Abyangha is a form of Ayurvedic medicine that involves massage of the body with large amounts of warm oil. The oil is often pre-medicated with herbs for specific conditions. Abhyangha can be done as part of the steps of panchakarma therapy, especially in the first stage: Purva Karma (pre-treatment), or as its own therapy. It is often followed by svedana

Svedana

Svedana is a form of Ayurvedic medicine that involves steam therapy, usually by sitting or laying inside a tent or box, laying out in the sun or by fomentation. the intention is to detoxify the body of toxins through sweating. Svedana can be done as part of the steps of panchakarma, especially in...

 therapy, a warm bath, yoga or laying out in the sun. Many times abhyangha is performed by two or more massage therapists working in sync but it can also be done by oneself. Oils used can vary depending on the season and the individuals constitution (dosha

Dosha

A dosha is one of three bodily humors that make up one's constitution according to Ayurveda. These teachings are also known as the Tridosha system....

) but commonly used oils include sesame, coconut, sunflower, mustard and almond. In addition to the oil Abhyanga massage differs from many Western massage techniques in that it is not very deep.