An Ayurveda massage releases inner blockages, loosens tension, and promotes physical and mental relaxation. Tailored to your personal needs, there are various massage techniques. The procedure and effects also vary depending on the treatment.
The Ayurvedic Massage
The umbrella term Ayurveda massage encompasses the numerous different techniques and types of Ayurvedic healing arts. These practices unfold their effects in a very special way, conveying a sense of being “touched” that is accompanied by a holistic sense of physical well-being.
The origin of these Ayurvedic practices lies in India, where they are held in high regard. Ayurvedic massages are used in both health and medical fields. Depending on individual needs and Dosha type, there is a suitable type of massage and treatment.
Types of Ayurveda Massages
The type of Ayurveda massage you require depends on various factors. These include, for example, your constitution or your individual complaints.
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The Classic Abhyanga Massage
Abhyanga translates to “oiling with loving hands” and is a classic Ayurvedic full-body massage. This “great Ayurvedic oiling” is the most frequently used Ayurveda massage, especially in the West. It is performed with light pressure and harmoniously flowing movements.
The oils used play an essential role in this treatment and are chosen to suit the complaints and the Doshas. The goal of the full-body massage is to loosen blockages and muscle tension. Furthermore, it aims to increase physical and mental relaxation.
Subtypes of the classic Abhyanga massage include:
- Udarabhyanga: Abdominal massage
- Mukabhyanga: Facial massage
- Padabhyanga: Ayurvedic foot massage for stress reduction
- Synchronous Abhyanga massage by two therapists simultaneously
Garshan Massage
In contrast to the classic Abhyanga massage, the Garshan massage is a dry massage that completely dispenses with oils.
Instead, the therapist wears special silk gloves. These have a gentle exfoliating effect and carefully remove dead skin cells. Additionally, circulation is increased, leaving your skin feeling vitalized and refreshed afterward.
Udvartana Massage
The Udvartana massage is also a dry massage that incorporates a skin peel. For this massage, a mixture of flour and ground herbs is used, which is then massaged into the skin.
It improves the skin’s appearance and can alleviate cellulite with regular use. Herbal powders or pastes assist in the application and are massaged in the direction of the heart.
Possible areas of application for the Udvartana massage are:
- Circulatory disorders
- Lymphatic drainage disorders
- Water retention
- Cellulite
- Itching
- Excessive sweating
For sensitive skin types, the skin is first treated with massage oil. Similar to the Udvartana dry massage, the Udgarshana massage can help with cellulite, itching, and impaired lymphatic flow.
Upanahasveda Massage
This vigorous back massage aims to release blockages and loosen the muscles throughout your entire body. This is intended to alleviate tension and pain. Additionally, the Upanahasveda massage has a soothing and relaxing effect, helping against stress and inner restlessness.
Warm oils and a Lepa herbal wrap after the treatment complete the application and ensure enhanced well-being. In Ayurveda, Lepa is a paste wrap that can contain Ayurvedic herbs as well as oils and plant juices. It is placed directly on the body and kept warm for an extended period.
Jambira Pinda Sveda
The term Pinda Sveda refers to the various bolus massages in Ayurveda. The Jambira Pinda Sveda massage, in particular, is widely used. This is a heat treatment that stimulates sweating. Similar to stamps, the cotton bags are pressed onto different areas of the skin.
The application possibilities for the Jambira Pinda Sveda massage are diverse:
- Water retention
- Cellulite
- Impaired lymphatic drainage
- Acidity
Marma Massage
The Ayurvedic Marma massage has much in common with acupressure. It is based on 108 vital points upon which varying degrees of pressure are applied during the treatment.
This stimulates the organs and promotes general health. Regular treatment can alleviate fatigue and exhaustion and improve the body’s supply of nutrients.
Ayurveda Massage Techniques
In addition to the different types of Ayurveda massages, there are also various techniques used during a treatment. Of the numerous stroke techniques, the following are the most typical:
- Circling around the joints
- Stroking of tissue and muscles
- Stimulation of pressure points
- Deep strokes
These wellness practices are individually adapted to you and your state of health.
“Ayurvedic massages affect not only the body but also the inner balance. They are an effective way to consciously deepen relaxation and regeneration.”
Elisabeth Naschberger-Mauracher, European Ayurveda expert & Managing Director of the European Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof in Tyrol
Goals of Ayurveda Massage
There are numerous different types of massages that achieve different effects depending on the area of application. Fundamentally, however, every massage is about improving and supporting your health.
The following indicators are among the goals of Ayurveda massage:
- Relief of muscular spasms
- Improved sleep quality
- Regulation of digestion
- Deep well-being
- Invigorating effects for the cardiovascular system
- Activation of the lymphatic pathways and the nervous system
- Stimulation of skin, muscles, and veins
- Removal of toxins from the metabolism (detox)
- Improved skin texture
- Stress reduction
- Strengthening of the tissue
- Increased performance
The massages are used in both health and cosmetic fields. They also provide a balance to stressful everyday life and help you unwind. Restoring inner balance is also one of the positive properties of an Ayurveda massage.
Preparation and Procedure of the Ayurveda Massage
Before an Ayurvedic massage, a clarifying anamnesis consultation takes place, during which your constitution types are categorized. The correct massage is then selected based on this.
During this conversation, you can express any questions, wishes, or expectations. The massage usually follows the consultation. This lasts about 20 minutes for partial body massages and up to 1.5 hours for full-body massages. The massages are performed lying down so that you can relax completely.
The Ayurvedic Principle and European Ayurveda®
Ayurveda is traditional Indian medicine and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. The word is composed of “ayuh” for life and “veda” for science. It is therefore about the science of life, which has been passed down in the oldest treasury of knowledge about the nature of human beings.
The focus in Ayurveda is on a holistic harmony of body, mind, and soul. It is about restoring physical and psychological balance. This works, among other things, by activating your self-healing powers. Ayurveda describes an entire philosophy of life upon which numerous applications are based.
In our European Ayurveda®, the traditional Indian Ayurveda teachings are adapted to the needs of our environment. This has resulted in slower, gentler massages that allow for calming down and relaxation.
In addition to massages, a Dosha-appropriate diet and cleansing treatments are essential in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic herbs support the cleansing process in a natural way. They keep the body in balance. Furthermore, meditation and yoga allow for a gentle connection of body and mind.
Read more: Abhyanga Massage
In addition to nutrition and yoga, massages are also part of Ayurvedic health teachings. The Ayurveda Abhyanga massage is one of the most soothing and effective forms of treatment. Abhyanga can be translated from ancient Indian as “great oiling with loving hands.”
