Abhayanga (Ayurveda Massage)
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MASSAGE IN AYURVEDA: THE PRACTICE AND SUPPORTS (ABHYANGA) 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 energy) 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. 2 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 herbal powder and patient is allowed to take meal after hot water bath. If required, person can be given medicated steam for 15-20 min. 3 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 Dosha 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 Svedana (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 4 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.