Abhyanga or Oil Massage Therapy in Ayurveda

ABHYANGA or Oil MASSAGE THERAPY

Abhynga is type of oleation therapy used in Ayurveda.Abhyanga can be defined as the procedure of application of Sneha Dravya/medicine over the body with mild pressure.The word abhyanga is derived from terms "abhi" and "anga". Thus it is a treatment comprised of Taila/ ghritha/ vasa etc, are rubbed over the body in directions comfortable to the patient.It improves strength and alleviate Vata.It is a type of bahya Sneha. It can be performed as therapeutic procedure as well as preventive procedure.Abhyanga can be done as part of the steps of panchakarma therapy, especially in the first stage: Purva Karma (pre-treatment), or as its own therapy. It is often followed by swedana therapy, a warm bath, yoga or laying out in the sun. Many times abhyanga is performed by two or more massage therapists working in sync but it can also be done by oneself. Oils used can vary depending on the season and the individuals constitution (dosha) It is mainly used an Vata aggravated diseases because oil has the effect reducing vata.In Ayurveda it also mentioned as a daily regimen.In Kerala it is largely used as therapeutic as well rejuvenation and also as seasonal therapy.

Indications:

• Neuromuscular diseases like- Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia), Shaishaveerya vata (Poliomyelitis), Pangu (Paraplegia),Kateegraha (low back ache),grdhrasi (Sciatica),etc.
• Rheumatological problems -Arthrits, Lumbago, etc
• Vridhavastha - In old age disorders
• Shira shoola- Head ache
• Angamarda - Bodyache.
• Rejuvenation Therapy,etc.

Contra-indications:

• Navajwara (Acute Fever).
• Ajeerna (Indigetion).
• Rakthapitta (Hemmorrhagic disorders)
• Atisara (Diarrhoea)
• Immediately after Panchakarma,etc.

Actions:

• It provides smoothness and improves luster of the skin.
• It take care of body exhaustion.
• It controls Vata (Neurological diseases)
• It improves vision.
• It induces sound sleep.
• It strengthens the body and gives longevity.
• it improves (mainly head massage)will improve the memory power,concentration.
• prevent premature hair fall,and whitening.etc.

The abhyanga with oils provides stimulation to the nerves.It improves the sensory and motor integration.It also gives passive exercises to the muscles thereby strengthening them.The gentle pressure used during massages relaxes the muscles.It also removes skin dryness and improve skin luster.

Procedure of Abhyangam:

Materials Required:

• Abhyanga table  - 1
• Medicated Oil    - 100 to 200ml.
• Vessel                 - 300 ml capacity
• Tissue Paper/ soft towel.
• Green gram powder/ Medicated Snana Churna/ Medicated soap.

Medicated oil Commonly Used:

• Masha Taila
• Bala Taila
• Narayana Taila
• Dhanwantaram Tilam
• Karpasasthyadi Taila
• Sahacharadi Taila, etc.

Man Power:

1. Ayurveda Physician - 1
2. Masseur                  - 2

Poorva Karma or Pre operative Procedure:

Before starting the procedure ask the patient to evacuate bowel and bladder. The patient is made to sit on the Ahyanga table with leg extended.

Prdhana karma or Main procedure:

After sitting in a comfortable posture with leg extended, the oil is to be heated to optimum comfortable temperature and applied over the head,ears and soles of feet.Then the oil should be applied uniformly with mild pressure over the body by the two masseurs standing on both sides of the table.Massage is to be started from scalp,head and move down to neck,upper back,shoulders,upper arms,for arms,hands and then chest,abdomen,low back and lower limbs.

Abyanga should be done in siting,supine,right lateral and left lateral positions and prone position.At the end of the procedure the oil on the body is wiped off with tissue paper or towels.

Duration of the procedure:

This always depends upon the condition of the patient and severity of the diseases.In general

up to 30 - 40 minutes.

Post operative Procedure:  

Patient should take complete rest for half to one hour in a comfortable manner. Bath can be taken with hot water and medicated powder (Snana Churna) or soup may be used to remove the oil and to clean the body.Light semi solid digestible diet may be advised after bath.

By Dr:Rimin Razak

ref: Ayurveda panchakarma,