All three principal texts of Ayurveda, the Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and the Ashtanga Hridaya, highlight the importance of abhyanga and the benefits of Ayurvedic massage

According to the Charak Samhita, abhyanga is one of 24 different methods of vicharana, or ways an oily substance may be used to produce oiliness (oleation) or snehan in the body.

Oil applied to the body assists in a variety of health conditions which may stem from dryness or lack of lubrication.

Sushruta, a great proponent of Ayurvedic surgery and a great physician as well, says that the human body is unctuous by nature and its vitality depends on this. He says the body can be cured of diseases through the application of oily materials.2 Abhyanga provides this oleation or unctuousness to the body. It is considered an indispensable part of one’s Ayurvedic daily routine and can be performed on a daily basis.

Sushruta says in the Sushruta Samhita:

“Anointing the body imparts a glossy softness to the skin, guards against the aggravation of vata and kapha, improves color and strength and gives nourishment to the tissues of the body.”

He also says that oily substances like oil and ghee when effused on the human body nourish its tissues in the same manner as water nourishes the roots of a sapling.

Vagbhatta, the author of Ashtanga Hridaya says:

“Abhyanga should be resorted to daily; it wards off old age, exertion and increase of vata; bestows good vision, nourishment to the body, long life, good sleep, and good quality skin.

Benefits of Abhyanga:

Ayurvedic massage imparts softness, strength and luster to the body. It decreases the effects of aging and makes one look youthful. It bestows good vision. It nourishes the body and the tissues of the body. It increases longevity. It supports regular sleep patterns. It benefits the skin. It strengthens the body’s tolerance to exercise and physical work. It pacifies Vata and Kapha dosha.

As mentioned earlier, Ayurveda lays special emphasis on massaging the head and the feet. Here are the benefits of head and foot massage (shiro abhyanga and pada abhyanga) as mentioned in the ancient classical texts on Ayurveda.

Abhyanga of the head is described in Charaka Sutra sthana chapter 5, verse 81 and Sushruta Chikitsa sthana chapter 24, verses 25-26. They state that Abhyanga of the head, when done regularly, benefits the hair, the sense organs and the quality of sleep. Specifically, Ayurvedic head massage helps hair grow, darkens hair, softens and thickens hair, prevents hair loss and graying. It gives a shine or glow to the face, nourishes the sense organs and induces better and deeper sleep at night. It also may help relieve headaches.

The head should be given an exclusive Ayurvedic head massage twice a week. You can do this yourself by learning these simple steps to an authentic Ayurvedic head massage. Bhringaraj oil is an excellent oil for Ayurvedic head massage as the cooling herbs and blend of oils calms both Vata and Pitta dosha in the mind.

Abhyanga is used as a preoperative procedure of Panch Karma, the five detox therapies of Ayurveda. It is also used as part of a management protocol for different disease conditions. In these studies, pure sesame oil or herbal oils were used for the Abhyanga. Abhyanga benefits are clearly demonstrated.

1. Reduction in Stress, Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

2. Improvement In Head Holding In Children With Cerebral Palsy

3. Reduction Of Burning Sensations In Diabetic Neuropathy Patients

4. Reduction In Heal Cracking, Roughness And Dryness

5. Weight Gain In Low Birth Weight Babies

6. Reduction In Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate and Respiratory Rate

7. Reduction In Knee Pain In Osteoarthritis Patients

8. Improvement In Hemiplegia

9. Improvement In Muscular Dystrophy

10. Lower Levels Of Anxiety And Depressed Mood In Depressed Pregnant Women

11. Migraine Frequency Reduced

12. Reduction In Menopausal Sleep Disturbances

13. Reduction Of Inflammation In Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

14. Relief Of Chronic Back Pain