Abhyanga - A Unique Approach to Massage

Abhyanga (pronounced 'abhii' 'younga') literally is to 'massage of the limbs of the body'. It also indicates that the body will be radiant and glow as a result of this massage!

Abhyanga is the sanskrit term for ayurvedic massage. Its uniqueness lies in the plentiful use of specialised and therapeutic oils, the personalisation of massage techniques, and the use of Marma points throughout the body.

Ayurveda relies heavily on oils for therapy, for many good reasons. The sanskrit term for oil therapy, or oleation, is 'snehana', which translates to 'love'! In the same way that we might offer our loving feelings to another person with a loving embrace, the application of warm oil also offers us a loving layer across our body, particularly if it is applied with loving, healing intention.

Oil is also an antidote to many vata conditions. One of the prime qualities of vata dosha is dryness, and this can be observed on the skin, the hair, in the gut (constipation), scanty bodily secretions and the joints. Oil can be used in a variety of ways to oppose and combat dryness - abhyanga being a prime therapy.

The correct selection of oil can also offer the following effects: - balance the sebaceous secretions of the skin, having a positive effect on acne and rosacea;

-reduce skin inflammation and irritation (patch testing is always advised for sensitive skin); -enhance healing of the dermal and subdermal layers of tissue where there have been wounds or scars; -give relief to muscular aches and pain; -support arthritic joints, or aching popping joints (crepitus); -provide nourishment for osteopenia and osteoporosis;

-reduce the visible signs of ageing, like sun damage, wrinkles and fine lines;

-leave the skin feeling supple, soft and smooth;

-give general nourishment to the soft tissues of the body.

In the traditional pancha karma system, which is a deep detoxing system of therapeutic procedures done over several weeks, the main therapies are always preceded by abhyanga, with the aim of liquefying and softening toxins and drawing them back to the digestive tract from where they can be expelled from the body. Without this initial step of therapy, the other pancha karma techniques lose their efficacy, being unable to target the peripheral tissues of the body where the toxins are stored.

Plain oils can be used for abhyanga, herbal infused oil, or base oils with essential oils added. The selection of oil will be made by the ayurvedic practitioner after consulting with the client and determining their prakruti (constitution), their vikruti (current condition), and their goals for the abhyanga session.

The most commonly used oil is cold-pressed (organic) sesame oil. This is not the oil that you have in your kitchen cupboard, which is toasted and fragrant! Cold-pressed oil has a light, but rich fragrance, is moderately viscous and very nourishing. Sesame oil has high levels of calcium, anti-inflammatory properties, protects against UV damage, including the after effects of UV damage. Other common oils are coconut oil, almond oil, apricot kernel oil and safflower oil.

Abhyanga is also personalised, with the effects of particular massage strokes being considered and tailored to the individual needs of the client. Long, slow effleurage strokes are soothing to the nervous system, whilst hacking and tapotement are stimulating.

In general, abhyanga is not targeting specific muscle groups like a swedish or deep tissue massage. Abhyanga certainly has positive effects on our muscles, and also provides benefit to the lymphatic system, flow of lymph, the entire nervous system, the circulatory system, the skin as a protective and detoxifying organ and the renal system. According to all Eastern medical systems, the body contains networks of energy channels. At convergence points of several channels, a 'hotspot' exists, or a point of condensed energy. In ayurveda, this is called a 'marma' point, and is very similar to the acupressure points of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or the reflex points of reflexology.

Marma therapy is subtle, yet powerful, and can allow for the unblockage of energy flow, or increased or decreased flow in a particular area. A marma point will typically correlate with another region of the body, a particular organ system, tissue or subtle force in the body, like prana, and will enact effect on this remote part.

During an ayurvedic massage, the therapist will both directly and indirectly activate these marma points as they are pressed with general massage strokes, or directly touched upon.

I offer a variety of abhyanga treatments at my Rasa Ayurveda clinic - for the entire body (sarvanga abhyanga); for the head (shirobhyanga) which also includes the neck, shoulders, ears and face; for the face (mukhabhyanga), which also includes the neck and head; and the feet (padabhyanga) and lower leg. Each has its particular benefits and suitability to different people. Have a look at the Services page for more information about each abhyanga type.

Self-abhyanga is also a wonderful way to incorporate the healing powers of oil into your body. Self-abhyanga is best done in the morning, with warm oil, leaving it on the body for a minimum of 20 minutes before showering. Excess oil can be removed with a dry towel (not soap). A simple technique for self massage is to use long strokes on the limbs and large muscles, and circular strokes on joints and abdomen.

Enjoy the loving power of Abhyanga!