Abhyanga (अभ्यङ्गम् ) - Revision history

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Importance of Abhyanga in the festival of Deepavali

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 == Importance of Abhyanga in the festival of Deepavali ==
-Deepavali or Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm all over Bharata. The festivals comes towards the end of ashvin masa which marks the beginning of the winter season. Thus multiple traditions or rituals in this festival are designed as the guideline to the recommended lifestyle so as to well adopt to the upcoming season. Abhyanga snana is one of such rituals. On the days of Deepavali it is customary to wake up early in the morning, do abhyanga (oil massage to the body) , apply herbal scrubs known as udwartanam and then take a bath with luke warm water. There is a specific set of logic behind these rituals which can be understood with the help of Ayurveda and science.
+Deepavali or Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm all over Bharata. The festival comes towards the end of ashvin masa which marks the beginning of the winter season. Thus multiple traditions or rituals in this festival are designed as the guideline about the recommended lifestyle for upcoming season. Abhyanga snana is one of such popular rituals. On the days of Deepavali, it is customary to wake up early in the morning, do abhyanga (oil massage to the body) , apply herbal scrubs known as udwartanam and then take a bath with luke warm water. There is a specific set of logic behind these rituals which can be understood with the help of Ayurveda and science which is discussed below,
 == Difference between Abhyanga and modern day body massage ==

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	Abhyanga means therapeutic massage of whole body with oils. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is the commonest oil used for abhyanga. It could be plain or medicated with herbs customized to individual's needs. Abhyanga is one of the important step in [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)\|dinacharya]] (daily regimen) making it an integral part of one's daily routine. It is also one of the most popular panchakarma therapy where in by proper consideration of one's bodily imbalances appropriate oil or ghee is selected for abhyanga. Abhyanga is a part of therapeutic as well as preventive healthcare practice recommended in Ayurveda.		Abhyanga means therapeutic massage of whole body with oils. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is the commonest oil used for abhyanga. It could be plain or medicated with herbs customized to individual's needs. Abhyanga is one of the important step in [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)\|dinacharya]] (daily regimen) making it an integral part of one's daily routine. It is also one of the most popular panchakarma therapy where in by proper consideration of one's bodily imbalances appropriate oil or ghee is selected for abhyanga. Abhyanga is a part of therapeutic as well as preventive healthcare practice recommended in Ayurveda.

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
-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>
-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.
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 त्वच्यश्च परमभ्यङ्गस्तस्मात्तं <sup>[२]</sup> शीलयेन्नरः||८७|| न चाभिघाताभिहतं गात्रमभ्यङ्गसेविनः|
 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,
@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 == 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,
@@ Line 160: / Line 160: @@
 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 ==
-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.
+{| class="wikitable"
-There are five basic techniques of massage,
+|+Difference between Abhyanga and various types of massages
-−
+!
-Effleurage (centripetal strokes)
+!Abhyanga
+!Oter massages
-Kneading (squeezing)
+|-
+|'''Use of Oil'''
-Friction (rolling movement)
+|Mandatory.
+|May or may not be
-Tapotement (clapping, tapping etc)
+|-
+|'''Main focus'''
-Vibration (by palmar surface or fingers)
+|Absorption of oil
+|Muscle relaxation
+|-
-The indications being wide are mostly done to soothe, relax and revitalize and increase circulation.
+|'''Pressure required'''
 === 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>
 == References ==
 [[Category:Ayurveda]]

