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Abhyanga is included in dinacharya i.e. daily routine and the health benefits of daily abhyanga are mentioned below.<blockquote>अभ्यङ्गमाचरेन्नित्यं, स जराश्रमवातहा| दृष्टिप्रसादपुष्ट्यायुःस्वप्नसुत्वक्त्वदार्ढ्यकृत्||८|| (Asht. Hrud. Sutrasthanam 2.8-9)</blockquote>Meaning: Abhyanga when done daily prevents ageing, helps overcome tiredness or fatigue, prevents and helps manage vata dosha related disorders. It improves vision, nourishes body, promotes longevity, helps improve sleep, enhances skin texture and increases strength.

Abhyanga is included in dinacharya i.e. daily routine and the health benefits of daily abhyanga are mentioned below.<blockquote>अभ्यङ्गमाचरेन्नित्यं, स जराश्रमवातहा| दृष्टिप्रसादपुष्ट्यायुःस्वप्नसुत्वक्त्वदार्ढ्यकृत्||८|| (Asht. Hrud. Sutrasthanam 2.8-9)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 8-9)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Abhyanga when done daily prevents ageing, helps overcome tiredness or fatigue, prevents and helps manage vata dosha related disorders. It improves vision, nourishes body, promotes longevity, helps improve sleep, enhances skin texture and increases strength.

Acharya Sushruta in Sushruta samhita described benefits of abhyanga as below,<blockquote>

Acharya Sushruta in Sushruta samhita described benefits of abhyanga as below,<blockquote>

अभ्यङ्गो मार्दवकरः कफवातनिरोधनः | धातूनां पुष्टिजननो मृजावर्णबलप्रदः ||३०|| (Sush.chik.24.30)</blockquote>Meaning: Abhyanga induces softness in the skin, helps prevention of kapha and vata dosha diseases, strengthens dhatus, cleanses and improves complexion of the skin, provides strength.

अभ्यङ्गो मार्दवकरः कफवातनिरोधनः | धातूनां पुष्टिजननो मृजावर्णबलप्रदः ||३०|| (Sush.chik.24.30)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 30)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Abhyanga induces softness in the skin, helps prevention of kapha and vata dosha diseases, strengthens dhatus, cleanses and improves complexion of the skin, provides strength.

त्वच्यश्च परमभ्यङ्गस्तस्मात्तं ^[२] शीलयेन्नरः||८७|| न चाभिघाताभिहतं गात्रमभ्यङ्गसेविनः|

त्वच्यश्च परमभ्यङ्गस्तस्मात्तं ^[२] शीलयेन्नरः||८७|| न चाभिघाताभिहतं गात्रमभ्यङ्गसेविनः|

विकारं भजतेऽत्यर्थं बलकर्मणि वा क्वचित्||८८|| सुस्पर्शोपचिताङ्गश्च बलवान् प्रियदर्शनः|

विकारं भजतेऽत्यर्थं बलकर्मणि वा क्वचित्||८८|| सुस्पर्शोपचिताङ्गश्च बलवान् प्रियदर्शनः|

भवत्यभ्यङ्गनित्यत्वान्नरोऽल्पजर एव च||८९|| (char.sutra.5.85-89)</blockquote>

भवत्यभ्यङ्गनित्यत्वान्नरोऽल्पजर एव च||८९|| (char.sutra.5.85-89)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam 5 Adhyaya Sutra 85-89)</ref></blockquote>

Thus the benefits of abhyanga can be listed as below,

Thus the benefits of abhyanga can be listed as below,

== Contraindications for Abhyanga ==

== Contraindications for Abhyanga ==

Although oil is only externally applied to the body parts in Abhyanga, it does have some contraindications. One should always check the contraindications and only then is appropriate start abhyanga to get maximum benefits without adverse effects. The contraindications for Abhyanga given in Ashtanga Hrudayam samhita are as below,<blockquote>वर्ज्योऽभ्यङ्गः कफग्रस्तकृतसंशुद्ध्यजीर्णिभिः||९|| (vagbhata. Sutra. 2.9)</blockquote>Meaning; Those who are suffering from kapha related disorders, who have undergone panchakarma (detoxification) procedures, and who are suffering with digestive disorders must not undergo abhyanga procedure.

Although oil is only externally applied to the body parts in Abhyanga, it does have some contraindications. One should always check the contraindications and only then is appropriate start abhyanga to get maximum benefits without adverse effects. The contraindications for Abhyanga given in Ashtanga Hrudayam samhita are as below,<blockquote>वर्ज्योऽभ्यङ्गः कफग्रस्तकृतसंशुद्ध्यजीर्णिभिः||९|| (vagbhata. Sutra. 2.9)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 9)</ref></blockquote>Meaning; Those who are suffering from kapha related disorders, who have undergone panchakarma (detoxification) procedures, and who are suffering with digestive disorders must not undergo abhyanga procedure.

Abhyanga being the most used panchakarma therapy has it disadvantages if done without proper considerations and knowledge. Thus, consider yourself unfit for abyanga if,

Abhyanga being the most used panchakarma therapy has it disadvantages if done without proper considerations and knowledge. Thus, consider yourself unfit for abyanga if,

Abhyanga being the procedure where mainly oil is used for application which is responsible for management of various vata dosha related disorders. Thus, the rutus where aggravated vata dosha is seen causing imbalances, abhyanga must be done. Winter season which includes Hemanta rutu and Shishira rutu is the period extending from the month of November to February. During this period  there is increasing darkness, cold and dryness in the atmosphere. All these properties in external environment lead to aggravation of vata in outer and thus internal environment of the human body. Increasing dryness in the body and external environment primarily affects skin and hair. Thus abhyanga is considered extremely important as a part of daily routine in these seasons. It helps to prevent dryness of body, improves circulation in extremities, keeps skin soft and helps maintain the flexibility & strength. This ultimately prevents aggravation of bone, muscle, ligament related pain.  

