More and more people interested in holistic, alternative healthcare options are “discovering” Ayurveda – the time-tested holistic science of self-healing which originated in India thousands of years ago. Ayurveda (the science of longevity/life) revolves around the concept of the three doshas: Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). Each of us carry these doshas within us in subtle and gross forms, and they are also the ingredients which together make up the entire Universe.
Through understanding the doshas in their balanced and imbalanced forms (often via our most common symptoms) we are guided as to how to restore balance naturally. For example, if there is too much water in the body we may experience swollen joints, edema, congestion, excess mucous, oiliness, diabetes, and other water-related symptoms or diseases. The other elements can come in to help balance the water: fire can purify it or air can dry it out, for example.
Ayurveda utilizes dietary and lifestyle changes, healing herbs, yogic practices and a variety of healing body therapies, such as the classic Abhyanga, to bring healing to the mind and body. In this article, I will introduce this sacred Ayurvedic massage which means “loving hands”.
In many ways, abhyanga is simply a beautiful, relaxing massage. A relaxing setting, calming music, candles, a warm table and proper draping are all part of the experience. And yet there is a depth to the treatment that raises it to the level of deep, transformational healing.
Abhyanga utilizes warm, herbalized oil dripped onto the skin and massaged in gently using rhythmic, smooth movements to guide the oil into the body. Through the session, the body receives the benefits of the warming, soothing oil, the loving touch, and the power of the herbs taken into the body transdermally (through the skin) and fed to the mind, the heart, and the soul. The herbs and oils used may vary from person to person, depending on their dosha and what elements may need balancing.
Throughout this treatment, you will turn from position to position (again, proper draping is always used), each turn going deeper into relaxation. When you are returned to the original supine position, you will feel completely transformed and renewed! In this way, an abhyanga experience is like a rebirth and renewal – letting go of the old you and stepping into a new you! The gentleness of the massage allows the body to let go of tension and stress when it’s ready, which in the long run is more effective than techniques which force the muscles into temporary relaxation only to tense up even more later.
In our busy society, many of us don’t move easily from the “fight/flight” state (sympathetic nervous system) into a “relax/digest” state (parasympathetic nervous system). Rather, most of us live moment to moment in a tense, on-guard state, which doesn’t allow the body the opportunity to digest food or mental impressions properly, leading to toxin build-up and lack of proper tissue re-building and strengthening.
Therefore this treatment is recommended for all individuals to help “reset” the body and clear out toxins, lightening our hearts and mind. It is particularly recommended in the Fall/Winter time (Vata time – when the weather is cold, dry and light and our bodies would benefit from the warm, moist and grounding energy of the abhyanga). And it is specifically indicated for:
- Headaches
- Mental fatigue
- Anxiety/depression, lack of clarity/groundedness
- Dry, itchy skin and/or hair
- Cold hands/feet
- Tension/stress
Abhyanga provides the following benefits:
- Increased circulation
- Calming and rejuvenating the senses and nervous system
- Increased mental alertness
- Improved elimination of impurities (toxins) from the body
- Softer, smoother skin
- Increased levels of stamina through the day
- Better, more restful sleep at night
- And more!
In addition to these more immediate benefits, as a regular part of an on-going, holisitic healthcare program, such as Ayurveda, the abhyanga plays a large role in setting an optimal environment which allows the body to heal itself.
This season, give yourself or someone you love the experience of this healing, rejuvenative, relaxing and peaceful treatment! Take care of your body, mind and spirit with an abhyanga massage!
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