ABHYANGAM

Abhyanga- In olden days Abhyanga was one among the daily routine. It is mainly included in the Dinacharya (daily life) because of it’s great importance on body like improving bodily growth and relieving stress etc. Abhyanga has got the worldwide popularity as Ayurvedic massage. It has importance among the Panchakarma (detoxification procedure) as a subtype of Bahya Snehana (body massage) and Poorvakarma (pre therapeutic procedure) for all the major Panchakarma therapeutic procedures. It has many qualities for what hardly there may be a few classical texts of Indian origin that have not mentioned about its practice and qualities. In both therapeutic as well as preventive purpose is has been used with great results. t has been said that Abhyangashould be done in Anuloma direction i.e., in the direction of hair growth. To give complete benefits of Abhyangathe knowledge about muscles (origin, insertion and course), joints and position of body posture is necessary. For this purpose, massaging procedures along with-it anatomical explanation should be explained. The medium in Abhyangais our skin, it is the largest surface area as compared to the other senses. Skin has the greatest capacity to receive different signals and to respond to them accordingly. Massage works on the body on both levels: Physical, Psychological. Rubbing the body produces heat and increases blood circulation, it affects the lymphatic system and supplies more nourishment to the blood. Through touch,  massage works on the nervous system and affects the circulation of growth hormones.

BEFORE MASSAGE (ABHYANGAM)
Do’s

  • Should wake early in the morning.
  • Evacuate bowel.
  • Drink warm water.
  • Abhyanga should be done in empty stomach or after digestion of previous food intake minimal duration must be 4 hours after eating.
  • Hairy person should remove hair in the extremities as it causes pain while massaging.
  • Can take normal medications (eg: thyronorm, multi vitamins, iron supplements etc…).

Don’ts

  • Should not eat heavy food or oily food or spicy food.
  • Should avoid cold water intake as it risks for cold.
  • Should not suppress natural urges before massage.

AFTER MASSAGE (ABHYANGAM)
Do’s

  • Should take hot water bath with ubtan flour to remove oil.
  • Should intake normal food.
  • Should drink warm water.
  • Should remain and take rest in normal temperature room to maintain homeostatic balance (body temperature). Warm water should be used for all purpose (drink, bath, hand wash, etc..).

Don’ts

  • Do not sleep in day time after massage.
  • Avoid heavy food or oily and spicy food, cold items like ice cream, cold coffee etc…
  • Do not drink cold water.
  • Avoid AC after abhyanga it may affect normal body temperature.
  • Should avoid long travel.
  • Do not stay up late at night.