Types of ayurvedic massage

Types of Ayurvedic Massage: An Introduction

When your body aches and your energy feel low, sometimes all you need is a moment of calm—a break from the whirlwind of thoughts. Picture yourself lounging and floating like a leaf in the breeze. The time is right to enjoy the healing effects of massage, especially an Ayurvedic massage, which has its origins in ancient wisdom.Handpicked from India’s beautiful landscapes, Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical method that uses a blend of herbs and rich oils. The perfect blend for therapeutic touch is created by infusing these oils with the essence of nature.. Skilled hands use these oils in precise, rhythmic strokes, bringing the body into balance and harmony and promoting deep, holistic health.

Ayurveda consists of different ayurvedic body massage types. Every type of Ayurvedic massage has a unique healing effect, relieving the stresses of the day and purging all toxins to restore life and vitality in you. It is designed to revitalize, calm, and bring about peace for restoration or rejuvenation. It’s an invitation from Ayurvedic massage for you to connect again with yourself, a moment to bring harmony into your mind, body, and soul.

 The three doshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vata) are said to be in charge of one’s physical, mental, and emotional health, and each type of ayurvedic massages are designed to balance them. Regardless of the massage type aimed at releasing muscle tension, improving blood flow, or just revitalizing the skin, each has unique qualities that make it supportive of well-being. Your unique dosha requirements and any potential imbalances that require attention must be taken into consideration while choosing a type of ayurvedic massage.

Different massages are applied for different purposes. Moreover, each type of ayurvedic massage has a specific meaning. You will get to know about the different types of ayurvedic massage and its benefits from the blog.

Different Types Of Ayurvedic Massage And Their Benefits

  • Abhyanga Massage 

Abhyanga is a full-body massage by applying warmed herbal oils. It is individualized based on the dosa you have, aimed at stimulating the energy centers in the body, bringing relaxation, improved blood flow, and elimination of toxins. It especially supports balancing Vata dosha, so it is fabulous for those who feel dry, cold, or nervous.

  • Shirodhara Massage  

Shirodhara is one of the types of ayurvedic massage that deals with a treatment in which the head is immersed under a continuous stream of warm herbal oil poured upon the forehead, thus realigning the body’s energy systems, reducing stress levels, and enhancing relaxation. it is a type of ayurvedic massage that is very good for people who face problems with headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. Shirodhara massage is considered by Ayurvedic practitioners to counterbalance Pitta dosha as it has a soothing effect.

  • Panchakarma Massage        

The “five actions” or the “five treatments” translates as Panchakarma in Ayurveda; indeed, it is one of the most integral detoxification and rejuvenation procedures among all Ayurveda detox treatment protocols. In fact, there’s more to massage than just kneading; it is one of the many therapeutic techniques that are designed with a view to cleanse one’s body, mind, and soul. so that re-balancing of the doshas—Pitta, Kapha, and Vata—can be resumed again. Panchakarma massage offers the chance of recovering the strength to immunity and, more crucially, general improvement in health and wellbeing.

Panchakarma treatment in Kerala is one of the most in-demand places and is highly reliable for the treatment. Kerala is world-renowned for authentic and traditional Panchakarma Ayurveda practice and quality Panchakarma centers, which attract wellness tourists from all over the world. Kerala ayurvedic full body massage have great demand from the beginning.     

  • Udwartana Massage

Udwartana Massage Udwarthana is a type of Ayurvedic massage done by rubbing herbal powder or pastes all over the body. This leads to the exfoliating of skin. People who want to improve the texture of their skin, go through weight loss, and enhance the circulation of blood are frequently advised to perform udvartana. Also, people with cellulite, obesity, and lymphatic congestion mostly benefit from Udwarthana massage.

  • Marma Massage

It involves applying mild pressure to the points that are related to the energy in the body. In this massage, vital life force, or prana, is allowed to flow freely after the release of blocked energy. A marma massage is not only rejuvenating but also balances the doshas, leading to an overall better condition. Marma massage is mostly recommended for people who have chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety.

  • Kati Basti Massage

In Kati Basti massage, Practitioner pours warm herbal oil on the lower back and place a small dam made of dough upon it.  Kati Basti massage is said to help with issues related to lower back pain and sciatica, and others, through blood circulation promotion, reduction of inflammation, and inducing relaxation.

  • Nasaya Massage

Nasaya massage is a type of ayurvedic massage wherein the treatment is done by using herbal oils, powders, or medicinal juices. The practitioner drops this oil or powder directly into the nostrils for cleansing blockages, easy breathing, and sharpening mental clarity. this treatment is a game changer for those who have allergy, asthma, sinusitis and other difficulties in breathing.