Abhyanga being the procedure where mainly oil is used for application which is responsible for management of various vata dosha related disorders. Thus, the rutus where aggravated vata dosha is seen causing imbalances, abhyanga must be done. Winter season which includes Hemanta rutu and Shishira rutu is the period extending from the month of November to February. During this period  there is increasing darkness, cold and dryness in the atmosphere. All these properties in external environment lead to aggravation of vata in outer and thus internal environment of the human body. Increasing dryness in the body and external environment primarily affects skin and hair. Thus abhyanga is considered extremely important as a part of daily routine in these seasons. It helps to prevent dryness of body, improves circulation in extremities, keeps skin soft and helps maintain the flexibility & strength. This ultimately prevents aggravation of bone, muscle, ligament related pain.  

== Difference between Abhyanga and modern day body massage ==

== Difference between Abhyanga and modern day body massage ==

Massage is an Arabic word where “mass” means to put pressure.

Massage is an Arabic word where “mass” means to put pressure. Massage has been described in modern view as a scientific manipulation of soft tissues of body as part of rubbing. The indications being wide are mostly done to soothe, relax and revitalize and increase circulation. Though there are many specialized massage techniques being used today, the most widely practiced are Swedish Massage Therapy, Aromatherapy Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Shiatsu (also known as Acupressure), Thai Massage, Reflexology (also known as Foot Massage) etc. In all these types variations in pressure, technique, areas of focus and desired outcome are found. <ref>Mukharjee A., Jain J., Dwiwedi O. DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASSAGE TECHNIQUES. wjpmr, 2017,3(6), 173-177</ref>

Massage has been described in modern view as a scientific manipulation of soft tissues of body as part of rubbing.

The difference in Abhyanga and other types of massages is as described in the table.

 

There are five basic techniques of massage,

|+Difference between Abhyanga and various types of massages

 

 

 

|'''Use of Oil'''

 

 

Vibration (by palmar surface or fingers)

 

 

The indications being wide are mostly done to soothe, relax and revitalize and increase circulation.

|'''Strokes or direction'''

|Mostly steam bath, fomentation is recommended. Usually followed by Bath with warm water.  

=== Global spa industry and increasing popularity of massage in modern era ===

=== Global spa industry and increasing popularity of massage in modern era ===

The spa industry is a multi-billion dollar business, with customers willing to spend their hard earned money on health spa memberships, treatments, and trips to hotel spas. In fact, the global market size of the spa industry is expected to grow from just under 94 billion U.S. dollars in 2017 to 127.6 billion U.S. dollars by 2022. Moreover, the spa services market, which includes massage services, beauty and grooming, and physical fitness, is expected to grow to over 133 billion U.S. dollars by 2027. This statistic shows the global market size of the spa industry in 2019 and provides a forecast for 2027. In the measured period, the spa industry worldwide is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.1 percent, reaching a market size of over 133 billion U.S. dollars by 2027.<ref>Available from : https://www.statista.com/topics/7517/spa-industry/#dossierKeyfigures</ref>

Massage therapies similar to Abhyanga that have evolved in modern times are practiced mostly in spas and salons. As the popularity of these therapies in wellness segment is growing, the global spa industry is also growing worldwide. Demand is on the rise, as consumers increasingly focus on the importance of their wellbeing, mental health, and stress relief. From bare bones facilities to luxe destinations, spas offer an antidote to the pressure of modern life and an avenue for preventive health, anti-aging, and wellness. As the middle class expands and urbanization increases, the demand for spas is expected to rise in emerging economies as well, providing new opportunities for expansion and growth.  

Demand is on the rise, as consumers increasingly focus on the importance of their wellbeing, mental health, and stress relief. From bare bones facilities to luxe destinations, spas offer an antidote to the pressure of modern life and an avenue for preventive health, anti-aging, and wellness. As the middle class expands and urbanization increases, the demand for spas is expected to rise in emerging economies as well, providing new opportunities for expansion and growth.  

The spa industry is a multi-billion dollar business, with customers willing to spend their hard earned money on health spa memberships, treatments, and trips to hotel spas. In fact, the global market size of the spa industry is expected to grow from just under 94 billion U.S. dollars in 2017 to 127.6 billion U.S. dollars by 2022. Moreover, the spa services market, which includes massage services, beauty and grooming, and physical fitness, is expected to grow to over 133 billion U.S. dollars by 2027. This statistic shows the global market size of the spa industry in 2019 and provides a forecast for 2027. In the measured period, the spa industry worldwide is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.1 percent, reaching a market size of over 133 billion U.S. dollars by 2027.<ref>Available from : https://www.statista.com/topics/7517/spa-industry/#dossierKeyfigures</ref>

The global spa market is forecast to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2021 to 2025, according to a report by the market research firm TechNavio. “What’s driving this trend is today’s state of unprecedented stress: being connected 24/7, the lack of boundaries between work and life, and the fact that by 2030, 80% of the human population will live in urban, nature- deprived areas.<ref>Available from : https://blog.marketresearch.com/the-growth-of-the-global-spa-industry</ref>

The global spa market is forecast to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2021 to 2025, according to a report by the market research firm TechNavio. “What’s driving this trend is today’s state of unprecedented stress: being connected 24/7, the lack of boundaries between work and life, and the fact that by 2030, 80% of the human population will live in urban, nature- deprived areas.<ref>Available from : https://blog.marketresearch.com/the-growth-of-the-global-spa-industry</ref>

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]