Discover Abhyanga: The Ancient Art of Ayurvedic Self-Massage

Abhyanga is an ancient Ayurvedic self-massage practice that has been cherished for thousands of years for its profound health benefits. This traditional Indian oil massage is designed to balance vata (the nervous system), calm the mind, and nourish the body. Modern science now confirms that the benefits of warm oil massage extend beyond relaxation, offering significant improvements in overall well-being.

What is Abhyanga?

Abhyanga is a form of sneha, which means oleation or oil massage, but it also translates to maternal love and affection in Sanskrit. This dual meaning highlights the importance of performing Abhyanga with intention, love, and care. The beauty of this practice is that you can do it yourself every single day! The affectionate touch triggers the release of oxytocin, the body’s “love hormone,” which promotes feelings of bonding and well-being - a wonderful self love practice. The bonus is that you also get a whole host of other benefits.

How Abhyanga Works

The process involves massaging the body with warm, herbalised oils. Don't worry if you dont know which herbalised oil to use, as a standard all round oil, you can also use warm cold pressed sesame oil. This not only nourishes the body but also has a profound calming effect on the nervous system which in modern society is very much over stimulated. If you have a tendency towards anxiety (a vata disorder) Abhayanga is highly recommended however, Abhayanga is highly beneficial to everyone!

The Science Behind Abhyanga’s Benefits

If you are interested in what modern science is saying, you'll be happy to know that recent studies have shown that the ancient wisdom of Abhyanga holds up under scientific scrutiny. Massage, in general, has been proven to offer numerous health benefits, including:

• Improved Muscle Recovery: A Harvard study found that just two weeks of massage therapy doubled the rate of muscle regeneration after exercise.
• Enhanced Breathing: A meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in nasal breathing, which benefits aging, athletic performance, and oral hygiene.
• Stress Reduction: Massage therapy supports healthy back function, stress reduction in infants and children, and overall mood enhancement.

These benefits are attributed to the stimulation of pressure receptors on the skin, which enhance vagal parasympathetic activity and reduce cortisol (the stress hormone). Pairing this with warm oil, this makes Abhyanga massage a powerful tool for balancing vata.

Abhyanga and Ayurvedic Philosophy

According to Ayurvedic texts, daily Abhyanga can improve your complexion, enhance skin elasticity, promote healthy aging, and boost strength and stamina. It helps protect against stress and anxiety, induces sound sleep, supports healthy immunity and detoxification, and aids muscle recovery. Winning!

Microbes on the Skin and Abhyanga

Its also interesting to note that our skin is home to a diverse community of microbes that play a crucial role in our overall health. These beneficial microbes help protect against harmful pathogens, support the immune system, and even influence our digestive health. The oils used in Abhyanga nourish these skin microbes, creating a healthy microbiome that enhances the skin's barrier function and contributes to a stronger immune response. This nurturing of the skin microbiome can have cascading benefits, such as improved digestion and better nutrient absorption, further supporting overall health and well-being.

How to Perform Abhyanga

To practice Abhyanga, warm some herbalized oil (such as sesame or coconut oil) and apply it generously to your body. Its best to start on the top on the head and work your way down to the bottom of your feet. Please be careful and take care not to slip and fall. Long strokes along the limbs, circular around the joints and abdomen. This will direct your energy in specific ways to promote overall health and wellbeing. Perform this ritual daily to reap its full benefits.

Here is a great video demonstrating how to do Abhyanga.

Final Thoughts

Abhyanga is a time-tested practice that combines physical, emotional, and energetic healing. By incorporating this daily self-massage into your routine, you can experience profound improvements in your physical health, emotional well-being, and overall sense of balance. So why not give it a try? Embrace the ancient wisdom of Abhyanga and let its loving touch transform your life.

With Love and In Gratitude,

Sharol xx