  • Garshana Massage

This massage is an oil-free form compared to traditional Ayurvedic massages. Instead of oil, it makes use of raw silk gloves. These are rubbed over the skin with friction in them to help exfoliate, enhance circulation, and calm down a person. This therapy is mostly recommended to dry-skinned people who lack good circulation and are filled with lymphatic congestion. Garshana Massage offers a gentle yet effective way to invigorate the body and mind, promoting both physical health and a radiant, refreshed complexion.

  • Padabhaynga Massage

Padabhyanga massage refers to a type of ayurvedic massage in which warm oil is applied to the feet. This massage focuses on relaxation and circulation, thus being overall beneficial for wellness. It benefits especially those having anxiety, insomnia, and exhaustion.

Why Kerala Is A Popular Destination For Ayurvedic Massage?

Kerala is considered as the birthplace of Ayurveda because of the state’s richness in cultural heritage, abundant  natural resources, and traditional teachings of integrative health.. It makes it a prime hub for different type of ayurvedic practices. This legacy is not just a historical claim; over the centuries, Kerala has preserved its commitment to Ayurveda, thus keeping this ancient knowledge alive. 

Authenticity is one of the major reasons that make Kerala a destination unlike any other for Ayurvedic treatments. The state has retained the ancient traditions of Ayurveda for thousands of years, ensuring that what is being used today dates back to the classical text and teaching. 

Thus, the visitor can have actual treatments that are authentic and time-tested, thereby bringing greater efficacy to their system. Many of Kerala’s physicians and therapists have had substantial training at ancient Ayurvedic institutes, making them extremely skilled practitioners. 

Kerala specializes in Panchakarma, a type of ayurvedic massage that includes a comprehensive set of purifying treatments to rid the body of toxins, reestablish equilibrium, and restore general health. Kerala is a major destination for wellness seekers wishing to reset their mental and physical states because of its emphasis on Panchakarma.

This makes Kerala a healing destination as it preserves the legacy of Ayurveda and combines ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices. The utterly breathtaking landscape that has embraced peaceful backwaters, verdant vegetation, and idyllic pastures makes it a perfect site to rest and rejuvenate. People who engage themselves in these therapies look more balanced and are strongly connected with their inner selves.

Conclusion

Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest integrative treatment systems. Health and wellness according to Ayurveda is dependent on the subtle interplay of the mind, body, and spirit. Unlike any other modality, Ayurveda does not just focus on treating symptoms; it finds and removes the root cause of imbalance in the body.

Ayurvedic massage forms a major part of Ayurveda that nourishes the physical as well as mental aspects by treating one with medicinal oil along with dosha-specific methods of touch. 

Among all of these different type of ayurvedic massages, there are a few along with their special benefits. This is beyond the notion of mere relaxation as the approach to rebalance body energies, increase circulation, and help in toxin removal from the body- this matches up well with the overall Ayurvedic philosophy, The lush landscape of Kerala offers the perfect habitat to acquire quality herbs and oils with medicinal properties required for Ayurvedic treatment, rich in resources, capable practitioners, and holistic well-being resorts integrating yoga and meditation along with personalized dietary plans. 

In Kerala Panchakarma treatment, globalization has brought in a globally recognized Ayurveda facility, where a visitor discovers a harmonious blend of tradition and rejuvenation through a renewed balance and new vitality.

Want to Consult?

Kizhi

Vatha Kizhi

Indication
Arthritis, rheumatic joint pains and swellings, sprains, etc.

Usage
The bundles, warmed in medicated oil or neem oil, are applied all over the body/part till the desired perspiration is attained. The treatment is carried out for around 45 to 60 minutes.

Ingredients
Sathahwa(Anethum sowa) – 20gm
Arka(Calotropus gigantic – 16gm
Eranda(Ricinus cummunis) – 20gm
Punarnava(Boerhavia diffusa)- 16gm
Shadee(Zingiber Officinale) – 16gm
Devadaroo (Cedrus deodar) – 16gm

Snana shampoo powder

Snana

(Shampoo Powder)

Indication
Cleanses and conditions the hair, and also protects from dandruff and hair fall.

Usage
Mix 2 tbs of powder with water to make a thick paste. Apply it on the wet hair and scalp, soak well and then wash it off.

Ingredients
Emblica officialis – 10gm
Hebiscus rosa – 10gm
Albizzia lebbeck – 10gm
Phaseolus aureus – 10gm
Sapindus trifoliatus – 10gm

Sougandikam flower face pack

Sumukha

(Facial Cleanser)

Indication
Sumukam nourishes and cleans the facial skin and keeps it soft and smooth.

