Awakening Holistic Wellness: The Art of Abhyanga Snaan in Ayurveda with Back to the Roots’ Special Touch

अभ्यङ्गमाचरेन्नित्यं, स जराश्रमवातहा। दृष्टिप्रसादपुष्ट्यायुः स्वप्नमुत्वक्त्वदार्व्यकृत् ॥8 ॥ 

शिरः श्रवणपादेषु तं विशेषेण शीलयेत् । वर्ज्योऽभ्यङ्गः कफग्रस्तकृतसंशुद्धयजीर्णिभिः ॥ 9 ॥

• – ASHTANG HRUDAY SUTRASTHAN CHAPTER 2 – DINCHARYA ADHYAAY

In the realm of holistic wellness, Ayurveda stands as a beacon of ancient wisdom, nurturing both the body and the soul. At the heart of this profound tradition lies Abhyanga Snaan, a transformative ritual that harmonises your entire being. Let’s embark on a journey through this sacred practice, step by step, and understand the remarkable properties and benefits of the oils and ubtan used in this ritual, with a special touch from Back to the Roots.

Abhyanga therapy is an ancient practice that predates the Vedic period. Early humans practised life-sustaining ways for manipulating the body to produce strength, mobility, flexibility, and memory, which interlaced with the cosmos. Application of oil to the skin followed by massage in specific directions is well known by the name Abhyanga in Ayurveda. Massage in a specific direction improves blood circulation, facilitates the removal of toxins from the tissues, relieves physical and mental fatigue, improves the functioning of the musculoskeletal system, clears stiffness and heaviness of the body, and leads to a feeling of lightness. It assists in the development of a healthy body, helps in the improvement of the body’s figure, recuperates the body tissues, and reduces body weight as well as fat.

The Sanskrit word Sneha means both “oil” and “love,” and the effects of Abhyanga are similar to the effect of saturation with love. Both experiences can give a deep feeling of stability, warmth, and comfort.

Abhyanga is advised to protect the body from the biting cold of Hemant Ritu. Similarly, extreme cold as well as dry weather is characteristic of Shishira Ritu. Abhyanga is beneficial in this season to counteract the detrimental effect of the cold weather. Hence advised regularly in winters starting from Diwali.

Benefits of Abhyanga Massage:

1. Delaying the Aging Process: Regular Ayurvedic body massage is believed to delay the signs of aging. The gentle, rhythmic strokes of the massage promote healthy circulation and reduce the impact of stress, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
2. Relieving Fatigue: In a world where fatigue is all too common, Ayurvedic massage offers a restorative solution. The soothing touch and warm oils used in the massage help relax muscles and rejuvenate the body, alleviating fatigue.
3. Mitigating Väta: Ayurveda identifies “Väta” as one of the primary doshas responsible for various bodily functions. Body massage can help mitigate Väta, balancing the body and mind.
4. Promoting Strength: Regular massages are said to promote physical strength and resilience. The nourishing oils used in Ayurvedic massage penetrate deep into the tissues, helping to tone and strengthen the body.
5. Increasing Lifespan: In Ayurveda, a balanced and healthy lifestyle is key to a longer life. Ayurvedic body massage contributes to this by improving overall health and well-being.
6. Relieving Insomnia: Insomnia can be a serious issue, affecting both physical and mental health. Ayurvedic massage’s calming effects on the nervous system can help alleviate sleep disturbances.
7. Massage enhances skin health in various ways. It improves skin nutrition, making it softer and more supple. With prolonged massage, the skin becomes more flexible, reducing sensitivity and soothing sensitive areas. Dead cells are removed, allowing sweat glands, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands to function effectively. This process increases perspiration and sebaceous secretions, improving skin lubrication and appearance.
8. Massage significantly enhances blood flow to the treated area. It leads to vasodilation, which widens blood vessels, and a noticeable increase in peripheral blood circulation. These positive effects are due to several key events during massage, including the release of vasodilators, the activation of axon reflex, and a reduction in venous congestion.
9. Time and duration: As the procedure of Abhyanga is done in seven (7) postures, and each posture takes approximately five minutes. So, the whole procedure should take place in approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
10. Physiological Effects: The therapeutic value of massage lies in its numerous and combined physiological effects and technique-dependent. Massage, be it manual or mechanical, imparts pressure and stimulates mechanically the various tissue approached at the time of application of a particular technique. It is the magnitude, duration, and the direction of force applied during a particular technique that determines the effects produced by that technique on that body.

The Key Areas of Application:

Head Massage: Head massages have been found to relieve headaches, promote hair health, and strengthen the sense organs.

Generally Abhyanga should be performed in Anulomana Gati. They have also mentioned the specific direction of movement depending on Pratiloma Gati in Kapha Dushti and alternate Anuloma and Pratiloma Gati in Pitta Dusthi.

The oil (prescribed by an Ayurvedic Physician) with optimum temperature should be applied to the head first in the anterior frontanelle and then the whole scalp. Then oil massage of the Ear, Palm, and Feet should be done prior to the main procedure. Then, massage of the scalp, head is done and subsequently moves down to the neck, upper back, shoulders, upper arms, forearms, hands, chest, abdomen, lower back, and lower limbs.

Udvartana

उद्वर्तनं कफहरं मेदसः प्रविलायनम् । स्थिरीकरणमङ्गानां त्वक्प्रसादकरं परम् ॥15॥

Udvartana is a distinct form of massage that involves applying fine powder in the opposite direction of hair follicles with high pressure. This unique technique is celebrated for its ability to:

• Mitigate Kapha: Udvartana helps balance the Kapha dosha, one of the three fundamental energies in Ayurveda, promoting overall harmony in the body.
• Liquefy Fat: The vigorous massage helps break down fat deposits, aiding in weight management and cellulite reduction.
• Tone and Firm the Body: Udvartana contributes to the toning and strengthening of body tissues, leaving you feeling revitalized and rejuvenated.
• Enhance Skin Health: The skin benefits from improved circulation and exfoliation, leading to a healthier complexion.

