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Line 1: − + − It is derived from+ − + + − “abhi” upasarga(prefix) meaning direction+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − Thus, abhi+ang means movement in different direction. (amar kosha) − == Abhyanga as Snehanam ==+ − Abhyanga is one of a snehana karma (oleation therapy). Snehana karma is of two types, − 1. Abhyantara(internal)- where in mediated ghee is intaken as a therapy − 2. Bahya (external) – whwrein externally oil or ghee is applied to the various body parts.+ − Abhyanga is bahya snehana karma wherein medicated oil is anointed over body for prevention and cure of various disorders.+ + + + + + + + + − + − Sush.chik.24.34+ − Only by considering and examining an individual’s prakriti,dosha, vikara, and satmya-asatmyata abhyanga should be done with lukewarm medicated oil or ghrita(clarified butter/ghee).+ − Consideration of rutu(season), desha(locality) is also essential before abhyanga.+ + + − Bowel and bldder must be clear before undergoing abhyanga.+ + − Shiro abhyanga (head massage with oil) is done before and then body.+ + − + + + + + − There is specific motion or direction in which abhyanga is to be done according to the dosha involved or the roga present.+ + − According to chikitsa manjari and chikitsa samgraha, abhyanga is performed in anuloma gati(in the direction of body hair).+ + + + − Snana(bath) is essential after abhyanga as a dinacharya(daily routine).+ − As a panchakarma therapy swedana(sudation) is done as well after abhyanga.+ + + − + − + − + Line 71:
Line 113: − (1 matra kaala = 1 nimesha(closing of eyelid)+ − − == BENEFITS OF ABHYANGA == − अभ्यङ्गमाचरेन्नित्यं, स जराश्रमवातहा| − − दृष्टिप्रसादपुष्ट्यायुःस्वप्नसुत्वक्त्वदार्ढ्यकृत्||८|| − − (vagbhata 2.8,9) − − 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. − − − अभ्यङ्गो मार्दवकरः कफवातनिरोधनः | − − धातूनां पुष्टिजननो मृजावर्णबलप्रदः ||३०|| (Sush.chik.24.30) − − Abhyanga induces softness in the skin, helps prevention of kapha and vata dosha vikaras(diseases), nourishment of dhatus, improves varna(complexion) of the skin. + Line 185:
Line 212: − − − IMPORTANCE − − There are numerous benefits of abhyanga in variety of diseases and even as a preventive therapy. − − The absorption of Sneha(oil,ghee) when done for a sufficient duration of time can even reach deeper dhatus and can treat even some chronic diseases. − − The properties of dravya(drug) used in the oil or ghruta(ghee) can determine which vikara, dhatu, dosha can be treated. − − == CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ABHYANGA == − वर्ज्योऽभ्यङ्गः कफग्रस्तकृतसंशुद्ध्यजीर्णिभिः||९|| (vagbhata. Sutra. 2.9) − − Those who are suffering from kaphaja disorders, who have undergone purificatory 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. − − == IMPORTANCE == − भवत्युपाङ्गादक्षश्च दृढः क्लेशसहो यथा||८५|| − − तथा शरीरमभ्यङ्गाद्दृढं सुत्वक् च जायते| (char.sutra.5.85) − − Acharya charak 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 by applying oil or abhyanga.
Abhyanga (अभ्यङ्गम् ) (view source)
Revision as of 17:13, 24 November 2021
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Abhyanga means therapeutic massage of whole body with medicated oils, ghruta (ghee). It is one of the important kriya in dinacharya(daily regimen) wherein application of oil is recommended as a daily routine. It is one of the most used panchakarma therapy where in by proper consideration of dosha, dhatu, prakriti of an individual appropriate oil or ghee is selected.
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.
“Ang” dhatu which means movement or motion
# “abhi” upasarga (prefix) meaning direction, movement or motion
# “Ang” dhatu which means body part
Thus, abhi+ang means movement in different direction on body parts.
== Abhyanga as Snehanam ==
Ayurveda has classified therapeutic activities in 6 types. Snehanam is one of those 6 activities which means oleation therapy. It includes internal administration or external application of unctuous (fatty) substances like oil, ghee etc.
Snehana karma is of two types,
1. Abhyantara (internal)- where in mediated ghee is administered as a therapy
2. Bahya (external) – wherein externally oil or ghee is applied to the various body parts.
Abhyanga is believed to be the Bahya or external type of snehanam wherein external application of oil on body parts is done for prevention and treatment of various disorders.
== Health Benefits of Abhyanga ==
Ayurveda recommends daily abhyanga as an important rejuvenating therapy. There are numerous benefits of abhyanga in variety of diseases and even as a preventive therapy. The massage of oil when done for a sufficient duration of time can even reach deeper [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] (body building tissues) and can treat even some chronic diseases. The properties of herbs infused in the oil or ghee can determine which imbalance in [[Doshas (दोषाः)|Doshas]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]], [[Roga (रोगः)|rogas]] can be treated.
