The short answer: Ayurvedic massage is a traditional Indian treatment that uses fragranced herbal oils, bodywork and focus on the body's marma points to promote the free flow of energy and deep relaxation. You can enjoy it with a therapist or at home with an Ayurvedic body oil, such as our body oils.
What is Ayurvedic massage?
If you enjoy our products you already know about the power of Ayurveda. But, what is Ayurvedic massage and what are the benefits? The experts at Urban Massage explain the ancient technique to us.
Ayurvedic massage uses bodywork, fragranced herbal oils and traditional Indian music to create an intensely relaxing treatment. So, your practitioner will attempt to promote positive energy flow throughout your body. Additionally, this will synchronize their breath with yours as they massage to establish a deep bond between you both.
How does it work?
To begin, your therapist will assess your mind-body balance. An understanding of your body’s marmas and chakras guide Ayurvedic massage treatments.
Marmas are similar to acupressure points used in other types of massage and there are thought to be 107 of them in the body. They’re located at major junctions between bones, tendons, arteries, veins and joints. Moreover, disruptions in Prana, aka your life force, can congregate at these areas and cause blockages in your body’s flow of energy. Chakras are the seven points relating to spiritual power in the body, and physically relate to marmas. Positioning Chakras over the major endocrine glands controls many elements of our wellbeing.
After establishing any imbalances you may have, your practitioner will then use a combination of passive, active and persuasive movements to help promote the free flow of life force throughout your body. Furthermore, your practitioner will follow the flow of traditional energy channels, which mirror the nerve pathways and correspond to the direction of your hair growth.
To complement an Ayurvedic massage you may wish to use a body scrub made up of bean or grain flour known as ubtans. These exfoliate the skin and increase circulation for a revitalising end to the treatment. Alternatively you may be offered a steam bath, which will help the massage oil fully absorb into your skin as well as leaving you feeling warm and comforted.
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Ayurvedic Massage at Home
- Warm a few drops of body oil between your palms.
- Massage with long strokes on the limbs and circular movements on the joints.
- Finish with a warm shower or bath to help the oil absorb.
Try our Radiance Massage Duo or browse all Ayurvedic body oils, and pair with a body scrub for the full ritual.
Related reading: Abhyanga: Ayurvedic oil massage at home and Ayurvedic massage oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ayurvedic massage?
A traditional Indian treatment that uses bodywork, fragranced herbal oils and traditional music to create an intensely relaxing experience and promote positive energy flow.
What are marma points?
Marmas are points similar to acupressure points, thought to number 107, located where bones, tendons, arteries, veins and joints meet.
Which oil is used in Ayurvedic massage?
Fragranced herbal oils chosen for your mind-body balance. At home, an Ayurvedic body oil matched to your skin type works well.
