawback. It's a sign that the body has engaged and is responding as it should. As a result of the treatments, blood circulation improves. Redness and skin rashes, and diarrhoea are possible. If these don't cause significant inconvenience, there's no need to worry – the body is simply reacting to the treatment.
Usually, during the treatment, practitioners use a lot of oil. After the session, it's necessary to take a shower and possibly wash your hair. This means that the entire procedure, including the required rest and washing, will take a lot of time.
Some types of Ayurvedic massage yield results almost immediately. The skin tightens, body contours become more defined, and hair looks well-cared for and shiny. However, there are therapeutic treatments whose effects unfold gradually. For example, the effects of acupressure massage are not immediate, but they last for several months.
Indications and contraindications for Ayurvedic massage
All types of massage are prohibited during pregnancy and menstrual periods. In addition, there are several conditions for which sessions should not be carried out:
- all cold or infectious diseases (the body is weakened and may not withstand additional strain);
- Oncology;
- Allergy to oils and medicinal plants;
- Acute skin problems;
- Indigestion;
- Fever, high temperature.
Ayurvedic massage, performed by a specialist, helps to:
- to relieve stress;
- To restore mental balance;
- improve the function of the blood vessels and the lymphatic system;
- To get rid of insomnia and headaches;
- Normalise blood pressure;
- Work on the spine and joints.
Clinics in India include massage in general rehabilitation and wellness programmes. However, you cannot decide to undergo a course of treatment independently, without consulting a qualified Ayurvedic doctor. It is too effective a procedure.
Rest is an important component of physical and mental health. Ayurvedic oil treatments allow literally every cell in the body to relax.
Preparation
Traditionally, Ayurvedic massage is performed in the morning or evening. The patient should arrive for the session on an empty stomach so that the internal organs are not «distracted» by digesting food. During the treatment, the practitioner constantly adds new portions of oil so that their hands glide smoothly over the skin, causing no discomfort. After the session, it will be necessary to take a shower and rest for at least fifteen minutes.
During the course, it is recommended to follow a gentle diet. If possible, you should avoid meat dishes, fast food, alcohol, and coffee. Fresh fruits, juices, grain products, and plenty of clean water are necessary. The ideal option is to set aside a few free days for the Ayurvedic massage course without excessive physical or mental exertion, or to consult a specialised clinic.
Ayurvedic massage techniques and rules
In the rules of Western medicine, massage movements are always directed from the periphery to the centre – from the limbs towards the middle of the torso. Traditional Ayurvedic massage allows for the opposite direction. Depending on the indications and the purpose of the procedure, specialists may begin work from the middle of the abdomen and then move up to the crown of the head or down to the feet.
The therapist uses different types of movements: circular frictions, semicircular finger movements, long, smooth strokes on the back and abdomen, and joint manipulation with widely spread fingers. The direction and pressure are selected according to the purpose of the procedure and the person's condition.
The head is always massaged in a circular motion starting from the crown. The neck is massaged very carefully with light movements of the entire palm (there are many large blood vessels here). The legs are always kneaded from the groin to the knees and from the knees to the feet. The feet are massaged last.
Areas in the groin and mammary glands should not be massaged. Working on the collarbone area can increase pressure. In the heart area, the pressure must always be significantly lighter.
Types of Ayurvedic massage
Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga) is part of Snehana, the preparatory stage Panchakarma. Indian massage is indicated for all joint diseases (arthritis, arthrosis) and internal organ problems. During the procedure, sometimes bags of herbs, cold marble and hot basalt stones, and special equipment are used for Oiling. The sessions include aromatherapy.
Classic relaxing Abhyanga massage
The name of a classic Indian procedure translates roughly as «to rub the limbs». First, oil is applied to the skin of the entire body and allowed to soak in a little. Then, the abdominal and chest areas are worked with smooth, circular movements; the direction of the movements depends on the purpose of the procedure. The arms and legs are kneaded with straight movements.
Abhyanga, in Ayurveda, is used for neuromuscular tension, to improve the condition of the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscles. Two specialists working with four hands simultaneously treat the right and left halves of the body, achieving a uniform blood supply to all organs and tissues. The advantage of the procedure is that attention is paid to literally every centimetre of the skin's surface. It results in body contouring and thorough work on the muscles of the back and spine. Thanks to the stimulation of blood circulation in the neck and head area, concentration improves, and stress and fatigue are relieved.
Indian head massage and shirodhara
Indian head massage is part of abhyanga: the scalp, neck, and shoulders are gently kneaded with warm oil. Muscles relax, tension in the neck and shoulder area dissipates, concentration improves, and skin and hair look well-cared for.
Shirodhara is a separate treatment, not a massage, but a procedure where warm oil is poured in a thin stream onto the forehead, into the area of the «third eye». More details can be found on the page Shirodhara.
