Abhyanga Marma Massage

Ayurvedic Spa Treatments in Tiruvannamalai

Abhyanga: The Ayurvedic Way of Cleansing the Body and Rejuvenating the Mind.

Abhyanga, the Sanskrit term for oil massage is an Ayurvedic treatment method that comprises a body massage with warm oil. Often, the oil may be infused with herbs in order to treat specific conditions.

The oil used in a massage may vary depending upon one’s constitution and the season, but sesame, coconut, sunflower, mustard, and almond tend to be used most. 

Ayurvedic practitioners recommend the inclusion of Abhyanga as a part of one’s daily routine for good health and well-being. 

The science behind Abhyanga is to encourage the absorption of oils used in the massage to various layers of the skin, which aids and improves the functions of the skin, such as the release of toxins, or absorption of nutrition.

 

Massage

Abhyanga Massage

 

In Ayurveda, an Abhyanga massage is often likened to the effects of love, and thus the Sanskrit word “sneha” meaning love, is often used to mean oil. It is believed that having an Abhyanga massage can lead to feelings of warmth and stability, akin to love.

This method allows the oil to penetrate deep into the body and each layer of tissue and is thus, far more beneficial than usual massages. It is believed, in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine that the human body contains seven layers of tissue, each of which is more vital than the one above.In order to ensure that the oil permeates the deepest layer, practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine believe that it must be five minutes of self-massage would be beneficial.

Procedure for Abhyanga

A qualified Ayurveda physician selects the oil according to your body type and health needs. A well-trained therapist carries out the procedure, usually for the duration of 45 – 60 minutes in a room that is calm and quiet. The room should be devoid of direct sunlight, breeze, and cold wind. Light soothing music may be played in the treatment room.

  • Abhyanga is done on the treatment table or droni (A specially designed wooden table).
  • The patient/guest must clear his/her bowels before the treatment
  • The guest should have an empty stomach during the procedure.
  • Approximately 100 to 150 ml of oil is used for Abhyanga. The oil is kept warm throughout the procedure.
  • To facilitate massage to all the body parts, the massage is done in 7 positions. Abhyanga starts with the sitting position, wherein the oil is applied to the head, ears, feet, and later to all the body parts. In supine position, the face, chest, abdomen, hands, and legs are massaged. In the left lateral position, massage is focused on the right side of the body. In the prone position, massage is concentrated on the back, spine, buttocks, hands, and legs. In right lateral position, massage is done on left side of the body. The massage ends with the supine and sitting positions.
  • Synchronized circular movements are carried over the joints, abdomen, and chest during Abhyanga; longitudinal strokes or downward movements are carried out over the hands and legs. Pressure is applied by the therapists according to the patient’s needs. In each position, a massage is carried out for about 5-10 minutes.
  • After the treatment, Sweda (steam therapy) or hot water bath is given as per physician advice.

The Most Important Benefits of Abhyanga:

                It helps to retard the process of aging;

    • Abhyanga improves the body’s stamina and limb strength;
    • It helps to flush out toxins and impurities from the body, and improves the functioning of the body;
    • It improves the circulation of bodily fluids;
    • Abhyanga is believed to make skin healthier, and hair stronger;
    • It helps in the improvement of vision. It is believed that a regular practice of Abhyanga corrects and keeps in check any imbalance in the doshas, thereby enhancing well-being.
    • Promotes deeper sleep.
    • Relieves stress and enhances the perception of sense organs
    • It pacifies Vata and pitta dosha.

Abhyanga has a lot of benefits yet there are a few contraindications.

  • Abhyanga shouldn’t be done if the patient is suffering from indigestion.
  • Abhyanga should be avoided if there is a rise in body temperature or in case of fever or chills.
  • Abhyanga should be avoided in the case of Rheumatoid arthritis as it leads to an increase in pain.
  • It should be avoided during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.
  • Abhyanga shouldn’t be done when there is a fracture, swelling, or painful massage of the body.
  • Abhyangashouldn’t be done over infected and broken skin.

Abhyanga is one treatment that can be done at home, by one’s self. Daily Abhyanga will keep the body strong and firm. It not
only boosts your energy but also keeps one looking young