Abhyangam (Oil Massage)
Abhyangam is a popular Ayurvedic therapy that uses medicated oils for body massage. It is a type of oleation therapy, which involves applying oil to the body.
Before Panchakarma treatment, practitioners prepare the body through specific therapies. These preparatory treatments help get the body ready for the main procedure. Abhyangam is one of these important preparatory therapies.
Benefits of Abhyangam
Ayurveda recommends regular Abhyangam to support overall health and well-being. Moreover, practitioners use this therapy as part of treatment plans for various health conditions.
Oils Used for Abhyangam
Practitioners choose different lukewarm medicated oils according to the patient’s needs. Common examples include Bala Taila, Mahamasha Taila, and Ashwagandha Taila.
An Abhyangam session usually lasts around 50 minutes. During the massage, the practitioner adjusts the strokes, direction, and pressure according to the patient’s condition and the body area.
Steps of the Abhyangam Procedure
The practitioner follows a specific sequence to complete the massage. This systematic approach helps cover different body areas.
- Hand Abhyangam: The practitioner massages the hands and arms.
- Leg Abhyangam: Next, the practitioner massages the legs.
- Neck, Shoulder, and Back Abhyangam: The practitioner then massages these areas.
- Vaksha Sthala Abhyangam: The practitioner massages the chest region.
- Udar Abhyangam: Next, the practitioner massages the abdomen.
- Nabhi Abhyangam: The practitioner focuses on the area around the navel.
- Facial Massage: The practitioner gently massages the face.
- Forehead Massage: The practitioner then massages the forehead.
- Massage Around the Ears and Nose: The practitioner gently massages these areas.
- Shiro Abhyangam (Champi): Finally, the practitioner massages the scalp.
Experience Traditional Ayurvedic Massage
Abhyangam combines traditional Ayurvedic oils with specific massage techniques. Therefore, a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner selects suitable oils and techniques according to individual needs.
Regular massage may support relaxation and general well-being. However, the practitioner should assess each person’s health before recommending treatment.
Benefits of Abhyangam (Oil Massage)
- It prevents and corrects the aging process.
- Helps a person to overcome fatigue.
- It prevents & right neurological problems.
- It helps the nourishment of the body.
- Promotes the longevity of an individual.
- It relieves tiredness and weakness.
- Tones up all body tissue, and skin, and improves luster.
- It helps the individual to get sleep and to get rid of anxiety, and stress.
