Abhyanga- An Ayurvedic Stress buster

Abhyanga or Oil massage is an age-old technique followed by kings, warriors, fighters or those who follow strenuous works to relieve them of their daily stress-both physical and mental. Modern life is not much different from a small warzone where the stress is more to the psychological side. Ayurveda recommends Abhyanga as a must-to-do daily regimen to maintain health. It is also seen advised in various neurological, muscular and skeletal disorders as preparatory and sometimes as the main treatment method.

Who can do it?

Right from the time of birth anyone who is healthy and fit can be applied with Oil Massage. The unfit group includes those who have some infections-skin, respiratory or systemic, who have undergone purification therapies like Vamana, virechana etc and whose food has not been properly digested.

How to do it?

A person can do Oil massage daily by himself or herself or by seeking help from a trained masseur. Starting right from the vertex of the head, both ears, face, palms and soles whole body has to be applied with suitable Lukewarm medicated oil and massaged in the direction of hair over the body and in round direction over joints. It has to be continued preferably up to 25-30 minutes, after which the Oil is washed off during hot water bath using medicated soap.

How to select Oil?

Ayurveda has given a cocktail of medicated Oils and Ghee to choose from. A selection has to be done on the basis of need and medical condition. In my experience, Mahanarayana Taila, Chandanaadi taila, Karpooradi Taila, Eladi Taila, Lakshadi taila etc are found to be good in their aroma which can be used for daily use whereas Pinda Taila, Dhanwantharam Kuzhambu, Murivenna, Kottamchukkadi Taila etc are mostly known for their therapeutic efficacy.

Abhyanga or Oil massage is an age-old technique followed by kings, warriors, fighters or those who follow strenuous works to relieve them of their daily stress-both physical and mental. Modern life is not much different from a small warzone where the stress is more to the psychological side. Ayurveda recommends Abhyanga as a must-to-do daily regimen to maintain health. It is also seen advised in various neurological, muscular and skeletal disorders as preparatory and sometimes as the main treatment method.

Who can do it?

Right from the time of birth anyone who is healthy and fit can be applied with Oil Massage. The unfit group includes those who have some infections-skin, respiratory or systemic, who have undergone purification therapies like Vamana, virechana etc and whose food has not been properly digested.

How to do it?

A person can do Oil massage daily by himself or herself or by seeking help from a trained masseur. Starting right from the vertex of the head, both ears, face, palms and soles whole body has to be applied with suitable Lukewarm medicated oil and massaged in the direction of hair over the body and in round direction over joints. It has to be continued preferably up to 25-30 minutes, after which the Oil is washed off in hot water bath using medicated soap.

How to select Oil?

Ayurveda has given a cocktail of medicated Oils and Ghee to choose from. The selection has to be done on the basis of need and medical condition. In my experience, Mahanarayana Taila, Chandanaadi taila, Karpooradi Taila , Eladi Taila, Lakshadi taila etc are found to be good in their aroma which can be used for daily use whereas Pinda Taila, Dhanwantharam Kuzhambu, Murivenna, Kottamchukkadi Taila etc are mostly known for their therapeutic efficacy.

Dr. JEEJO CHANDRAN.O M.D(Ay)

Panchakarma Specialist

Muniyal Ayurveda Hospital and Research Institute.

16 yrs of experience in the field of therapeutic massage and conducting specialized treatments in the field of Panchakarma for neurological and joint disorders.