I Tried It: A Seriously Luxurious Abhyanga Massage in the Maldives

Before diving into the specifics of my incredible abhyanga massage, I wanted to take a second to share what Ayurveda even is. Essentially, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health and wellness that has ancient roots in Indian culture.

The idea is that our mind, soul, and body are intrinsically linked and when all is balanced, we are happy and healthy. Even if the term is unfamiliar to you, you may be surprised at how it's been incorporated into your everyday world. Numerous Ayurvedic techniques have been absorbed by Western culture, including oil pulling, dry brushing, and tongue scraping.

Those who practice Ayurveda also have a belief that every human has one of three body types (referred to as a dosha)— Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — or a combination of these. An Ayurvedic doctor, who studies for several years, can help you figure out which body type you are. Once you have an understanding of this, certain foods and other lifestyle recommendations will be made to help you find better balance.

Image courtesy of Wendy Rose Gould