Abhyangam, a cornerstone of Ayurvedic practice, is a traditional oil massage that offers profound relaxation and numerous health benefits. This holistic therapy involves the application of warm, herb-infused oils to the entire body, promoting physical and mental well-being.
What Is Abhyangam?
Abhyangam massage therapyis done on the body using warm herbal oils. The massage is done in the direction of arterial blood movement. This helps to improve blood circulation, provide relief from pain and stiffness, and help in de-stressing. It also helps in correcting energy (Dosha) imbalance in the body.
Benefits of Abhyangam
- Helps in healing and detoxifying the body, mind, and spirit.
- Helps to increase the blood flow towards the distant parts of the body and avoid overwhelming the heart with a sudden venous return.
- Helps to keep the body warm for maximum absorption of the medicinal oil. This helps reduce your body’s fatigue and relax the muscles.
How to Perform Abhyangam at Home
- Brush your skin with a dry brush to remove dead skin, dirt and debris from its surface as well as prepare the skin’s pores for receiving the oil.
- Warm your oil – you can do this while dry brushing if warming your oil in a pot, or rub the oil between your palms if you are short on time.
- Gently but firmly, massage your body all over: begin with the neck, working your way down to your feet. Use long strokes for limbs and short strokes for joints. Don’t forget fingers and toes, and pay extra attention to the soles of your feet, as they contain all the nerve endings and important marma points, or conjunctions of prana, life force energy.
- Let the oil sit for 5-10 minutes. Don’t skip this step, as abhyangam’s deeper benefits depend on the body’s absorption of the oil and herbs. It takes a few minutes for the oil to penetrate to the deepest layers of the skin, and another several minutes for it to penetrate the tissues of the internal body. This is an excellent time to prepare some tea or practice some deep breathing.
- Rinse excess oil with a cold shower on warm days, or a cool shower (but not hot) on cold days. Don’t skip this step either, as excess oil will clog the pores.
Tips for an Effective Abhyangam
- Consistency: Incorporate Abhyangam into your daily routine for maximum benefits.
- Time of Day: Perform the massage in the morning to invigorate the body or in the evening to promote relaxation before sleep.
- Mindful Practice: Approach Abhyangam as a meditative practice, focusing on the sensations and being present in the moment.
Do Abhyangam Before Bathing & Before Food
20 minutes is enough to leave the oil on the skin. 7.5 minutes is the minimum. The main [most important] areas are ears, nostrils and head. It’s not required to wash the hair every day, but the scalp has to be wiped off afterwards with any cloth. Don’t leave the oil on more than one hour.
From 15 min onwards the toxins will come out in 48 minutes a lot will come out [Herbalized oil is required for this].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How often should you perform Abhyangam?
Ayurveda suggests incorporating Abhyangam into your daily routine for optimal benefits. However, even practicing it a few times a week can be beneficial.
Q2. Is Abhyangam suitable for everyone?
While Abhyangam is generally safe, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with certain medical conditions, or those who have just undergone surgery.
Q3. Are there any precautions to take during Abhyangam?
Yes, it’s important to use oil that’s comfortably warm and not hot, to avoid slipping during the massage, and to be gentle on sensitive areas of the body. If you have any health concerns, consult a professional before starting.
For personalized Ayurvedic treatments and consultations, visit Vishwayan Ayurveda and embark on your journey to holistic health.