A Complete Guide to Abhyanga Oil Massage in Ayurveda

Abhyanga can be the newest addition to your self-care regimen. It is an Ayurvedic self-massage therapy with herbal-infused oils to balance the doshas. It can be self-administered once learnt or can be experienced at the nearest ayurvedic centre that specializes in the technique.

Abhyanga is also a part of the preparatory step of Panchakarma treatment, referred to as purva karma. It is an oleation therapy that helps to prepare the body for detoxification. In Ayurveda, abhyanga is treated as a self-massage technique that heavily depends on medicinal oils to improve the body's circulation. This therapy is offered by Sri Sai Institute of Research and Medicine, which has been creating history since 2013.

What is Abhyanga Massage?

Abhyanga is a herbal self-massage technique, deeply rooted in Indian Ayurveda. It is referred to as “snehana”, which means “to love or nurture”. It perfectly aligns with its results. Warm oil is the core component of the Abhyanga technique; it is applied from head to toe, followed by a soft stroked massage.

Abhyanga benefits are backed by various studies that claim its positive role in stress management and mental health. Blocked Chakras and imbalances in doshas can be managed with abhyanga therapy. Abhyanga is one of the oldest techniques in Ayurveda, and is primarily used in various other treatments that promote overall wellness.

The treatment is traditionally performed at one of the best Ayurvedic hospital in India Sri Sai Institute of Research and Medicine. You can also self-administer it from the comfort of your home after a little practice.

Process of Abhyanga Massage

This therapy is a relaxing treatment performed by experts, but now you can also include it conveniently in your daily routine. It is a hassle-free technique and can be performed with minimal equipment. Follow this guide for Abhyanga Massage steps:

Take ½ cup of herbal oil and warm it as per your tolerance. Select lighter oils in warm weather and heavier oils in cold weather.
Pour the oil starting with your head, and massage your scalp in soft circular motions. Manage the pressure accordingly.
Slowly slide to your ears, cheeks, and jaws, and massage gently in an upward direction with small strokes.
Move to your chest and abdomen, continuing in circular massage strokes.
Continue the process on your back, make sure to massage your limbs in longer strokes.
Massage your joints, feet, and soles in circular motions.
Let the oil seep into your body for the next 15 minutes.
Take a warm water bath followed by gentle cleansing.
Dry pat with a soft towel.

And tadaaaa, your Abhyanga massage is complete. Getting this massage at an ayurvedic centre can be a total game-changer. Experience it today at Sri Sai Institute of Research and Medicine.

List of Benefits of Abhyanga Massage

Abhyanga has been practiced in Ayurveda for thousands of years now due to its therapeutic benefits for the mind, body, and soul. Various studies have concluded the benefits of the therapy with consistent use. Here is a detailed preview of the abhyanga massage benefits:

Improved Blood Circulation: It improves the blood circulation, ensuring smooth flow of nutrients into the body.
Muscle Relaxant: Massage helps to relax muscles and acts as a lubricant for the joints.
Strengthens Immunity: Abhyanga therapy is said to boost immunity and prevent viruses and infections.
Rejuvenation and Nourishment: Consistent massage with the goodness of herbal oils helps in skin rejuvenation by deep nourishment.
Treat insomnia: Abhyanga is an effective treatment for treating insomnia. It fixes the sleep cycle by relaxing the body muscles and reducing stress.
Stress management: It reduces stress by calming down the nerves and helps knock down neurological disorders.
Vision and concentration: Abhyanga practice can positively improve vision, retention power, and concentration ability.

Side Effects of Abhyanga Massage

Though abhyanga is a safe Ayurvedic practice that has showered relief to the masses in general but it may cause minor discomfort in a few cases. Some of the possible side effects are:

Skin sensitivity can occur in cases of extremely sensitive skin or pre-existing allergy to any specific oil or herb.
Fatigue is experienced due to toxin removal during the abhyangha treatment.
Skin allergy or rashes are possible due to some unsuitable herbs. A patch test is recommended on the safe side.
Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should avoid therapy as the blood flow can alter the blood pressure levels, leading to complications.

Hence, gaining deep insights into the therapy is a must; you can learn it at Sri Sai Institute of Research and Medicine, which is the best BAMS college in MP

Best Oil Used in Abhyanga Massage

Oils used in this massage are selected as per the dosha imbalance in the body. Different oils claim to resolve different issues. Here is a checklist for oils preferred:

Vata Dosha: Dry skin is one of the signs of vata dosha, and heavy oils are used in Abhyanga therapy. Almond, sesame, dhanwantharam thailam, and avocado oil are the top abhyanga oil choices.
Pitta Dosha: Overheated and sensitive skin is a typical sign of Pitta dosha, and neutral oils such as ghee, sunflower oil, coconut oil, and chandanadi thailam are preferred.
Kapha Dosha: Oily skin can be a classic sign of kapha dosha. Less quantity and lighter density are best suited. Sweet almond oil, flaxseed oil, and karpasasthyadi thailam are used.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Do Abhyanga?

Abhyanga is a holistic treatment that can be practiced at home, and anyone looking for a healthy and long life may try it. The treatment is specially recommended for people facing certain health issues like:

People suffering from back pain, neck stiffness, or muscle pain can get relief through Abhyanga massage.
Abhyanga treatment has shown excellent results for knee and joint pain.
Sleep and mental issues can be significantly improved through abhyanga therapy.
Abhyanga is like a fresh breath of air as it feels the body with new energy and rejuvenates it
It is highly potent as an anti-aging treatment and immunity booster, which ensures safety and a longer life.

Though Abhyanga treatment is universally accepted for good reasons but it has a few contraindications. Let's have a look at the don'ts:

Pregnant ladies and women on their menstrual cycle should avoid the treatment as it may induce high blood flow.
Abhiyanga is a complete no for Rheumatoid arthritis patients as it may increase the joint pain.
It should be avoided if one has a fever, as it can increase the chills and raise the temperature further.
Abhyanga should be avoided in case of any factor or schooling masses on the skin without a proper inspection by a doctor.

Conclusion

Abhyanga is a medical gem gifted to the world by the land of Ayurveda. An introduction of the therapy in the daily regimen can reduce the medical bills and expand life expectancy by at least two decades. Abhyanga therapy should be infused in mainstream medical practices to promote holistic life choices. Mother Nature needs more sustainable practices like abhyanga to connect with the surroundings. Awakening of root chakras and self-awareness can open less discovered portals to manifestation and balance. Visit Sri Sai Institute of Research and Medicine to learn and experience the best-in-class therapy.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Abhyanga?

Abhyanga serves the purpose of rejuvenation, prevention, and longevity.

What are the 7 positions of Abhyanga?

The seven positions of Abhyanga are: sitting, supine(lying on the back), left lateral, prone (lying on the stomach), right lateral, supine (lying on the back), and sitting.

What is the cost of an Abhyanga massage?

The cost of abhyanga varies, but it may cost anywhere between 1000-3000 INR per day.

Can we sleep after Abhyanga?

Sleeping just after the therapy is not recommended, as the body needs to absorb the benefits of the treatment. A short sleep after a break is completely fine.