Abhyangam - 5000 year old Ayurvedic secrets of revealed

   Health Benefits of Abhyangam –Detailed Explanation

Abhyangam, It is really fascinating to think that the word “sneha” in Sanskrit means both love and oil. There is no better thing to express your love to your body than giving it a nice good massaging from head to toe.

Abhyangam is a Sanskrit word that means the application of oil all over the body. Ancient ayurvedic scriptures suggests that, it is an integral part of our daily routine for health and long life span. It is a procedure to the relaxed and refreshed full body massage to rejuvenate your life force, live a long and happy life.

Abhyangam, relax and refresh full body, mind and soul is the master piece of Kerala Ayurveda.

The Technique of Abhyangam:
In the classical texts of Ayurveda there are no specific references given for the technique of Abhyangam.
Importance is given to which oil you choose according to the ailment, season, constitution of the person & the results that need to be achieved.
Thus you will find different techniques of Abhyangam have evolved for the past 5000years in different schools of Ayurveda.

Abhyangam starts with the head massage in the sitting position, where the head oil is used for the desired effect (ShiroAbhyanga- Head massage). There can also be different oil for the face for a specific desired effect or the body oil could be used for the face (MukAbhyanga- Face massage). Oil application on the face can be done in the sitting or in the face-up position.

The body oil could be one or a combination of more than two different oils mixed in specific quantity by the Ayurveda practitioner for the desired effect.
The neck & the shoulder are massaged in the sitting position & if the Abhyanga is done on the wooden table (droni) the upper back & part of the lower back should be massaged in the sitting position.
The face up position starts with the hands & the shoulders, where attention to detail is given as each of the fingers are properly oleated. The same is for the toes.
All the major joints are massaged in a circular manner clockwise & anticlockwise.
The navel is filled with oil & this oil is spread over the stomach in a clockwise circular direction all over the stomach.

Procedure

Abhyangam is performed over a specially designed wooden table called “Droni” . It is done by trained massagers. The sesame oil processed with various herbs is selected based on persons dhoshic types. An ayurvedic physician can access and decide the appropriate oil and exact way of massage. Massaging is done at 7 different positions.

                    1.       Sitting

                    2.       Supine

                    3.       Right lateral

                    4.       Lying face down

                    5.       Left lateral

                    6.       Supine

                    7.       Sitting

After the procedure the person is directed to take a herbal steam bath followed by a hot shower.

Duration of the procedure: 45 – 60 minutes

Strokes in Abhyangam

·         ‘Sparshanam’                                    -              Effluerage.

·         ‘Peedanam’                                       -              Petrisage, squeezing.

·         ‘Pratilom gati mardanam’                -              Effluerage in opposite direction of the hair folices.

·         ‘Anulom gati mardanam’                  -              Effluerage in the direction of hair folices.

Benefits

•  Life style and Relaxation

Ø  Bodily rejuvenation

Ø  Elongated lifespan

Ø  Bolstering immunity

Ø  General well being

Ø  Inducing sound sleep

Ø  Cure fatigue and stress

Ø  Increases strength

Ø  Improves vision

Ø  Delays aging signs

• Mental Relaxation

Ø  Prevents Sleep disorders

• Ailments

Ø  Curing spondylosis

Ø  Relieving Paralysis

v  Beauty

Ø  Prevents wrinkles

Ø  Smoothening complexion

Ø  Softening skin texture

Ø  Delays aging

Mannalil Ayurveda Hospital brought you this very much important information. Please share this information with your friends and let them also have benefits out of this.