Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Massage)
Ayurveda, a traditional medicinal system from South India, focuses on preventative as well as palliative care in relation to a complete definition of health, including the regulation of the flow of vital energy, easy regular digestion of food, healthy skin and peaceful senses, mind and soul.
Abhyanga, meaning “oil bath,” is a foundational practice in Ayurvedic medicine. The massage is performed both before and after most treatments, creating a heating and sweating effect, and soaking the srotas (passages for the flow of the vital elements or doshas, namely: Vata, Pita and Kapha) with medicated oil, in order to remove excess dosha from the body.
Like Swedish or Circulatory massage, Abhyanga can be used as a therapeutic supplement in a well person and has many physical benefits. It increases relaxation and flexibility, improves the digestion and contributes to a more relaxing sleep. It adds luster to the skin, eyes and hair as well as healing dry or chapped skin. Additionally, Abhyanga works on an energetic level, by stimulating Marma points (points of pranic concentration, connected to the astral nerves or nadis) and increases the flow of vital energy (prana), which contributes to self-healing on the part of the client. Approximately one liter of warm, medicated oil is used for the massage treatment, so the experience of an “oil bath” is quite different from most other oil-massage techniques practiced in the U.S. The body is completely saturated in oil, and the massage must therefore be followed by a shower.
My own training in Ayurveda was through the Sivananda Yoga Dhanwantari Ashram in Neyyar Dam, Kerala, in association with Dr. Nedungadi’s Ayurvedic (2002). Although just a one-month intensive course (approximately 300 hours) it incorporated substantial practice, observation, theory and philosophy. However, because of my understanding of the larger medicinal system, I am aware of the limits of my own training and am careful about my practice. I offer therapeutic massage and consultation for well persons about general lifestyle and dietary issues only. For treatment of particular ailments or chronic digestive problems, consultation with a Vaidya or medical practitioner is recommended.
Because Ayurveda and the notion of “Ayurvedic Massage” is relatively new to North America, I would highly recommend looking into the credentials and training of any massage practitioner or therapist before undergoing treatment or taking any recommended herbs. Ayurveda offers good practical advice in diet and lifestyle, and most individuals can experience substantial benefits and transformation with minimal outside guidance, simply by adjusting the diet and some simple elements of the daily routine alongside a little self-study and attentive practice. There are several good books on Ayurveda, including those by Dr. Vasant Lad and David Frawley, which offer a general introduction and some theory.
Workshops in Ayurvedic Massage:
Principles of Ayurvedic Massage (July, 2004). Part of the Saturday Workshop Series at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, New York, New York.
Ayurvedic Self-Massage (August, 2004 and November, 2004). Part of the Saturday Workshop Series at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, New York, New York.