“Food provides us with the proper nutrients, exercise and massage supply the proper circulation, and massage helps our bodies grow and renew. Massage also provides relaxation.”

— Harish Johari

Introduction

In Sanskrit, the ancient language from India, abhy means to rub and anga means limb, so together they make up the word massage.

It is an anointing of the body, from head to toe, with warm oil often infused with healing herbs and balancing essential oils.

If offered as a treatment in a wellness clinic or spa, it is also regularly prescribed as a daily ritual for personal self care and in Ayurvedic tradition, Abhyanga is considered one of the ten life habits recommended to ensure good health.

The healing aspects of Abhyanga

The above text states that Abhyanga should be practiced daily, preferably in the morning and mentions the following benefits:

“It delays ageing, relieves tiredness and excess of Vata (aches and pains). It improves vision, nourishes body tissues, prolongs age, induces good sleep and improves skin tone and complexion.”

In Ayurveda the healing aspects of Abhyanga include relaxation of the muscles and calming of the nervous system as well as attention being paid to many subtle healing aspects that make it a holistic healing modality.

The act of anointing the body with warm, herbal oil is called snehana. The Sanskrit word sneha means oil and love. The benefits of regular snehana invite the same qualities as being deeply loved, loving yourself and loving another: strength, stability, openness and warmth.

More benefits of Abhyanga as stated by the ancient Ayurvedic text, Astanga Hridaya:

Improves Sleep
Promotes sturdiness of the body
Promotes longevity
Nourishes the body
Promotes better eyesight
Prevents and corrects affliction of the nervous system
Overcomes fatigue
Prevents and corrects the ageing process
Detoxification of the body
Increases immunity

In the Charak Samhita, another ancient Ayurvedic text, it is believed that if the body is properly oiled with abhyanga daily, impurities cannot penetrate and disease cannot develop.

“By enhancing the circulation of nutrient material and helping the organism expel toxins, massage plays an important role in cleansing and maintaining the health of the body. This cleansing role is what makes massage a most beneficial practice for achieving inspiration and joy.

If adopted as a daily practice, massage can help rejuvenate the body.

”

— Harish Johari

Abhyanga, how to self massage

Choose an aromatic massage oil, either a ready blended massage oil which you purchase, ideally prepared by an aromatherapist who can create a blend tailored specially for your needs. Of course you can also prepare your own. Generally a safe proportion is 20-25 drops of essential oil to 50ML of carrier oil.
Pour 2 tablespoons of your oil in a small dish. If you wish, you can warm the oil by placing the dish in a bowl of hot water.
Take some oil in the palms of both hands and begin to massage the oil into your entire body. Begin at the extremities and work toward the middle of the body using long strokes on the limbs and circular strokes on the joints. If you are able, take your time with this process, massaging the muscles and working the oil deep into the skin.
When you are done, step into a warm bath or shower. Minimise the use of soap, and use only where needed. Afterwards, dry yourself with gentle taps so as to preserve a light coat of oil on your skin.