What is Abhyanga ?
| Authored by: Farjumand Sidiqi |
| Reviewed by: Dr Shashank Malik |
| Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes |
Abhyanga massage is classified as a therapeutic type of self-massage, and its essential process involves rubbing warm Ayurvedic massage oil over the body with the intention of ‘nurturing the skin’ whilst inducing tranquility within the mind. Often considered self oil massage, this daily ritual is not only used to nourish the person’s body but is also considered a part of mental and spiritual practice. Thus, we are out to determine the significant effects of Abhyangam massage in the maintenance and treatment of diseased patients.
According to Ayurveda, this is considered a very important practice and should be performed every day in order to keep Vata, Pitta and Kapha in equilibrium.The aim of the study is to assess the therapeutic significance of Abhyanga massage and its alignment with Ayurvedic doshas, techniques, oil selection, and its usefulness for holistic health. This guideline aims to show the effectiveness of Ayurveda in our daily lives through the use of oil massage when the body is in perfect harmony. We aim at healing the body through the Art of Abhyanga massage, which is gentle, rhythmic, and effective in achieving balance.
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What is the Abhyangam Massage all about?
One of the oldest and most revered practices of Ayurveda is Abhyangam Massage, which is basically based on the philosophy of aligning the body, mind, and spirit to foster optimal health. In Sanskrit, Abhyangam means "the application of oil to the body," underlining its foundational use of warm, herb-infused oils tailored according to an individual's Prakriti, or natural constitution. Each is said to support unique energetic balances and overall health, based on a person's primary Doshas - Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. The National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA) describes Abhyangam as "lubricating, nourishing, and cleansing the body" by stroking along the Ayurvedic energy channels, known as marma points.
The Abhyangam technique applies rhythmic and synchronized strokes all over the body. Quite often, it is done by two practitioners working in tandem-a method called Four-Hands Abhyanga. This technique helps in a balanced flowing experience and, at the same time, helps to enhance relaxation because both sides of the body are stimulated simultaneously. Herbal oils are warmed, applied abundantly, and strokes are directed along energy pathways toward stimulating marma points. As said by the Ayurveda expert Dr. Vasant Lad, in this procedure, not only the body is nourished but also the technique ensures the circulation of blood, which is the prime step for detoxification and rejuvenation of the body ("The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies").
An Abhyangam room is designed in such a way that it helps relax and calm a person. Traditionally, the room is dimly lit at a warm temperature to help absorb the oil and ease out the body muscles. Soft fragrances, often in the form of essential oils or aromatic incense, enhance the senses and promote relaxation. Studies demonstrate that this environment is effective for the purposes of relaxation; for instance, the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine asserts that an ideal environment promotes the therapeutic effects of Abhyangam by lowering the levels of cortisol and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Abhyangam has a history that dates back several centuries in the southern regions of Indian states; the Ayurvedic routine used to be inculcated in most daily activities, and Abhyangam was used as a precautionary and curative measure, which has over time derived its essence but has stayed the ground of core principles of Ayurveda. The holistic healing modality of Abhyangam, in harmony with the rhythmic functioning of the body, has brought it into limelight in all physiological, mental, and spiritual planes of well-being across the world. As per Dr. David Frawley, who is a scholar of Ayurveda and Vedic studies, "Abhyangam is a therapy that gives flexibility and vigor to the joints and muscles, along with offering overall resilience" ("Ayurvedic Healing").
There are many different kinds of Abhyangam, each serving different needs in terms of wellness. There is one kind of Abhyangam known as Full Body Abhyangam, in which warm oil is applied over the entire body to balance Doshas for general health. There are also different forms. Among the most-well known is Padabhyangam - a special foot and lower leg massage. In Ayurveda, the feet were considered to be the portals of earthing and stability, and research has actually shown that Padabhyangam is good for the nervous system. It causes relief from stress and sleeplessness. For example, the Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge revealed that anxiety was indeed reduced and sleep improved for participants, following treatment by Padabhyangam.
Abhyangam, literally a massage treatment, surpasses merely giving somebody a body massage and is one of the basic rituals in Ayurveda, said to restore, rejuvenate, circulate, and prop up both body and soul. Time-honored practice from tradition and science-validated efforts are cherished in this "powerful sustainer of health, equilibrium, and serenity."
The Relationship of Abhyangam to Ayurvedic Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Ayurveda regards the human body, including mind and spirit, as dominated by three following energies. — Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Each individual has a certain quantity of Doshas, characteristics that affect the appearance, personality, and health of the person. A disruption in the normal functioning of any of these energies may result in a person falling ill, and Abhyangam helps bring balance within the energies.
- Vata Dosha: Being associated with the movement, Vata is represented by air and ether and creative and sensitive features . Excess Vata may also cause mental and physical dryness, restlessness, digestive irregularity, the attentive method of Abhyangam will pacify the excessive Vata, which is hyperactive and non-friendly to the nervous system, and prevent the skin from getting dehydrated.
- Pitta Dosha: Pitta is composed of fire and water and is responsible for the metabolism, temperature of the body, and the digestive processes. The excess of Pitta may cause fever or skin external heat manifestations, irritations, rashes, etc. Cooling oils and application strokes used in Abhyangam pacify Pitta and help balance Pitta in line with other Doshas.
- Kapha Dosha: The Kapha dosha consists of the earth and water elements and is connected with composition, steadiness, and strength. A disturbed Kapha may mean drowsiness, accumulation, or obesity. An energetic massage like Abhyanga with stimulating oils works on Kapha to help detox and enhance the flow of blood within the body.