Types of Udvartana:

Udvartana is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It can be categorized into three types:

(a) Udvartana: In this type, herbs and substances create pravilayana (smoothing) and vimläpana (brightening) effects on the skin.

(b) Udgharṣana: Dry and rough substances are used in this variation, offering a more invigorating and exfoliating experience.

(c) Utsädana: Here, unctuous pastes are applied, leading to a deep sense of nourishment and moisture.

The Art of Abhyanga Snaan

Step 1: Choose the Right Oils

In the world of Ayurveda, not all oils are created equal. Start by selecting oils that align with your dosha, the elemental constitution of your body.

• Vata Dosha: If you’re predominantly Vata, opt for warming oils like sesame or almond. These oils nourish your skin and soothe your nerves.
• Pitta Dosha: If your constitution leans towards Pitta, cooling oils such as coconut or sunflower are perfect choices. They calm fiery energies and reduce inflammation.
• Kapha Dosha: For Kapha types, invigorating oils like mustard or jojoba provide balance. They stimulate circulation and uplift the spirit.

Step 2: The Massage

The heart of Abhyanga Snaan lies in the massage. Apply the chosen oil generously to your body and use loving, long strokes. This process has profound effects:

• Relaxation: The strokes and warmth of the oil relax your muscles and soothe your mind.
• Improved Circulation: Massaging stimulates blood flow, bringing nourishment to your skin.
• Detoxification: The oil penetrates deep into your pores, releasing toxins and impurities.
• Nourishment: The oils hydrate and nourish your skin, leaving it soft and radiant.

Step 3: The Ubtan

After the invigorating massage, it’s time for Ubtan – a natural scrub made of herbs, grains, and clays. Ubtan cleanses and exfoliates your skin, removing excess oil and dead cells. Each ingredient in Ubtan carries its own unique properties and benefits:

• Turmeric: This golden spice is anti-inflammatory and provides a radiant glow to the skin.
• Chickpea Flour: Gently exfoliates and helps with skin brightness.
• Sandalwood: Known for its cooling properties, it soothes and calms the skin.
• Rose Petals: These delicate petals are rich in antioxidants, promoting youthful skin.

The Final Steps

The ritual culminates with a warm bath or shower, which cleanses away the oil and Ubtan, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. This is the moment when your body, mind, and spirit align, and you emerge renewed and balanced.

The Benefits of Abhyanga Snaan:

1. Stress Reduction: The massage and soothing oils calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Improved Sleep: Abhyanga promotes sound sleep, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed.
3. Detoxification: The ritual assists in the elimination of toxins, leading to clearer, healthier skin.
4. Skin Radiance: Ubtan and the choice of oils leave your skin with a natural, radiant glow.
5. Mind-Body Balance: Abhyanga Snaan aligns your energies, enhancing overall well-being.

Ayurvedic baths are not just about physical cleansing but also a deeply therapeutic experience. They offer a host of advantages:

• Increased Appetite: Ayurvedic baths stimulate digestion by redirecting heat that is expelled through sweat pores back to its original place.
• Improved Sexual Vigor: The rejuvenating effects of these baths can enhance sexual vitality.
• Enhanced Longevity: Regular Ayurvedic baths are believed to promote a longer and healthier life.
• Greater Strength: These baths help boost overall physical and mental strength.
• Relief from Ailments: Ayurvedic baths can alleviate a range of discomforts, including itching, dirt, exertion, fatigue, and more.

Important Notes on Bathing:

While Ayurvedic baths hold tremendous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of certain contraindications:

• Persons suffering from specific conditions such as facial paralysis, eye disorders, mouth disorders, ear disorders, diarrhea, abdominal distension, coryza, indigestion, or those who have recently eaten, should avoid these baths.
• Head baths with hot water are generally discouraged as they may weaken hair follicles and strain the eyes.

Special Touch from Back to the Roots:

Chandanbala Lakshadi Oil for Abhyang and Ubtan Body Scrub for Udvartan.

Back to the Roots brings a unique element to this holistic ritual. Included in the Diwali hamper kit is the exquisite ‘Chandanbala Lakshadi oil,’ a special oil blend that combines the purity of Chandan (Sandalwood) with the richness of Laksha (Lac), pure cow’s milk , Ashwagandha , Cardamom, Turmeric, Cinnamon and Sesame oil for an unmatched, nourishing experience. This oil is carefully crafted to enhance the benefits of Abhyanga Snaan, providing an extra layer of tranquility and skin- loving care.

The Ubtan provided in the kit is equally special, featuring the finest ingredients such as Turmeric, Chickpea flour, Kapurkachri, Sandalwood, and Rose petals & many more herbs. This Ubtan Body Scrub enhances the exfoliating and rejuvenating aspects of the ritual, leaving your skin vibrant, soft, and glowing.

Incorporating Abhyanga Snaan into your self-care routine is a gift to yourself, a holistic practice that transcends mere skincare. It’s an act of self-love, an ancient tradition that nourishes your body, mind, and soul, fostering holistic wellness from within.

Experience the transformative power of Ayurveda and Abhyanga Snaan, enriched by the ‘Chandanbala Lakshadi Tel’ and Ubtan Body Scrub from Back to the Roots. It’s not just a ritual; it’s a journey to awaken your inner radiance and well-being. 🌿✨

Get yourselves the “Sneha” aka our lovee from https://bttrayurveda.com/shop/