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1000+ verified doctorsUnexpected Pain After Panchakarma Massage Did I Do It Wrong - #1389
I had my first Panchakarma massage yesterday, hoping it would help with my back pain and anxiety. It was called Abhyanga, with warm herbal oils, and honestly, it felt amazing during the session. But now, a day later, I’m feeling really sore and achy, especially in my lower back and shoulders. 😣 The therapist said the massage would release toxins, but I didn’t expect to feel worse after! Is it normal to have pain like this post-massage? I’m also wondering if they used too much pressure because it felt quite deep. Should I continue with more sessions, or is this a sign it wasn’t the right treatment for me?
Doctors' responses
It’s not uncommon to feel some soreness or discomfort after an Abhyanga massage, especially if the pressure was deep or if it was your first time undergoing the treatment. Ayurvedic massages are designed to release toxins (ama) and balance the doshas, and this process can sometimes cause temporary soreness as your body adjusts. The soreness should subside in a few days as your body continues to process the oils and the toxins are flushed out. However, if the pain persists or becomes unbearable, it’s important to inform your therapist so they can adjust the pressure in future sessions. It’s also essential to stay hydrated and rest after such treatments to support detoxification. If the soreness continues or worsens, you may need to discuss with your Ayurvedic practitioner whether a gentler approach or a different therapy would be more suitable for your condition.
Sounds like you had quite a experience with your Panchakarma massage. So, soreness and aches after an Abhyanga massage, especially if it involved deep pressure, can be totally normal for some people. It’s sorta like working out after a long break — your body is adjusting, releasing toxins, and that can come with a lil’ discomfort. But don’t worry, it’s usually a good sign your body is doing its job.
The thing with Abhyanga is, it stimulates your dhatus, or tissues, and gets your doshas moving. Since you mentioned it felt amazing during, the oils are doing their work by nourishing your body, but sometimes they can sink in pretty deep. If you’re feeling sore, it might have just been a little more intense than your body’s used to. Pressure that feels good at the time can sometimes cause delayed soreness.
Here’s where you should listen to your own body. If it feels unbearable or not getting better in a couple of days, it might be a good idea to chat with your therapist about adjusting the pressure or technique next time. You definitely don’t want them using more pressure than what’s comfortable for you. You could also ask about trying a gentler type of Ayurveda therapy like Shirodhara or Nasya, which might be more suited if anxiety’s a big concern too.
Some warm sesame oil applied to the sore areas or a relaxing Epsom salt bath might provide relief. And keep up with hydration, herbal teas like ginger and turmeric could help ease that inflammation. It’s all about finding that balance, really.
If it’s still too uncomfortable, and no improvement after making tweaks, it might not be the treatment you need, at least not just yet. Always ok to take a break or explore other options. Most importantly, give your body some time to process. You got this!
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