Abhyanga, the traditional Ayurvedic oil application, is a deeply therapeutic and rejuvenating practice that has been an integral part of Ayurveda for centuries. The word “Abhyanga” is derived from two words: “Abhi” meaning movement towards, and “anga” meaning limb. Thus, Abhyanga refers to the movement of nourishing oil towards the dhātus (tissues) of the body, providing nourishment and balance.
This practice, if done regularly, not only nourishes the skin but also penetrates deeper tissues depending on the duration and method of application. In this blog, we will explore the procedure, benefits, contraindications, and the scientific understanding behind Abhyanga as per Ayurvedic wisdom.
Ayurvedic Understanding of Abhyanga
Connection Between Skin and Vata Dosha
In Ayurveda, Vata dosha is considered to reside in the skin. The skin is also the seat of the sense of touch, which is directly governed by Vata. This concept is encapsulated in the following verse from the classical Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita:
स्पर्शनेभ्याधिको वायु स्पर्शनं चत्वगाश्रितं।
त्वच्यश्च परमोभ्यङ्गः तस्मात्तं शीलयेन्नरः।।
(च.सू.५/८७)
This means that Vayu (Vata) resides in the skin and is responsible for the sense of touch. Therefore, Abhyanga is highly beneficial for the skin and should be practiced regularly.
When one applies oil to the skin, it not only nourishes the skin (the outermost dhātu) but, depending on the duration of the massage, the oil penetrates into the deeper tissues or dhātus, including the blood, muscles, fat, bones, and even the bone marrow.
The Procedure of Abhyanga
Abhyanga is not merely about rubbing oil onto the body but is a systematic process that follows specific guidelines to ensure maximum benefits. The oil used for the massage should be warmed to a comfortable temperature, and it should be applied in a manner that aligns with the body’s constitution (Prakriti), the season, and any existing imbalances (Vikruti).
Steps of the Abhyanga Procedure
- Preparation: Begin by selecting the appropriate oil for your dosha type. For Vata, use sesame oil, for Pitta, coconut oil, and for Kapha, mustard oil is preferable. Heat the oil until it is lukewarm.
- Sitting Position: Start the massage by applying oil to the head in a sitting position, paying special attention to the scalp and forehead.
- Supine Position: Move to the supine position (lying on your back) to massage the chest, abdomen, and front of the legs.
- Left Lateral Position: Turn to your left side to massage the right side of your body.
- Prone Position: Lying on your stomach, apply oil to your back, shoulders, and the back of your legs.
- Right Lateral Position: Turn to your right side to massage the left side of your body.
- Supine Position Again: Lie on your back once more to ensure even oil application across the body.
- Final Sitting Position: Finally, return to a sitting position with your legs extended forward, massaging your feet and any remaining parts of the body.
Duration of Massage and Penetration of Oil
The depth of oil penetration into the tissues depends on the duration of the massage. According to Ayurveda, the following timings and their effects on different dhātus are:
- 300 mātra (94 seconds): Oil reaches the hair roots (Ronānta).
- 400 mātra (133 seconds): Oil penetrates the skin (Tvaca).
- 500 mātra (160 seconds): Oil reaches the blood (Rakta).
- 600 mātra (190 seconds): Oil penetrates the muscles (Mānsa).
- 700 mātra (228 seconds): Oil reaches the fat tissue (Medas).
- 800 mātra (240 seconds): Oil penetrates the bones (Asthi).
- 900 mātra (285 seconds): Oil reaches the bone marrow (Majjā).
The total time for massaging each part of the body should ideally be around 5 minutes for optimal benefits.
Benefits of Abhyanga
The regular practice of Abhyanga brings numerous benefits for both the body and the mind. According to Ashtanga Hridayam, the daily practice of Abhyanga can prevent aging, reduce fatigue, alleviate Vata-related disorders, and improve both physical and mental well-being.
अभ्यङ्ममाचरेन्नित्यं स जराश्रम वातहा ।
दृष्टिप्रसादः पु्ष्ट्यायुः स्वप्नसुत्वक्त्वदाढर्यकृत् ।।
शिरः श्रवण पादेषु तं विशेषेण शीलयेत् ।
(अ.ह.सू. २/७)
This verse highlights the primary benefits of daily Abhyanga:
- Delays aging: Regular oil massage can slow down the aging process by keeping the skin nourished and maintaining body tissues.
- Reduces fatigue: It helps relieve tiredness, especially in individuals who are physically or mentally exhausted.
- Alleviates Vata disorders: As Vata is responsible for most movement in the body, including circulation and nerve impulses, Abhyanga helps in calming and balancing Vata dosha.
- Improves eyesight: Regular oiling of the head and body improves vision.
- Enhances sleep: The calming effect of Abhyanga promotes restful sleep.
- Strengthens the skin: The practice enhances skin elasticity and provides a healthy glow.
- Promotes strength: Oil massage strengthens muscles, bones, and other tissues, making the body more resilient.
Special Focus Areas
The verse also emphasizes the importance of paying special attention to certain areas during the massage:
- Head (Shirah): Regular oil massage of the head nourishes the hair and scalp, relieves tension, and improves cognitive functions.
- Ears (Shravana): Oil massage in and around the ears helps in improving hearing and balancing Vata.
- Feet (Pada): Massaging the feet promotes circulation, relieves fatigue, and enhances grounding and stability.
Contraindications for Abhyanga
While Abhyanga is beneficial for most people, there are certain conditions where it should be avoided. The following verse from Sushruta Samhita lists some important contraindications:
केवलं सामदोषेषु न कथंचन प्रयोजयेत् ।
तरूणज्चर्यजीर्णि चनाभ्यक्तौ कथंचन ॥
तथा विरिक्तो वान्तश्च निरूढो यश्च मानवः।
पूर्वयोः कृच्छता व्याधेरसाध्यत्वं अथापि वा॥
शोषाणां तदह प्रोक्ता अग्निमांद्यादयो गदा।
संतर्पण समुत्थानां रोगाणां नैव कारयेत्॥
(सु.चि.२४/२३५-२७१)
- Kapha disorders: People suffering from disorders caused by Kapha dosha should avoid Abhyanga, as the oil may aggravate the Kapha imbalance.
- Indigestion (Agnimandya): Massage should not be performed when a person is suffering from indigestion or during the initial stages of fever.
- After detoxification therapies: After undergoing purgation (Virechana), emesis (Vamana), or enema (Niruha Basti), one should avoid Abhyanga for some time to prevent aggravating the doshas.
- Overnourishment-related diseases: Diseases caused by excessive nourishment (Santarpana) are also contraindicated for Abhyanga.
Conclusion
Abhyanga is an essential Ayurvedic practice that offers deep healing for both the mind and body. When practiced regularly, it enhances skin health, strengthens tissues, improves circulation, and balances the doshas, particularly Vata. However, it is crucial to follow the proper procedure and avoid it in cases where it is contraindicated. By incorporating Abhyanga into your daily routine, you can experience profound physical and mental well-being, maintaining harmony with the Ayurvedic principles of health and balance.