Subtle Effects of Ayurvedic Massage



Abhyanga is a form of massage reaching to all the internal organs and tissues, and whilst being very soothing and comforting, it allows the detoxifying process to take place to a far greater degree then is often understood or recognized. A few words on this as it is imperative you benefit the most in all that you do with Ayurveda and it is most important that you understand the extent of benefits you can gain through Ayurveda.

De-toxification or purification is about removing toxins and those matters that obstruct the proper and effective functioning of not only the physical organs and tissues but also of the mind/emotions. Often times we suffer due to the inability to understand or accept the mental/emotional state we are put in or put ourselves in. Situations and words uttered by close ones, when not understood nor clarified, causing confusion and hurt, become unforgiving and painful, progressively leading to resentment and even hatred but yet one seems unable or unwilling to do anything about this situation. This leads to major imbalances of the mind/emotions. Though one can consider they are living a ‘good life' but, with such subtle issues unrecognized or one unwilling to recognize them, this will eventually cause some form of dis-ease to manifest. This dis-ease can be of any nature, depending on the Dosha and ‘Lifestyle' of the individual.

You can begin to see now that toxins are also formed through the mind and emotions. During the process of Ayurvedic massage, where the application of herbal and special oil combined with the deep strokes and heat that is applied will cause such stubborn toxins to move from the subtle areas of the mind and emotions. Deep-seated mental/emotional pains and issues, left unattended or even forgotten, but still ‘there' will ‘move' with this kind of massage. When this happens, the patient-client will start to realize this process and will want to shed these negative feelings. Some may experience this in the form of crying or sadness or heaviness. When this passes one feels very relieved as if a burden has been lifted resulting in feeling lighter.

Mental/emotional issues can include a million matters and for each person one may be more important then the other. Ayurvedic massage is called ‘Snehana' meaning love and compassion. It allows one to experience the deep and natural feeling of love of One's Self and respect for those around. When toxins begin to move in massage, one must allow the various feelings to be experienced and not denied. If one denies such experiences, then one is not allowing the toxins to be removed.

In Ayurvedic massage, due to the purpose of the patient needing to experience the movement of such physical, mental and emotional toxins, talking is greatly discouraged. One is left to experience that which is taking place to its fullest and only then it becomes a de-toxifying therapy. This is one of the things that set it apart from other massage therapies (though in no other massage therapy is talking encouraged). Yes, the client-patient is of course encouraged to talk about any experiences with the physician/consultant for clarification on another day. It is, however, important the person rests immediately after massage and shower.

The method of massage in Ayurveda is deep and with long flowing strokes. Clothing and towels should not be in the way to obstruct the continuous flow of the hands and the oil. This continuous flow not only gets the oil deeper into the tissues but is also symbolic of the continuous process of detoxifying and flow of knowledge of Ayurveda to you, thus allowing you to see your correct nature. So anything stopping this flow will not allow you to experience the effects fully. It is also imperative to keep the oil on the skin as long as possible.
Ayurvedic massage is not only holistic in nature but it is also a ‘Holy' process where you, in the form of the body, and mind/emotions are recognized and respected as the very TRUTH.