Daily Massage: Science-Backed Health Benefits

Ayurveda says heal with Abhyanga! Health Benefits of daily massage are abound.

Abhyanga is the process of massaging the body with Ayurvedic oils.

Ayurveda recommends to practice daily massage. Because daily abhyanga boosts immunity. It alleviates fatigue. Eliminates stress. Further, delays the process of ageing. 

Stress, diseases, and mental illness have plagued lives. Low immunity is also the root cause of the frightful epidemic – Coronavirus.

Coronavirus is claiming lives all across the world. And the death tolls are soaring everyday.

Coronavirus have shut malls. Locked halls.

People are panicking. And the disease spreading.

People with low immunity are at high alert. And aged elders, diseased people, pregnant woman are at red alert.

As such, Abhyanga is a very crucial practice in today’s time.

It is well known that stress is the main culprit for many of the chronic and fatal diseases. From obesity to cancer, stress is the root reason!

And the best way to beat stress is through Abhyanga.

Abhyanga relaxes the mind and body. It calms the nerves. Refills the energy. Promotes blood circulation. Soothes the pain. Promotes good digestion and sleep.

Because of its relaxing attributes, daily massage brings abundant benefits.

It is not only for the busy corporate red hats but for all, young and old! 

Also Read: Ayurvedic Massage for your newborn is more than healthy skin

Abhyanga – the Ayurvedic definition

Abhyanga is a very crucial concept in Ayurveda that aids in healing. It stimulates relaxation. Aids in treating various diseases.

Abhyanga refers to the practice of massaging the entire body. It needs a suitable oil applied in a disciplined way.

When practiced daily, it helps in boosting energy and maintaining good health.

Abhyanga is a must in post-natal care and for newborn babies.

Modern Research on Ancient Abhyanga

A study on the effects of Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage on subjective stress experience concluded that it is promising in reducing subjective stress experience. It further quoted that Abhyanga may be beneficial in regulating heart rate and BP.

Abhyanga or body massage helps in improving blood circulation. It opens up the Sortas (channels). Removes ama. Melts kleshma (fat secretions blocking the srotas). Helps in deep cleansing and moisturizing the skin.

Health Benefits of daily massage

Abhyanga is a simple practice that endows oodles of benefits when practised daily.

Here are some benefits of the many benefits of practising Abhyanga as a dinacharya

1. Pouring 2-3 drops of oil into the nose improves vision. It nourishes nasal mucosa. Enhances hearing. Prevents greying of hair.
2. Health Benefits of daily massage also includes reducing the risk of nervous disorder.
3. Gargling a spoonful of oil prevents dental cavities. It prevents bad breath and boosts oral hygiene.
4. Massaging oil in the head prevents headache. It is a preventive against baldness, premature greying of hair and hair fall.
5. Daily massage promotes calmness, sleep, strengthens hair roots and nourishes sense organs. 
6. Foot massage or Padabhyanga prevents cracks. It prevents dryness of feet, improves vision, enhances digestion. Abhyanga ensures good health.
7. Oil bath ensures strong bones, good flexibility, lustrous skin and ever glowing youthfulness.

Choosing the right Oil for Abhyanga

Ayurveda is not partial to one oil. Choose the oil based on the season, body constitution and preference.

Any oil rich in fats like sesame, mustard, Coconut, ghee or castor oil can serve the purpose.

You can also use – Ksheerabala taila. Abhyanjana taila. Ashwagandha bala lakshadi taila. Dhanwatara taila.

You can also blend two or more oil together. One may also use scented essential oils or herbs infused in the oil.

Warm the oil in cold seasons and in the summertime and then apply it directly.

The right way to practice Abhyanga

According to Ayurveda, Abhyanga is best practised from head to toe. 

• Massage the oil in the scalp with fingertips. It improves circulation of blood along with the roots. Regular oiling prevents hair fall.
• Massage the oil in upward to downward strokes.
• The massage at the joints should be circular.
• The friction during the massage should be strong enough. It facilitates the absorption of the oil.
• Massage your legs from the upper leg towards the toes. 
• Pour some lukewarm oil in the ears, 2-3 drops. And poured it out after a few minutes.

Heal with Abhyanga

Ayurveda urges to practice Abhyanga every day. But it is not feasible to soak the entire body in oil every day.

But, you can practice Padabhyanga (feet massage) daily. Head massage alternate days. Full body massage as and when possible.

Do not use too much or too little oil. 6 – 8 teaspoon oil is enough for an average built person.

When to skip Abhyanga?

• Just after eating or in case of severe indigestion or constipation.
• If the mucus is present in the respiratory tract.
• During the mensuration cycle.

For best benefits, practice Abhyanga daily on an empty stomach. The change in body, mind and skin will be evident in a few weeks. Abhyanga is the simplest shield against many modern ails. So add this amazing healer to your schedule today!