@@ Line 139: / Line 139: @@
 === Pada abhyanga (Foot massage with oil) ===
-Pada in Samskit means feet. When oil is applied to the feet and massage is done, it is called as Padabhyanga or pada-abhyanga. Padabhyanga has been given equal importance as Shirobhyanga in Ayurveda. Pada have been known to be the origin of various vessels and channels known as nadis. Thus abhyanga of pada is believed to provide multiple overall health benefits and not just feet softening. It is very much relaxing procedure and specifically beneficial for good eyesight. Charaka samhita has listed following benefits of padabhyanga.
+Pada in Samskit means feet. When oil is applied to the feet and massage is done, it is called as Padabhyanga or pada-abhyanga. Padabhyanga has been given equal importance as Shirobhyanga in Ayurveda. Pada have been known to be the origin of various vessels and channels known as nadis. Thus abhyanga of pada is believed to provide multiple overall health benefits and not just feet softening. It is very much relaxing procedure and specifically beneficial for good eyesight. Charaka samhita has listed following benefits of padabhyanga. <blockquote>खरत्वं स्तब्धता  रौक्ष्यं श्रमः सुप्तिश्च पादयोः| सद्य एवोपशाम्यन्ति पादाभ्यङ्गनिषेवणात्||९०||
 जायते सौकुमार्यं च बलं स्थैर्यं च पादयोः| दृष्टिः प्रसादं लभते मारुतश्चोपशाम्यति||९१||
-न च स्याद्गृध्रसीवातः पादयोः स्फुटनं न च| न सिरास्नायुसङ्कोचः पादाभ्यङ्गेन पादयोः||९२|| (Char. Samh. 5.90)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 90)</ref>
+न च स्याद्गृध्रसीवातः पादयोः स्फुटनं न च| न सिरास्नायुसङ्कोचः पादाभ्यङ्गेन पादयोः||९२|| (Char. Samh. 5.90)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 90)</ref></blockquote>
 Benefits of padabhyanga-
@@ Line 159: / Line 155: @@
 * Also it helps prevent various musculoskeletal disorders related to muscles, ligaments and nerves of legs.
-== Abhyanga in Rtucharya ==
+== Abhyanga in Rutucharya ==
-ABHYANGA IN DIFFERENT RUTUS
+Abhyanga is the integral part of [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|dinacharya]] (one's daily routine). Along with Dinacharya Ayurveda scholars also insist to observe [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rutucharya]]. Rutucharya is the seasonal regime that includes diet and lifestyle modifications specific to that season so that one can adopt easily to change in external environment without falling sick. Thus each and every part of dinacharya (which needs to be followed regularly) can also be adjusted little bit so as to suit to the season. Food, exercise, sleep etc are the parts of daily regime which are adjusted according to the season in Rutucharya. Same applies to the Abhyanga procedure. Although abhyanga needs to be done on daily basis, it is suggested to be highly essential in some seasons
 == Difference between Abhyanga and modern day body massage ==
 Massage is an Arabic word where “mass” means to put pressure.

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 Abhyanga means therapeutic massage of whole body with oils. In Ayurveda, sesame oil is the commonest oil used for abhyanga. It could be plain or medicated with herbs customized to individual's needs. Abhyanga is one of the important step in [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|dinacharya]] (daily regimen) making it an integral part of one's daily routine. It is also one of the most popular panchakarma therapy where in by proper consideration of one's bodily imbalances appropriate oil or ghee is selected for abhyanga. Abhyanga is a part of therapeutic as well as preventive healthcare practice recommended in Ayurveda.
-== ETYMOLOGY ==
+== Etymology ==
 The word Abhyanga is made up of 2 parts. Viz Abhi and Anga.
@@ Line 138: / Line 138: @@
 * sleep induction is easy and sleep quality also improves
-=== PADA ABHYANGA (foot massage with oil) ===
+=== Pada abhyanga (Foot massage with oil) ===
-खरत्वं स्तब्धता [१] रौक्ष्यं श्रमः सुप्तिश्च पादयोः| सद्य एवोपशाम्यन्ति पादाभ्यङ्गनिषेवणात्||९०||
+Pada in Samskit means feet. When oil is applied to the feet and massage is done, it is called as Padabhyanga or pada-abhyanga. Padabhyanga has been given equal importance as Shirobhyanga in Ayurveda. Pada have been known to be the origin of various vessels and channels known as nadis. Thus abhyanga of pada is believed to provide multiple overall health benefits and not just feet softening. It is very much relaxing procedure and specifically beneficial for good eyesight. Charaka samhita has listed following benefits of padabhyanga.
 जायते सौकुमार्यं च बलं स्थैर्यं च पादयोः| दृष्टिः प्रसादं लभते मारुतश्चोपशाम्यति||९१||
-न च स्याद्गृध्रसीवातः [२] पादयोः स्फुटनं न च| न सिरास्नायुसङ्कोचः पादाभ्यङ्गेन पादयोः||९२||
+न च स्याद्गृध्रसीवातः पादयोः स्फुटनं न च| न सिरास्नायुसङ्कोचः पादाभ्यङ्गेन पादयोः||९२|| (Char. Samh. 5.90)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 90)</ref>
-It prevents and cures roughness over foot, tiredness of the legs, manages dryness and numbness n legs.
+Benefits of padabhyanga-
-Improves visual acuity and helps management of various vata dosha diseases.
+* It prevents and cures roughness over foot,
 == Abhyanga in Rtucharya ==

