Abhyanga full body massage is the very popular option among my clients, with good reason. It is one of the single most important practices one can incorporate into their daily routine to help maintain a healthy body. A daily abhyanga massage is not practical for most of us, but it’s a worthy treatment to take regularly.

The meaning of ‘Abhyanga,’ is the application of oil to the body. The massage involves liberally covering the client in oil and then using smooth, gentle movements to rub the oil deeply into the body.

Traditionally, abhyanga massage is performed in the morning, to clarify the mind and stimulate the client for the day. However, this is not always an option for my clients, so I conduct the massage in the afternoons and evenings too. The client lies unclothed on a bed (it’s rare to find a massage table on an outcall visit), and I pour specially formulated oil over her body. Coconut oil is used as the base, and herbal oils are mixed based on the dosha (body characteristics) of the client. The oil is allowed to soak in for several minutes before the massage begins, using rhythmic, gentle strokes with the whole palm.

Abhyanga massage differs from many Western massage techniques in that it is not deep. It is meant to nourish the body with touch and rich oil, and while it certainly promotes healthy circulation and and joints, it does not deeply penetrate the soft tissues of the body. My variant of Abhyanga is sensual, with slow and thorough strokes that gently stimulate the nerve endings and equally generates a return to balance of the nerves.

After the massage is over, the client is encouraged wait for 15 minutes or more, then to shower or take a warm bath to encourage absorption of the oil. A regular routine of abhyanga massage can be very beneficial for the skin.

If you’re interested in learning more about my massages, or would like to make a booking, please send me a message.