Usage
Mix 1tsp powder with rose water to make a thick paste. Apply on the face and neck in a circular motion. Wash with lukewarm water before it gets dry.

Ingredients
Azadirachta indica – 12.5gm
Phaseolus aureus – 12.5gm
Vetveria zizanoides – 12.5gm
Rosa centifolia – 12.5gm

Sougandikam flower face pack

Sougandikam

(Aurvedic Flower Face Pack)

Indication
It nourishes and rejuvenates the facial skin. Removes pimples, wrinkles, scars, black spots, and black heads. Enhances facial nourishment, promotes new collagen formation. Removes facial tension and stress. Restores normal health of the facial skin.

Usage
Mix 2 spoon powder with milk for dry skin and with rose water OR fresh juices for oily skin to make a smooth paste. Apply a thick layer evenly on the face and neck. Keep in wet state for 20–30 minute and then wash off with warm water, and pat dry.

Key ingredients
Contains ayurvedic flowers of
Michelia champaca – 10gm
Nelumbo nucifera – 10gm
Mimusops elaegi – 10gm
Jasminum officinale – 10gm
Rosa centifolia – 10gm

Sinoil anti allergic

Sinoil

(Anti-allergic)

Indication
Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, Otorrhoea, Allergic sneezing, chronic rhinitis, Bronchitis, migraine headache.

Usage
Gentle massage on head 10 minutes before bath.

Ingredients
Aengle marmelos – 250mg
Ocimum sanctum – 250mg
Vitex nigundo – 250mg
Zingiber officinale – 250mg
Plumbago zeylanica – 20mg
Embelia ribes – 20mg
Boswellia serrata – 20mg
Piper longum – 20mg
Moringa ptrygosperma – 20mg
Coconut Oil – 1ml

Safroil face massage oil

Safroil

(Face Massage Oil)

Indication
Saffron is regarded as the ‘queen’ in beauty treatment.
Safroil restores the natural glow and moisture of the facial skin. It helps to protect face from pimples and black heads. It removes the wrinkles, scars and gives a glowing beauty and freshness to the face. Removes facial tension. Enhances fairness.

Usage
Massage on face and neck daily in a circular motion.

Ingredients
Curcuma longa – 500mg
Aloe barbadensis – 500mg
Crocus sativus – 0.25mg
Rubia cordifolia – 1.65mg
Nelumbo nucifera – 1.10mg
Caesalpina sappan – 1.1mg
Rosa centifolia – 1.4mg
Mesua ferrea – 1.2 mg
Hemidesmus indicus – 0.9 mg
Vetiveria zizanioides – 1.35mg
Cow milk – 4ml
Seas mum oil – 1ml

Raksha body massage oil

Raksha

(Body Massage Oil)

Indication
‘Raksha’ – means one that protects. ‘Raksha’ includes natural roots blended with herbs like Sida, Aloe, vetivera, etc. General body massage oil helps to remove body fatigue, excess fat, skin dryness, stimulate nerves and remove bad odour and nourish the skin.

Usage
Massage by self or others and take warm water bath.

Ingredients
Sida cordifolia – 100mg
Aloe vera – 100mg
Withania somnifera – 16mg
Cyperus rotundus – 1.55mg
Hemidesmus indicus – 0.85mg
Rubia cordifolia – 1.45mg
Vetiveria zizanoides – 12.5mg
Cedrus deadar – 1.75mg
Pluchea lanceolata – 15.5mg
Seasame oil – 1ml

Svaztha - Ayurveda Retreat

Prasuya

(Natal Care Oil)

By tradition the women of Kerala have taken more care in their natal period as a protective measure to their pregnancy and health. Specially prepared medicated oils are used for it.

Usage & Indication
As a pre-natal care gently massage partially OR the whole body from six months of pregnancy to get relief from cramp pains, lumbago, varicose vein and stretch marks. And as post-natal care-use from the third day of the delivery onwards (in caesarean, use only after healing) for the pro-delivery fatigue. It also helps in the contraction of the uterus and the vagina. After usage take warm water bath.

Key ingredients
Ficus racemosa – 50gm
Strobilanthes heynianus – 25gm
Aegle marmelos – 25gm
Curcurma longa – 2gm
Rubia cordifolia – 2gm
Cynodon dactylon – 2gm
Anethum sowa – 2gm
Lepidium sativum – 2gm
Sesamum oil – 100ml

Neelini hair pack

Neelini

(Hair Pack)

Indication
Helps to prevent hair fall, dandruff and itching of the scalp. It stimulates thick and strong hair growth. Prevents scalp from bacterial and fungal attacks.

