What Is Ayurvedic Massage

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What is Ayurvedic Massage?

Many people ask,” what is ayurvedic massage?” Ayurvedic Massage is called Abhyanga (pronounced ah-bih-yahn-gah). It is used in Panchakarma as a form of oleation therapy. It includes using dosha-appropriate oils, dosha-appropriate touch, pressure, and strokes. Ayurvedic massage also utilizes marma therapy by lightly pressing on specific marmas that are balancing to the recipient’s dosha and current imbalances.

Ayurvedic Massage vs. Traditional Massage

Abhyanga is considered one of the oldest forms of massage and is believed to predate the Vedic period. Ayurvedic massage is different from traditional forms of massage in various ways, most specifically the the use of herbal and medicinal oils as well as the amount of oil. Abhyanga is also called Snehana Chikitsa. “Snehana” means fat, oil or love and “chikitsa” means treatment. Thusly, abhyanga is a treatment of love. Abhyanga is also considered cleansing and purifying to the body. It is believed to bring balance the dosha and remove toxins from the body, mind and spirit.

What are the benefits of Ayurvedic Massage?

According to Ayurveda, the individualized herbal oils used in Abhyanga are designed to deeply penetrate the body/mind through the skin. The skin’s seven layers are the body’s primary pathway for detoxification. They also are a main channel of absorption and secretion as well as a storehouse of fat, water, glucose, and salt. The skin regulates body temperature, water balance, and is a major producer of endocrine hormones.

“The leaves and bark of the trees are continually massaged by the wind; the rocks and pebbles are rubbed by the streams and rivers; the animals, brushed by space, wind and the forest, are forever toned by abhyanga.” - Maya Tiwari in “Secrets of Healing”

Five Prana Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Massage

The Five Prana Ayurveda Abhyanga creates an individualized experience that involves all 5 senses to calm, relax and nourish the body, mind and spirit.

  • Taste: dosha specific teas

  • Smell: aromatherapy

  • Sound: dosha appropriate music

  • Sight: dosha appropriate lighting and colors

  • Touch: dosha specific carrier oils blended with healing essential oils and herbal oils as well as dosha appropriate pressure and strokes

To learn more about the Five Prana Abhyanga treatment, click here.