Ayurvedic Full Body Massage: The Mother of All Massages

Ayurveda full-body massage is typically referred to as “the Mother of all Massages.” This denotes the ceremonial factor that concentrates on the entire body massage: a special oil spread over the skin and massaged with care. According to Ayurveda texts like the Charaka Samhita, the intent is to purge the toxins and balance energies (doshas), thereby resolving or preventing diseases. The Ayurveda full body massage works in three areas:

• Physical relaxation and loosening of your body.
• Mental well-being by loosening and releasing inner barriers.
• Medicinal effect through the penetration of the herbal extracts of the massage oil into your body.

Daily Practice for Optimal Health

Ayurveda full body massage warms and loosens the skin and muscles, putting you into a state of deep relaxation. The oil used during the massage binds to harmful substances found both on and just underneath the skin, helping dissolve and eliminate accumulated ama, which are metabolic residues.
Ayurveda full body massage is therefore used to strengthen health and treat illnesses in equal measure. Many Ayurvedics practice it daily as part of their morning routine, as it also has many positive effects on body and mind as a self-massage.

Ayurveda full body massage captures the spirit of Ayurveda as it unites the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of health into one innovative experience. Whether applied as a daily routine or enjoyed as professional therapy, this ancient treatment provides a reminder of the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda, a path towards the integral balance of health and harmony within.

Full Body Massage: The Procedure

Setting

• A relaxed and comfortable room with suitable massage tables and other amenities are arranged for the best experience and result.
• Herbal oils are applied at a temperature that optimally allows for absorption and increases the oil’s healing properties.
• We start the massage with a prayer saluting the primary physician (Supreme Energy) to enhance the healing energy flow to the person through the hands of the therapist.

Technique of the Massage

• The entire body is massaged in a rhythmic manner with appropriate pressure.
• The massage begins with a head and shoulder massage while seated, followed by a full-body massage in a rhythmic motion, starting from the back before moving to the front.
• In contrast to the use of vigorous kneading, classical massage strokes are consistent and gentle to induce calmness and relaxation.
• Special attention is given to the nadis and marma points to facilitate the return of a person to energetic balance and revitalize them.
• Patients are encouraged to focus on the different strokes applied on the body during the massage to facilitate body-mind correlation as well as promote healing to the body and mind.

Post-Massage Rituals

• Post massage, a warm shower is recommended to revitalize the body.
• Patients are encouraged to rest and allow the body to assimilate the benefits of the treatment.

Renowned Ayurvedic Full-Body Massages

Abhyanga

In Abhyanga, warm herbal oils are massaged over one’s body according to one’s dosha.

Uses:

• Extensively used as a routine in Ayurveda.
• Known to help rejuvenate the entire body while maintaining health and peace.

Udvartana

In full, a dry exfoliation massage using herbal powders or paste is performed.

Uses:

• According to Ayurvedic practice, Udvartana is recommended for its exfoliating and detoxifying properties, and it is traditionally used in weight management therapies.
• It is very often suggested in slimming therapies.