Ayurvedic Massage for Healing
Many of us have experienced conventional massage aimed at releasing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. In Western medicine, massage is used to address specific concerns — from musculoskeletal injuries in athletes to post-surgical lymphatic drainage and certain pain syndromes. In fact, massage may be the most instinctive treatment for pain; we naturally rub areas that hurt. Tissue manipulation releases neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins, which reduce pain, anxiety, and stress. Improved circulation and loosening of adhesions in connective tissue enhance the body's ability to function normally. And of course, the deep sense of relaxation that follows a healing massage is undeniable.
But massage can be much more than this. In the medical system of Ayurveda, massage is considered medical treatment and various massages, strokes, and pressure points can be used to address specific health conditions. Depending on the need, traditional Ayurvedic massage can include dry rubs with herbs, massaging herbalized oils on the skin, or use of milk, buttermilk, rice water, honey as well as various poultices.
In addition to the physical effects of massaging the tissues, Ayurveda describes a more complex process by which massage also exerts beneficial effects on our mind-body physiology. Massage in Ayurveda is valued for its ability to heal the mind. It facilitates release of repressed and unresolved emotions that are stored in the body. Somatic bodywork encompasses a range of therapeutic techniques that focus on the integration of body awareness, movement, and manual manipulation to address dysregulation in the autonomic nervous system. It is increasingly recognized for its role in emotional healing by facilitating the release of trauma and emotional memory stored in the musculoskeletal and fascial systems. I have seen people have incredible transformational experiences after a single Ayurvedic massage, and receiving them regularly can dramatically improve both physical and mental health.
What the Research Says
Scientific studies now confirm what traditional systems of medicine have long known. A 2020 review published in Frontiers in Psychology found that massage therapy significantly reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and dopamine — contributing to emotional balance and physical well-being. A 2021 randomized controlled trial also found that regular massage improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety and depression in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
What Makes Ayurvedic Massage Unique?
Ayurvedic massage has been practiced for thousands of years, from birth through every stage of life. One of its foundational principles is the activation of marma points — subtle energy centers where body, mind, and consciousness intersect.
These points are similar in concept to acupuncture points and are believed to be sites of concentrated life force (prana) and communication between physical and energetic systems. From a modern physiological perspective, marma points often correspond to anatomical locations rich in nerve endings, fascia junctions, and pressure-sensitive mechanoreceptors. These areas may serve as hubs for somatic awareness, where external pressure can influence both local and systemic responses.
Pressing on marma points may stimulate cutaneous and deep fascial sensors, triggering signals that travel through the autonomic nervous system, modulating organ function and stress responses. Additionally, fascia — the connective tissue network that links muscles, bones, and organs — may act as a medium for mechanical and biochemical signaling. By affecting this connective tissue matrix, Ayurvedic massage may help “reset” communication between muscles and internal systems, promoting regulation and healing. Recent research supports this concept. A 2023 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine showed that stimulation of marma points improved heart rate variability and reduced sympathetic overactivation, suggesting a measurable balancing effect on the nervous system.
Thus, Ayurvedic massage — particularly when combined with targeted stimulation of marma points — works on both the structural and energetic levels to support integrated healing across body and mind.
Tools and Ingredients: The Role of Oils and Other Massage Mediums
Oils are central to Ayurvedic massage. They nourish the skin and tissues, act as carriers for medicinal herbs, and are chosen based on individual constitution (dosha). Each oil has its own unique blend of compounds that can have varying effects on the physiology. Each oil contains a distinct profile of bioactive compounds—such as sesamin and linoleic acid in sesame oil, lauric acid in coconut oil, oleic acid in olive oil, and vitamin E in almond oil. These compounds can be absorbed and exert differential effects on various systems in the body, including the skin (integumentary system), muscles and joints (musculoskeletal system), nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system.
Effects of Common Oils on the Doshas
Sesame Oil
Balances Vata
Aggravates Pitta (may generate excess heat or rashes)
Balances Kapha
Coconut Oil
Balances Vata
Balances Pitta (naturally cooling)
Aggravates Kapha
Almond Oil
Balances Vata
Neutral for Pitta
Aggravates Kapha (heavy and rich)
Olive Oil
Neutral for Vata
Balances Pitta
Balances Kapha
In addition to oils, other substances like ghee, milk, buttermilk, honey, and rice water are also used, each offering unique therapeutic benefits.
Ghee deeply nourishes the skin, reduces inflammation, and supports joint and nerve health.
Milk and buttermilk gently exfoliate with natural lactic acid and soothe sensitive or overheated skin.
Honey has detoxifying, antibacterial, and circulation-boosting properties, especially in tissue-releasing massage techniques.
Rice water is rich in antioxidants, supports skin elasticity, and calms irritation—ideal for sensitive or inflamed skin.
By combining these natural ingredients, Ayurvedic massage supports not just relaxation and mental wellbeing, but deep rejuvenation of skin, muscles, and other systems of the body.
Types of Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurvedic massage isn’t a one-size-fits-all therapy. Each treatment is tailored for specific effects and can be part of a broader detox program (such as panchakarma) or done regularly for well-being.
Here are some commonly used Ayurvedic massage techniques:
Abhyanga
A classic full-body oil massage that nourishes tissues, balances doshas, opens energy channels, and promotes circulation. Often practiced daily as a self-care ritual.
Vishesh
A deeper, more vigorous massage aimed at releasing tension in muscle and fat layers. Beneficial for kapha and pitta types, and used more cautiously in vata individuals.
Shirodhara
Warm oil is gently poured over the forehead in a continuous stream, calming the nervous system and restoring emotional balance. A 2022 study found that shirodhara significantly reduced stress and improved parasympathetic activity.
Swedana
This “sweating therapy” follows massage and uses herbal steam to detoxify the body, open pores, and facilitate herb absorption — all while keeping the mind cool and calm.
Garshana
A dry, exfoliating massage using raw silk or wool gloves. It stimulates circulation, removes dead skin, and prepares the body for oil massage.
The ultimate goal of Ayurvedic massage is to awaken the innate intelligence within every cell — restoring harmony and allowing the entire mind-body system to move toward balance, vitality, and well-being. If you’ve never experienced it for yourself, I invite you to explore this ancient healing practice and discover how profoundly it can nourish both body and mind.