Ayurvedic Body Massage “Abhyanga” – The Oils & Their Benefits

Ayurvedic body massage, or Abhyanga, is a therapeutic practice used for centuries to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The oils used during the massage are central to this ancient healing system, which play a vital role in nourishing and refreshing the body.

What is Abhyanga?

Abhyanga is a profoundly calming and healing practice that seeks harmony and balance between the body and mind. It is a type of Ayurvedic body massage  used for ages as a component of medicinal treatments. It entails applying heated herbal oils to the body using particular techniques to encourage rest, renewal, and general well-being. Abhyanga has a lot of advantages for the body and mind.

Abhyanga promotes peaceful sleep, lessens tension and anxiety, soothes muscles, detoxifies the body, increases lymphatic flow, nourishes the skin, and improves overall vitality. The best way to enjoy it is under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic professional who can tailor the massage to your particular needs and guarantee the most possible advantages.

Types of Body Massage Oils

At birth, every person has a distinct Prakriti or innate bodily constitution. To get the most out of each massage session, Ayurveda advises using the herbal oil that matches your Prakriti. So that you can select the most appropriate from the range of Ayurvedic massage oils available, it is crucial to comprehend the numerous varieties and what each one does. Sesame oil, coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, and castor oil are among the frequently used oils. They are frequently combined with herbs to increase these oils' therapeutic benefits. These expertly crafted herbal oils, according to Ayurveda, contain physical and spiritual benefits that facilitate healing and advance general wellness.

Almond oil

Almond oil can easily penetrate the skin because it is lighter than other oils. Its lovely scent leaves your body feeling moisturized and smelling good. Applying almond oil is safe and mild on all skin types. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, almond oil can treat eczema and dermatitis. Additionally, it can shield your skin from pollution and UV rays. Almond oil is a muscle relaxant and has some mild pain-relieving qualities.

Coconut oil

Massaging with coconut oil can make your skin moisturized and nourished. Because coconut oil is a vital source of skin-friendly antioxidants and Vitamin E, using it on your body can postpone ageing and shield your skin from pollution. With regular use, coconut oil can heal dry, flaky skin and give you smooth, radiant, and moisturized skin. It can also help prevent wrinkles, sagging, and acne scars.

Castor oil

Castor oil is regarded as a powerful Ayurvedic massage oil for body pain because of its anti-inflammatory effects. For the treatment of bone disorders, including arthritis and others that cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement, castor oil is frequently utilized in Ayurvedic herbal formulations. Castor oil helps heal minor cuts and bruises more quickly without generating a burning feeling and heals dry, sunburned skin prone to acne. Castor oil massages also boost lymphocyte production, a beneficial immune system component.

Sesame oil

According to Ayurveda, sesame oil is one of the most effective herbal massage oils. Sesame oil is the foundation for numerous Ayurvedic skin treatments due to its potent antioxidants. The oil can aid in preventing skin deterioration and shield your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure. When used for body massage, sesame oil may assist in lessening muscle and joint inflammation, reducing discomfort and regaining mobility. For this reason, sesame oil is seen to be used as a base oil in many Ayurvedic massages.

Olive oil

When applied repeatedly, Olive oil moisturizes the skin, and its anti-inflammatory effects ease joint pain and loosen tense muscles. Olive oil cures dry skin and offers UV and pollution protection. The skin is moisturized, supple, and radiant throughout the day because of its moisturizing effects. Olive oil reduces oxidative stress, which helps to restore UV damage. Ayurvedic practitioners highly recommend it for easing body pains and muscular spasms. Olive oil massages increase immunity and energy levels by facilitating blood flow and other vital fluids that give the organ tissues nutrients.

Specialized herbal massage oils:

Dhanwantharam Thailam

Muscle cramps, numbness, soreness, and swelling can all be reduced using the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory oil Dhanwantharam Thailam. It helps with post-traumatic conditions and Vata-caused degenerative conditions. It can also massage the entire body during pregnancy and after birth. Numerous other illnesses, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, spondylosis, neuritis, neuralgia, paralysis, and facial palsy, can also be treated with the help of this oil.

Balaswagandhadi Thailam

Balaswagandhadi Thailam is a healing and rejuvenating oil. The oil's revitalizing effects help to tone the nerves, strengthen the muscles, and enhance nerve transmission. This oil can treat inflammation, muscle wasting, and a lack of strength in the joints, muscles, and bones. Because of the antipyretic and analgesic properties of its components, it also aids in lowering fever and headache. The oil is highly advised for nerve disorders, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, brachial plexus damage, lumbar and cervical spondylitis, discomfort, neuralgia, and paralysis because its massage enhances blood circulation.

