Abhyanga - Going beyond the skin!

By Dr. Sharon Samuel

Abhyanga in the world of commercial Ayurveda is commonly understood as medicated Ayurvedic oil application followed by rhythmic massage techniques, executed by one or more therapists. This must be the reason why the idea of healing with oil massage, every day, by the self, for the self is often faced with curiosity and surprise. Abhyanga is advised as part of Dinacharya – an everyday preset self-care routine. These practices are meant for everyone, to be implemented regularly, for well-being. It aims at balancing out the subtle dosha imbalances that happen through the day. It also works as a daily rejuvenation therapy, a rasayana that protects strength and delays aging. The practice of Abhyanga is particularly targeted at controlling vata vitiation brought about by everyday wear and tear. It is a technique meant to calm down the physical and mental exhaustion brought about by the subtle or gross movements, and stress of life itself, thereby advised to be consciously incorporated as part of a lifestyle for people in professions that involve more activity (physical or mental). Although Yoga is associated with serenity and stillness, it is the effective outcome of a series of actions involving continuous, mindful efforts to constantly align the body and mind. This could bring about Vata imbalance by its mere nature. By weaving Abhyanga into a regular self-care routine, yoga practitioners and teachers can elevate their experience in a wholesome way, one that will assuredly enhance the benefits of their yoga practice on multiple levels.Here are the top five reasons to adopt Abhyanga as a personal upkeep ritual:

1. Overcomes fatigue and aids recovery

Abhyanga improves blood supply to the muscles. This increased circulation helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. This pumps up the muscles, supports repair, helps in tissue regeneration and overall maintenance of health. The improved blood flow enables appropriate removal of metabolic waste products too, which could otherwise contribute to muscle stiffness and reduced elasticity. Aches and pains are relieved instantly when Abhyanga is practiced regularly as a preventive health intervention over a solution-based therapy.

2. Prevents injury by optimizing muscle health

Oils naturally have properties that reduce vata. Their innate nature is to reduce dryness and improve moisture. These oils, when added with herbs, have additional functions, and are absorbed through the skin, into the underlying tissues, including the muscles, improving lipid replenishment in the muscles. This improves hydration and nourishment, making them supple and elastic. It also acts as a natural lubricant, reducing friction between muscle fibres and allowing better ability to stretch without causing damage. Regular oil massage can stimulate cell remodelling and growth too, which over a period can help create optimally nourished muscle tissues with better flexibility as well as mobility, resulting in an overall strong physique.

3. Restores the balance within

Abhyanga can help strike the internal balance between doshas by getting a strong hold over Vata. The nature of the vata dosha is such that it can get triggered easily and instantly moves around, triggering the rest of the doshas, easily making it the captain of the ship. This imbalance can show itself in all body functions, with its most immediate impact on the mind owing to the shared connection between vata and the manas (mind). Abhyanga can help achieve the idea of a sound mind in a sound body, which is indispensable for the yoga practitioner whose target is a still mind in a healthy body.

4. Targets holistic well-being

Abhyanga targets the whole body through its largest sensory organ - the skin. Through controlled tactile stimulation, there is improved secretion of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which help promote a state of positive and content mindset. This calming effect can reduce physiological symptoms of stress like tensed muscles, a stiff body, elevated heart rate, disturbed digestion, insulin resistance, and increased cortisol levels. The ritual of Abhyanga can be a meditative experience for Yogis, helping to tune into present-moment awareness and a sense of grounding.

5. Prolongs lifespan and bestows quality

Abhyanga is more than a quick fix. The promise of Abhyanga is not just a long life but a healthy one too. The impact of oils on the skin and endocrine function, the massage techniques and their rejuvenating effects on multiple organ systems, the act of mindfulness and self-care helps reduce stress-related damage and actively slows degeneration. It stimulates adequate lymphatic drainage which promotes detoxification by effectively removing agents that accelerate aging. By reducing chronic inflammation and cellular rejuvenation, Abhyanga acts as an effective anti-aging tool. It also enhances the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system which encourages the body to "rest and digest". While improved skin tone, moisture, complexion, and better sleep quality are a given, there is so much more to Abhyanga that can make it irresistible for a health enthusiast. Like any self-care technique, it involves motivation and clarity of execution.

So, read on...

.Different ways of getting Abhyanga: The oil massage can be done by self or it could be therapist-assisted. Each one has its own advantages. While Abhyanga done by a therapist is much more effective in terms of its force and stroke impact, self-Abhyanga is easily achievable and sustainable. Instead of restricting Abhyanga to weekends or an occasional pampering session, complement it by practicing Abhyanga every day at home.

How and when: Warm the oil slightly by rubbing between palms or by indirect heat and apply liberally over the body with the fingertips, focusing on the three chief points, head (crown), ears, and feet. Follow with hot fomentation or a warm water bath for best results. Please note: Do not use hot/ warm water for the head. Though morning times before bath are best preferred for Abhyanga, an occasional evening massage will do good too. Avoid Abhyanga during fevers, indigestion, menstruation, or times of overwhelming lethargy. Abhyanga adopted during Panchakarma procedures have a different purpose and target and should not be confused with the nitya (daily) Abhyanga.

Oils to use: Some commonly used medicated oils are Dhanwantaram taila, Mahanarayana taila, Murivenna, Kottamchukkadi oil, and Balashwagandhadi taila. One could also use the humble coconut oil to achieve the above-said benefits.In conclusion, to optimize the benefits of Abhyanga for yoga practitioners, it is recommended to choose oils based on the Prakruti (constitution) and Vikruti (current dosha status), and to incorporate the practice before (or after - based on need) yoga sessions. Paying attention to the consistent use of this practice is more beneficial than the quality of the oil, the technique, time, or duration of the massage.

Abhyanga every day, that is the way to go!