Dry Massage v/s Oil Massage : Identifying the Key Difference in Ayurveda

Comparison of Udvartana and Abhyanga

Both Udvartana and abhyanga are types of ayurvedic massage. To understand the fundamental principles of both these sciences of stroke, you must know what they mean in Ayurveda.

Abhyanga (Oil Massage)

Abhyanga (oil massage) is a form of ayurvedic therapy that involves massaging the entire body from the head to the toe with Dosha-specific warm herb-infused oil. The oil is commonly pre-mixed with herbs for specific conditions.  

Abhyanga is one of the parts of the daily regimen in Ayurveda (dinacharya). You can practise daily self-massage with oil before exercising and bathing.

When warm medicated oils are poured over your body accompanied by gentle strokes, they provide different therapeutic advantages. 

As per Ayurveda experts, the benefits are as follows -

• Delays ageing
• Removes tiredness
• Relieves pain and aches
• Improves vision
• Nourishes body tissues
• Induces good sleep
• Improves skin tone and complexion
• It helps maintain a good physique

What are the Benefits of Abhyanaga?

• The oil lubricates the deeper tissues, promotes flexibility and reduces muscle tension. 
• The calming effect of this massage is a positive turnover in the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety. This gives you better sleep and improved emotional well-being.
• The massage also stimulates the lymphatic system, aiding detoxification and promoting overall health.

Ayurvedic oil massage or abhyanga is a therapeutic massage which is different from the oil massage performed with just essential oils. The oil chosen for abhyanga, is selected according to your body type and the bioenergy situation in the body (doshas).

So, it is more than a relaxation technique.

Udvartana  (Dry Powder Massage)

Udvartana is commonly known as 'Ubtan'.  

Udvartana is a therapy which is usually a mandatory inclusion in ayurvedic obesity treatment. However, udvartana is not limited to just treating obesity but is a remedy for a wide array of metabolic problems. 

Just like abhyanga, udvartana is also a part of dinacharya (daily regimen). 

The literal meaning of Udvartana can be understood if you split this Sanskrit word into two - Urdhwa (upward) and vartana (movement).

So, the strokes in this massage move in an upward direction, meaning the movement must be against your hair follicles. Moreover, udvartana is never performed with oil. Herbal powders are used here. However, some therapies require an abhyanga after the udvartana process.

What are the Benefits of Udwartana?

• It destroys blocked kapha, which prevents the movement of vata.
• Liquifies the morbid fat or adipose tissue
• Provides stability to body parts
• Rejuvenates skin and brings freshness to it
• Removes body odour
• Reduce heaviness in the body.
• Removes drowsiness and brings freshness
• Reduces uncontrolled itching
• Prevents sweating
• It opens up the blocked nutrient channels in the body
• Stabilises the pitta in the skin.

The overall benefit of udvartana therapy is to loosen, liquefy or release any tissue blockage.  When you need an ayurvedic exfoliation, then udvartana is the therapy. 

Note : For the best results from these ayurvedic massages, it's recommended to undergo at least 3 days of continuous massage.

Abhyanga and Udvartana as Body-Mind Therapy

Even if there is a significant difference in touch between the two types of massages, they significantly impact your body and mind connection. After all, massage is a golden key to mental relaxation.

Feel-Good Udvartana

The friction generated during the udvartana massage awakens your senses. It stimulates the release of endorphins - your feel-good chemicals. 

After a session of udvartana massage, you will feel more alert, focused and positive. 

Moreover, the detoxification process promotes a sense of lightness and well-being, both physically and mentally.

Rejuvenating Abhyanga

On the other hand,  when the warm medical oils touch your skin, along with gentle gliding strokes, it gives you a profound sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. This calming effect on the minute nerves of the skin translates to quieten the mind. This gives you a sense of peace. Overall, getting a massage works terrific on your mental health. A research study also found a significant reduction in salivary cortisol levels after you get a massage. 

Pro tip: A 20-minute massage also causes a more tremendous increase in parasympathetic tone as well as activation of the parieto-occipital region in your brain, which relaxes your whole body's functioning.

Choose Your Herbal Mixtures for Ayurvedic Massage

Your choice of oil or herbal powders must depend upon your health needs and body type. So, it's always best to discuss these with an Ayurvedic expert before you go for the massage.

However, here are some options you can choose from.

Abhyanga Oils:

• For Vata Dosha: Sesame oil - has grounding properties
• For Pitta Dosha: Coconut oil - has a cooling effect on the body
• For Kapha Dosha: Mustard oil or light oils like sunflower or safflower -boost circulation

Udwartana Powders:

Udwartana powders are usually a blend of preparations from different herbs, customised based on your requirements. Some common ingredients include:

• Triphala 
• Ginger 
• Chickpea flour 
• Licorice root 

Wrapping it Up!

Both udwartana and abhyanga are external detoxification procedures often practised to promote well-being.  The need and requirement for a dry massage or an oily massage must be decided by your healthcare expert. 

Book your ayurvedic massage therapy at Nirva Retreat. Now!