About the treatment
Sarvanga abhyanga is a traditional and powerful ayurvedic therapy used for healing and detoxifying the whole body. It involves specifically chosen medicated oils and ghritas being generously and carefully applied in a sequence of long, rhythmic sweeping and circular stokes. The warm oil deeply penetrates the skin to loosen physical, mental and spiritual ama (toxins) at a cellular level. Abhyanga offers multiple health benefits. It nourishes tissues, improves circulation, cleanses the skin and improves overall health. It balances all doshas but particularly vata.
This treatment can be amplified with marma therapy.
More information...
Abhyanga can be roughly translated as ‘oil massage.’ This comes from the sanskrit word ‘anga’ meaning movement and the prefix ‘abhi’ meaning ‘different, against or contrary.’ A synonym of the word is ‘abhyanjana’ meaning ‘to smear,’ ‘to anoint oil’ or ‘unctuousness’ (oily, greasy, soapy.)
Traditionally, abhyanga is one of the Dinacharya methods (daily practices) encouraged in ayurveda for maintaining optimal health. It is also used as a Purvakarma (essential pre-treatment) for ayurvedic Panchakarma and is considered a Bahya Snehana Therapy as it nourishes the senses of the mind and gives strength to the body. Sneha takes on many meanings such as ‘that which oils,’ ‘to be attached to’ and also ‘compassion, ’warmth’ and most notably ‘love.’
We all understand the significance of these qualities and how they affect us. Love is the foundation for all other emotions and creates positive energies and connections. We also understand the importance of connective touch – from our newborn beginnings we crave skin to skin contact and there is much research to prove that touch and a connection with our skin is essential for longevity and a happy, healthy life.
Skin is the largest organ of the body and as such plays a vital role in many of the dynamic processes that maintain homeostasis including elimination and immunity. During abhyanga, the internal fluids of the skin are massaged in specific patterns and worked through the tissues to dilute accumulated ama (toxins) and mobilise excess doshas towards the gastrointestinal tract for smooth elimination. Using a good amount of warm oils to reduce friction, this therapy also works on the nervous system. The rhythmical movements encourage the body to generate its own charge creating a calming, healing and rejuvenating effect.
Ayurveda recommends this therapy daily for many conditions and for overall wellbeing and a simple practice can be developed at home.
Marma therapy is often performed during abhyanga treatments to enhance its benefits. The science of Marma was originally part of the Vedic martial arts or Dhanur Veda, one of the four Upavedic scripts dating back to the same time and origins as ayurveda and yoga. It comes from the Sanskrit word ‘mri’ meaning ‘root’ and the suffix ‘manin’ meaning ‘seat of life’ and so together is understood as ‘secret’ or ‘essence’ and pertains to 108 particular, sensitive points in the body where there are intersections of veins, muscles, joints, ligaments or tendons. These points contain vital prana energy forces and as such, are more sensitive to injury than any other parts of the body. However, these fine ‘doorways’ into our inner pathways can be gently manipulated to sustain the flow of energy throughout the body. Marma therapy enhances immunity, clears emotional blockages, increases energy levels, provides pain relief and much more.
Benefits:
Sarvanga abhyanga is recommended for:
o Nourishing the body to enhance immunity and promote longevity
o Calming the nervous system to sooth stress, anxiety and nervousness
o Overcoming fatigue
o Detoxifying the body both physically and emotionally
o Aiding lymphatic drainage and removing accumulated ama (toxins)
o Stimulating blood circulation and organ function
o Aiding digestion increasing the production of gastric juices, saliva and urine
o Promoting anti-aging; softer, stronger and more supple skin, increasing radiance and lustre
o Helping regulate sleep patterns
o Improving clarity of vision
o Improving and preventing injury and reducing muscle tension
Indications:
Sarvanga abhyanga is recommended for:
o Paralysis
o Back pain or body aches
o Osteoporosis
o Osteo or rheumatoid arthritis
o Anxiety, stress or nervousness
o Insomnia or sleep difficulties
o Circulation problems
o History of head aches
o Asthma and bronchitis
o Carpal tunnel syndrome
o Gout
o Rejuvenation
o Much more…
Contra-indications:
Abhyanga is not recommended under the following conditions
• Low agni and excessive toxins
• During pregnancy
• During menstruation
• Acute fever, chest or sinus congestion
• Open or bleeding wounds, healing scars or burns
• Spontaneous or internal bleeding
• Unexplained lumps and bumps
• After spending excess time in direct sunlight
• Directly after a heavy meal or when very hungry
• Less than 8 weeks after surgery