Changes

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 (अभ्यङ्गम्) 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 (दिनचर्या । 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 ==

== निरुक्ती ॥  Etymology ==

The word Abhyanga is made up of 2 parts. Viz Abhi and Anga.  

The word Abhyanga is made up of 2 parts. Viz Abhi and Anga.  

# “abhi” upasarga (prefix) meaning direction, movement or motion

# “abhi” (अभि) upasarga (prefix) meaning direction, movement or motion

# “Ang” dhatu which means body part

# “Ang” (अङ्ग) dhatu which means body part

Thus, abhi+ang means movement in different direction on body parts.

Thus, abhi+ang means movement in different direction on body parts.

== Abhyanga as Snehanam ==

== स्नेहने अभ्यङ्गम् ॥  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.  

Ayurveda has classified therapeutic activities in 6 types. Snehanam (स्नेहनम्) 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,

Snehana karma is of two types,

1.   Abhyantara (internal)- where in mediated ghee is administered as a therapy

1.   Abhyantara (अभ्यन्तरम् । 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.

2.   Bahya (बाह्य । 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.

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 ==

== अभ्यङ्गलाभाः ॥  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.

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 (]]धातुः । 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)]], [[dhatus (धातवः)]], [[Roga (रोगः)|rogas (रोगाः)]] can be treated.

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)<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.

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.

 

Acharya Charaka has drawn a comparison to explain the importance of abhyanga. He says, 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|

 

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|

प्रशान्तमारुताबाधं क्लेशव्यायामसंसहम्||८६|| स्पर्शनेऽभ्यधिको वायुः स्पर्शनं च त्वगाश्रितम्|

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

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

Thus the benefits of abhyanga can be listed as below,

Thus the benefits of abhyanga can be listed as below,

* Prevents early ageing

* Prevents early '''ageing'''

* Helps overcome tiredness or fatigue

* Helps overcome '''tiredness''' or fatigue

* Improves vision

* Improves '''vision'''

* Nourishes an strengthens body

* Nourishes an '''strengthens''' body

* Promotes longevity

* Promotes '''longevity'''

* Improves sleep quality

* Improves '''sleep''' quality

* Cleanses body parts  

* '''Cleanses''' body parts

* Helps get rid of unwanted aggravated vata dosha in body parts

* Helps get rid of unwanted aggravated '''vata''' dosha in body parts

* Imparts softness, improves skin texture and complexion

* Imparts softness, improves skin texture and '''complexion'''

== Contraindications for Abhyanga ==

== अभ्यङ्ग अनार्हाः ॥ 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)<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.

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 [[Panchakarmas (पञ्चकर्माणि)|panchakarma]] therapy has it disadvantages if done without proper considerations and knowledge. Thus, consider yourself unfit for abhyanga 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 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 are suffering from indigestion , hyperacidity, gastric troubles, loss of appetite etc.  

* You are suffering from indigestion , hyperacidity, gastric troubles, loss of appetite etc.  

== Consideration and procedure of Abhyanga ==

== अभ्यङ्ग् प्रधान कर्म ॥ 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.  

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 ===

=== दिनचर्यायां अभ्यङ्ग ॥ 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 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.

* 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.  

* 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 ===

=== अभ्यङ्ग चिकित्सा ॥ 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>  

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>  

* Shiro abhyanga (head massage with oil) is done before and then body, wherever required.

* Shiro abhyanga (head massage with oil) is done before and then body, wherever required.

== Duration of Abhyanga ==

== अभ्यङ्गकालः ॥ 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 type and level of dhatu involvement present or the desired health benefit based on [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatu]].  

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 अभ्यङ्गकालः'''

|'''DHATU'''

|'''DHATU धातुगामित्वम्'''

|-

|-

|300 matra kala (95  sec)

|300 matra kala (95  sec)

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

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

== Other types of abhyanga ==

== अभ्यङ्गभेदाः ॥ Other types of abhyanga ==

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.  

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.  

=== Shirobhyanga (Head massage) ===

=== शिरोभ्यङ्गः ॥ Shirobhyanga (Head massage) ===

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 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>

* sleep induction is easy and sleep quality also improves

* sleep induction is easy and sleep quality also improves

=== Pada abhyanga (Foot massage with oil) ===

=== पादाभ्यङ्गः ॥ 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. <blockquote>खरत्वं स्तब्धता  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. <blockquote>खरत्वं स्तब्धता  रौक्ष्यं श्रमः सुप्तिश्च पादयोः| सद्य एवोपशाम्यन्ति पादाभ्यङ्गनिषेवणात्||९०||

* Also it helps prevent various musculoskeletal disorders related to muscles, ligaments and nerves of legs.  

* Also it helps prevent various musculoskeletal disorders related to muscles, ligaments and nerves of legs.  

== Abhyanga in Rutucharya ==

== ऋतुचर्यायां अभ्यङ्गः ॥ Abhyanga in Rutucharya ==

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

Abhyanga is the integral part of [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|dinacharya]] (one's daily routine) described in Ayurevda. Along with Dinacharya Ayurveda scholars also insist to observe [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)]]. 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 (ऋतुचर्या)|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 ==

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

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 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>