Going to get a massage is many people’s go-to self-care activity. Friends may plan a spa day or go solo to relax for an hour or two.

But, did you know that massage also has health benefits? Ayurvedic massages are one such technique that can provide a variety of health benefits. 

Ayurvedic Massage originates in India. It is a form of Indian medicine which is used to alleviate certain health conditions and states. It seeks to provide balance to an individual to promote overall well-being. 

It is a holistic method that also seeks to balance the mind-body connection. And, it seeks to cure ailments in the body, not only on the surface of the skin. While these massages feel just as soothing as other types of massages, it isn’t meant to be just a time of relaxation. 

It is considered as preventative medicine as well. And, the best part is that there are a number of different Ayurvedic massage techniques you can receive. These different types of Ayurvedic massages aim to meet your individual needs and target different areas and systems in the body.

So, what are some health benefits Ayurvedic Massage provides? Read on to find out. 

Ayurvedic Massage: More Than Just a Spa Day

Ayurvedic Massages incorporate the use of essential oils. The oils used will vary based on the individual’s needs. Other oils such as sesame oil and herbal oil are also utilized for Ayurvedic Massages. 

An Ayurvedic Massage practitioner may also choose massage oil based on the person’s body type. In the Ayurvedic tradition, three body types exist and each comes with its strengths and weaknesses. 

The Ayurvedic body types are known as Kapha, Pitta, and Vata. Some people may be a combination of these body types. 

Kapha bodies are considered to be large body types. This body type is associated with Water and Earth Elements. 

The second body type, Pitta, is associated with medium-sized body types. It is related to the element of fire. The final body type, Vata, is associated with the element of air and thin body types. 

Each of these body types is also related to specific health concerns. Kaphas tend to carry excess weight, Pittas can have digestive issues, and Vatas can have issues absorbing nutrients. Ayurvedic massage aims to correct these imbalances.

In fact, weight loss is associated with Ayurvedic Massage.

This is because Ayurvedic Massage is included in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine as a whole. When getting an Ayurvedic Massage treatment, the practitioner may also suggest dietary changes, herbal supplements, exercise, and/or stress management techniques. 

Explore the following additional health benefits of Ayurvedic Massage to understand why this practice is a good addition to your health routine.

1. Improves Circulation

Ayurvedic massage improves blood circulation. This can result in the removal of metabolic waste. This increase in blood circulation is especially helpful to the nerve endings in the body. 

2. Anti-Aging

The oils used during Ayurvedic massage are particularly beneficial to the skin. These oils leave the skin feeling moisturized and smooth. These oils also have anti-aging properties as it creates a barrier between the skin and the elements. 

Oils also help the skin to adapt more successfully and reduce wrinkles in the process.

Days after the massage, you’ll also notice that your skin is more resistant to cracking and dryness. This is achieved through the oil’s ability to lubricate and hydrate the skin. 

3. Better Sleep Quality

Ayurvedic massage improves sleep quality by calming the nerves. It reduces mental agitation, calms muscles, and provides warmth to the body via the warm oils. All of these components encourage better sleep quality. 

4. Eliminates Toxins

In the Ayurvedic tradition, the toxins in our bodies are also known as “ama.” Toxins lingering in the body may cause illnesses, weight gain, or a decrease in immune system function.

By eliminating these toxins with Ayurvedic Massage and lifestyle changes, the body can then recharge and function more effectively. 

5. Strengthens Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system consists of organs and tissues that work together to eliminate toxins in the body. Its main function is to transport a fluid containing white blood cells throughout the body. White blood cells help to fight disease and infection to help the body return to health. 

Massaging the lymphatic system manually helps to remove toxins.

This is especially helpful since the lymphatic system doesn’t move on its own. Massaging the skin towards the heart and the lymph nodes helps to move the toxins. This then increases the detoxification rate.

6. Lowers Stress Levels

Stress isn’t just a mental experience. It’s also a physical experience that can affect your overall health including any diseases that may manifest. For this reason, it’s essential that we learn how to lower our stress levels. 

Ayurvedic Massage helps to lower stress levels by calming the nervous system. This reduces mental, physical, and emotional stress. As a result, an individual can feel refreshed and have more energy.

7. Possible Weight Loss

The oils used in Ayurvedic Massage can act as a fat burner. It achieves this by ridding the body of toxins and impurities associated with weight gain. 

However, Ayurvedic Massage must be paired with other Ayurvedic lifestyle changes to find true success. These changes include exercise, dietary supplements, and/or setting a healthy sleep schedule. 

Ayurvedic Massage: Finding the Right Practitioner

Finding the right Ayurvedic Massage practitioner is key to correcting imbalances in your body. The practitioner needs to be knowledgeable, experienced, and understanding. They also need to be able to communicate their suggested lifestyle changes to receive the full benefits of Ayurvedic Massage. 

An Ayurvedic Massage practitioner is not considered a substitute for seeing a doctor. Speak with your doctor before receiving an Ayurvedic Massage and following a practitioner’s lifestyle suggestions. If you’re on any medications or trying to lose weight, make sure to also tell your doctor about any supplements, dietary changes, or exercise the practitioner suggests.

This can then prevent any negative interactions and reduce any health risks.

Want to learn more about self-care? Check out our website to learn more about health and self-care practices.