Chapter 45

DINACHARYA 2

  • Tambula Sevana (Betel Leaf Chewing)

Description: Chewing betel leaves.

Benefits:

  • Aids digestion.
  • Freshens breath.
  • Stimulates saliva production.

Contraindications: Bleeding disorders, wounds, dryness, redness of eyes, poisoning, intoxication, tuberculosis should avoid this.

  • Abhyanga (Oil Massage)

Description: Application of oil in the body. Especially head, ears and feet should be concentrated.

Benefits:

  • Mitigates vata dosha, meaning mitigates dryness, and provides strength and lubrication to joints.
  • Delays ageing process.
  • Enhances vision and increases the nourishment of the body.
  • Induces and promotes good sleep.
  • Promotes skin complexion and takes care of skin health.
  • Promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
  • Improves circulation and skin health.
  • Enhances joint mobility and reduces muscle stiffness.

Contra-indications : In aggrevated kapha conditions, soon after cleansing therapies, indigestion, after the intake of food.

Abhyanga (Oil Massage)

  • The term “Abhyangam” originates from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit, Let’s break down the word for a clearer understanding.
  • “Abhi” means “towards” or “in the direction of”. It often connotes a sense of progression, movement, or approach.
  • “Anga” translates to “body” or “part of the body”. It refers to any physical part, signifying the focus on the physical body in the context of massage and therapy.
  • Therefore “Abhyangam” can be interpreted as “the act of applying oil to the limbs”or “massage applied towards the body.”
  • Ayurveda emphasize the application of oil especially to head, ears and feet everyday.
  • Positions During Abhyangam
  1. Supine Position (Uttana Sthiti): In the supine position, the individual lies flat on their back. The therapist begins by applying oil to the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and legs. This position allows for a thorough massage of the front body, improving circulation and easing tension in the abdominal and chest areas. It also provides access to vital points (called Marmas in Sanskrit) for therapeutic work.
  1. Prone Position (Adho Mukha Sthiti): In the prone position, the individual lies face down, allowing the therapist to work on the back. This position is ideal for massaging the spine, back muscles, and legs. It is particularly beneficial for relieving stress in the shoulders, back, and lower extremities, while enhancing lymphatic drainage and detoxification.
  1. Left Lateral Position (Vama Parsva Sthiti): Here, the individual lies on their left side, allowing focused attention on the right side of the body. The therapist applies oil to the right arm, leg, and side of the torso. This position is important for balancing circulation and releasing tension in the lateral muscles, while also working on the deeper tissues that are harder to reach in other positions.
  1. Right Lateral Position (Dakshina Parsva Sthiti): In the right lateral position, the individual lies on their right side, enabling the therapist to concentrate on the left arm, leg, and side of the torso. Similar to the left lateral position, this allows the therapist to address specific areas with greater precision and promote balance between the left and right sides of the body.
  1. Sitting Position (Sukhasana or Upright Sitting): In this position, the individual sits upright, either cross-legged or with legs extended. The therapist works on the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back. This position is especially effective for relieving tension in the neck and shoulders, as well as stimulating the scalp, which enhances relaxation and mental clarity.
  2. Different techniques for oil application

1. Along the Direction of Hair (Anuloma)

When applying oil in the direction of hair growth, the strokes are gentle and follow the natural flow of the hair. This technique is particularly beneficial for:

  • Scalp Massage: When applied to the scalp, this technique helps in promoting blood circulation, nourishing the hair follicles, and enhancing hair health.
  • Overall Relaxation: This method has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and tranquility.
  • Stimulating Energy Flow: The smooth, flowing strokes can help harmonize energy in the body and encourage a sense of grounding.

2. Opposite to the Direction of Hair (Pratiloma)

Applying oil against the direction of hair growth involves using firmer, upward strokes. This technique is effective for:

  • Exfoliation and Stimulation: This method helps in exfoliating dead skin cells and stimulating the skin, promoting better absorption of the oil.
  • Increasing Blood Circulation: It encourages increased circulation in the scalp, which can lead to improved hair growth and health.
  • Energizing Effect: This application technique can invigorate the body and enhance alertness, as the stimulating action can awaken the senses.

3. Circular Motion for Joints

Technique:

  • The therapist uses gentle, circular strokes around the joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles.
  • The circles can be small and focused or larger and encompassing, depending on the size and sensitivity of the joint being treated.
  • It’s essential to apply moderate pressure that feels comfortable and soothing to the individual.

4. Horizontal Motion

  • Technique: The oil is applied in horizontal strokes along the length of the spine.
  • Benefits: This method targets the entire back, helping to soothe the muscles and provide relief from stiffness. It promotes alignment and balance within the spine, fostering a sense of stability and support throughout the body.
  • Different types of oils used for Abhyangam

Coconut Oil (Summers):

  • Characteristics: Coconut oil is cooling in nature and possesses light, unctuous qualities.
  • Usage: It is particularly beneficial during the summer months when temperatures are high. Its cooling properties help to balance excess Pitta dosha, alleviating heat and inflammation in the body.

Sesame Oil (Winters and Temperate Climates):

  • Characteristics: Sesame oil is warming and deeply nourishing, making it suitable for colder weather.
  • Usage: In winter or temperate climates, sesame oil is preferred as it helps to balance Vata and Pitta dosha, which can increase during these seasons due to dryness and cold.

Castor Oil (All Seasons, Particularly for Detoxification):

  • Characteristics: Castor oil is thick and has a warming quality, known for its strong purgative and detoxifying properties.
  • Usage: While castor oil can be used year-round, it is particularly beneficial during detoxification periods, such as Panchakarma, or in colder months when the body may require extra warmth.

Mustard Oil (Extreme Winters):

  • Characteristics: Mustard oil has a pungent flavor and warming qualities, making it ideal for very cold weather.
  • Usage: In extreme winter conditions, mustard oil is used for its heat-producing properties. It helps to stimulate blood circulation and provides warmth to the body.

Olive Oil:

  • Characteristics: Olive oil is moderate in its qualities, offering both warming and cooling effects depending on how it is used.
  • Usage: It can be used throughout the year, especially in temperate climates. It is beneficial for skin nourishment and can help balance all three doshas.

Almond Oil:

  • Characteristics: Almond oil is nourishing and slightly warming, making it versatile for various climates.
  • Usage: It can be used year-round but is particularly beneficial in winter to combat dryness. Its soothing nature helps balance Vata dosha.
  • Benefits of Abhyanga
  • Mitigates Vata dosha, meaning mitigates dryness, and provides strength and lubrication to joints.
  • Delays ageing process.
  • Enhances vision and increases the nourishment of the body.
  • Induces and promotes good sleep.
  • Promotes skin complexion and takes care of skin health.
  • Promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
  • Improves circulation and skin health.
  • Enhances joint mobility and reduces muscle stiffness.
  • Contra-indications : In aggrevated Kapha conditions, soon after cleansing therapies, indigestion, after the intake of food.
  • Summarization
  • Abhyangam is an Ayurvedic oil massage that promotes health by balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and enhancing circulation.
  • Technique: Involves applying warm, medicated oils using various strokes while the individual lies in different positions (prone, supine, lateral, or sitting).
  • Oils are chosen based on the season and the therapeutic purpose aimed for.
  • Benefits: Nourishes the body, delays ageing, relieves stress, and promotes overall well-being.