Medicina Tradicional e Naturopatia Clínica

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Physio-Anatomical Explanation of Abhyanga: An Ayurvedic Massage Technique for Healthy Life

Lahange Sandeep Madhukar

Ayurveda literally means ‘science of life’. According to Ayurveda the term health does not stand only for the freedom from diseases but it is called as healthy only when a person’s mind, sense organs and the soul are in a perfect state of equilibrium to endow happiness and the body is free from diseases. So it is clear that maintaining a good health was for the longevity of life, which Ayurveda is meant for. Maharshi Charaka has used the term ‘Samhanana’ to denote the compactness of body. According to him the man, measure of whose growth is proportionate and whose limbs are symmetrical, is never in consequence of firmness or strength of his senses, overwhelmed by the force which put forth.

A compact body is characterized by the symmetrical and well divided bones, well-knit joints and well bound muscles and blood. An individual having a compact body is very strong, otherwise he is weak. Thus a patient should be examined with reference to his samhanana or compactness of the body. This is the main reason for why Ayurveda has given paramount importance on maintaining a positive health, either by following strict routine daily life and doing particular things or by getting some therapeutic measures, like Rasayana, Panchakarma etc. Abhyanga is the therapeutic intervention of Panchakarma in which the body is treated with simple or medicated oil on particular body part according to need. Whenever there is a discomfort or uneasiness over the body we unknowingly try to soothe it through massage.