Benefits of Abhyanga

ABHYANGA is a traditional Ayurvedic technique that is designed to bring
beauty and vitality to the Body by the application of customized oils.
Abhyanga pronounced ABBEY ANGER actually more like ABBEY UNGER with the unger being like the second part of Younger is a Sanskrit word. Like many words each syllable has a meaning. In this case ABHY means to rub and ANGA means limbs. It is also described in ayurvedic classical texts as, “Smearing the body with unctuous or oily substance” or “Stroking the hands all over, all around the body in a gentle manner” or the translation i feel is at the heart of the technique, “TO TOUCH WITH LOVE.”
Practiced for thousands of years as a self massage technique to support health, beauty, and longevity it is recorded in many ancient writings including the Charaka Samhita. Today is it is practiced in spas in healing centers all over the world.
Traditionally men work on men and women with women. It maybe offered by one, two or more therapists whose hands must work in harmony in perfect coordination.

Traditional benefits listed in Sutrasthanam V. 78-93
The body becomes
•Firm
•Smooth-skinned
•Free from disturbances of vata - that otherwise prematurely age the body and cause pain
•Tolerant of exertions of hard work and exercise
•Not affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries or strenuous work
•Endowed with pleasant touch
•Trimmed in all body parts and
•Strong, charming and least affected by old age.

A beautiful quote which offers a perfect comparison says,

“Oily substances infused into the human organism imparts a tone and vigor to its tissues in the same manner as water furnishes the roots of a tree or a plant with the necessary nutritive elements and fosters its growth when poured into the soil where it grows.” Susruta

So is Abhyanga for estheticians or massage therapists or both? It can be called a full body facial or a full body massage depending on the way you describe it and the claims you make for the outcome.

Full Body Facial
•oil selected according to skin and body type
•optionally - skin cleansed in bath or shower
•oil applied to the skin all over the body with caring touch
•oil allowed to penetrate the skin which maybe helped by a warm linen wrap or steam treatment
•oil removed with herbal cleanser – ubtan

Full Body Massage
•oil selected specific therapeutic benefits
•oil worked into the skin with repeated strokes
•time allowed for oil to penetrate the skin
•oil removed with herbal cleanser – ubtan

What is unique to Abhyanga?
Intention of the therapist
Customized oil selection according to body type, condition and/or season
Importance of the type and quality of oil used
Working with the natural flows of subtle energy in the body
Stimulating marma points
More time spent on the abdomen and joints
Use of ubtan – herbal cleansing powder

INTENTION
Mind always precedes body
The greatest gift is CONNECTION
“The mechanics for the fulfillment of any desire are inherent in the desire itself.” Dr. Chopra
•time
•space
•presence and full attention to see for your client that the highest good arising from your care

CUSTOMIZING OIL
Vata oils – warm, calm and nourish
Pitta oils – cool, sooth, and relax
Kapha oils – warm, comfort, stimulate
Think of these oils as foods that is served in ways to please and nurture
Vata – long, slow, deliberate, predictable
Pitta – precise, lifting, giving a sense of
expanse
Kapha – more intense, warming, varied,
quicker

BENEFITS FOR BODY AND SKIN
Reverses/prevents aging - increasing longevity
Removes fatigue and stress from the body
Enhances flexibility in the muscles and joints – Trims and firms the body
Mobilizes impurities and flushes toxins from the tissues
Heals and strengthens the nervous system
Promotes good vision and sharpens the all senses
Nourishes the body and balances appetite
Makes the body firm and trim
Creates an electromagnetic balance in the body
Stimulates antibody production which boosts the immune system
Rejuvenates the skin – improving texture, tone, color, vitality and hydration

Oils are a major anti-oxidant and is bacteriostatic, so they discourages growth of germs, bacteria, fungi, and viruses and scavenges free radicals.

BENEFITS FOR MIND
The mind feels a sense of comfort which produces a state of relaxed or restful alertness
Remedies insomnia
Reduces anxiety
Helps balance the emotions so we feel happier and more connected
Improves self esteem
Helps overcome a sense of Isolation and loneliness
helps balance vata, pitta and kapha doshas
Works by producing Human Growth Hormone
Starts the “tend-and-befriend" response,women producing more oxytocin
Helps in lowering cortisol levels

Great resons why Abhyanga should be part of your weekly routine.

Now we suggest you take our Ayurvedic Body Type test and select one or two body oils then take out Ayurvedic Skin Type test and select one or two of our face oils and start doing abhyanga for yourself.

Simply apply 1-2oz of oil all over your body and 1 to 2 pumps of oil to your face. Use long strokes and rub vigorously over your long bones and circular movements over your joints. Leave on your skin for a maximum of 20 minutes and rinse off. You can use our Rose Ubtan for a more complete body polish, tension Lotion for tight muscles, joint lotion for stiff or sore joints and backs and breast oil if you want to offer extra love to your breasts.