Abhyanga ~ Lymphatic System Support
Updated: Sep 4, 2021
In Ayurveda, performing a daily self-massage, called abhyanga, is an essential daily ritual for overall health and wellbeing.
One of the goals with Abhyanga is to get the oil deeply into the body through the skin. Warm Ayurvedic oil is applied and rubbed into the skin to nourish and cleanse the tissues. Warmth is key for absorption. The skin is considered an organ of digestion, and the herbs decocted in traditionally-made Ayurvedic oils aid in the digestion of the oil through the skin. The oil helps drive the herbs deeper into the tissues, enhancing the medicinal properties of the herbs and the healing property of the massage.
One important benefit from Abhyanga is the stimulation of the Lymphatic System.
Two very critical jobs of the Lymphatic System: maintaining fluid balance by collecting excess liquid, waste, and particulates, and providing immunity by distributing special disease-fighting cells called lymphocytes. Think of the Lymphatic System as the major drainage system of your body moving out waste and toxins.
The Lymphatic system does not have a pump to move it along, so it needs stimulation to keep it flowing. Lymphatic blockage or congestion leads to swelling, edema, and the buildup of metabolic byproducts/toxins called ama, which causes all sorts of imbalances that can affect almost any part of the body.
The techniques and oils used in Abhyanga enhance lymphatic flow and loosens toxins in the body, acting as a powerful treatment to aid in detoxification.
Abhyanga has many other healing properties. Some benefits include:
decreases the effects of aging
lubricates the joints
proliferates the production of estrogen in the skin
stimulates internal organs
increases stamina
benefits sleep
deeply calms & nourishes the nervous system
stimulates Agni (digestive fire)
Do your Lymphatic System a solid and come see me for a Total Bliss which is my personal version of an abhyanga. It will leave you feeling thoroughly nurtured and deeply peaceful.