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COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY ON THE MURCHITA TAILA IN FIXED AND INCREASING DOSE WITH SPECIAL REFERANCE TO SAMYAK SNIGDHA LAKSHANA View project
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ABSTRACT
Ayurveda is a ‘science of life’ which provides not only curative but also preventive principles for
healthy and long life. Ayurveda is a life style, a science and an art of appropriate living that ensures
health and longevity of human being. Abhyanga (oil massage) which is one among the Dinacharya, is
also a part of pre therapeutic procedures of Panchakarma. Abhyanga is to be considered in Snehana
therapy. As it nourishes the senses of mind and gives the strength. but if done in any region like
localised in head, neck, legs etc then it is termed as Shiroabhyanga, Padabhyanga etc. Full body
massage gives strength to whole body but localised massage gives strength to that particular part of
the body. Localised massage can be practised by oneself. Thus it is easy to practise. But for Abhyanga
one need to be dependent on massage trainer. The instructions to be followed under localised
massage also. It gives its benefits; when it is done in right manner only.
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2017 | Vol. 2 | Issue 3 245
Sinha Kaushal et.al. Abhyanga : Different contemporary massage technique and its importance in Ayurveda
A. Massage classification on the basis of character strokes. Stimulates deep tissue performed with the
of technique palm of hand, Stimulates sensory nerve, performed
with the fingertip. According to the amount and
1. Stroking manipulation
direction of applied pressure, it is divided into two.
a. Superficial stroking
a. Superficial stroking
b. Deep stroking or Effleurage
Which is rhythmical linear movement of hand over
2. Pressure manipulation the skin without any pressure? Contours the body aur
a. Kneading relates to direction muscle.
intermittent pressure is applied to the tissue in the of an intermittent touch and pressure to the body
direction that is perpendicular to the long axis of during these manipulations.
bone. Different techniques of this group are;
The different parts of hand are used to strike the
Picking up: Tissues are lifted away from subject’s skin and accordingly the techniques are
underlying structures, squeezed and then named;
released using one or both the hands
a. Clapping - Cupped palm
Wringing: Using both the hands, tissues are lifted
b. Hacking - Ulnar border of the 5th, 4th and 3th
away from the underlying structures, squeezed,
digits.
twisted and then released.
c. Beating - Anterior aspect of the clenched fist
Skin rolling: The skin and fascia are lifted up with
both the hands and moved over the subcutaneous d. Tapping - Pulp of the fingers
tissues by keeping a roll of lifted tissue e. Pounding - Medial aspect of the clenched fist
continuously ahead of the moving thumb.
B. On the basis of depth of tissue approached
c. Friction
Depending upon the depth of tissue approached
In this group of technique the tissues are subjected to
during manipulations, massage techniques can be
small range of to and fro movement performed with
classified as:
constant deep pressure of the finger or thumb.
Different techniques of this group are; Light massage techniques: The forced applied
during the massage are light, so thatthe effect of
Circular friction: Direction of movement is
massage techniques to the superficial tissue only.
circular.
e.g. stoking, tapping etc.
Transverse friction: To and fro movement is
performed across the length of structure. It is also Deep massage techniques: The forced applied
called cross- fiber massage. during the massage are moderate to deep so that
the effect of massage reaches to the deeper
3. Vibratory Manipulation tissues like muscle. e.g. friction, kneading.
Vibrations are a massage technique in which tissues of
C. On the basis of region massage
the body are pressed and released in an "up and
down" movement. The vibration technique is mainly Massage can also be classified as below, according to
directed towards the lungs and hollow structure. This the region to which it is given.
often takes the form of a fine trembling movement
General massage: Massage applied to the entire
applied using the palmar surfaces or just some of the
body is usually termed as general massage.
finger tips of either or both hands. It is of two
However, massage administered to a large body
subtypes;
segment like the back, lower limb, etc. can also be
a. Vibration included in this category.
b. Shaking Local massage: When massage is administered in
4. Percussion/Tapotement Manipulation a particular area of the body segment it is termed
as local massage. This is used in the treatment of
In this group of technique a succession of soft gentle
the local pathological conditions. For example,
blows are applied over the body, which produce a
massage of wrist in tenosynovitis, friction to
characteristic sound. The striking hands are not in
lateral ligament of ankle following sprain, etc.can
constant contact with the skin and strike the body
be considered as local massage.
part at regular interval. This results in the application
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2017 | Vol. 2 | Issue 3 248
Sinha Kaushal et.al. Abhyanga : Different contemporary massage technique and its importance in Ayurveda
It acts by its Vatahara, Kaphakara and Vrishya Gunas. In this way Abhyanga acts through the above
This Guna is responsible for the action like Snehana, properties of Sneha. Because all the properties are
Kledana and Vishyandana at cellular level of the body. opposite to the Vata, Abhyanga is considered useful
treatment in the diseases occurred by aggravated
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2017 | Vol. 2 | Issue 3 249
Sinha Kaushal et.al. Abhyanga : Different contemporary massage technique and its importance in Ayurveda
Vata. The different views pertaining to Abhyanga With the concentrated form of the drug; the
have been explained while dealing with the review of absorption rate increases. Percutaneous absorption is
literature of texts. observed in the inflammatory condition due to the
presence of substances like serotonin.[7]
Mode of action of Abhyanga in modern view
Health benefits of massage
The internal fluids of the skin are subjected to
movement in the massage because of osmotic The following are the key effects of massage; Reduces
pressure. Here massage is causing mechanical muscle tension, massage affects the muscles in the
hydrostatic pressure in the extra cellular body. It affects the muscles and other soft tissues
compartment. A forceful expulsion from inthebody. Massage loosens contracted shortened,
peripheral vessels causes splanchenic pooling of the hardened muscles. It may stimulate flaccid muscles.
body. Massage helps fluid enter into viscera, tissues Chronic muscle tension is causing in reduction of the
and dilute the accumulated toxins. circulation of the blood and movement of lymph in an
area.
