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Ayurveda has a deeper meaning and ancient roots. It is practiced for ages and is a proven way of healing and self-care. Ayurveda is a lifestyle, more than just being a cure to certain ailments or diseases. If we practice Ayurveda, we can be sure of enriching life and a lively attitude that comes from meditating and aligning our chakras. Likewise, ayurvedic massage therapy brings balance into your mind, body, soul.
Ayurveda illustrates that our body mimics each season of the year to save us from the harshness of the weather. However, not just bodily adaptations are enough, we also need to indulge in some self-care that comes from Ayurvedic studies. Making few alterations in our lifestyle and daily meals also contributes towards minimizing the ill effects of the new season.
Similarly, Ayurveda emphasis on an age-old practice, Abhyanga. It relates to warm oil massaging to nourish the body and ease tension. Ayurveda focuses on deep nourishment for the body from the inside out. As we feed our stomachs, it is vital to feed our external bodies too. Similarly, our soul achieves rejuvenation through meditation. If this doesn’t constitute a lifestyle, then what else does?
Today, we will talk about Abhyanga which is considered a must practice in Ayurveda. It should be done on daily basis as a self-care routine. However, Abhyanga is also carried out by a leading Ayurveda practitioner who knows ins and outs of pressure points and absorption areas in the human body.
ABHYANGA- A UNIQUE AYURVEDIC MASSAGE THERAPY
Warm oil massage is known as Abhyanga. It is best carried out during winters when your body needs warmth to combat the cold and dry effects of this weather. The term Abhyanga refers to the touch for healing and nurturing one’s body.
Our body has seven layers of tissues. Hence, penetrating the warm essential oil through fine strokes into each layer relaxes and nourishes our skin from deep within. Oil is massaged onto the human body part for up to 5 minutes. At least 15 minutes should be devoted to full body Abhyanga massage therapy.
Regular warm oil massaging ensures an individual remains saved even in case of injuries. Also, it trims down the body by providing appropriate toning and nourishment through oil and gently massaging. Sesame oil is perfect for carrying out Abhyanga massage. It starts with rubbing warm Sesame oil over the body and increasing the stroke frequency to lightly warm the body. Slow and steady motions allow blood circulation in the body, making it more relaxed, alleviating exhaustion. Abhyanga is a perfect solution to keep winter laziness at bay. It positively activates the body and keeps it in an energetic mode throughout the day or winter season if carried out on a routine basis.
After this ayurvedic massage therapy overs, you are allowed to take shower but it should be a soothing warm shower. A cold shower will adversely affect your body as due to the use of warm oil and massage strokes; your body becomes hot and pouring cold water will obstruct blood flow. It could even lead to severe hemorrhages.
Most common benefits of Abhyanga:
It helps in reducing stress
Abhyanga like all the massage therapies helps in reducing stress but it is more effective due to the use of warm oil which supplies ultimate relaxation to your mind and body, both.
It improves blood flow and overall health of the skin
Warm oil massage strokes perfectly align blood circulation in your body, making your skin much healthier and shinier.
It helps in reducing Muscle Stiffness
Warm oil eases muscular tension and opens up stiffened muscles up to a greater extent.
It increases the energy and overall alertness of the body
Due to the use of warm oil, the body absorbs it quickly and becomes well-nourished, which in turn activates it up to an energetic level and improves alertness.
It also helps in lowering blood pressure
Muscle relaxation is connected to mental health and well-being. Unnecessary pressure decreases from the mind and lowers blood pressure.
Oils other than Sesame oil that can be used for Abhyanga
Coconut oil and Almond oil are two major oils that are used in Abhyanga. Due to having no side effects and maximum absorption ability, these oils make the best alternative to Sesame oil while performing Abhyanga.
What is Murdha Taila?
Head is known as Murdha Taila in Abhyanga. It is the most exposed part of our body. Due to Vata Doshas, nutrients don’t absorb into our head, leaving the hair and hair follicles at the mercy of harsh weather. Therefore, proper head massage will help alleviate issues related to graying of hair, weak roots, dry scalp, split end, etc. The massaging of the head is essential as it relieves stress and nourishes the scalp. Don’t miss it.
What is Karna Purana?
Karna Purana is termed for ears. The ear is probably the most neglected part of our body, whereas it has the most critical function. Most of the time we ignore ear care and later make rounds to ear specialists. To avoid such situations, we advise you to nourish the skin of your ear by gently massaging surface skin. Gently massage ear canals and don’t dig inside your ear as it will hurt.
Take Away Tip
Abhyanga is the best ayurvedic massage therapy for combating winter odds on your skin and nourishing your body.
Regular Abhyanga normalizes the effects of injuries. Also, it is efficient in saving an individual from the after-effects of accidents or any types of injuries.
Imbalanced Vata Doshas are reversed using Abhyanga massage therapy.
If you want to reap nourishment effects from Abhyanga, repeat it at least thrice a week.
Mixing essential oils along with base oil gives multiple benefits during Abhyanga.
At Northumberland Heights, we offer exquisite ayurvedic massage therapy that suits your need. Along with that, we indulge our visitors in numerous activities during their stay at our property. Give us a chance to take you to an experiential world of spa and wellness, involving world-famous ayurvedic or international massage therapies.