Samvahana is a light, gentle full body massage without applying pressure, but with much sweeping and stroking, which is typically done with the help of herbal oils. It can be compared with the better known Abhyanga full body oil massage, but then applied much lighter.
Sometimes the masseur will include the use of tools, such as brushes and cloths, to stroke or wipe on the body. Often, after the Samvahana Massage, an herbal compress massage will be applied, typically the Ayurvedic Kizhi Bolus Massage.
Benefits of this massage modality include deep relaxation, enhancement of sleep quality, improvement of blood and lymph circulation, stimulation and strengthening of the nervous and immune systems, rejuvenation of soft and skin tissues, pain relief, and revitalization.