Pinda Thailam

An effective medication for the treatment of arthritis, Pinda Thailam has anti-inflammatory qualities that make it a go-to oil for reducing discomfort, soreness, and swelling. The oil also treats gout-related numbness and burning, tight joints, and painful muscles. The oil also cures numerous skin conditions like blisters, lesions, and rashes. It is also known to relieve pain brought on by advanced varicose veins.

Sahacharadi Thailam

Sahacharadi Thailam is an oil that contains herbal compounds that reduce sciatica and back pain. It can relieve pain and stiffness in the back caused by weariness and strengthens the muscles and ligaments of the upper and lower back. Additionally, it can alleviate the early signs of varicose veins.

Mahanarayana Thailam

Painful muscles and tight joints are two common side effects of lifting significant weights in the gym. But applying Mahanarayana Thailam as massage oil after your workouts can assist your muscles in unwinding and reduce stiffness.

Mahamasha Thailam

Do your legs tingle after spending a lot of time standing still, or do your arms and legs feel numb after sitting for a long time? Mahamasha Thailam massages can help in such situations by boosting nerve function and reducing numbness in the arms and legs. This Ayurvedic oil can also be used to treat the symptoms of muscular dystrophy, sciatica, rheumatic arthritis, cold shoulder, osteoarthritis, stiffness, facial palsy, tremors, tinnitus, and muscle wasting because it has anti-rheumatic properties and is an excellent skin nourishing.

Benefits of Ayurvedic massage oils

Regardless of the oil you choose and the ailment you plan to treat, you can benefit from the following advantages when massaging your body with any of the above Ayurvedic massage oils.

Improved blood flow and organ performance

The pressure from massage strokes aids in moving blood around the body. When the pressure is relieved, fresh blood pours in, improving blood circulation and organ performance.

Better sleep

Massage eases tense, exhausted muscles and stimulates the mind, leading to comfortable sleep. Massage therapy has reportedly helped most people sleep better.

Stress management

Cortisol levels can be reduced to a healthy range by gently massaging the body for 10 to 15 minutes. Ayurvedic massage oils will help you relax and get a better night's sleep. Ayurvedic massage oils also support nervous system strength.

Better metabolism

You need a modest dose of Ayurveda if you have trouble losing weight due to a slow metabolism. Using herbal oils for body massage can boost metabolism and produce remarkable results without adverse side effects.

Detoxification

The accumulation of pollutants in the body can significantly cause several health issues if you don't move regularly enough. The lymphatic system is stimulated, and your body can eliminate toxins naturally if you massage your body with warm, therapeutic oil.

The procedure and precautions of Abhayanga

Procedure

Warm Ayurvedic oil is liberally spread over the entire body throughout the massage utilizing long sweeping strokes, circular motions, and gentle kneading methods. The length of an Abhayanga massage might vary, but it often lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour. After the massage, it is advised to take some time to unwind and let the oil absorb into the skin before taking a shower.

Precautions

Abhayanga is generally risk-free, but you should speak with a trained Ayurvedic professional or therapist before getting the massage done, especially if you have any particular health issues or medical ailments. They can advise whether Abhayanga is suitable for your particular body and requirements. They may also be able to prescribe you the best oil.

Aftercare

To get rid of extra oil from the body after the massage, it is advised to take a warm shower to open up the pores so that the skin may take in the nutritious qualities of the oil. Additionally, getting some rest, drinking plenty of water, and remaining out of the cold or other harsh weather conditions right after getting a massage is advised.

Where to buy your Ayurvedic massage oil?

No matter what kind of oil you want, whether it is a base oil or a herbal-formulated oil, BrahmiOnline is your one-stop solution! The online store sells all of the Ayurvedic massage oils mentioned above. All you have to do is book your oil online and choose your payment method; make all your selections and have your oils delivered conveniently right to your doorstep, no matter where in India you may be.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the side effects of Ayurvedic massage (abhyanga)?

Ayurvedic massage is generally considered safe and beneficial, but there are a few potential side effects. It's important to note that individual reactions may vary. Like Skin Sensitivities, Muscle Soreness, Fatigue or Lightheadedness, Emotional Release, and Temporary Discomfort

What is the best time for Abhyanga?

The best time for Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic self-massage practice, can vary based on individual needs and preferences. However, Ayurveda recommends performing Abhyanga in the morning as it offers several benefits for the body and mind.

What is the duration of Abhyanga massage?

The duration of Abhyanga massage can vary based on individual preferences and needs. However, in general, Ayurveda recommends allocating at least 20-30 minutes for the massage to fully reap its benefits.

Should you shower after Abhyanga?

In Ayurveda, it is generally recommended to wait for some time before showering after Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic self-massage practice. The duration of this waiting period can vary depending on individual preferences and the specific instructions provided by an Ayurvedic practitioner.