Udvartana – You Deserve Luxury 
Massage Udvartana is ideal for people of Kapha constitution and people with diseases caused by imbalance of Kapha dosha.

Udvartana massage technique

There is a strict protocol for every Ayurvedic procedure.

In Udvartana, the whole body is first poured with special oil and then sprinkled with powder. This powder is a unique composition of various herbs with detoxifying and exfoliating properties.

The body is lubricated with Ayurvedic oil and a light relaxing massage is performed by two specialists simultaneously. This prepares the body for the application of dry powders. Since the skin is oily, the dry composition of the powder does not scatter. This prevents particles of herbs from entering the respiratory tract and eyes of the patient and masseur. Oiling the body before a dry massage is also recommended for dry sensitive skin in order to avoid possible injury from powders, as well as for nourishing a depleted body and soothing an irritated Vata dosha.

Two specialists simultaneously conduct an intensive massage by rubbing the whole body with herbal powder. The herbs are selected according to the symptoms and constitution (prakriti) of a patient.

The massage is performed on the naked body. Intimate places are covered with a loincloth and not massaged. First, the patient is lying on the stomach. Legs, arms and back are poured with warm Ayurvedic oil and then massaged with a mixture of herbs that arouses the patient’s senses.

After the back of the body is finished, the position is changed and saturating with oil and shedding herbs is repeated. Massaging of the front of the body starts from the abdomen and moves to the arms, legs, thighs and feet. For greater efficiency the powder is rubbed into the skin in the opposite direction to hair growth.

The whole procedure takes about 90 minutes. It relaxes the whole body and acts as aromatherapy. It is not uncommon for the procedure to cause the patient to fall asleep.

Dry massage without prior oiling (Ruksha Udvartana) is prescribed for the successful fight against cellulite and obesity. With such a massage, it is important to control that the powder does not get into the patient’s face, and the skin is left without abrasions and scratches.

Oils used for Udvartana:

Mahanarayan oil

Bala Ashwagandha

Murivenna

Powder compositions (Churnas) used for Udvartana:

Triphala churna

Shatavari churna (women’s churna)

Divya Dashamula churna

Spices, clay, soy flour, etc. are used as additives when needed.

The principle of Udvartana is simple – under the influence of massage movements in combination with the action of medicinal herbs, blood circulation is enhanced, the skin is cleansed, and toxins are removed from the body. This massage affects the biologically active points of the body toning the nerve endings. The procedure stabilizes the functions of all body systems. Udvartana stimulates the metabolism in cells and organs, improves blood circulation, activates the body, helps dissolve subcutaneous fat and toxins in tissues for their subsequent removal. The procedure promotes weight loss, cleanses the skin, drains the lymphatic channels, and relaxes the muscles.

Indications for Udvartana:

• varicose veins;

• cellulite and its prevention;

• paralysis;

• diabetic neuropathy;

• lethargy and flabbiness of the body;

• muscle “clamps”, joint pain, pain from sprains and bruises;

• excess weight;

• hypofunction of the thyroid gland;

• fatigue, nervous tension.

Contraindications for the procedure:

• very dry skin;

• wounds, cuts and burns;

• eczema;

• psoriasis;

• pregnancy.

Benefits of Udvartana massage

This treatment leaves the skin and body visibly radiant. Flexibility and elasticity return. After such a massage, the skin becomes elastic and smooth. It also has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

The procedure helps to lose weight, reduce cellulite, and remove excess water retained in the body. It improves blood circulation,, helps with excessive sweating, fights fatigue and apathy.

Udvartana slows down the aging process, revives the skin, tightens the muscles, and models the body. It positively affects the blood vessels by strengthening them.

TODAY’S TIP: In India, massage is part of the daily ritual. It is done to babies until they are three years old, then the sessions become somewhat less frequent – twice a week, but parents, although less often, continue to massage their children constantly. Already at the age of six, children themselves begin to comprehend the basics of Ayurvedic massage – they practice on older household members. A body massage session is also mandatory for the bride and groom before the wedding.

See also: Triphala; Dashmul; Abhyanga; Champi – head massage; If you are fatigued.