Massage is a gentle healing touch that manipulates the soft tissues of the body using the hands, elbows, fingers, feet, knees, forearms, and any other device. It stimulates the neurological, circulatory, and muscular systems, so enhancing the general functioning of the body. Abhyanga is one of the oldest and most ancient soothing therapies according to Ayurveda. In this post, we will examine Ayurveda massage (Abhyanga), its various varieties, and its benefits; let’s continue.
Introduction
Abhyanga is the term for Ayurvedic massage, and heated oils are typically utilised. Over the entire body, heated oil is applied during the Abhyanga treatment. The treatment is administered from the face to the neck, the neck to the shoulders, and then from the groyne to the toes. The individual should next take a bath and avoid direct air for 40-45 minutes. It is one of the most often used medicines in Ayurveda, a holistic medical discipline. Abhyanga is often administered by a normal massage therapist, although with practise, it can be practised at home. According to Ayurveda, this therapy is an excellent source of energy that nourishes the sapta dhatus (seven bodily tissues) and doshas (tridosha) and maintains the body’s equilibrium. Let’s continue by discussing the detailed view of Abhyanga.
Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
Historically, the recommended time is early in the morning before bathing. If you have physical aches, the morning is the ideal time of day, since the pain is under control and it is easier to get through the day. According to the three-part division of the day, the evening is the time of vata dosha aggravation; hence, the Abhyanga practise must be performed in the evening. And if you are performing in the evening, you must conduct hot fomentation afterward, as it avoids stiffness and coldness in the body and enhances absorption and assimilation. After a meal, the kapha dosha becomes inflamed, therefore massage is not advised.
Mechanism of Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
According to Ayurveda, herbal oils contain the medicinal characteristics of herbs; following application, the oil enters the body through the pores of the skin and is absorbed into the blood with the aid of srotas (channels). When absorbed into the blood, the substance reaches the target location and exerts its effect. In the case of arthritis, if we apply herbal oil directly to the problematic areas, such as the knees, the effect is rapid and relief can be obtained quickly.
Oil Massage (Abhyanga) And Prakriti
According to dosha, there are a variety of Abhyanga practises, which we will describe below.
Before studying Abhyanga according to prakriti, let’s examine the characteristics of the three primary prakritis. Vata, pitta, and kapha are the three predominant prakriti. People with vataj prakriti have a narrow frame, a flat chest, are shorter or taller than usual, have noticeable veins, dry and rough skin, a low BMI, small, sunken, thin, dry eyes, and sparse, coarse, dry, curled hair. People with pittaj prakriti have a delicate and moderate frame, a moderate weight, soft, moist, warm skin, keen, medium-sized eyes with a penetrating look, and fine, thin, oily, silky hair. People with Kaphaj prakriti have a huge frame with a broad chest, thick skin, excessive body weight, skin that is oily, thick, cold, and pale; eyes that are large, wide, big, dense, and prominent; and hair that is black, soft, thick, and wavy.
Those with vataj prakriti must exercise more abhyanga than those with kaphaj or pittaj prakriti, as those with vataj prakriti are physically weak and have chilly, dry skin. In individuals with vataj prakriti, massage should be conducted in the opposite direction of hair development and in slow quantities. People with vataj prakriti typically employ bala tail, dhanvantaram tail, dashmool, and mahanarayana tail for performing abhyanga in enough quantities.
As they have greasy and warm skin, pittaj prakriti individuals utilise cold-potent oils of sheeta veerya (cold potency). Abhyanga should be performed at a moderate pace and in the opposite direction of hair growth. Pittaj prakriti is typically treated using chandan tail, nariyal tail, jatyadi tail, and other ayurvedic oils with cold potency.
Those with kaphaj prakriti require a deep, penetrating, and rapid massage performed in the same direction as hair development. While people with kaphaj prakriti have oily skin, the quantity of oil applied in this instance is little. Typically, people with the kaphaj prakriti use til tail.
Benefits Of Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
If you practise abhyanga daily (nitya), you may experience the following advantages:
It produces renewing benefits, therefore regular use retards the ageing process.
Relieves tiredness
Calms the vata dosha and alleviates pain and stiffness
With drishti prasadhan guna, it enhances vision.
Owing to pushti karaka guna (nourishing properties),abhyanga provides nutrients to the body and promotes longevity.
Induces restful sleep
Enhances the complexion and tone of the skin
Beneficial for maintaining a healthy body
Medicinal Use of Abyanga
Abhyanga, as we’ve previously covered, has a variety of health benefits, which make it effective for the management of a variety of health issues.
For cervical pain relief: A massage performed many times each week over the course of several weeks helps to strengthen the neck muscles. In cases of cervical spondylitis, it provides remarkable relief from neck spasm and pain.
As a remedy for headache: The application of oil to the scalp, followed by a 10- to 15-minute massage. It promotes blood circulation, delivers adequate oxygen, eases muscular stiffness, and lowers nerve irritation, so relieving headache.
Children with autism who receive massage therapy may experience a reduction in their symptoms. Perform massage for at least 20 minutes every day for the next 5-7 months. To determine whether massage has a good effect on autistic patients, oxytocin levels must be measured; if they are high, the results will be favourable.
Exceptional Results for Arthritis Patients: Patients with arthritis have stiffness, which has a negative impact on knee function. Massage with herbal oils alleviates stiffness by increasing blood flow and lowers inflammation by balancing vata dosha.
By infusing herbal oil deeply into the skin’s layers, massage prevents ageing by promoting cell regeneration. It aids in complexion improvement and makes the skin radiant. Regular massage practise keeps the skin moisturised and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
Advantages in the event of Facial Paralysis: Facial palsy is caused by vata dosha aggravation; massage gives warmth, hence pacifying vata dosha, and aids in the management of facial palsy.
Conclusion
Ayurveda Massage – A gentle touch of healing is applied to the soft tissues of the body using the hands, elbows, fingers, feet, knees, forearms, and any other instrument. Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic term for the practise of massaging using herbal oils. The optimal time for Abhyanga is in the morning, before any breakfast. Due to its numerous health benefits, it is recognised as a gentle touch of healing. Abhyanga produces revitalising effects, alleviates fatigue, enhances vision, nourishes the body, and pacifies vata dosha, which alleviates pain and stiffness in the body. It is useful in the treatment of a variety of health issues, including arthritis, autism, facial palsy, cervical pain, and headaches, and is therefore beneficial for maintaining good health. So, we recommend you practise Abhyanga daily for a healthy body.
