As much as we’d love to spend our lives basking on Thailand’s golden beaches, our natural environment’s more urban hotspots. Luckily, we can get our fix of international culture from the massage table.
While we know how a Thai rubdown can improve your well being and Swedish massage is all about relaxation, here’s the lowdown on the Indian massage. There are a couple of different treatments on offer – Ayurvedic massage and the classic Indian head massage.
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1 It's a mind and body experience
A full body Indian massage, or 'abhyanga' (don't worry, there's no spelling test at the end), involves a rubdown with sumptuous warm oil. This oil is usually infused with a special blend of herbs and spices to soothe emotional and physical pressure points.
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2 The rubdown is really thorough
These massages follow ancient traditions, and the experience can verge on ceremonial. Ayurveda teaches that there are seven layers of tissue to get through. This means the mood-enlivening oils get properly rubbed in – your therapist will massage each muscle for 800 matras (at least five minutes, in plain language).
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3 It can nourish your hair
An Indian head massage can stimulate the follicles in your scalp, which can help your hair to grow thicker and healthier. Ayurvedic oils are used in this massage too. The herbs and spices they're infused with aim to nourish your hair – it's basically a dream conditioning treatment and relaxing massage all rolled into one.
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4 It's great for post-work chill time
If you're struggling to find time to hop on the massage table for a full hour, a 15 or 20 minute Indian head massage is the ideal compromise. Perfect if you've had one of those headless-chicken-back-to-back days in the office.
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FAQs
What happens during an Indian body massage?
A full body Indian massage, called abhyanga, uses warm oil infused with herbs and spices. The therapist massages each muscle for 800 matras (at least five minutes), aiming to soothe emotional and physical pressure points using ancient Ayurvedic traditions.
How can an Indian head massage benefit your hair?
An Indian head massage stimulates the follicles in your scalp, which can help your hair grow thicker and healthier. The Ayurvedic oils and herbal infusions also work as a nourishing conditioning treatment, while providing a relaxing experience.
Can you get an effective massage if you only have 15 minutes?
Yes, a 15 or 20 minute Indian head massage is a great option if you’re short on time. It’s perfect for unwinding after a hectic day and offers relaxation without needing a full hour-long appointment.
What makes Ayurvedic oils special in Indian massage?
Ayurvedic oils are infused with a blend of herbs and spices designed to target both emotional and physical stress points. These oils enhance the massage by helping nourish the body and hair, making the treatment both soothing and deeply conditioning.
How many tissue layers does Ayurvedic massage work through?
Ayurvedic massage works through seven layers of tissue using thorough, ceremonial techniques. This approach ensures the oils are absorbed deeply and each muscle is cared for in detail.