Usage
Mix 2 tbs of powder with water to make a thick paste. Apply a thick layer evenly on the hair and scalp. Keep in wet state for 20–30 minute and wash off with warm water, and then pat dry. Daily usage helps in making dry rough hair to tangle free soft and shiny hair.

Ingredients
Eclipta alba – 2.5gm
Emblica officianalis – 2gm
Psoralea corylifolia – 1.5gm
Terminalia belerica – 1.5gm
Nymbphasa stellata – 1.5gm
Azadirachta indica – 1gm

Neelini natural hair oil

Neelini

(Natural Hair Oil)

Indication
This natural hair nourisher enriched with Aloe and Hebiscus helps to prevent hair fall and dandruff. It stimulates thick and strong hair growth. It nourishes hair with natural proteins, and prevents bacterial and fungal attacks.

Usage
Massage 5ml of oil on scalp and hair from root to end before or after shower. Daily usage helps in making dry rough hair to tangle free soft and shiny hair. In just 6 month of regular use you will experience only normalized hair fall.

Ingredients
Indigofera tinctoria – 400mg
Aloe vera – 400mg
Hebiscus rosa – 100mg
Eclipta alba – 650mg
Emblica officinalis – 350mg
Azadirachta indica – 100mg
Cow milk – 1ml
Seasamum oil – 1ml
Pongamia pinnata – 3.75mg
Psoralea corylifolia – 3.75mg
Terminalia belerica – 5mg

Nalpamaradi baby massage oil

Nalpamaradi

(Baby Massage Oil)

Indication
Used to nourish and moisturise the baby’s skin. Protects from skin infections and skin dryness. Removes bad odour, gives glowing beauty and freshness, and also enhances fairness.

Usage
Massage on body and after 10-20 minutes give a bath with warm water.

Ingredients
Ficus bengalensis – 5gm
Ficus racemosa – 5gm
Ficus religiosa – 5gm
Ficus lacor – 5gm
Curcuma longa – 0.25gm
Leptadena reticulate – 0.25gm
Azadirachta indica – 0.25gm
Withania sominifera – 0.25gm
Ellettaria cardamomum – 0.25gm
Sesamum oil – 10ml
Cow milk – 20ml

Svaztha - Ayurveda Retreat

Brami

(Head Massage Oil)

Indication
Brahmi itself is a famous brain tonic.
Brami Head Massage Oil helps to reduce stress and strain, insomnia, headache, etc. Improves function of brain nerves. Provides mental serenity and calmness, and concentration of mind. Relaxes body and mind. Also helpful in insomnia and pre-menstrual head ache

Usage
Gently massage 5-10ml oil on scalp 10 minutes before wash.
For sleeplessness apply 15 drops on pate, and 15 drops on palms and feet before going to bed. You will be blessed with easy sleep immediately.

Ingredients
Eblica officinalis – 20mg
Bacopa monnieri – 1gm
Valeriana wallichii – 17.5mg
Withania somnifera – 15mg
Clitoria ternatea – 17.5gm
Celastrus panicuatus – 15mg
Centalla asistata – 15mg
Seas mum oil – 1ml

Sri gopala erotic massage oil

Sree Gopala

(Erotic Massage Oil)

Indication
‘Aswan’ is the rare formulation of herbal extract, which is used for erectile dysfunction in men.

Usage
Daily massage once on the penis and pubic till the oil is absorbed fully.

Ingredients
Phaseolus mungo – 50gm
Leptadena reticulate – 50gm
Asparagus recemosus – 50gm
Benincosa hispida – 50gm
Withania somnifera – 2gm
Myristica fragrans – 2gm
Gossypium herbaceum – 2gm
Celastrus paniculatus – 2gm
Solanum indicum – 2gm
Cow milk – 400ml
Sesamum oil – 100ml

Arthroil pain massage oil

Arthroil​

(Pain Massage Oil)

Indication
Rheumatic arthritis, osteo arthritis, spondylitis, sprain, body aches Joints pain, back pain etc.

Usage
Gently massage on affected area.

Ingredients
Tinospora cordifolia – 20gm
Ricinus cummunis – 20gm
Sida cordifolia – 20gm
Vitex nigundo – 20gm
Pluchea lanceolata – 20gm
Cissus quandrangularis – 5gm
Asparagus recemosus – 5gm
Tamarindus indica – 5gm
Moringa pterygosperma – 5gm
Allium sativum – 2.5gm
Anethum sowa – 2.5gm
Zingiber Officinale – 2.5gm
Boswellia serrata – 2.5gm
Sesamum oil – 100ml
Eucalyptus oil – 1ml