I guess stress becomes a part of life once you grow up. I have been shifting houses and travelling a lot in the past few months. I was battered both physically and mentally. I really needed to de-stress myself, so when Shalini asked me if I would be interested in getting an Abhyangam Massage done at NuAyurveda Clinic, I grabbed the opportunity with both my hands.
Now I do have a little bit of experience with Ayurvedic massages, though some can be relaxing and de-stressing, some can be a little painful. But then again, it depends on your need and for what purpose you are going in for. The “Abhyangam Massage” is more of a stress reducing massage which also aids in pain reduction and other ailments.
Abhyangam
Before I share my experience, let me give you an insight about what Abhyangam actually means and what goes into the process of the massage.
The word Abhyangam is a Sanskrit word, which means application of oil all over the body. Abhyangam is one of the most important dincharyas (daily regimen) Ayurvedic Massage mentioned in the classics for achieving good health and longevity. It includes a full body Ayurvedic massage, including the head and back neck done using herbal oils that have several health benefits.
When performed on head, Abhyangam massage stimulates the scalp and helps to improve the texture of hair. Abhyangam Ayurvedic Massage Treatment is done in 4 classical positions, with long flowing strokes. Number of strokes and pressure varies based on individual’s requirements and prakriti. Also there are two types of Abhyangam – two hands (one therapist – approx. 1600) and four hands (two therapists approx. 2000).
With 45 minutes of stimulating body massage and 15 minutes of steam and shower.
How it works
Synchronized motions stimulate nerve endings to increase blood circulation, thereby channelizing early elimination of toxins from the body. The herbs in the medicated oils rejuvenate the tissue and play a vital role in elimination of toxins and bring a feeling of wellbeing.
Benefits of Abhyangam
Abhyangam massage is beneficial Ayurvedic massage in reducing body aches & pains, curing spondylosis, sleep disorders, paralysis, improving muscle consistency, inducing sound sleep, improving skin texture, increasing overall wellbeing and life span. To get all the benefits it is advised to get Abhyangam at least once every 15 days.
It helps in the following ailments too.
Pain Management
It relieves pains and aches in the joints by lubricating the same, improves blood circulation and channelizes nerve ending.
Stress Reduction
Stimulation of vital pressure points leads to nervous stimulation leading to stress reduction.
De-toxification
It helps to loosen and detach the toxins (vitiated doshas) thus helping in its early elimination.
Gastric Problems
It is carried out as a precursor to other treatments.
Skin & Hair Care
Topical application of herbal oils helps improve the skin texture and helps exfoliate the skin. Regular application promotes hair-growth, declines premature greying and strengthens the base.
Paralysis
If done Regularly it provides the much needed warmth and nourishment to individual muscle fibres by establishing proper blood supply and source of vital nutrients.
Elderly Care
Aches and pains of a progressively ageing body can be better managed by regular Abhyangam.
Immunity
Regular Abhyangam improves the circulatory and lymphatic system of the body thereby enhancing the immunity system.
My Experience – Abhyangam Massage At NuAyurveda Clinic
The NuAyurveda Clinic is located at South Extension – 2, Next to the Ritu Kumar Showroom. I think it is in tie up with the Four Fountains Spa. It is easy to locate. An appointment was already booked in my name for the Abhyangam massage, so I went there and gave my name at the reception. I was greeted pleasantly by the staff and was asked to wait in the lobby till my room gets ready. I was also offered refreshments while I waited. I declined as I was coming straight from home.
Within five minutes I was told my room was ready and I could proceed. I was greeted by the therapist who took me to my room. It was a quaint little well lit room with a relaxing aroma and soothing music. The room was small but neat and clean. It had a relaxing atmosphere. I was given disposable underclothing’s to change into and asked to change while the therapist left after dimming the lights to give me privacy. Before leaving she also showed me the locker where I could leave my bag in safely and be comfortable.
