Ayurveda Wellness
Garshana and Abhyanga Massage
What is Garshana and Abhyanga Massage?
Garshana and Abhyanga massage are Ayurvedic treatments that aid in the removal of toxins as well as create a deep sense of balance. Garshana starts to move the lymph and prepares the skin to absorb the healing benefits of the warm oil. Abhyanga is a rhythmic massage using herbalized oil that is specific for current imbalances. This massage deeply relaxes and calms the nervous system and nourishes the body. It also encourages the balancing of emotions in the mind/body/spirit.
Starting with a dry lymphatic massage with silk gloves (Garshana), followed by an individualized herbal oil massage (Abhyanga), this treatment is known to:
- Detoxify the body through lymphatic drainage
- Decrease cellulite
- Increases Prana (life force energy)
- Strengthens the immune system
- Relieves chronic pain discomforts
- Helps those dealing with neuropathy
- Increases muscle tone
- Offers a deep sense of balance and calm
- Calms the nervous system
- Nourishes skin and hair
- Lubricates the joints
- Relieves Arthritis symptoms
- Reduces inflammation in the body and joints
- Improves metabolism
Through working with the marmani (Ayurvedic acupressure points), we can control our prana, and through prana we can control our sensory and motor organs, and eventually the entire mind/body, gives us easy access to the higher realms of consciousness. This massage of the body, including the head, neck, ear, eye and throat all balance prana, as it clears toxins from the misuse of the mind and senses, which is said in Ayurveda to be the root of all disease.
Interested in learning more? Below are two research articles on abhyanaga massage.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21568717/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095496418300372
How to prepare for Abhyanga Massage?
You will want to wear undergarments that can get oil on them. We do have disposables available. Towels as drapes can also be used.
You will be very oily. Although much of the oil will be wiped off at the end, and your skin will absorb much of it, your hair will be oily unless you otherwise specify. Please let Sita know if you do not want oil in your hair. Please know that an important part of Abhyanga is oiling the head and face. Still, you will receive plenty of benefits if you choose not to use oil there.
You will want to be able to wash your hair after your treatment.
During your session you will be asked to simply relax and let go while you get worked on. You may notice that you have symptoms of detoxification afterwards but you likely will not have issues with going about your daily life after.
Garshana/Abhyanga are impactful stand alone treatments and are also done in accordance with Purvakarma and Panchakarma. They are also used as a treatment during a regular detoxification program done for several days in a row to promote maximum benefits. Please speak with Sita if you would like more information.
Garshana and Abhyanga Massage session $137 for up to 1.5 hour.
Add on Services “Basti”
What is Basti?
In addition to your Abhyanga treatment, you can request a Basti treatment which targets specific areas that need support, nourishment and/or pain relief. Basti treatments are warm oil applications with a variety of indications for circulation, musculoskeletal problems, nourishment and rejuvenation of organs, muscles, joints, bones and tendons. They are relaxing and can be a purposeful add on to any massage and body treatment. Basti treatments can be done on the low back, chest (heart area) or the knees but it will impact your whole system. It is not recommended that more than one Basti treatment is performed at one time. Talk to Sita if you are unsure which one you need to start with.
Basti as a stand alone treatment $60 (30 mins)
Basti add on to Abhyanga massage +$45
Benefits of Basti
- Deeply nourishing to the spine
- Addresses kidney issues
- adrenal fatigue issues
- Excretory and urinary conditions
- Alleviates stress
- Alleviates pain or swelling in low back and knees
- Chronic back problems
- Sciatica
- Cardiac health,
- Improves circulation and respiration,
- Relieves deep seated stress,
- Anger and grief
- Reduction of pain and stiffness and helps to improve mobility
- Conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis,
- Chronic pain of the knee joints.
- Provides a sense of peace and calm
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