What is Abhyanga Massage?
One of the most popular massages in the ancient Ayurveda tradition originating in India, Abhyanga Massage focuses on the balancing of the doshas using warm, herb-infused oils. Practiced for thousands of years, this massage therapy has been reported to provide a variety of benefits centered around realigning the body’s energies.
The Doshas
Ayurvedic tradition holds that the universe contains five elements — earth, air, fire, water and ether. Our bodies are composed of these elements, which are expressed through the three doshas — Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
- Vata: fire and ether
- Pitta: fire and water
- Kapha: water and air
Everyone has a different mixture of doshas, and when they’re out of alignment, one or more are considered dominant. Abhyanga Massage focuses on pacifying the dominant dosha(s).
Additionally, each dosha has specific characteristics. Vata is dry, light and cold; Pitta is oily, sharp and hot; and Kapha is heavy, slow and cold, among several other respective attributes. When the doshas are out of balance, the imbalance manifests symptoms that reflect the dominant dosha(s).
For example, nervousness, restless sleep and excessive worry indicate a dominate Vata. Skin conditions, acid reflux and irritability indicate a dominate Pitta. And lethargy, an aversion to change and excessive eating indicate a dominate Kapha.
Typically, any discomfort or issue that lasts more than a few weeks could likely indicate an imbalance in your doshas. A skilled Abhyanga massage therapist can help root out the cause and bring your doshas back into alignment.
Your Abhyanga Massage Therapist
Abhyanga massage therapists are trained to recognize these imbalances and prepare dosha-specific oils customized to the individual, helping to bring the doshas back into harmony and alleviate symptoms.
Once prepared, your massage therapist applies the oil and provides an invigorating, rhythmic head-to-toe massage — from your scalp all the way to the soles of your feet. The combination of the oil and massage has the added benefits of aiding in the elimination of toxins and the improvement of circulation.
The warm oil, calming environment and practiced hands of your massage therapist make for a wonderfully transcendental experience designed to melt away stress, soothe your muscles and return your body’s energies to equilibrium — leaving you supremely relaxed, wonderfully refreshed and in a far more tranquil state of mind.
Ready to try your first Abhyanga Massage? Book your session with Wellness4Ever now!
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