Ayurvedic Massage Therapy : Guidelines for Optimal Duration and Techniques

Understanding Ayurvedic Massage and Duration 

Duration of massage is like the dosage of medicine. 

The appropriate medicine taken in low quantities does not yield the right result, and too much of it becomes counterproductive. Likewise, based on the body type and the nature of the medical condition, the right oil and the right duration of an ayurvedic massage matter the most. 

There are certain types of Ayurvedic massage, and the duration corresponds to them. 

Types of Massage

1. Abhyanga - This is the most common type of Ayurvedic massage. This stimulates all the energy centres in the body. It detoxifies the body and boosts muscle strength. This usually lasts anywhere between 45 minutes to 90 minutes. 

2. Shiro Abhyanga - This head massage is usually preceded by a dripping type of oil application called shirodhara, where oil falls drop by drop from a designed vessel at a particular point in the forehead while you lie down. This is extremely effective to reduce stress and promote quality sleep. This usually lasts for 30 minutes to 60 minutes based on specific needs. 

3. Garshana - This age old interesting technique is similar to today's microdermabrasion. In this case, there is no oil involved, the massage is done with silk gloves. This rapidly exfoliates the skin. This improves circulation, dry skin and cell rejuvenation. This lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. 

4. Udwarthanam - In this technique, massage is done using coarse powder of green gram. This is very effective in the case of treating weight loss and improving skin function. It balances kapha in the body. This lasts for 30 to 45 minutes. 

5. Pada abhyanga - This is an extremely soothing foot massage. This massage is similar to contemporary foot reflexology. Feet have all the stimulation points for all the nerves in the body. This is done anywhere from 20 minutes to 90 minutes. 

It is very crucial to choose the type of massage based on body type and specific condition type. A detailed consultation before a massage is very essential. Speak to our Nirva experts today. 

Traditional Abhyanga - The Complete Oil Massage

Abhyanga is the complete oil massage that covers the entire body. Entire abhyanga runs over 7 positions of the body and here is the duration for key body systems. This works in multiple ways on every system as seen below. 

1.  Digestive system - Abhyanga is specific to digestive problems and is done for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the body type. This improves digestion and calms down the vagus nerve and bowels. 

2. Circulatory system - Abhyanga has multifold benefits when it comes to heart. It relaxes the electric impulses in the heart, and boosts heart strength, Improves blood vessel function and circulation. This usually lasts for 10 to 15 minutes. 

3. Musculoskeletal system - The first direct benefit of abhyanga comes to muscles and the bones. It improves neuromuscular coordination and improves motor and sensory function in the muscles and the nerves. It further strengthens bones and improves bone repair. This usually lasts throughout the entire classical abhyanga session of up to 90 minutes. 

The whole body is covered by 7 positions that are as follows: 

• Samsarjana krama - This is usually the vajrasana or the diamond pose, where appetite and gut health are analysed. Abhyanga is not performed when your digestion is not optimum. 
• Sitting position - In this position the massage is carried out for 10 to 15 minutes. This works on the spinal cord and the digestive system. 
• Lying position - This works specifically on the entire body and heart. This lasts for 15 minutes. 
• Left lateral - This position works on the spleen and the intestines. This lasts for 15 minutes. 
• Lying - From this position it is a warming down massage and the body is gradually brought back to normal. This is for 5 to 10 minutes. 
• Right lateral - This position is meant for the liver, kidney and lungs. This lasts for 10 minutes. 
• Lying - This lasts for 5 minutes 
• Sitting - Finally, this position is to set the body back right, and this is done for 5 to 10 minutes. 

After abhyanga, it is usually followed by a warm bath and you may be advised to rest for a day before you start your work again. Warm and light diet is recommended for the next 24 hours. 

The timing of the massage varies depending on the body part. 

• For hair follicle - 1 to 2 minutes (300 Matra kala as per Ayurveda) 
• Skin - 4 to 5 minutes (400 matra kala asper ayurveda) 
• Bone and muscles - 10 to 15 minutes (600 to 800 matra kala as per Ayurveda) 
• All other organs - 5 to 10 minutes ( 500 to 600 matra kala as per Ayurveda) 

This can be followed as per guidance from our Ayurvedic expert. 

However, if you are someone who wants to practise this ayurvedic massage in your daily routine, then check how you can do this easily and quickly. Read thisarticle - Ayurvedic Morning Routine.

Conclusion

Oil massage is a widely practised Ayurvedic therapeutic technique in which the choice of oil and the duration matters the most. Success of an Ayurvedic massage depends on how well it is done for a stipulated time period. 

This again depends on the personal body type. For example, if a person is kapha type, then the choice of oil must be highly strong and penetrative so that it works on their obesity levels as well. 

To understand your body type and the right abhyanga for you, speak to our Nirva experts today.