Ayurvedic massage or ‘abhyanga’ is part of a holistic Indian way of life that dates back thousands of years. They didn’t have fast-paced office jobs in those days, but their therapies tackle stress effectively, that’s for sure. Rebalance your humours (more on that shortly) and get ready to embrace all this eastern philosophy has to offer.
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1 1. It restores inner balance
Three things you need to know for this one. One, Ayurveda is founded on the idea the body has three 'humours' – or vital fluids, if you like – vata (water/earth), pitta (water/fire) and kapha (air/space). Two, for you to be feeling on top of your game, these humours need to be balanced. And three, essential oils help rebalance them if they're out of sync – which also rehydrates your skin. (We'll slip in a fourth: the oils smell incredible.)
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2 2. It transfers good vibes
Dare we say it – it can make you feel happy. Poor mental health – yep, unbalanced humours can cause that, too. Ayurvedic massage works to alleviate the symptoms, based on the idea that physical touch helps healing. There needs to be good feeling between you and your therapist for this to work most effectively because it involves the transfer of positive energy from them to you. You're allowed to get one of these if you've just had a tough week, too, by the way.
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3 3. It can reduce chronic pain
That's including osteoarthritis and back pain – and the results speak for themselves. A clinical trial in the US tested Ayurvedic massage on 32 adults suffering from lower back pain, while another 32 adults were given physical therapy instead. The Ayurvedic group reported more reduction in pain, less anger and less fatigue. It's a force to be reckoned with.
FAQs
What is an Ayurvedic massage and how does it work?
An Ayurvedic massage, also called “abhyanga,” is rooted in holistic Indian tradition that’s thousands of years old. It restores the balance of your body’s three humours—vata, pitta and kapha—using essential oils to rehydrate skin and support overall wellness. The massage involves soothing techniques and aromatic oils that also provide a sensory boost.
How can Ayurvedic massage help with stress and mood?
Ayurvedic massage can help you feel happier and more relaxed by transferring positive energy through physical touch. A good connection between you and your therapist is important, as it boosts the massage’s effectiveness in relieving stress and supporting mental wellbeing, especially after a challenging week.
What are the main benefits of an Ayurvedic massage?
The main benefits include restoring your inner balance, improving mood and reducing pain. Essential oils used in the massage can rebalance the body’s humours while hydrating skin. The treatment is also effective for relieving mental stress and supporting emotional health.
Can Ayurvedic massage help reduce chronic pain?
Yes, Ayurvedic massage has been shown to help with chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis and lower back pain. In a clinical trial with 32 adults suffering from lower back pain, those who received Ayurvedic massage reported better reductions in pain, less anger, and reduced fatigue compared to physical therapy.
Why are essential oils used in Ayurvedic massage?
Essential oils are used because they help rebalance your humours if they’re out of sync. Along with promoting physical and emotional wellbeing, these oils also rehydrate your skin and enhance the overall massage experience with their scent.