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Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage

August 9, 2009

Posted by monica under Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Therapies

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Abhyanga literally means smearing the body with medicated, warm oil mixed with herbs. According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, abhyanga should be done before bathing and either in early morning, or afternoon depending on the condition, and body constitution.

While learning western bodywork and modalities, I couldn’t get past the fact that ‘one’ treatment fits all. For instance, one or two types of oil are used with the same strokes every time for all clients for swedish. No doubt, this massage helps blood circulation, however, it has no lasting benefits.

Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage is done with specific oils, heated according to the condition and body type of the individual. A Kapha constitution with lots of cellulite can be massaged with kotumchukadi powder. (This powder massage is also called Udwartana). Sometimes, Kapha people are rubbed with mustard or sesame oil mixed with herbs.

Pitta or ‘Fire’ constitution are rubbed with ‘cooler’ oils – like cold pressed coconut with sandalwood and other mixed herbs.

Vata can be rubbed with sesame oil mixed wtih vata imbalance pacifying herbs.

Strokes for each body constitution are different. Oil is different and the herbs are different too. Why? Because, we are all different and have different body types. The heated oil passes through the nadis, or channels in the body and is said to penetrate deeper tissue diirectly affecting the ‘fascia’, shortened muscles and other issues.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage