Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Massage Therapy

Ayurveda believes in prevention being better than the cure of diseases. The ideal lifestyle mentioned under ideal daily routine / Dincharya stresses Abhyanga, along with other preventive components. Massage consists of different types of touch and pressure techniques and can bring about dramatic changes in the health of the body and mind. Ayurvedic massage is an ancient Indian art, which has adapted these techniques for healing, relaxation, and treating ailments.

What Is Abhyanga? An Introduction to Ayurvedic Massage

The Role of Abhyanga in Ayurvedic Daily Routine (Dincharya)

Ayurveda believes in prevention being better than the cure of diseases. The ideal lifestyle mentioned under the ideal daily routine - Dincharya - stresses Abhyanga as a core preventive practice, alongside other components of a balanced lifestyle.

How Ayurvedic Massage Differs from Conventional Massage

The aim of Ayurvedic massage is to prevent and excrete the buildup of toxic substances and restore the balance of energies - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - inside the body. In order to achieve this, Ayurvedic massage uses various medicated oils and powdered herbs selected according to the needs of the patient (constitution, age, psyche, etc.) and the nature of the imbalance among the Doshas.

The History of Massage Therapy in Ancient Cultures

Massage in Indian Epics - Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Kama Sutra

Massage is the oldest healing system. The history of massage dates back several centuries and has been practiced in all ancient cultures, such as the Indian, Chinese, Greek, and Roman ones. The use of massage for the purpose of healing had great importance in ancient cultures, as it was one of the few treatments available. This therapy is described in the ancient Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata as a means of ensuring good health. The Kama Sutra mentions massage among other practices for enhancing vitality and attraction between partners.

Practical Requirements for an Effective Abhyanga Session

• A massage should be done when the stomach is empty and never immediately after a meal.
• The massage room should be warm and relaxing to control Vata.
• Massage can be done on a massage table (approximately waist height) or on the floor, properly covered with a clean cloth for the patient's comfort. For head massage and oil drip procedures, a special table that facilitates oil recovery should be used.
• The masseur should be healthy, free from contagious skin conditions, and have properly trimmed nails to avoid harming the patient.
• The oil used for massage should be warm; aroma can be added.

Ayurvedic Massage Methods and the Three Doshas:

Understanding Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Constitutions -

There are three Doshas which define the constitution: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We are made up of a combination of these Doshas - a balance among the three means good health. If they are out of balance, they can be brought back into our individual natural balance, completely or partially, through massage specific to your constitution.

Abhyanga for Vata - Oils and Herbs for Dryness and Stiffness

People belonging to the Vata constitution are dry and unstable by nature. Hence, an oily massage should be given in the morning or before a warm bath in the evening. This kind of oil massage lubricates dry skin and protects the joints. Vata people are very sensitive to touch, so warm oil should be used. Sesame oil is best for alleviation of dryness, coldness, stiffness, and pain. Important medicated oils are Dashmool Oil, Mahanarayan Oil, Mahavishgarbha Oil, etc. A physician should be consulted for best results. Generally, for people of Vata constitution, herbs and oils that have a hot potency - such as Ginger, Basil, Camphor, Jatamansi, and Eucalyptus - are used.

Abhyanga for Pitta - Cooling Oils for Sensitive and Inflamed Skin

The people of the Pitta constitution have a rapid metabolism and a tendency for fever and inflammatory diseases. Their skin is sensitive and easily gets rashes or becomes inflamed. For a Pitta constitution, cooling massage oil should be used. Coconut and sandalwood oil are most suitable for such people; they both calm the mind and cool the body. Sunflower oil is useful for inflamed skin. Essential oils include lemongrass, lavender, jasmine, and sandalwood, which have cooling effects.

Abhyanga for Kapha - Stimulating Techniques for Circulation and Lymph Drainage

People of the Kapha constitution have thick and oily skin. They need massage to improve their circulation and lymph drainage. As far as possible, oil should not be used for persons with this constitution. For the best massage, powdered herbs should be used - these are dry and have hot potency. A small amount of oil with hot potency, like Mustard Oil or Sesame Oil, can also be used. The massage should be vigorous and deep. Essential oils for Kapha constitution include basil, ginger, clove, and eucalyptus.

Benefits of Abhyanga Massage for Body and Mind:

The additional release of Endorphin Hormones from the hypothalamus gland is responsible for most physical and psychological benefits of massage. Massage therapy improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.

How Abhyanga Nourishes the Body and Promotes Longevity - 

• Nourishes the Body - Increases muscle tone and improves stamina, vitality, and virility. Helps activate digestion and the elimination of the body's waste, like sweat, urine, and stool.
• Promotes Longevity - The function of vital organs and tissues as well as the life span can be enhanced.
• Induces Proper Sleep - Physical and mental well-being, nourishment, strength, and capacity to perceive knowledge depend upon proper sleep. Massage is a powerful agent that induces sound sleep.
• Increases Strength of the Skin - Increases the resisting power against physical and mental pressure, stress, and strain. Improves general tolerance and patience.
• Overcomes Fatigue - Fatigue due to routine work, mental stress, and strain can be corrected by regular massage.

Physical Benefits - Muscles, Joints, Circulation, and Immunity

• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness; removes accumulated lactic acid and reduces fatigue.
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain, swelling, and excessive scar tissue formation.
• Reduces muscle spasms.
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion.
• Enhances athletic performance.
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing.
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids.
• Reduces blood pressure.
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eyestrain.
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin.
• Improves posture.
• Increases production of white blood cells for better immunity.
• Stimulates production of synovial fluid.
• Assists in venous flow to the heart, decreasing cardiac load.

Mental and Emotional Benefits - Stress, Anxiety, and Well-Being

• Helps relieve mental stress.
• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately.
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity.
• Satisfies needs for caring, nurturing touch.
• Generates a feeling of well-being.
• Reduces levels of anxiety.
• Increases awareness of the mind-body connection.

Medical Indications and Contraindications:

Conditions That Respond Well to Abhyanga Massage Therapy -

People find that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

• Chronic pains
• Circulatory problems
• Depression
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and stress
• Arthritis
• Asthma and bronchitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Frozen shoulder
• Sinusitis
• Sports injuries

Massage therapy can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and thus partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.

When to Avoid Massage - Contraindications and Precautions

Therapeutic massage may not be recommended in some cases, such as in people with the following:

• Acute fevers
• Conditions with Ama toxins and anorexia
• Acute inflammation
• Infectious diseases
• Certain forms of cancer
• Certain skin conditions
• Certain cardiac problems
• Diabetes - only dry massages

If you have one of these or some other diagnosed medical condition, always check with your doctor before seeking a massage.

Research on Ayurvedic Massage Therapy: 

Key Findings from Over 2,500 Published Studies - 

Research on the effects of massage therapy has been ongoing for more than 120 years. A surge in research over the past 20 years has resulted in more than 2,500 published studies. Among the important findings:

• Massage increases the activity level of the body's natural killer cells, boosting the immune system.
• Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better, and were less stressed than those who were not massaged.
• Massage therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and itching in burn patients.
• Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage.
• Premature infants who were massaged gained more weight and fared better than those who were not.
• Autistic children showed less erratic behavior after massage therapy.
• Helps fast weight gain for preterm infants.

Integrating Abhyanga as a Regular Lifestyle Practice -

Abhyanga massage is a very useful, non-invasive, humane, and personal approach to health that assists the body's natural healing capacities. One can easily adapt this as a lifestyle practice on a weekly basis or as a brief massage just before a shower and derive all the aforementioned benefits.