The room had an attached bath which also served as steamed room. I took a few photos and quickly changed into the disposable clothing provided and rang the bell to indicate I was ready. The two therapists came and one of them asked me to sit in a chair, while the other got the water warm for me to keep my foot in.
As I sat in the chair the therapist slowly massaged my head with dhurdhurapatradi oil (which helps in reducing hair fall, scalp itching and dandruff). This process of head massage is called Shiro-Abhyangam (Shiro means head). She continued massaging my head and the back of my neck applying light pressure while the other therapist gently placed my foot in a vessel filled with warm water, turmeric and flowers.
The vessel which was used is called “Uruli”(shown in the pic) in Tamil, which means a round vessel usually used for making Ayurvedic medicines and it is generally made of copper or bronze. This one in particular was made of bronze I think. I had already reached a relaxed stage by this time. After about 5-10 minutes, she took my foot out of the vessel and gently wiped them. And then I was asked to lie on the massage table face up.
And both of them together in synchronised strokes started their massage with warm oil starting from the foot, up to the legs, hands and the lastly the stomach and chest area.
Then I was asked on my left with left foot back and right foot front, and they massaged in this position for a while. Again I changed position to my right and the massage continued.
After that I was asked to lie face down, the massage table had a hole where you need to keep your face, so that it is easier for you to breathe and lie down comfortably in the face down position. Then they proceeded to massage my whole back starting with the foot. By this time I was in a completely relaxed state and would have happily dozed off.
So now the four positions of massage were over and I was once more asked to lie face up and they applied a nice smelling paste to my face. Post which I was asked to go to the bathroom for my steam and shower. The therapist explained to me that I was to take the steam for 10-15 minutes and then I should be taking a hot water shower.
I was given a towel and explained that there were two dispensers with shampoo and body wash each for my use. Post 10 minutes I indicated to them that I was done with my steam session; they switched off the steam and proceeded to leave the room to give me privacy to shower and change back. I had a hot and relaxing bath.
The shampoo smelled Ayurvedic and the body was smelled citrusy. I finished my bath, changed my clothes and proceeded to the reception. I was greeted once more by the same staff, who asked for my feedback. I told them I had a great experience overall.
The Pro’s
- The staff was pleasant and the therapists were very professional and made you feel comfortable, relaxed and welcome.
- The whole ambience of the room was relaxing and aromatic
- The therapists were soft spoken and attentive to your needs
- The provision of shampoo and bath wash which smelled amazing was a definite advantage. Coz trust me after an oil massage you need them before you get back into your clothes and carrying them with every time is a hindrance
The Con’s
- The room at NuAyurveda Clinic though pleasant was not sound-proof, you could hear the sounds from the next room and around, which disturbs and nullifies the relaxing atmosphere you need during such sessions
- The massage table was not a wooden table, which is a norm in Ayurvedic massages where the wooden table is made of neem. I have nothing against the leather bound table which is great for regular spa therapy, but the fact is there is a reason a wooden table made of neem is used in Ayurveda, as it is anti-bacterial and also wood gives you a better support when you are slicked with oil.
- Whereas leather can cause you to slip, especially if you have oil all over and if you are a little heavy, which almost happened with me. Regardless, I enjoyed my session immensely and I am definitely thinking of going back.
NuAyurveda Clinic is situated at South Extension-2, Lower Ground Floor – M-3, Behind Kotak Mahindra Bank, Next to Ritu Kumar, Delhi – 49
Overall Thoughts
I had a relaxing and stress free session with the Abhyangam massage at the Nuayurveda Clinic. The staff and the therapist were excellent. I literally felt light and wanted to just curl up and sleep after the relaxing session. If you are looking for a break from your stress-free life and want to go for a relaxing therapy which will heal you both mentally and physically, I would definitely recommend you to go for the Abhyangam Massage at NuAyurveda Clinic. I am definitely going back.
Rating – 4/5
*Written by Lavanya. Services were complimentary. However, my review is unbiased and honest.
