The word Abhyanga is often translated as "anointing". Literally it describes a "movement towards the limbs"(Abhi = towards, Anga = limb). In Ayurvedic texts, the term abhyanga is used for a "gentle oil massage" performed from the head and trunk towards the extremities.

Preparation for elimination

Oil massages are the most important preparatory therapies for detoxification in Ayurvedic purification treatments. In order to open the body channels (shrotas) for optimal detoxification, oil is gently massaged in the direction of the channels. This relaxes all the muscles of the body, including the very fine muscles of the blood vessels and other body channels controlled by the autonomic nervous system. In this way, energy and bodily fluids can completely penetrate the body and, like a flood, take away all the "rubbish" that has been deposited on the walls of the vessels. At the same time, more nutrients are transported to the tissues. 

Synchronous Abhyanga

In Maharishi Ayurveda, all abhyangas are performed synchronously by 2 therapists as part of a Pancha Karma cleansing treatment. Women are only treated by women, men only by men. The synchronous therapy with 2 massage specialists is not only a unique experience, it is also particularly effective. EEG measurements (electro-encephalogram, brain current measurement) show that the synchronous application aligns the brain waves of the two brain hemispheres in their activity. This eliminates asymmetries in the mind-body system.

Abhyanga is beneficial

Subjectively, an Abhyanga with 2 therapists is an extremely pleasant and beneficial experience. The experience of this well-being is important for the activation of the self-healing powers. Well-being strengthens the ability to regenerate and the immune system.

The classical texts accurately describe the effects of Abhyanga. Read here an excerpt from Astanga Hridaya, one of the "three great Ayurvedic classics".

Effects of Abhyanga according to Astanga Hridaya:

- Reduces fatigue and strengthens the body
• cleanses and strengthens the body tissues
• Increases body strength and endurance
• reduces muscle and joint pain, makes joints supple
• stabilises the circulation and creates a feeling of lightness in the body
• cleanses the skin, improves the complexion 
• has a strengthening effect on the nervous system
• improves eyesight
• improves sleep, reduces insomnia
• increases protection against wounds and injuries, improves the body's self-healing powers 
• increases the body's immune defence
• improves the mind's resistance to illness and pain
• improves self-confidence and willpower
• slows down the ageing process and rejuvenates prematurely aged tissue

Self-application of Abhyanga

Abhyanga is administered as part of a Maharishi Ayurveda Pancha Karma treatment by 2 therapists. The classical texts recommend that Abhyanga be applied daily. This is only possible in the context of a self-oil massage.

The body should be systematically massaged from head to toe with a little warmed oil. You can find instructions on how to do this in our video "Self-oil massage".

Abhyanga as a partial massage

Even with good will, a daily oil massage from head to toe all year round is hardly possible. For this reason, there are various partial treatments that can be performed as a self-massage or by a therapist. The best known are Shiroabhyanga (head massage) and Padabhyanga (foot massage).

Summary

Abhyanga refers to a gentle oil massage. As part of a Maharishi Ayurveda cleansing treatment, Abhyanga is applied synchronously by 2 therapists. The soothing experience of an Abhyanga strengthens the mind, body and self-healing powers.

For daily use at home, Abhyanga should be performed as a full body massage or partial treatment, followed by a warm bath or shower.