This makes Abhyangam unique as it is centered on the concept of Doshas and helps restore complete balance in the body.
Selecting Oils for Abhyangam and performing the treatment.
Techniques of Abhyangam
Abhyangam techniques consist of long, rhythmic strokes in circular motions. Each stroke is meant to engage the lymphatic drainage system, flush out the waste products, and promote unwinding of the body. Below are outlined some of the standard strokes of Abhyangam:
- Long Strokes (Sama Vayu): These strokes help in the process of detoxification by encouraging the activity of the lymphatic system and are recommended to pacify Vata Dosha.
- Circular Strokes (Chakra Sthana): Usually performed around the joints, these strokes help in flexing the limbs and reduce Kapha Dosha effectively.
- Pressure Points (Marma Points): These points are situated in relation to the energy centers in the human body, gentle pressure techniques may aid in opening the channels and getting rid of excess Pitta Dosha.
Choosing the Right Oil
The selection of Ayurvedic massage oil is a crucial matter of concern. The whole trick of choice plays an important role in liberating the effects of Abhyangam. Oils are usually selected according to their Dosha types.
- Vata Dosha – One can apply warm oils with nourishing nature, such as sesame or sweet almond oil, to help with dryness and provide moisture
- Pitta Dosha – One can use coconut oil or sunflower oil, their cooling nature can help bring down the body temperature and soothe the skin.
- Kapha Dosha – Apply lighter, stimulating oils such as mustard or eucalyptus oil to enhance the blood flow and alleviate congestion.
Ayurvedic massage oil is a well-processed blend of oil with a variety of herbs. This is especially because oils for abhyanga consist of more herbs. It is advised that a qualified Ayurvedic physician be consulted to assist in the selection of the oil based on the Dosha type.
Where & when and How many times can Abhyangam be Practiced?
Abhyangam can be done in an Ayurvedic clinic or at home; however, the good results of the practice with the help of trained professionals are more pronounced. How often one should attend Abhyangam sessions depends on certain factors such as individual requirements, Dosha type and lifestyle. As a general rule of thumb we can say that:
Answering the question as to when it is to be used? As most Ayurvedic practices drain energy, it is better to do this in the mornings when the body is attuned to elimination.
Further if we dwell into, how often? For treatment purposes, it is usually appropriate to recommend daily abhyanga. For self care maintenance, once or twice a week is often adequate. The normal session ranges from 30-60 minutes in order to give enough time to relax and for oil to be absorbed completely.
Abhyangam ought to be practiced regularly and tends to produce a cumulative effect thus increasing its advantages with time.
Benefits of Abhyangam
Abhyangam Massage offers multiple benefits beyond physical, providing both body and mind with relaxation. Warming herbal oils absorb deep into the skin while applying this massage, ensuring that moisture stays within for smooth, soft glowing skin. There is also a better flow in circulation, which tends to flood the tissues with oxygen and nutrients that help to maintain healthy skin and combat dryness, wrinkles, eczema, etc.
There are some measurable psychological impacts that the massage brings. Its gentle, rhythmic strokings soothe and calm your nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional wellness. Routine Abhyangam sessions are associated with better and improved sleep, increased focus, and effective relief from stress. The massage reduces joint pain, aches due to stiffness by providing relief to the muscles and joints. Given that the oils possess anti-inflammatory properties, they help reduce soreness, which makes it all the more useful for recovery and flexibility.
One of the most significant properties of Abhyangam is that it aids in achieving the balance of Ayurvedic doshas. Thus, this treatment supports stability and well-being in general. Also, this adjustment has a positive impact on digestion and influences better nutrient absorption and reduced discomfort within the digestive tract. It also leads to hormonal equilibrium, further indicating a better mood, relief from stress, and improved reproductive health. All in all, the benefits of Abhyangam do not limit themselves to physical relaxation alone but boost immunity, vitality, and resistance.
The Science of Abhyangam Massage
Scientific evidence supports the fact that Ayurveda and its practices, such as Abhyangam enhance health positively. According to research by Sharma et al. (2019), Abhyangam alleviates tension, enhances skin quality and assists in the circulation process, thus further validating its all-around benefits (Sharma et al., 2019). In another study in a journal of alternative and complementary medicine, it was shown that Ayurvedic oil used in conjunction with particular massage techniques can have remarkable effects on the recovery of muscles and the range of motion of joints (Singh & Patra, 2021).
Abhyangam is characterized with sensory stimulation where, also, the vagus nerve is engaged thereby promoting a"rest and digest" state which allows for proper digestion, good sleep and minimal levels of stress. This confirms the worth of the practice to science and brings to forefront its use in the present day.
Conclusion
Abhyangam is more than a massage. It is an Ayurvedic method of balance, rejuvenation, and health in totality. Abhyangam is a promising therapeutic intervention that heals the body and the mind through the proper massage oil based on one’s Dosha and application of particular techniques. Abhyangam when performed on a routine basis is highly effective in stress management, skin maintenance, and balancing the Doshas which clearly positions it as a key component of holistic health.
The most appropriate self care accompanied by ancient philosophy in the contemporary times can be found in Abhyangam massage. This practice solves the problem of well-being in a modern society where science works closely with Ayurveda when considering health from the perspective of a person’s body, mind and spirit working in unison.
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Related Articles:
The History of Body Massage Therapies with Body Oils
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References:
https://ayurveda.com/about-vasant-lad/
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