Dr. Leena Sripada, ND

Dr. Leena Sripada, ND
Naturopathic & Ayurvedic Doctor

Thursday 1 October 2015

Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Massage

What is Abhyanga ?


Abhyanga (Sanskrit: अभ्यंग or अभ्यङ्ग "Oil Massage") is a traditional form of full body massage in Ayurveda which involves applying warm medicinal oil which is customized according to your dosha or body type.

In Ayurveda, massage is a tool for relaxation and far more - it is used as a method for medicinal oils to penetrate through the skin and allow detoxification on the cellular level. Skin is the largest organ in the body and readily absorbs whatever is applied to it. Abhyanga can promote detoxification, lymphatic drainage and nourish the skin and tissues, while creating a sense of love and care.  In our modern day lifestyle, Abhyanga is very grounding and offers the perfect antidote to stress.

A daily Abyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity. Regular Abyanga is especially grounding and relaxing for Vata dosha imbalances, but everyone can benefit from this practice. - See more at: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-abhyanga#sthash.d3Ucpr07.dpuf
A daily Abyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity. Regular Abyanga is especially grounding and relaxing for Vata dosha imbalances, but everyone can benefit from this practice. - See more at: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-abhyanga#sthash.d3Ucpr07.dpuf
A daily Abyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity. Regular Abyanga is especially grounding and relaxing for Vata dosha imbalances, but everyone can benefit from this practice. - See more at: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-abhyanga#sthash.d3Ucpr07.dpuf
A daily Abyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity. Regular Abyanga is especially grounding and relaxing for Vata dosha imbalances, but everyone can benefit from this practice. - See more at: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-abhyanga#sthash.d3Ucpr07.dpuf
Abhyanga involves systematic sequences, and specific pressure points ("marmas") which relax and invigorate the system. Regular Abhyanga massage restores balance of the doshas and calms the mind. It is especially crucial in Vata imbalances. However, Abhyanga done by an Ayurvedic Practitioner can be customized based on the individual, according to the season and the dosha type - Vata, Pitta or Kapha.
A daily Abyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity. Regular Abyanga is especially grounding and relaxing for Vata dosha imbalances, but everyone can benefit from this practice. - See more at: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-abhyanga#sthash.d3Ucpr07.dpuf



What are the Benefits?

  • Promotes total relaxation
  • Strenthens the nervous& musculoskeletal system
  • Reduces fatigue
  • Improves sleep
  • Encourages detoxification
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Nourishes the skin
  • Supports circulation & lymphatic drainage
  • Improves digestion
  • Reduces pain & lubricates the joints
  • Slows down aging
  • Harmonizes the flow of "prana"
  • ...feels amazing !

How long are treatments and how often can it be done? 

Abhyangas generally last one hour, and can be done regularly - in India, during panchakarma treatment, individuals will receive abhyangas daily for several weeks ! However, for general purposes, abhyangas can be done monthly or weekly depending on the state of the individual's health and the season.


Dr. Leena Athparia ND is now offering Abhyanga in Toronto ! A full Naturopathic & Ayurvedic initial intake is done before an Abhyanga massage to ensure customized treatment is given, along with dietary and lifestyle recommendations.


Downtown: Yuri's Village - 663 Greenwood Ave, Toronto
Markham: Naturopathic Foundations - 33 The Bridal Trail, Markham, ON
“The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age”
Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89
(One of the Great ancient texts of Ayurveda)
- See more at: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-abhyanga#sthash.d3Ucpr07.dpuf

Contact: Dr. Leena Athparia, ND

Massage your body with love and patience for 15-20 minutes. Here are the recommendations for frequency and oil type, based on the doshas:
  • Vata Dosha: 4-5 times a week using sesame, almond, or a Vata-balancing oil, such as the Relaxing Abhy Oil
  • Pitta Dosha: 3-4 times a week using a coconut, sunflower, or a Pitta-balancing oil, such as the Soothing Abhy Oil.
  • Kapha Dosha: 1-2 times a week using safflower or a Kapha-balancing oil, such as the Invigorating Abhy Oil.
- See more at: http://www.chopra.com/ccl/the-benefits-of-ayurveda-self-massage-abhyanga#sthash.d3Ucpr07.dpuf

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