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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|

 

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

Thus the benefits of abhyanga can be listed as below,

Thus the benefits of abhyanga can be listed as below,

Unit : 1 matra kala = 1 nimesha (closing of eyelid)

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.  

(char.sutr.5.81,82)

Shiro abhyanga must be done before full body abhyanga.

Shiro abhyanga or shirobhyanga refers to head massage with oil. In ayurveda applying oil on head itself is considered an important therapeutic procedure and it is known as 'Murdhni tailam' (Murdha- head, tailam-oil, anointing head with oil). Ayurveda scholars have described 4 types of putting or applying oil on head. It includes shirodhara (a types of panchakarma wherein constant drip of oil is poured over forehead and head), Shiropichu (a cotton plug or gauze dipped in oil in placed over head), Shirobasti (large quantity of oil is placed in a compartment made on the head) and shirobhyanga (oil massage). <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 23)</ref><ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutra 81-83)</ref><ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 26)</ref>

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

* reduces greying of hair and hair fall, hair loss

* nourishes sensory organs all other organs that have connections with head or brain

=== PADA ABHYANGA (foot massage with oil) ===

 

 

 

helps prevention of kapha and vata dosha vikaras(diseases)

 

 

There is a comparison drawn 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 by applying oil or abhyanga.

 

 

Shiro abhyanga (head massage)

 

(char.sutr.5.90)

(char.sutr.5.90)

Improves visual acuity and helps management of various vata dosha diseases.

Improves visual acuity and helps management of various vata dosha diseases.

== Abhyanga in Rtucharya ==

== Abhyanga in Rtucharya ==