After the completion of procedure; when it refills the
Improves Blood Circulation
peripheral vessels, the diluted toxins are brought into
general circulation and duringthecourse; they are The oxygen capacity of the blood can increase 10-15%
expelled out via elimination procedures. Abhyanga by the procedure of massage. With the help of
acts on skin (Twacha), which is the seat for both Vata indirectly or directly stimulating nerves that supply
and Lasika. In this way; the lymphatic drainage will be internal organs, blood vessels of these organs dilate
the prime effect of Abhyanga. Lymph exhibits large and allow more blood supply to them.
amount of amino acid tryptophan. Hypothetically, Induces Better Lymph Movement
after massage; amino acids like tryptophan increase in
Lymph is a milky white fluid that helps in draining of
blood. It causes a parallel increase in the neuron
impurities and waste away from the tissue cells. A
transmitter serotonin; which is made from tryptophan
component of these wastes is called as toxins which
at motor ends plates. The piezoelectricity is derived
are the by-products of metabolism. That’s why; it is a
from pressure. While utilizing a medium of unctuous
vital to our health. Muscular contraction is having a
substance to reduce the friction, a good amount of
pumping effect that moves lymph. Massage helps to
rhythm is used and creates magnetic field and
move lymph.
electricity in the body. By this charging the
conductivity of nerves will be increased which may go Results in Increased Mobility and Range of Motion of
up to 100 metres per second. Electricity is discharged Joints
in nerve fibre at regular intervals and moves in Massage provides a gentle stretching action to both
circular pattern. Interruption to the momentum is the muscles and connective tissues which support the
resulting into the state of disease, which may be muscles and many other parts of the body and which
pacified by doing massage with specific pressure. help to keep these tissues elastic.
Acetylcholine acts as transmitter at motor end in the Stimulates or Soothes Nervous System
presence of calcium ion and facilitates synaptic action
Massage balances the nervous system by stimulating
potential.
it, depending on which effect is needed by the
The nerve fibre has a militated sheet in which lipids individual at the time of the massage procedure.
are the chief ingredients and K-ions are responsible Enhances Skin Condition
for repolarisation in the nerve fibre. This action with
Massage enhances the skin condition by improving
the association of melatonin; a by-product of
the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands,
serotonin and a neuro chemical is causing pleasant
which keep the skin lubricated, clean.
and calming effects by the massage.
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2017 | Vol. 2 | Issue 3 250
Sinha Kaushal et.al. Abhyanga : Different contemporary massage technique and its importance in Ayurveda
Results in Better Digestion and Intestinal Function with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary. Reprint 2014
edition. New Delhi: Chaukhambha Publications.
Massage procedure increases the body's secretions
2014;p.120
and excretions. It also increases the production of
2. Vatsyayana, Sanskrit Literature, 2nd century,
gastric juices, saliva and urine. There is an increased
Kamasutra 3/15; 1883.
excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus and salt
also. Thus results in increasing of metabolic rate. 3. Anga mardana p. 74
st
Relieves of Acute and Chronic pain 4. B.A. Lohith, A text book of Panchakarma,1 edition;
2016;p.53.
Massage may promote recovery from the fatigue and
5. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita with Nibandha Sangraha
from aches and pains.[8]
commentary of Dalhana and Nyayachandrika panjika
CONCLUSION commentary on Chikitsa sthana of Gayadasacharya,
edited by Yadavjitrikamji, Varanasi: chaukhamba
Abhyanga is one of the procedures to be practiced Sanskrit Sansthan;2014.p.74
routinely in the system of once living. Different type
6. Agnivesha, Charaka, Dridhabala. Sutra Sthana, Chapter
of massage explained in Ayurveda and modern helps
5 verse 87. In: Acharya JT (editor). Charaka Samhita
man to prevent the common health hazards. These with Ayurveda Dipika Commentary. Reprint 2014
will helps to lead healthy life. Massage has been used edition. New Delhi: Chaukhambha Publications.
for centuries for both therapeutic and preventing 2014;p.120
purposes. Massage may also stimulate the release of
7. Vaidya Vasant Patil, Principles and Practise in
endorphins and reducing level of certain stress Panchakarma, 4th edition; 2012. p.137-178.
hormones. Massage heals damaged muscle, stimulate
8. Jennifer Jacobs, MD, MPH, Consultant Editor,
circulation, clear waste product via lymphatic system,
Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine; Retrieved
boost immune system, reduce pain and tension and
from:http://www.lushotoexecutivelodge.co.tz/images/
induce a calming effect. Abhyanga, Udwaratana, uploads/surhud_h ealth_pdf.pdf
Samvahana, nourishes Dhatus, pacifies the Doshas,
relives fatigue, provide stamina pleasure and perfect How to cite this article: Sinha Kaushal, BA Lohith, M
sleep, nourishes all parts of the body. So everyone Kumar Ashvini. Abhyanga : Different contemporary
should do different massage technique explained in massage technique and its importance in Ayurveda. J
modern and Ayurveda. Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2017;3:245-251.
http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.v2i3.8238
REFERENCES
Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None
1. Agnivesha, Charaka, Dridhabala. Sutra Sthana, Chapter declared.
22 verse 4. In: Acharya JT (editor). Charaka Samhita
********************************
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2017 | Vol. 2 | Issue 3 251