MASSAGE IN : THE PRACTICE AND SUPPORTS ()

Dr. Anurag Dikshit, M.D. (Ayu); Keraleeya Panchakarma, Yoga & Marma Chikitsa Specialist, Ayurvedicremedies, Lucknow, India. Injeet Singh, Indian body massagist, Santiago, Chile. Dr. Miguel Córdova. PhD (U. de Chile), Santiago, Chile. Programa Ayurveda-Today. http://www.ayurveda-today.com Version: 30.Oct.2010

INTRODUCTION

Ayurveda Medicine is a science whose main strength lies in identifying health imbalaces of people, before they manifest as disease symptoms as defined by the Western concept. This means that the emergence of a disease can be detected as an imbalance in a Western healthy individual, then it is possible to "cure" him by Ayurvedic methods, avoiding the consumption of allopathic drugs would be needed because overflow on the alternative channels causing onset of symptoms. Hence, Ayurveda is a medicine which, seen from a Western perspective, is preventive and his methods and therapies could be considered part of a Health Promotion Programme.

In this perspective, Ayurveda-Today Programme has been laying the groundwork for approaching the definition of a Program of Ayurveda Health Promotion, through studies published in Ayurveda Tutor, starting with the definition of values pillars on which rests Ayurveda, which are Humility, Integrity and Non-violence. With these values highlights the importance of addressing the science of health as an integral practice, starting by Panchakarma, whose main objective is the detoxification of the physical or gross body, and which massage plays a major role.

The future of humanity and Mother Earth, depends heavily on a paradigm shift on the goal of life and the role of women, to facilitate the seizure of power in all areas necessary to confront

1 the radical solutions are needed today, leading the changes to ensure the permanence of species. Ayurveda states a pathway to consider her as a subject of attention, in order to strengthen her role and contribute to social and spiritual change needs for humanity. See The Role of Women, according to Ayurveda.

On this analysis, we must now define how to propose the addition of Ayurveda in Chilean society, from which it follows priority attention to women, starting with the development of Ayurveda massage or Abhyanga services.

ABHYANGA

Abhyanga is an ancient Indian art used for: healing, relaxation and for treatment of various diseases. It is highly praised and one of the day today activities of life, as you brush your teeths, so you do Abhyanga yourself daily. Saint Charak in his treaties Charak samhita has described that this procedure is beneficial in skin tone and beauty, more over the disease due to deranged Vata are controlled, and person develops strength for physical and mental stress.

According to Vagbhatta, a writer of a famous treatise on Ayurveda, 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 Sushrut Samhita (another valuable and famous scripture on Ayurveda), oil, butter or any other lubricant best suited for the body (As per Body Constitution) should be used. The atmosphere and the season are also important factors for consideration. For persons suffering from a disorder caused by the Vata, massage is one of the best doctors.

In Sushrut Samhita Marma and its principles has been described in details. According to this, our body is having 108 Marma Points. In these Points Prana (Life ) resides. An injury on this part or to its adjacent part produce death or immobility of part or whole body but that depends on intensity of injury. While doing therapeutic Ayurveda massage, the massager should try to rejuvenate these points producing positive energy and preventing unnecessary pressure causing injury. It provides definite curative impact if done properly.

Now it is scientifically proved that massage increases the production of white blood corpuscles and antibodies, which provide more resistance against viruses and diseases. This helps the defense mechanism in the body and increases immunity towards environmental changes. In this way massage is a protector, preserver and a rejuvenator, increasing self-confidence and will power.

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Abhyanga is defined as rubbing of the oil on certain part or on the whole body in the direction of hair. Daily performing of Abhyanga of the whole body makes the skin strong, prevents Vata disorders, makes the body firm and enables the skin to withstand the stress and physical exercise. The skin becomes soft, charming, and well nourished, the muscles become strong and overall personality becomes attractive. It is both Vata and Kapha Hara and relieves fatigue, promotes the eyesight, longevity, sleep and nourishes the body.

Method of Abhyanga

Abhyanga can be done even on the floor covered with a carpet but a table may be preferred for this purpose. A wooden table measuring six and half feet in length, two and half feet in breadth and about three feet in height may be used.

Abhyanga is done in a ventilated room but direct air entry should not be there. It is advisable to perform massage in the morning (after responding to the natural urges) on empty stomach.

The patient is asked to lie down or sit on the table. Luke warm oil is taken in a bowl and its small quantity is put on the palm of the left hand of the masseur and is applied with right hand on the parts of the person to be massaged using long strokes.

Thereafter massage should be done in the direction of hair with the palms by keeping fingers firmly on the part. The friction strokes should be applied with adequate pressure and repeated continuously. The oil is applied again as soon as the earlier oil is absorbed in the skin. The strokes of Abhyanga should start from proximal part and off at the distal part covering lateral, medial, ventral and dorsal sides of the body alternatively. At the joints the movement should be circular. The painful part must be handled very gently and if tender they should be avoided during Abhyanga, here lies the role of Marma Massage. On the other hand paralyzed muscle should be stimulated during the process to provide maximum benefit to the patient.

