Abhyanga

Abhyanga

 In the name of Ayurvedic Massage, Abhyanga had already gained the worldwide attention and popularity. In Ayurveda, Abhyanga is renowned for the application of oil to the skin, which is followed by massaging in specific directions. The practice of massaging in specific direction enhances blood circulation, helps in elimination of toxins from tissues, soothe mental and physical fatigue, boost the musculoskeletal system functioning, remove heaviness and stiffness of the body and ultimately results in complete relaxation of the whole body and mind. Even before the Vedic period, Abhyanga therapy was practised and is known to be the ancient practice in Ayurveda.

The Procedure of Abhyanga

• The patient wearing a loose linen is made to sit on the Dhara table upright and oil is applied to the whole body from scalp to soles.
• Next step is to let the patient lie on the back so that oil can be applied on the chest, abdomen, face as well as the anterior portions of the limbs.
• After that, the patient is asked to rest on his/her left side. By such a posture, right side of the back, trunk, right shoulder, right arm and outer side of the right hip and lower limb are easily accessible.
• Next posture is Right lateral position, exactly opposite to the one previously perfomed Left lateral position. The patient is made to rest on his/her right side. The same procedure performed previously is done in an opposite manner (left portion of body is accessed).
• As the next position, the patient is made to rest on his/her abdomen. In this posture, the back, buttocks, posterior aspect of the limbs and sole are easily treated with oil.

Health Benefits of Abhyanga

• Abhyanga promotes the development of a healthy body, helps in improvement of body figure, recuperates the body tissues and reduces body weight and fat.
• nclude Abhyanga in the daily routine to promote the health and to maintain the physical fitness of the individual.
• Both during extreme the cold of the Hemant Ritu as well as the dry weather of the Shishira Ritu, practicing Abhyanga counteracts the detrimental effect of the cold weather.

Aggravated Vata can lowered down quickly by Sneha (oil), which is used for Nasya, Anuvasama, Paana and Adhyanga at the right rime. Few of the diseases for which Abhyanga is indicated in Ayurveda are as follows: 1. Vata Vyadhi 2. Shwayathu 3. Kushta Vata Rakta 4. Switra Hidma 5. Rajayakshma 6. Twagasrita Jeernajwar 7. Dahajwar Madatyaya (Vatika) 8. Mutrakricha (Vatika) 9. Vriddhi (Vatika) 10. Gulma (Vatika) 11. Vatika Kasa 12. Kshataj kasa and Shwasa 13. Sheetajwar 14. Rakta Pitta