Abhyanga has many health benefits. It is one of the best ways to rejuvenate your skin and your body. Many people use it as a seasonal detox or a way to reboot their bodies when they are feeling sluggish. The skin is our largest organ and houses many of our bodily functions. It also protects the rest of our bodies from outside pollutants, bacteria, and other elements. However, when the skin is dehydrated and unclean, it has a hard time performing these basic functions. Regular abhyanga can help the skin retain its moisture, cleanse itself from outside pollutants, and protect your body from the inside out. It is also a great way to improve your circulation and change your mood when you feel sluggish.

What is Abhyanga?

Abhyanga is a massage that’s done with warm oil. The oil is applied on the entire body, from the scalp to the soles of your feet. It’s the most popular massage in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine from India. Ayurveda focuses on maintaining health through natural practices like massage and what you eat.

The oil is the central component of this practice. When combined with massage strokes, it’s thought to promote overall health and wellness. Abhyanga is typically performed by a massage therapist. But it’s also possible to do an abhyanga self-massage at home.

Though there isn’t much research on abhyanga specifically, it’s been practiced for thousands of years. Many people have reported therapeutic benefits and continue to use this remedy. Research backs up the positive effects of general massage. This likely plays a role in the anecdotal benefits of abhyanga.

What are the Benefits of Abhyanga?

Reduces stress

In a small 2011 study [1], researchers studied how abhyanga affects stress in 20 healthy adults. Before receiving a 1-hour abhyanga massage, the participants completed a stress-related questionnaire and had their heart rate measured. Both tests were repeated after the session. The researchers found that, after the massage, the participants’ subjective stress levels and heart rate decreased.

In “The Benefits of Ayurveda Self-Massage “Abhyanga” [2] the benefits are listed:

- Nourishes the entire body—decreases the effects of aging.

- Imparts muscle tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body.

- Imparts a firmness to the limbs.

- Lubricates the joints.

- Increases circulation.

- Stimulates the internal organs of the body.

- Assists in elimination of impurities from the body.

How does it work?

Improve skin health
According to abhyanga practitioners, healthy skin is a main benefit of the massage. The oil is used to nourish the skin, which supposedly improves its overall appearance. The massage strokes are believed to:

- increase skin blood flow

- reduce appearance of wrinkles, cellulite, and scars

- improve skin smoothness and softness

- decrease hyperpigmentation

Reduce muscle stiffness

Another purported benefit of abhyanga is better flexibility. It’s thought to decrease stiffness and increase mobility by loosening shortened, tight muscles.

Promotes lymphatic drainage

Promotes lymphatic drainage is an established benefit of any type of massage. While scientists haven’t explicitly examined abhyanga and lymph flow, proponents claim it has a positive effect.

Your lymphatic system removes your body’s waste. If you have surgery or a medical condition, the fluid in your lymphatic system can accumulate and cause swelling, or lymphedema.

Massage can improve lymphedema by encouraging lymphatic drainage. The physical pressure expands lymphatic vessels, which promotes lymph flow.

How to do Abhyanga Self-massage

Receiving abhyanga from a trained massage therapist can be a relaxing experience. However, it’s also possible to enjoy abhyanga as a self-massage. This lets you enjoy the massage whenever it’s convenient for you. [3]

During abhyanga, you’ll need to wear minimal clothing or wrap a towel around your body. Here’s the general technique of an abhyanga self-massage:

1. Pour 1/2 cup oil in a clean, empty shampoo or squeeze bottle. Put the bottle in a pot of hot water until the oil is warm.

2. Apply the oil to your whole body, including the top of your head. Massage the oil into your scalp, moving in circular motions.

3. Continue to your forehead, ears, cheeks, and jaws.

4. Massage your chest and abdomen, moving in clockwise and circular strokes. On your trunk, massage inward along your ribs.

5. Continue to your back and butt. Massage in straight, long motions on your arms and legs. Move in circular motions on your joints.

6. Massage your feet, including your toes and soles.

7. Relax for 10 minutes to let your skin absorb the oil.

8. Take a warm bath or shower. Use a gentle cleanser to remove the oil.

Tips for Modern Day Abhyanga

Ayurveda’s ancient texts have many positive things to say about the benefits of abhyanga, the age-old Ayurvedic practice of self-massage with warm oil. If only they’d added a few lines about how to avoid gunking up your towels, bathtub, and pipes! Fortunately, there are some simple measures you can take to keep your bathroom sparkling clean and your environment safe. Here are some pointers from Maharishi AyurVeda Products International, (MAPI) [4]

Conclusion

Abhyanga combined with a diet and nutrition that is right for your body supports rejuvenation from the inside out and outside in. To explore a personalized nutrition program designed just for you, go to Meology and take the online assessment.

References:

1 Basler A. J. (2011). Pilot study investigating the effects of Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage on subjective stress experience. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 17(5), 435–440. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0281

2 https://chopra.com/articles/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-abhyanga

3 https://www.healthline.com/health/abhyanga-massage

4 https://mapi.com/blogs/articles/how-to-do-abhyanga-without-making-a-mess