Exploring Abhyangha: Ayurvedic Full Body Massage

Here is a detailed exploration of our specialised Abyhanga Session – a therapeutic Ayurvedic practice using warmed, herbal oils that are massaged in using a combination of long smooth strokes and brisk movements, leading to a deeply calming effect on the muscles, joints, nervous system, and energy body.

Is Abyhanga a massage? Is what most people ask… An Abhyanga Session is a distinct form of bodywork, and it isn't quite the same as a regular massage, even though some might refer to it as an "oil massage." It doesn't focus solely on working out muscle knots but also involves long, smooth, deep strokes along with potent oils to boost energy circulation and help the body regain vitality, easing out soreness, boosting circulation for greater healing. This technique is perfect for athletes, those sore and tired from long desk hours and especially for postpartum mamas.

Abhyanga is grounding and calming to the vata dosha (especially important to ground vata after giving birth). Vata dosha is characterised by its airiness, dryness, and coldness, tends to increase during the postpartum period. While the aim is to always balance the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha), for healing from soreness, tenderness and postpartum recovery in particular we must first look to pacify vata dosha with warmth and moisture to:

• Bring circulation to its peak and eliminate bodily wastes

• Facilitate muscle relaxation and rejuvenation

• Aid the healing of organs and tissues

• Bring about a deeply relaxing stimulation of the lymphatic system

• Improve quality of sleep (when healing is truly supercharged!)

For postpartum care in particular, in addition to the above, the main purpose of Abhyanga is to restore balance to vata dosha, rejuvenate reproductive tissues (shukra dhatu), encourage lactation channels and enhance wellbeing in mind, body and spirit. This can be a useful way to manage mood and emotions in postnatal care too.

Tips For Your Abhyanga Session

•Avoid eating about an hour before your appointment.

•Stay hydrated but avoid drinking too much water before hand as there is a belly massage involved. Avoid caffeine and any alcohol.

•Wear clothing that you don't mind getting residual oil on after leaving the clinic.

•Expect to sweat as Abhyanga generally takes place in a warm room. If you feel cold, please let your therapist know so that temperature can be adjusted for you.

•Arrive on time, as the oils and room is prepped and ready to go – rushed energy and over heating / reheating oils is not encouraged – flow in and out feeling peace!

There are specific situations to avoid Abhyanga:

•Avoid Abhyanga when there's an excess of ama (undigested food, thoughts, or emotions), as it may exacerbate these conditions. Wait until you are finished with any cleansing programs and then do any abhyangha

•Refrain from Abhyanga during your menstrual cycle, as this is a natural cleansing and detoxifying time and you want to avoid overstimulation.

•Speak to a practitioner before booking in for abhyangha if you are pregnant, have issues with a heart condition, blood pressure, recent surgery or any recent illness as it may not be suitable for you

Any questions? Contact us here