Is Abhyangam needed for us???
Abhyangam means general body massage and it is a daily regimen.
Abhyangam includes both oil application and bath.
An olden day, our grandparents used to practice Abhyangam regularly. They had delayed ageing and long life too. We can also be blessed with delayed ageing and long life, if we add this in our regimen. Like adding salt and pepper to our food...
Method of Abhyangam:
Abhyangam is anointing the head and body with medicated oil, mild massaging and then taking bath with warm water. This helps to build adipose tissue by storing lipids and cushioning and insulating the organs.
Uses:
Abhyangam is beneficial not only for healthy person but also for the person suffering with aggravation of vata (disorders of nervous system, joints, etc.)
It wards off old-age, exertion and aggravation of vata.
Bestows good vision.
Gives nourishment to the body.
It gifts long-life, good sleep.
As a cosmetic result it helps in gaining good, strong and glowing healthy skin.
Restrictions:
The person who has undergone purification procedures like emesis, purgations, etc. would be so tired and weak. So Abhyangam is contra-indicated.
As Abhyangam increases Kapha which kills the digestive power. So it can be avoidied during indigestion.
The person who already suffer with aggravation of Kapha should not again increase Kapha by Abhyangam because it produces jwaram (fever).
