Abhyanga - Traditional Massage Techniques

In Ayurveda massage has been highly praised and people are advised to adopt it as a part of daily life. As we eat and sleep everyday so we should also massage and discharge our wastes everyday. Massage is also used therapeutically. For different kinds of diseases different types of massage are prescribed.

According to vagbhatta those who are desirous of health and happiness should massage the body and they should use oils for massage according to the seasons.

According to Sushruta Samhita oil, butter or ghee best suited for the body, the atmosphere and the seasons should be used.

For obtaining specific results, different oils, herbs and spices may be cooked or mixed with the oil and different kinds of oils may be prepared. According to the traditional way of massaging four types of strokes are used in massaging the body; they are tapping, kneading, rubbing and squeezing.

In this way massage is a protector, preserver, and a rejuvenator, increasing self confidence and will power.

The paper will be presented in two sections, of which first section will explain the BENEFITS OF ABHYANGA a message based on various Ayurvedic reference & the second section will deal with the THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS OF ABHYANGA a massage therapy.

BENEFIT OF ABHYANGA

1) In old age ( Jara ) By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with

Pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and is least

Affected by old age.

2) Removes fatigue – ( Shrama hara) – overcomes fatigue caused due to routine work , mental stress & strain can be corrected by regular massage.

3) Regulates Vata – Prevents and corrects disorders of Vata or Nervous disorders. Vata regulates all the sensory and motor functions of nervous system and it also regulated the activities of Pitta & Kapha. Thus Vata plays most important role in the creation, sustenance and destruction of the body.

4) Beneficial to eyes – ( Drushti Prasad kara ) – proper massage around the eyes and face makes eyes beautiful and shining . Increases activity of vision . Helps to keep away blindness and diseases of eyes.

For treating disorders like myopia massage to head (scalp) and feet (soles) is very useful . Massage to ligaments and (marma)vital points at ligaments is always beneficial for the eyes .

5) Nourishes the body – ( Pushtikara ) – massage make the muscles strong.

Increases stamina , vitality ,and virility .It also helps for elimination of the

Waste products like sweat , urine , stool etc.

6) Promotes longevity – ( Ayu Kara) – The functions of vital organs and tissues can be improved and life span can be promoted through the practice of regular massage therapy.

7) Induces proper sleep – ( Swapna kara) – physical and mental feeling of well being , nourishment ,strength , sexual ability and ability to perceive knowledge depends upon proper sleep . Massage is a powerful agent which induces sound sleep.

8) Makes skin soft and silky –( Su twak kara) – Massage improves skin complexion and makes it shine and beautiful . It also resists premature wrinkles, unwanted hairs and warts and increase immunity against skin diseases.

9) Makes the skin firm – ( Dardhya kara) – By properly removing waste products and providing nutrition massage promotes sturdiness and strength of the skin .

10) Increases strength of the skin – ( Klesha sahatwa) – Massage increases the resistance power against physical and mental pressure , stress and strain , agonies, sorrows and anxiety . Improves general tolerance and patience.

11) Increases immunity of the skin – ( abhighata Sahatwa) – Massage induces speedy recovery of wounds and fractures and also resists permanent debility or deformity after fractures and accidents.

THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS OF ABHYANGA

1) For general weakness – it is indicated from childhood to old age. It should preferable be given everyday to remove wear and tear of the tissues, fatigue and to give strength to muscle and stimulates growth of body tissues.

2) Disorders of joints – All types of arthritis i e osteo –arthritis ( asthigata Vata ) , rheumatoid arthritis( amavata), spondilytis (disorder of vertebral column ) and gout ( (vatarakta ) .

3) Disease of muscles like myositis – mean muscular inflammation with pain, spasm, atrophy and various types of myopathies etc.

4) Nervous system disorder – neuralgia – pain due to inflammation in the nerves, sciatica, poliomyelitis, hemiplegia, paraplegia and cerebral palsy.

5) Drug addiction – As a preventive and therapeutic management in withdrawal syndrome.

6) Feminine problem – Dysmenorrhoea, oligo – menorrhea, menorrhagia, leucorrhoea and menopausal syndrome. Massage after delivery to mother and child is done to relive the vata vitiation in mothers and to enhance the immunity in children.

7) Circulatory problems – After myocardial infraction, ischemic heart disease, functional heart disease, cold hands and feet due to bad circulation, varicose veins, etc.

8) Disease of sportsmen – Tennis elbow, lumbago , frozen shoulder , shoulder and backache , sprains and aches etc.

9) Psychological problem. - Schizophrenia, illusions, depression, negative thinking, constant worry, loss of memory and insomnia.

10) Metabolic disorders –In obesity abhyanga is good for loss of weight and increases stamina. It increases digestive and tissue fire.