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.
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.
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>
Thus the benefits of abhyanga can be listed as below,
* Prevents early ageing
* Helps overcome tiredness or fatigue
* Improves vision
* Nourishes an strengthens body
* Promotes longevity
* Improves sleep quality
* Cleanses body parts
* Helps get rid of unwanted aggravated vata dosha in body parts
* Imparts softness, improves skin texture and complexion
== CONSIDERATIONS AND PROCEDURE OF 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.
Abhyanga being the most used panchakarma therapy has it disadvantages if done without proper considerations and knowledge. Thus, consider yourself unfit for abyanga if,
* You are suffering from kapha related disorders e.g. excess cough and cold, cardiac or respiratory system related certain conditions etc. (However, under the supervision of a trained and experienced Vaidya, specific abhyanga can be performed in such conditions)
* You have just undergone [[Panchakarmas (पञ्चकर्माणि)|panchakarma]] procedures
* You are suffering from indigestion , hyperacidity, gastric troubles, loss of appetite etc.
== Consideration and procedure of Abhyanga ==
Abhyanga is not merely a massage. It is way beyond that since Ayurveda has included it not only under wellness and preventive category but also as a therapeutic procedure as an important part of Panchakarma which is popularly known as Detoxification. Thus, there are certain considerations before starting an abhyanga as a preventive or as a therapeutic procedure which are mentioned in brief below.
=== Considerations for Abhayanga as a daily routine ===
Abhyanga is a part of daily routine for an healthy individual. When Abhyanga is performed as a part of daily routine one should ensure the following things.
Abhyanga as a daily routine or panchakarma therapy, is not merely application of oil but includes mardana (rubbing) for the medicated oil to get absorbed.
* The individual is healthy and free from any diseases beacause that might alter the final effects of abhyanga.
* One who considers himself healthy is devoid of any contraindications for abhyanga described in previous section.
* Use warm sesame oil
* Abhyanga should be performed on empty stomach and when the bowel and bladder is evacuated and clean.
* Preferably is should be performed along with all other steps described under dinacharya. e.g Snanam (bath) is performed after abhyanga as a dinacharya (daily routine). [[Vyayama (व्यायामम्)|Vyayama]] and [[Ayurvedic method of body scrub (उद्वर्तनम्)|udwartana]] could be the intermittent steps.
=== Considerations for Abhyanga as a therapeutic procedure ===
A [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|vaidya]] might recommend abhyanga to a diseased individual as and add on to the medicinal treatment. Or, it could also be a part of some major [[Panchakarmas (पञ्चकर्माणि)|panchakarma]] advised for particular disease. In such cases, vaidya usually considers some important points before starting the abhyanga procedure. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 34)</ref>
* The patient should not be contraindicated for Abhyanga
* Abhyanga should be performed on empty stomach and when the bowel and bladder is evacuated and clean.
* The oil used for abhyanga is selected on the basis of diagnosis and involved elements like doshas, dhatus, disease and strength pf the individual.
* Usually abhyanga is followed by swedanam (fomentation or sudation therapy). It might include steam bath or different types of swedana techniques as per the diseased status.
=== Important aspects of Abhyanga procedure ===
* Abhyanga as a daily routine or panchakarma therapy, is not merely application of oil but includes massage for the medicated oil to get it absorbed.
* There is specific motion or direction in which abhyanga is to be done according to the site or body part. According to chikitsa manjari and chikitsa samgraha, abhyanga is performed in anuloma gati (in the direction of body hair).
* Shiro abhyanga (head massage with oil) is done before and then body, wherever required.
== Duration of Abhyanga ==
== Duration of Abhyanga ==
When abhyanga is done for a specified time duration the medicated oil infiltrates the dhatus at different time periods. Thus, duration of abhyanga can be decided according to the dhatu dushti present as well.
When abhyanga is done for a specified time duration the medicated oil infiltrates the dhatus at different time periods. Thus, duration of abhyanga can be decided according to the type and level of dhatu involvement present or the desired health benefit based on [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatu]].
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|TIME
|'''TIME'''
|DHATU
|'''DHATU'''
|-
|-
|300 matra kala (95 sec)
|300 matra kala (95 sec)
|
|
|}
|}
Unit : 1 matra kala = 1 nimesha (closing of eyelid)
== Types/ Parts OF ABHYANGA ==
=== Shiro abhyanga (head massage) ===
=== Shiro abhyanga (head massage) ===
(char.sutr.5.81,82)
(char.sutr.5.81,82)
There is mention of different procedures in different rutus for example udwartana in vasanta rutu and so on.
There is mention of different procedures in different rutus for example udwartana in vasanta rutu and so on.
== Difference between Abhyanga and modern day body massage ==
== Difference between Abhyanga and modern day body massage ==