5 Best Ayurvedic Massages Therapies to Calm Mind & Body

Ayurvedic Massages: Life today is so hectic that both mind and body become exhausted. Work pressure, traffic, screen time, and daily responsibilities never let us stop. Amidst this confusion, our minds crave a break—one that not only relaxes but also brings peace of mind. I found this relief through an Ayurvedic massage, and believe me, the experience exceeded my expectations.

If you, too, are seeking relief from daily stress, these five Ayurvedic massages available in India are no less than a therapy for you.

How does Ayurvedic massage reduce stress?

In Ayurveda, stress is linked to an aggravation of the Vata dosha. When the mind feels restless, irregular, and tired, understand that Vata is imbalanced. Ayurvedic massage calms Vata using warm oil, light and deep strokes, and natural methods. Its effects not only affect the body but also reach deep within the mind. As we see every day in The Golden Tusk, a 45-minute therapy can bring peace and lightness to one's face.

1. Abhyanga Massage

Abhyanga is one of the most popular massages in Ayurveda. It uses warm oil. The massage is applied from the scalp to the soles of the feet. This massage helps improve physical and mental health. You can get this therapy from a therapist or do it yourself at home. It will feel very relaxed.

Abhyanga Massage Steps

• During Abhyanga, wrap a towel around your body.
• Take an empty bottle. Pour half a cup of oil into it.
• Place the bottle in a pot of hot water until the oil warms up.
• Now apply the oil to your entire body, including your head.
• Massage your scalp in a circular motion.
• Extend your massage to your forehead, ears, cheeks, and jaw.
• Next, massage your chest and abdomen.
• Now slowly move down to your back and thighs. Now massage your feet and joints in a circular motion.
• In this, you massage the entire body from head to toe.
• After the massage is complete, rest for 10-15 minutes.
• Then take a bath with lukewarm water.

Benefits of Abhyanga:

• Immediately reduces stress
• Improves sleep
• Relieves anxiety and fatigue
• Improves circulation
• Leaves the mind feeling calm and clear

This massage is best for those suffering from mental fatigue.

2. Shirodhara

Shirodhara is derived from two Sanskrit words: "shiro" and "dhara." Shiro means head, and "dhara" means flow. This means that the oil is poured onto the head in a flowing motion. Shirodhara is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment method in which liquid is poured onto the forehead. Shirodhara therapy has been used for thousands of years. This therapy is used to maintain the health of the mind, body, and spirit.

Shirodhara is considered a purifying and refreshing treatment. This system helps remove toxins from the body and treat illness. Shirodhara therapy can be effective in relieving problems like stress and headaches. Essentially, this therapy calms the mind and relieves fatigue and tension.

How does Shirodhara work?

• When oil or other liquids are poured onto the forehead, the scalp muscles relax.
• This creates a sensation in the muscles that travels through the peripheral nerves in the forehead to the brain. T
• his relaxes the hypothalamus gland and regulates the activity of the pituitary gland. Furthermore, Shirodhara therapy stimulates several points around the head, improving blood circulation.
• This induces sleep, thereby treating insomnia and other sleep-related problems. Shirodhara therapy thus helps reduce insomnia and headaches.
• Furthermore, this therapy reduces levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and norepinephrine. This relaxes the mind, thereby reducing mental illnesses like stress, depression, and anxiety.

Benefits of Shirodhara:

• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Promotes deep and restful sleep
• Relieves mental fatigue
• Balances mood
• Improves concentration and focus

Some people also call it "effortless meditation."

3. Pizhichil

Pizhichil (& Pizichil) is a popular Ayurvedic treatment, also known as "Khaya Bath," "Royal Oil Bath Therapy," or "Ayurvedic Oil Bath Massage." It is part of Kayasekam, a traditional Ayurvedic treatment from Kerala.

In this practice, warm herbal oil is continuously poured over the entire body and massaged in a specific manner. It is considered to be one of the most effective therapies for relaxation, pain relief, and strength building.

How does Pizhichil massage work?

In this therapy:

• Warm medicated oil is slowly poured over the body.
• Two or more therapists perform the massage in unison.
• The massage lasts 45–60 minutes.
• The entire body feels bathed in warm oil.
• It is a very relaxing, healing, and calming experience.

Benefits of Physical Massage

• Nourishes the body at a deep level
• Relaxes muscles and nerves
• Reduces inflammation
• Helps remove toxins from the body
• Improves sleep
• Increases mental peace and energy
• These massages are very effective in detoxifying the body and calming the mind.

4. Udvartana

Udvartana (Udvartana) is a traditional Ayurvedic dry powder massage in which herbal powder is applied to the entire body. Its main purpose is weight loss, body detoxification, and skin tightening and glowing. It is also called "Ayurvedic Powder Massage" or "Dry Herbal Massage."

How is Udvartana performed?

In this therapy:

• Warm herbal powder is applied to the entire body.
• The massage is done in the opposite direction (against the flow of water).
• The powder works on excess body fat.
• This therapy, which lasts 45–60 minutes, increases body heat and helps break down fat.

Benefits of Udvartana

• Weight loss and inch loss
• Body detox
• Smooth and glowing skin
• Improved blood circulation
• Reduced cellulite
• Stress relief

A light, energising massage energises the entire body.

5. Padabhyanga – True relaxation begins with the feet

Padabhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic foot massage in which the feet are massaged with warm herbal oil using a specific technique. "Pada" means foot, and "abhyanga" means massage with oil—that is, foot oil therapy. This therapy is known for its relaxation, stress relief, improved sleep, and nerve strengthening.

How is Padabhyanga performed?

In this therapy:

• The feet are cleansed with lukewarm water.
• Warm herbal oil—such as sesame oil, ghee, kashaya oil, or brahmi oil—is applied.
• Pressure is applied to specific nerves (marma points) on the feet, soles, heels, toes, and ankles.
• The massage typically lasts 20–40 minutes.
• Ayurvedic practitioners combine it with marma therapy, reflexology points, and energy channels.

Benefits of Padabhyanga Massage

• Deep relaxation and stress relief
• Better sleep (beneficial for insomnia)
• Improves blood circulation
• Pain relief
• Strengthens the nervous system
• Soft and smooth skin
• Foot care in diabetes

Gentle Padabhyanga is beneficial for circulation and nerve health for diabetic patients.

Where can you get the best Ayurvedic massage in India?

• Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala (Kerala)
• Somathiram Ayurvedic Village (Kerala)
• Anand in the Himalayas (Uttarakhand)
• The Golden Tusk (Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand) – A true Ayurvedic experience in the wilderness

Ayurvedic massage deeply relaxes not only the body but also the mind. Whether you practice Abhyanga or Shirodhara, each therapy connects you to your inner peace. If you're tired of the daily grind, Ayurveda may be a good solution for you.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for awareness purposes only. It is not medical advice. If you're experiencing any health problems or want to start an Ayurvedic therapy, consult your doctor or Ayurvedic specialist first.

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