Udvartan

In Sanskrit the word Udvartana means “to move something in an upward direction”. This refers to the upward direction of the strokes used during the massage. The brisk massage techniques combined with the penetrating herbs creates heat in the body to help decrease lethargy, release toxins, reduce fluid retention and increase circulation.

There are two types of Udvartana, and the ingredients used vary according to the condition:Snigdha udvartana – Ayurvedic paste massage

This treatment begins by massaging warm herbalised oils into the body to prepare the skin for the herbal paste application. The heated herbal paste is then applied to the body with fast upward massage strokes.

Ruksha udvartana – Ayurvedic powder massage

The heated herbal powder is applied to the body with fast upward massage strokes. As this is a dry massage, herbal oil isn’t applied during the treatment.

Depending on the purpose of the Udvartana treatment it can be followed with a herbal steam to increase the detoxification benefits. Ayurvedic herbal medicine and diet modifications may also be prescribed.