When you think of oil massage, Anyone may often picture a luxurious Spa or a relaxing self-care day. While this is true, an Ayurveda oil massage offers much more than just relaxation. It is an essential component of Ayurvedic treatments, particularly in Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatment regimens. Massage treatments are prescribed by an Ayurvedic physician based on the patient’s Dosha type, body Constitution & particular health condition. It is a powerful therapy that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being and helps in recovering and renewing the body.
In order to revitalize the body, practitioners concentrate on the marmas (subtle energy spots), which are delicate energy points. This is done by Ayurveda specialists and is appropriate for various body types.
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What is Oil Massage in Ayurveda & why it is recommended?
Ayurvedic oil massage is a therapeutic body treatment using carefully prepared herbal oils, massage methods, and movements based on your individual Dosha balance.
A small study was also conducted in the year 2011 about how Abhyanga ( Oil Massage) affects stress in 20 adult people. Results were amazing, researchers found that, after the massage, the participants’ subjective stress levels and heart rate decreased.
The most popular massage therapy in Ayurveda is performed with warm oil known as Abhyanga (अभ्यंग). Usually, a massage professional performs Abhyanga. However, you can also perform an Abhyanga self-massage in the convenience of your own home.
Ayurvedic massage is intended to purify, balance energy, and revitalize the entire body, in contrast to traditional massages that mostly concentrate on relaxation. It releases blocked energy, enhances circulation, and facilitates physical, mental, and emotional healing by activating energy points, also known as Marma points. Let’s talk about benefits of oil massage in detail.
Benefits of Oil Massage in Ayurveda
1. Improve Blood Circulation
Ayurvedic oil massage can enhance your body’s blood circulation. In order to improve blood circulation in body, the therapist will use circular motions to massage the body while giving pressure to the appropriate points. Improved blood circulation increased oxygen flow and a greater supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells .
2. Relieves Muscle Tension & Pain
Pain alleviation is possible with the correct oil massage treatment by Good certified therapist. Applying warm oil helps aid the healing process. Because they have anti-inflammatory qualities, oils like sesame oil are used to relieve pain and tension in the muscles. You can benefit greatly from an Ayurvedic oil massage if you have knotted and stiff muscles.
A 2017 study indicates that ankle massage improves ankle joint flexibility.
Ayurvedic oil massages also provide treatment for people with inflammation, muscle stiffness, or joint pain. Warm oils and focused massage techniques alleviate pain, improve healing, and reduce inflammation.
3. Reduce Stress & Blood pressure
Ayurvedic oil massage therapies, supports in relaxing one’s body and mind. Therapies such as Shiro Dhara are highly effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Regular Ayurveda massage treatments have been shown to lower blood pressure and stress levels.
A small study conducted on 20 healthy Adults published in a renowned Pubmed Journal indicates that Abhyanga (Massage) reduces stress levels as well as blood pressure in people with prehypertension.
This oil massage therapy is incredibly soothing. Together with the application of fragrant oils, the delicate strokes aid in mental relaxation, anxiety reduction, and relieve emotional tension, all of which contribute to a person’s general sense of well-being.
4. Body Detoxification
In order to eliminate accumulated toxins from the body, Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy regimens stimulate the lymphatic system, which is in responsible for eliminating toxins from the body. If lymphatic system is not working properly or has blockages , a herb-infused warm oil massage will assist your lymphatic system boost its blood vessels and help it eliminate toxins . Moreover this massage is beneficial for weight loss in addition to detoxifying the system.
5. Healthier Skin
Ayurveda Oil massage rejuvenates the skin and helps remove dry skin cells and other impurities, making it soft and supple.
A 2018 Study also supports that facial massage rollers increase skin blood flow.
Regular massage with medicated oil is beneficial for smoothening and softening the skin of a person. Oil massages not only nourish the skin but also improve its texture, making it softer and more radiant. It improves blood circulation throughout your body, Nourishes the Skin, and helps to remove toxins from the body thus overall boosting your skin’s health and glow as well.
6. Improved Sleep Quality
Custom-blended oil massage warmth and fragrance will soothe your troubles. This can enhance the quality of sleep by reducing tension and relaxing the nervous system. Those who experience insomnia or restless sleep may find it very beneficial.
7. Emotional Balance
Ayurvedic massage promotes emotional well-being by resolving emotional blockages, harmonizing energy flow, and encouraging endorphin release, This result improved emotional stability and Inner calmness.
How to Do Abhyanga Self Massage
It might be soothing to receive abhyanga from a qualified massage practitioner. But abhyanga can also be enjoyed as a form of self-massage. This enables you to take advantage of the massage at your convenience.
- Fill 1/2 cup of oil in a clean bottle. Place the bottle in a pot of hot water to warm the oil.
- Apply this lukewarm oil to your entire body, including your head. Proceed to your ears, cheeks, and jawline.
- Massage your chest and abdomen, moving in clockwise and circular strokes. On your trunk, massage inward along your ribs
- Proceed to your butt and back. Give your arms and legs a long, straight massage. Move in circular motions on your joints
- Massage your feet, including your toes and soles.
- Relax for 10 minutes to allow the oil to seep into your skin toes, and soles.
- Bathe or shower in warm water. To remove the oil, use a Gentle cleanser.
- Avoid self-massage during Pregnancy or any other special medical condition.
Who should have an Ayurvedic oil massage
- The advantages of applying oil to the body are strengthening, softening, and Nourishing the skin. It reduces the signs of aging and helps enhance longevity.
- People suffering from insomnia can benefit from ayurvedic massage since it helps to fix sleep patterns.
- People who face fatigue and tiredness can use this oil massage therapy to increase body tolerance by stimulating the body’s internal organs, and improving circulation. Ayurvedic massages are used to calm pitta and vata.