Post Massage Procedures

After completion of Abhyanga patient should remain in waiting room having no access to direct air for about 15 minutes. Thereafter the oil should be sponged with a thick cloth or towel or with dry powder and patient is allowed to take meal after hot water bath. If required, person can be given medicated steam for 15-20 min.

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Contra Indications of Abhyanga

Abhyanga is contraindicated in Kapha dominating disorders, indigestion, Ama (Toxic) condition, acute fever, disorders due to over nutrition and just after performing Shodhana (Bio- Purification).

If Abhyanga is done in Ama or in acute fever (Nava Jvara) then the disease becomes incurable. After performing Niruha (Decoction Enema) or Shodhana, the Abhyanga should not be done on the same day and if done, it may lead to impairment of digestion and allied disorders.

Indication of Abhyanga

Before taking (Fomentation) it is necessary to perform Abhyanga. Similarly just before performing any Panchakarma procedure massage along with Svedana has to be performed. Abhyanga is indicated daily in healthy persons and in all the conditions except where it is contraindicated.

Various Forms of Abhyanga

Mardana: In this process first oil is applied on the required parts and then both the hands are kept adjacent to each other. The part is pressed with the palm while keeping firm grip with the fingers. With each stroke the proximal hand is moved upward while other hand occupying its place. This process is done while the person is lying down in the supine and prone positions alternatively.

Unmardan (Plucking Massage): In this process the affected muscles are gently pulled upwards or stimulated by hand after application of oil.

Padaghata (Massage with Feet): In this process the masseur presses the parts of the patient by using his feet after applying the oil on the body of the patient.

Samvahana (Feathering Massage): After the application of oil, the hands are gently and repeatedly moved on the body of a person as done on the furs of the pet animal.

Udvartana (Powder Massage): It differs from Abhyanga that in this process the powder of the drugs is used and the strokes are applied with more pressure and friction in the opposite direction of the hairs. The process is done continuously for about 15-30 minutes depending on the condition of the patient. It provides relief in Vata and Kapha disorders, causes liquefaction of Kapha and Meda (fat), and promotes the metabolism and complexion of the skin.

Abhyanga done in one or two affected parts is termed as Ekanga (local) and done all over the body is Known as Sarvanga (Whole body). For whole body (Sarvanga) Abhyanga it should be done in the following sequence of seven positions: 1. Sitting position with fully extended lower limbs 2. Lying down on the back with fully extended limbs. 3. Lying down on the left lateral position with right arm fully extended and kept on the right side

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4. Lying down on the abdomen with fully extended limbs 5. Lying down on the right lateral position with left arm fully extended and kept on left side. 6. Lying down on the back with fully extended limbs 7. Sitting position with fully extended lower limbs.

Strokes of Massage 1. Friction 2. Kneading 3. Rounding 4. Twisting 5. Stroking 6. Cupping 7. Pounding 8. Joint movement

Effect of Abhyanga (massage): 1. Jarahar (anti-aging) 2. Shram Har (fatigue reliever) 3. Vata Har (pacifies Vata) 4. Drishti Prasad Kar (Improve sight) 5. Pushti Kar (makes one strong) 6. Ayu Kar (provides longevity) 7. Swapna Kar (induces sleep) 8. Twak Dridh Kar (strengthens the skin) 9. Klesh Sahatwa (provides resistance against disease and disharmony) 10. Abhighat Sahatwa (resistance to injuries & power to recover quickly)

Massage for Balance Dosha, Increase Circulation and Nutrition, Remove Toxins, Panchkarma

Massaging helps balance the body & mind in many ways. It increases circulation to bring more nutrition to the cells and helps to remove metabolic wastes and toxins built up in the system. Using oils specific to , one can bring each of the deranged doshas into alignment, especially the Vata dosha which is balanced by oil in general and the healing aspects of all the essential oils that we use in all our massage oil adds another dimension to the effectiveness of these ayurvedic .

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF AYURVEDIC MASSAGE

Abhyanga is based on the principles of Five basic elements (Panchamahabhutas), Biological humors (Tri Doshas or Vata – Pitta - Kapha), Concept of (Digestive Fire) and Pitta, Marma therapy, Status of toxins (Ama) in the body.

Use of Abhyanga for Treatment Purpose General weakness. Disorders of joints. Diseases of muscles. Disorders of nervous system.

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Gynecological problems. Disorders of Cardio-vascular system. Metabolic disorders. Psychological problems. Musculo-skeletal problems of sportsmen etc.

Substances Used for Ayurveda Massage Simple oils. Medicated oils. Aromatic oils. Powder of food substances. Powder of various herbs.