Pizhichil is a warm oil bath.
Two therapists rhythmically pour warm, therapeutic oil over the body for 45–60 minutes, massaging it gently at the same time. The procedure induces deep relaxation; in Ayurveda, it is traditionally used for stiffness and back pain, and for restoring strength.
Foot relaxation: Padabhyanga
This is one type of Indian therapeutic massage. The Ayurvedic specialist works only on the feet, but the effects resonate throughout the entire body. Reflex or biologically active points (marmas) are carefully treated, sending signals to all organs and systems. Complex Ayurvedic compounds, which can contain up to thirty different oils, are used in the process. Padabhyanga relieves fatigue and cures insomnia, but it cannot be performed in cases of cancer and advanced-stage varicose veins.
Udvartana - anti-cellulite powder massage
Udvartana is a deep massage using dry herbal powders (sometimes with added oil). The powder acts as a gentle exfoliant, improves blood circulation and skin condition; traditionally, udvartana is included in weight loss programmes and for treating Kapha dosha. It doesn't «burn fat» but helps to improve skin tone and metabolism – the most noticeable effect is a reduction in volume. It is contraindicated for skin diseases and damage.
Marma point massage
According to classical Ayurvedic texts (Sushruta Samhita), 107 marma points are identified on the body – special active points where vessels, ligaments, muscles, and nerve endings converge. The 108th marma point in Ayurveda is considered the mind itself – the highest «point» that controls all others. Some of these are located just below the skin, while others are several centimetres deep. One needs to have a very good understanding of the marma point map to choose the correct pressure, sequence of execution, and duration.
According to Ayurveda, marmas are special active points on the body, linked to specific organs or tissues. Working on them helps to release muscle tension. The process is carried out in two stages. First, the muscles and ligaments are well-oiled and massaged, then the marmas are worked on. The specialist makes small circles with smooth, clockwise movements.
The work on the marma points is noticeable, but with the correct technique, it is performed carefully and should not cause intense pain.
Choosing a therapeutic oil for Ayurvedic massage
Oils for Ayurveda are chosen according to the patient's condition and constitution. They are usually unrefined, high-quality oils. Sometimes, compounds with added medicinal herbs, prepared according to ancient Ayurvedic recipes, are used.
Most often, one of the following oils is used:
- sesame;
- Olive;
- mustard;
- Castor;
- Maize;
- Coconut.
Choosing the right Ayurvedic oil blend is simple: give preference to a blend whose aroma is pleasant. If a person cannot tolerate the smell of the proposed remedy, they will not be able to relax. The session will not bring the expected benefit.
Ayurvedic self-massage – to do or not to do?
You might think, what harm can a simple rub cause? In reality, massage affects not only the skin, but also the muscles, ligaments, joints, and internal organs. Even the simple act of applying face cream should be done considering the massage lines.
It's possible to work on your feet, hands, and palms yourself. Light work on the scalp is also permitted. However, all of this must be done very carefully. Feet, palms, and earlobes have many active points, and stimulating them will have noticeable consequences. If you wish to perform the Indian Ayurvedic procedure at home, you'll need to acquire at least basic knowledge of the techniques and rules of practice.
Self-massage has a significant drawback – it's impossible to fully relax. You have to pay attention to the movements and the pressure. Only a specialist can perform a complete Ayurvedic procedure with maximum benefit.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic massage should not be viewed as a panacea for all ailments. Critical conditions, oncological diseases, or advanced inflammatory processes require immediate medical intervention. However, Ayurveda can help prevent these problems, restore the balance of vital forces, and strengthen the body. If you regularly maintain your health, relieve stress and tension, you can catch problems in their early stages. Properly performed Ayurvedic massage is the key to a long and healthy life. Ayurvedic massage is a health-improving practice, not a substitute for treatment; for illnesses, it should only be undergone after consulting a doctor.
Ayurvedic massage is part of the preparation for Panchakarma programme.
Professional Ayurvedic massage can be received at the following centres
Frequently asked questions
A regular massage works mainly with the muscles. Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga) is done with warm oil, chosen according to constitution, and considers the body, skin, and nervous system as a whole – the task is not only to soften the muscles, but also to relax, nourish the skin, and relieve tension.
Gentle Abhyanga can be performed regularly, even daily, if it brings comfort. Course and intensive programmes (especially as part of Panchakarma) are carried out under specialist supervision.
Usually 45–60 minutes. At the clinic, the time and set of movements are tailored to the goal – relaxation, skin care, or preparation for cleansing procedures.
Abhyanga is an oil massage of the body. Shirodhara — warm oil that streams onto the forehead (this is not a massage). Oiling (sneha) — a broader concept: the entire practice of anointing the body with oil, which includes abhyanga. All three are often combined into one course.
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