Abhyanga is a body massage done with warm oil. Massage has been used for centuries for both therapeutic and preventing purposes.
The oil is applied to the entire body, from the scalp to the soles of your feet. This is a special warm oil massage in which various strokes are given according to the disease for about 45 ~ 60 minutes.
Meaning of Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a Sanskrit (Indian language) word derived from ‘abhi’ and ‘anga’. Abhi means ‘glow’, and anga means ‘body part’. In a literal sense, Abhyanga would mean glowing body parts.
Abhyanga is a form of Ayurvedic therapy that involves massage of the entire body from the head to the toe with Dosha-specific warm herb-infused oil.
In Ayurvedic texts, Abhyanga is mentioned as part of the daily routine (dinacharya). It is also an essential preparatory step of Panchakarma treatment.
Different types of Abhyanga
Ayurveda classics have mentioned various types of Abhaynga. This classification is done based on the body part being massaged:-
- Sarvanga Abhyanga: Complete body massage.
- Shiro Abhyanga: Massage is done especially on the head.
- Generally, deep stroking is applied in this procedure.
- Ekanga Abhyanga: Massage is done on specific parts of the body, to relieve pain or stiffness.
- Pada Abhyanga: Foot massage done for the foot and toes. It helps to provide relief from aching feet and related problems.
Abhyanga Procedure
Depending on the specific disease, medicated oils are chosen very carefully. The best oil for Abhyanga depends on your “dosha,” or body type. As per Ayurvedic texts, use oil according to skin type. Use Vata balancing oils (sesame, almond) for dry skin, Pitta balancing oils (coconut, sunflower) for sensitive skin and Kapha balancing oils for oily skin (safflower). Jojoba oil is good for all skin types.
Clothes other than undergarments of the person whose Abhyanga is to be done are removed so that massage can be done on body parts.
The person lies down on his back on Droni (special Ayurveda massage table)
The therapists then warm the oil to a soothing temperature. Oil is applied to the head first and then the whole scalp.
Then oil massage of the ear, palm and feet is done. The heated oil is applied uniformly to the body, by the two therapists standing on both sides of the Droni table.
Afterward massage of the head is done and subsequently moves down to the neck, upper back, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, hands, chest, abdomen, lower back and lower limbs.
The proper procedure of Abhyanga is that it is performed in seven (7) sequential postures. These are: sitting, supine (lying on the back), left lateral, prone (lying on the stomach), right lateral, supine (lying on the back) and sitting.
Overall upward and downward strokes are done by therapists while doing Abhyanga on hands and legs. Circular strokes are used for massaging joints, chest and abdomen.
The whole Abhyanga procedure normally takes 45 minutes.
How Abhyanga works
It works on the body on both levels:
Physical – Rubbing the body produces heat and increases blood circulation, it affects the lymphatic system and supplies more nourishment to the blood.
Psychological – Through touch, massage works on the nervous system and affects the circulation of growth hormones.
In Ayurvedic texts, limited description is mentioned on how Abhayanga works for the body. It’s mentioned that if Abhyanga is done for sufficient time, the oil reaches the different Dhatus (potency of oil to get absorbed into the skin). The application of touch and pressure in various manners constitutes the maneuvers of massage.
The modern view is that internal fluids of the skin are subjected to movement in the massage because of osmotic pressure. Massage causes mechanical hydrostatic pressure in the extracellular compartment. Massage helps fluid enter into viscera, tissues and dilute the accumulated toxins. The diluted toxins are brought into general circulation and during the course; they are expelled out via elimination procedures.
Benefits of Abhyanga
- Abhayanga enhances the skin condition by improving the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands, which keep the skin lubricated and clean.
- It increases the secretion and excretion functions of the body. It also increases the production of gastric juices, saliva and urine. There is increased excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus and salt also. All this results in better digestion and metabolism.
- Abhyanaga provides a gentle stretching action to both the muscles and connective tissues thereby making muscles and tissues more elastic.
- Abhayanga promotes recovery from fatigue, aches and pains.
- Abhyanaga may also stimulate the release of endorphins and reduce the level of certain stress hormones.