Conditions to Be Considered Before Performing the Massage Constitution Age Season Atmosphere particular disease (if any)

Time of Massage Preferably in the early morning In the evening (2-4 hrs after lunch)

Selection of Oil

A. VATA CONSTITUTION PERSON Time : Early morning or evening ( before a warm bath). Oil (warm): Sesame oil , Dashmoola oil, Ginger oil, Basil oil, Camphor oil, Eucalyptus oil B. PITTA CONSTITUTION PERSON Use cool oil: Coconut oil, Sandal wood oil, Sunflower oil. Essential oils: Lemon grass, Lavender, Jasmine, sandalwood etc. C. KAPHA CONSTITUTION PERSON Prefer dry, vigorous and deep massage. Best media: Powder of dry & high potency herbs + little mustard or sesame oil. Powder of Vacha (Acorus calamus), Dashamoola (10 roots) etc. Essential oils: Basil , Ginger,Clove, Eucalyptus. D. FOR PERSONS OF MIXED DOSHA CONSTITUTION VATA - PITTA: Use less oil than pure Vata. PITTA - KAPHA : Sunflower oil. VATA- KAPHA : Dry powder of various herbs like Vacha + small amount of mustard oil.

SUPPORTS FOR ABHYANGA MASSAGE SERVICE

We all are human and most probably the best creativity of god. In ancient time mostly people were having good health and peace of mind but, with the development of science, in many things our life style has changed a lot. Now we all are living in a world of luxury with all the

6 facilities around us, on our finger tips. But on the other side, this change in life style is creating many unseen problems and many of us are suffering this way, physically and psicologically.

With this life style and in a world of computers and luxury cars our needs are also increasingly day by day and, to maintain this status and style, mostly of us are working like machines. We do not have little time to give rest to our body and mind, so in some ways unintentionally, we are losing something that is the most important and it is our health. It’s curious that we all keep records of servicing of our things like computers and cars, bikes and home but we never care that our body also need services time to time.

In spite of body service time to time we prefer to spend time and money on medicines in time of any problem but when we take some allopathy medicines we never care that it may put bad effect on other parts of body , we simply ignore side effects and always prefer to get rid of physical pain or problem just by taking medicines, so here i would like to put your attention on some ancient techniques of India in body massage with acu pressure and physiotherapy, such techniques are more then 5000 years old and we are grateful to our rishis and masters of that time and all other people too who were preserving all this from that time.

Over time, the body requires services but with any problem, people usually prefer to spend time and money in allopathic drugs without paying attention to the harmful side effects that may occur in other parts of the body, simply ignore the effects side and always prefer to end the physical pain or problem, taking drugs and adopting a passive role compared with established disease.

Illnesses in Chile, especially by work in front of computers are body aches, especially back, neck and shoulders, some people feel neck pain, others have problems in the legs and feet. Many people have problems of stress and overwork, but everyone is still running, without thinking about the result and without doing any service to the body and mind.

Against this background, the Ayurveda-Today Program pays attention to the wisdom of ancient India and body massage techniques, thanking his rishis, teachers of that time and also all others who have taken pains to preserve this wisdom to modern times.

Therefore, attention Program is focused to reintroduce vedic and originary spirituality and wisdom, essentially communitarian, in Chilean society, with emphasis on urban and rural communities, linked to nature through the practice of organic farming of vegetables, flowers and medicinal plants in orchards with artistic and spiritual celebrations and seasonal rhythms. Item was included in the conclusions of the International Workshop on Local and Current Methods of Plant Protection in Crop Basket Andean Family, held from October 20 to 21, 2010, in Santiago, organized by FAO.

The orientation towards organically farming of the Herbs in gardens in the long run will help to provide the necessary medicinal plants required for Ayurvedic massages and treatments. Objectives that deserve proper planning, to decide how to form a pilot garden with Ayurvedic medicinal plants in small spaces available for organic farming. Item is in Research and Development in Huertas Orgánicas Municipales de la Corporación Aldea del Encuentro belongs to the Municipality of La Reina, Santiago, Chile, where thanks to a social program funded by the municipality, the residents of the community can access land of approximately 16 square meters

7 for organic farming contributing to food self-sustainability. The importance of these herbs are grown organically is that it ensures that none exist in toxic waste product of pesticide residues and / or chemically produced pesticides or fertilizers. See Huertas Orgánicas Municipales.

Abhyanga Massage Service, which is being designed, including a massage Sarvanga and Marma massage, pressure on certain points of our body, especially the feet and hands, related to internal body parts. With duration of 1 to 2 hours body massage, the service includes a frequency every 15 days to achieve a feeling of freshness and freedom from physical and emotional problems.

Naturally, the above requires the formation of community therapists with transcendent values that provide the purity and spirituality necessary for the service, plus a knowledgeable Ayurvedic medical support to enable it to determine the Technical Specifications of Ayurvedic Massage, which is required for each patient. Outreach support offered by the National Women's Service (SERNAM) in the Metropolitan Region (MR), will be crucial in defining the Community Care Centres where this service can be inserted as a pilot, both MR and other Regions of Chile.

Acknowledgments: The authors thank Julia Franco, Coordinator of the Programa Huertas Orgánicas Municipales de La Reina. Refers to the authors: [email protected]

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