Abhyanga Massage: Benefits and How It Is Done

Abhyanga is the warm oil massage of Ayurveda. It is both a daily self-care practice described in the classical texts and a therapy given by trained therapists. It is also the most common preparation step before Panchakarma.

What Abhyanga is for

In Ayurveda, oil massage is said to nourish the body and calm Vata, the dosha linked to dryness, movement and the nervous system. People commonly have Abhyanga for:

• Dry skin and stiffness
• Tiredness and poor sleep
• Body aches from long hours at a desk
• Relaxation and a sense of being grounded
• Preparation (Snehan) before Panchakarma

How it differs from a spa massage

A spa massage is chosen from a menu and focuses on relaxation. Therapeutic Abhyanga is prescribed by an Ayurvedic doctor, who chooses the oil for your constitution and concern. The strokes follow the direction of hair growth and the shape of the joints, and the oil is warm. It is usually followed by Swedan, a steam or fomentation, so the oil can work.

How a session works

1. The doctor chooses the oil and the duration.
2. You lie on a wooden treatment table. One or two therapists massage the whole body, including the head and feet, with long strokes on the limbs and circular strokes on the joints.
3. Steam follows if prescribed.
4. You rest, then bathe with warm water. A gentle herbal powder may be used to remove the oil.

Who should avoid Abhyanga

• Fever, a cold or indigestion on the day
• Skin infections or open wounds
• Immediately after a heavy meal
• During some phases of Panchakarma, as the doctor directs

Self-Abhyanga at home

You can do a simple version at home:

1. Warm a few spoons of sesame or coconut oil, whichever your doctor suggests.
2. Massage the scalp, then the face and ears.
3. Use long strokes on the arms and legs and circles on the joints. Massage the abdomen clockwise.
4. Finish with the soles of the feet.
5. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then take a warm bath.

Mornings before bathing are traditional. Even a five-minute foot and scalp massage before sleep can help you unwind.

Abhyanga at Shree Narayandham

Abhyanga is one of the Ayurvedic therapies prescribed during a residential stay, alongside Shirodhara, Udvartan, Patra potli and localised Basti therapies for the knees, back and neck. Treatments are included in the daily tariff, and the length of oil therapy sessions depends on your room category. Read about our Ayurvedic treatments.

Common questions

How often should I have Abhyanga?

Self-massage can be daily. During a stay the doctor will set the number of therapy sessions.

Which oil is best?

There is no single best oil. Sesame oil is the classical base; medicated oils are chosen by the doctor.

Next step

Call +91 98810 68109 or book a consultation.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Please read our wellness disclaimer.