ABHYANGA

Ayurvedic Massage
 Presentation by
Jacquie, Kellie & Hasanthi
 What is Ayurveda?

• Science of Life

• Deals with body, mind and the spirit

• Dates back 5000 years
• Part of the Vedic tradition in India
Origins of Ayurveda

• Vedic Sages compiled medical

treatises

• Atreya Samhita – the oldest

medical book!

• Ayurvedic physician-surgeons
were priests, sages, seers or holy
people.

•Knowledge of healing through

Divine revelation

• Health was an integral part of

spiritual life.
Evolution of Ayurveda

• Devine revelations on healing were

transcribed into book form

• Became a widely accepted system of

healing in India.

• Atreya- the school of physicians

• Dhanvantari - the school of

surgeons
Ayurveda &
Spirituality

The Vedic deity who presides

over Ayurveda is known as
Dhanvantari
 Ayurvedic Healing
Therapies

Pancha Karma

Shodhana Shamana
Cleansing and Supporting
elimination therapies
procedures

Snehana Abhyanga
‘Caring therapy’ Massage
Development of Ayurvedic Massage
• Developed along with a form of martial arts
• Initially used for promoting the wellbeing of early warriors
• Became available to all through Pancha Karma treatments
• Can be used independently of Pancha Karma
• Many variations of Abhyanga exist today
Abhyanga Philosophy

Abhyanga is intimately
linked to the profound
harmony of the Earth.

The ancients believed

every movement of the
cosmos to be filled with
universal Abhyanga.
 Benefits of Abhyanga –
the Ayurvedic Oil Massage
•Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
•Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology
•Calming for the nerves
•Lubrication of the joints
•Increased mental alertness
•Improved elimination of impurities from the body
•Softer, smoother skin
•Increased levels of stamina through the day
•Better, deeper sleep at night
The “Marma” Points
Abhyanga is based on the
knowledge of “Marma” points or
reflex anatomical sites where
junctions of ‘prana’ or life force
are located.

Knowledge of these vital points

were applied:
• to fatally wound opponents;
• for surgical procedures;
• in healing through Ayurvedic
acupuncture; and
• in revitalizing the body
through Abhyanga therapies.
Locations of the “Marma” Points
 Types of Abhyanga Massage

There are three main types of Abhyanga massage:

• Active massage - strong pressure is applied
• Passive massage - delicate stroking is performed
• Persuasive massage – uses pinching and kneading techniques
 General Techniques
General techniques used during the massage include:
• Soothing rubbing movements
• Pinching technique
• Kneading technique
• Pressing technique
• Small circular thumb movements applied to Marma points
 Massage Oils for Abhyanga

• A wide variety of Ayurvedic oils are used to

soothe, stabilize and nourish the body.

•Sesame oil is used as the dominant base oil

• Formulas for massage oils include herbal

decoctions, herbal infusions, or oils combined
with fresh herbal juices and gels.

• Sometimes essential oils are also added

Ubtans for Abhyanga

• Freshly ground flours or Ubtans

are also applied

• Usually made from a various

beans and occasionally from
grains.

• They have inherently astringent

and antiseptic properties.

• Used for enlivening the skin

tissue as a final measure to the
Abhyanga therapy
 Energy Bodywork

•Abhyanga involves energy

bodywork

•It is important for the therapist

to be able to touch and perceive
the pranic, or energy body, of
the patient.

• The key to Abhyanga is to

remain centered and follow the
movement of prana. 
References
Florida Vedic College, 2007: The History of Ayurveda,
www.floridavediccollege.edu (accessed 11 April, 2007)

Gogia, B., 2003: The Ayurvedic Energy Bodywork,

www.naturalhealthweb.com (accessed 11 April, 2007)

Maharishi Ayurveda, 2007: Abhyanga – The Ayurvedic Daily

Massage www.mapi.com (accessed 11 April, 2007)

Tiwari, M., 1995: Ayurveda Secrets of Healing, Motilal

Banarsidass Publishers Pvt Ltd, Delhi