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
-Acharya Charaka has drawn a comparison to explain the importance of abhyanga, just like anointing or applying oil to an earthen pot makes it strong in a similar way body gains strength and luster by applying oil or abhyanga.<blockquote>भवत्युपाङ्गादक्षश्च दृढः क्लेशसहो यथा||८५|| तथा शरीरमभ्यङ्गाद्दृढं सुत्वक् च जायते| (char.sutra.5.85)</blockquote>
+Acharya Charaka has drawn a comparison to explain the importance of abhyanga, just like anointing or applying oil to an earthen pot makes it strong in a similar way body gains strength and luster by applying oil or abhyanga.<blockquote>भवत्युपाङ्गादक्षश्च दृढः क्लेशसहो यथा||८५|| तथा शरीरमभ्यङ्गाद्दृढं सुत्वक् च जायते|
+प्रशान्तमारुताबाधं क्लेशव्यायामसंसहम्||८६|| स्पर्शनेऽभ्यधिको वायुः स्पर्शनं च त्वगाश्रितम्|
 Thus the benefits of abhyanga can be listed as below,
@@ Line 115: / Line 118: @@
 Unit : 1 matra kala = 1 nimesha (closing of eyelid)
-== Types/ Parts OF ABHYANGA ==
+== Other types of abhyanga ==
-=== Shiro abhyanga (head massage) ===
+The term Abhyanga indicates oil massage on body parts. Although the abhyanga in daily routine involves application and massage of oil all over body, the abhyanga could be restricted to some body part depending on the disease. Oil massage on head and feet in particular has specific implications. This is popular as Head massage and foot massage in today's time. However, Ayurveda has separately described these 2 massages as Shiro-abhyanga (shiras-head, abhyanga-oil massage) and Padabhyanga (pada-feet, abhyanga-oil massage). Along with those putting oil in the ears is also particularly described and its health benefits have been expounded.
-Shiro abhyanga must be done before full body abhyanga.
+=== Shirobhyanga (Head massage) ===
-Shiro abhyanga when done daily, helps in headache, reduces greying of hair and hair fall. Strengthens hair roots and helps hair growth, improve colour and texture of hair.
+Ayurveda considers Shiras (Head) as controlling center of entire body, the site of life energy and all the organs. Thus it is regarded as the chief organ. Oil application is believed to control the imbalances in the head and all the organs situation in it or having connection with it. The benefits of applying oil on head are <blockquote>नित्यं स्नेहार्द्रशिरसः शिरःशूलं न जायते| न खालित्यं न पालित्यं न केशाः प्रपतन्ति च||८१||
-(vagbhata 2.8,9) (Sush.chik.24.30)
+इन्द्रियाणि प्रसीदन्ति सुत्वग्भवति चाननम् [१] | निद्रालाभः सुखं च स्यान्मूर्ध्नि तैलनिषेवणात्||८३|| (Char. Samh 5.81-3)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>The benefits of applying oil on head on daily basis are listed below,
-Abhyanga when done daily prevents ageing, helps overcome tiredness or fatigue
+* prevents headache
-prevents and helps manage vata dosha related disorders.
+=== PADA ABHYANGA (foot massage with oil) ===
+खरत्वं स्तब्धता [१] रौक्ष्यं श्रमः सुप्तिश्च पादयोः| सद्य एवोपशाम्यन्ति पादाभ्यङ्गनिषेवणात्||९०||
-Shiro abhyanga is one among the four “murdha taila” (anointing head with oil) procedure of panchakarma. (asht.hrud.sutr.21.23)
+जायते सौकुमार्यं च बलं स्थैर्यं च पादयोः| दृष्टिः प्रसादं लभते मारुतश्चोपशाम्यति||९१||
-Shiro abhyanga must be done before full body abhyanga.
+न च स्याद्गृध्रसीवातः [२] पादयोः स्फुटनं न च| न सिरास्नायुसङ्कोचः पादाभ्यङ्गेन पादयोः||९२||
 (char.sutr.5.90)
@@ Line 173: / Line 152: @@
 Improves visual acuity and helps management of various vata dosha diseases.
 == Abhyanga in Rtucharya ==