Abhyanga

Abhyanga in the sanscrit means oil rubbing. This massage also is known as body cleanser. During Panchakarma (Ayurvedic body cleanse) Abhyanga is needed because without it – cleanse would not be succesful. Toxins or the slag are sticky from the nature, that’s why it’s needed to make them softer so they would bounce of the walls of the organs and would be naturally wiped away. Toxins are cleaned by using a lot of warm oil while repeating movements, mostly along the body. Ayurveda’s masters tell that the warm oil can soak 5-7cm to the body and there it captures the toxins so they would be naturaly eliminated.
Another technique to detox is to activate lymph circulation. Most of the time we do not care about lymph. The jorney of the lymph begins at intercellular gaps, where it collects all the waste and toxins. Then all the lymphatic vessels joins to bigger ones until it disgorge to venous blood. In this process we are ‘’boiling in our juices”. Abhyanga ends this process.
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic oil massage that you also can do on yourself. (See self Massage). In Ayurveda, it is considered a daily self care ritual, to heal the mind and body from the stresses of daily life. Before you go diving in, there is one essential key to examine first. You must know your dosha; as Ayurveda is a holistic, individual-based system, “one size fits all” is definitely not the practice. You can take a quick dosha quiz here, and then figure out the best Abhyanga practice based on your body type.

• VATA : Vata types require a warming oil like sesame, almond, jojoba or Ghee in small parts. For your body type, it’s best to do an Abhyanga 2-3 times a week. Vata is a cold and dry Dosha, so warm oil is very nourishing in balancing your systems. It helps lubricate the dry skin and protect the joints as well. Mahanarayan oil and Dhanvantaram are two classical oils used in Ayurveda to help alleviate the inflammation and stiffness of joints. A light to medium pressure should be used. Post Massage Essential Oil : Rose, Mitti
• PITTA : A hotter Dosha than Vata, Pitta types need a cooling type oil in order to balance, so coconut, olive oil, Sunflower oil, Jojoba oil, Neem oil in small parts are an excellent choice. Medium pressure should be used when massaging. Many Pitta types have inflammatory skin issues. Ayurveda has some specific oils for use on specific ailments. Post Massage Essential Oil - Rose, Khus
• KAPHA : Kapha is another Dosha that requires a warming oil. Use mustard oil, sunflower oil, Safflower oil, Jojoba oil, Olive oil, Corn oil; both are excellent choices. Sesame is also a very good choice, particularly if you live in a cooler climate. Medium to heavy pressure is recommended and best for Kapha types, which will let the oil deeply penetrate as it should. Post Massage Essential Oil - Hina, Myrrh

Health benfits and Uses of Abhyanga

Abhyanga is believed to help all the systems of the body, while increasing strength and flexibility of muscles and joints. It is also a natural and chemical free way to encourage youthfulness and improve the quality of the skin and hair.

• Better circulation throughout the body
• Provides lubrication for the joints, reducing pain and inflammation
• Increase the softness and healthy glow of the skin
• Flush toxins from the lymphatic system
• Decreases Vata (autoimmune illnesses such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Polymositis are considered Vata imbalances and self massage is extremely beneficial for calming symptoms)
• Strengthens the Dhatus (the body’s tissues in accordance to the Ayurvedic texts) and helps tone muscles
• Increases strength and stamina
• Improves vision
• Promotes healthy sleep
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Promotes flexibility
• Release healthy endorphins which, in turn, help balance hormones, an especially important practice for women
• Increases strength of bones and muscles
• Helps tone the tissues of the body
• Improves immunity and tolerance
• Removes stiffness in body parts
• Decreases symptoms of fatigue, especially for the feet
• Improves sensitivity of the sense organs
• Enhances concentration and focus
• Relaxes the mind and promotes better and deeper sleep
• Makes skin softer and smoother, reduces wrinkles
• Encourages growth of thick, shiny hair
• Slows down visible signs of ageing

Abhyanga steps

• Begin by running some hot water over the bottle to gently warm the oil; warm oil is best to work with on your body.
• You can use a loofah or body brush to dry brush the entire body.
• Pour a tablespoon of warm oil onto your scalp and vigorously work in the oil.
• Using your fingertips, vigorously massage your head and scalp with small circular strokes, as if you are shampooing.
• Move to your face and ears, massaging more gently.
• Using an open hand to create friction, massage both the front and back of the neck.
• Vigorously massage your arms, using a circular motion at the shoulders and elbows, and back-and-forth motions on the upper arms and forearms. Massage in the direction of the hair follicles, allowing the oil to cover the body evenly.
• When performing Abhyanga on the joints, use a circular motion.
• When massaging your chest and stomach, use a gentle circular motion and a straight up-and-down motion over the breastbone.
• After applying a bit of oil to both hands, gently reach around to the back and spine and massage them as well as you can without straining. Start at the base of the spine and work upwards in a long, continuous stroke. You can also have a partner help you with this part.
• Vigorously massage your legs as you did your arms, using circular motions at the ankles and knees, back-and-forth motions on the long parts.
• After massaging your legs, spend extra time on your feet. The feet contain many important Marmas (pressure points in accordance to the principles of Ayurveda). Using the open part of your hand, massage vigorously back and forth over the soles of the feet. When massaging the feet, be sure to apply the oil to the entire foot, taking care to get in between the toes.
• After the application of oil, sit quietly for 5-15 minutes to allow the oil to be properly absorbed by your skin. During this time you may choose to meditate, as it’s a good time set apart for relaxed spiritual practice. Keeping a thin, almost imperceptible film of oil on the body is considered very beneficial for toning the skin and warming the muscles throughout the day. Or, you can take a shower once the oils have absorbed.