Ayurvedic massage: What to Expect, Diet Plan and 10 Proven Health Benefits

Ayurvedic massage, also known as "oil massage or Abhyanga", is a treatment that incorporates herbal essential oils with non-traditional strokes and kneading that suits individual needs. It is one of the world's oldest healing systems with its origin dated back more than 3000 years ago in India.

Ayurvedic massage is based on ancient Indian principles of Ayurveda (the science of life) and pressure points. The treatment focuses on manipulating energy fields and freeing emotional burdens rather than relieving tension in the muscle. The heavy use of herbal essential oil and its focus on specific pressure points in the body is what differentiates the ayurvedic massage from the Lomi Lomi or other types of massage.

According to the Ayurvedic Classics, Ayurvedic massage is a daily regimen needed for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Ayurvedic Massage technique stimulates the lymphatic system. Practitioners claim that benefits include pain relief, reduction of fatigue and improved immune system. 

It is a perfect massage for bringing out your glow. It makes you relaxed, comfortable and at peace.  If you ever need a  massage to reduce pain, mental stress and fatigue, then it's time you tried out the Ayurvedic massage. Here is some information that could come in handy.

An Ayurvedic Massage Treatment

What To Expect At Your First Ayurvedic Massage

The Ayurvedic massage, like other types of massage, starts with a consultation. This helps your massage therapist identify your body needs and expectations to ensure the best treatment is recommended. Your therapist might also inquire about your current lifestyle, especially your eating habits and daily physical activity. Patients are usually advised to provide honest answers to ensure your therapist gives the most favourable recommendations. Recommendations given are based on your  habit, temperament, climate and the season of the year as well as  your physical constitution.

After your consultation, you will be taken to the spa for your massage treatment. The treatment can last up to 60 minutes depending on the type of treatment recommended.  During the massage, you will be in your underwear with your body covered with towels, only the body parts being massaged will be exposed to the oil massage.

Soothing music or chants is played in the background while You will lie on the bed. The massage therapist then pours warm oil on your body and starts massaging it in a series of movement. The ayurvedic massage technique constitutes movement that varies from superficial to deep strokes and is aimed at relaxing your nervous system and nourishing your body. The oil used for the ayurvedic massage is allocated according to your body type to prevent allergic reactions and skin issues.

Ayurvedic Massage Oils

Oils to use for Ayurvedic Massage

The best oil to use for Abhyanga depends on your body type (dosha). In Ayurveda, three doshas determine which Ayurvedic massage oil you need to encourage balance and health.

• Here’s a general look at the doshas, along with their skin qualities and recommended oils:
• Vata (dry skin): Heavy oils like almond, sesame, or avocado oil is recommended
• Pitta (sensitive or overheated skin): Neutral oil like ghee or sunflower oil is recommended
• Kapha (oily skin):  Less oil is needed for the oily skin type. Light oils like safflower, sweet almond, or flaxseed oil are recommended

The oil can be used by itself or blended with another oil.

The Ayurvedic Oil

Ayurvedic Diet Plan 

The Ayurvedic diet plan is an important component of the Ayurvedic massage treatment as it contributes to long term health results. This diet plan consists of six primary tastes that help in stimulating your digestive system as well as maintaining water-electrolyte balance in your body.

A typical Ayurvedic diet includes:

• Raw Honey
•  Seasonal Fruits
•  Soaked Legumes
•  Fermented foods
•  Root veggies
•  Seasonal vegetables
•  Spices
•  Meat
•  Sprouted grains

Some diet you may want to avoid include:

•  Hard alcohol
•  Processed foods

Diet Can Be An Important Part of the Ayurvedic Lifestyle

​Types of Ayurvedic Massage

There are various types of ayurvedic massage recommended by the massage therapist during the consultation. Some are more suited for a set of people than the other. Ayurveda understands the uniqueness of different body types. This is why it is usually recommended based on body types. 

There are  4 major types of Ayurvedic massage. They include:

1. Srotabhyanga Massage: This is similar to traditional lymphatic drainage and is a perfect treatment for removing toxins in the arterial and lymphatic systems. It tends to focus on the legs and is recommended in cases of circulatory problems, water retention, tiredness and excess of toxins in the body.
2. Marma Massage: The marma massage is known to have a calming effect on the body, mind and soul. It is a comprehensive massage that activates blood circulation and strengthens the function of the brain.
3. Champi Massage: This is a scalp massage that majorly serves to relieve stress and release tension (head, neck and backaches). Its effects are felt both during and after application.
4. Padabhyanga Massage: This is a popular traditional foot massage in India. It has high relaxing power and is known to improve headaches, reduce nervousness and eliminate insomnia.

An Ayurvedic Massage Can be Incredibly Relaxing

10 Proven Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage

According to the ancient ayurvedic text, the ayurvedic massage is numerous. There are, however, 10 proven Ayurvedic massage benefits in specific health conditions. They include:

1. Improve skin health: According to Ayurvedic massage therapist, healthy skin is the main benefit of this massage as the oil used nourishes the skin and its overall appearance. A 2018 study determined that facial massage increases skin blood flow. Another study found out that massaging scars reduces their appearance and thickness.
2. Reduces Stress:  A study on the effect of  Ayurvedic massage on subjective stress experience showed a clinically significant reduction in stress, heart rate and blood pressure.
3. Reduces Roughness of Feet and Heel Cracking: This study showed a significant reduction in the roughness of feet and cracking of heels in people who received foot Ayurvedic massage with sesame oil for one month.
4. Reduces Blood Pressure: This study showed a significant reduction in blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate after administering head massage with herbal oil on 10 volunteers.
5. Reduces Knee Pain: This study found out that massaging the knee joint with warm sesame oil in patients with arthritis shows a significant reduction in pain score.
6. Lowers Anxiety and Depression: A study on depressed pregnant women reported a lower level of anxiety, depressed mood and less leg and back pain. 
7. Reduced Migraine Frequency: A study on migraine patients found preliminary support for the utility of massage therapy as a non-pharmacologic treatment for individuals suffering from migraines.
8. Reduced Menopausal Sleep Disturbances: The results of a study suggested that therapeutic massage is beneficial for improving subjective sleep quality in postmenopausal women.
9. Relief Of Chronic Back Pain: A comparison of the effects of two types of massage and the usual care of chronic low back pain showed that massage therapy may be effective for the treatment of chronic back pain with at least 6-month benefits.
10. Reduce Muscle Stiffness: A 2017 and 2019 study found that ankle massage improves joint flexibility and improves range of motion in lower legs.

Side Effects of Abhyanga

Though oil massage has a lot of health benefits,  It is strongly advised not to have an ayurvedic massage in the following situations:

• During the menstrual cycle as the deep pressure during the massage can initiate a release of toxins from deep tissues at a time when the body is already a bit taxed. 
• During pregnancy to protect the growing embryo and fetus against any unnecessary exposure to toxins.
• On infected or broken skin
• With  indigestion
• After taking purgatives
• When you have a medical condition

Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

 ​There is no greater expression of self-love than being anointed and massaged from head to toe with warm oil. It nourishes your body and improves your well being. As Ayurvedic massage is tailored towards your wellness need, you have to ensure it is done by a qualified Ayurvedic massage practitioner to ensure your safety and well being is guaranteed. Book an Ayurvedic Massage Session Here.

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