Abhyanga – An external Oilation therapy
SCIENTIFIC APPROACH OF ABHYANGA (MASSAGE) IN AYURVEDA
Vedas are expe-
riences of individuals,
recorded and trans-
formed one generation
to another generation. It
is not necessary to
check whether Sun
rises only from East or
West. If the regularly ris-
ing Sun changes his position and rises from
West, it becomes News. Various facts of life
are recorded in the form of Hymns and doc-
trines in Vedas. Such doctrines speak about
happy and healthy living in accordance with
nature. The Upaveda (sub-veda) of Adharva
veda, Ayurveda explains ways of perfect liv-
ing in purified form as regimens of day, night
and seasons. Regularity in practice of purity
leads to the destination of mankind. It may
be materialistic or philosophical. If a person
mear wish to have materialistic benefits by
following the rules of purity, certainly it offers.
But such purity is lacking holistic approach,
where mind body co-ordination is not seen.
This non co-ordination leads ones to suffer-
ing. Co-ordination benefits to attain eternity,
as a process of holistic approach in associa-
tion with materialistic benefits.
Few assumptions about the purity are -
1. The physical body is constricted by only
elements and they are subjected for impurity
all the time.
2. Multiple cells in a regular pattern constrict
the physical body, which are going to be ex-
pressed is offspring’s too.
3. There is no involvement of mind purity, only
physical purity is sufficient to have a healthy
body.
4. Ego and states of personality doesn’t have
any influence on construction of purified body.
5. Impurity development in the body is nec-
essary and natural.
Root of Ayurveda developed from two
individual words Ayu and Veda. Ayu means
Dr.K. Siva Rama Prasad
life, veda means knowledge, together
Ayurveda deals with knowledge of life. LIFE,
when it is elaborated it can be “ Living In Fine
Ecstasy “ or living with happiness in coordi-
nation with nature. Charaka explains the life
as unification of body (Shareera), sensory
organs (Indriya), mind (Manas) and soul
(Atma).
The main motto of Ayurveda is to keep
an individual hail healthy with regimens ex-
plained within the texts. The Ayurveda cares
about not only physical health but also psy-
chological. The health can be physical or
psychological.
Healthy person (Swastha) is defined
by the Susruta as whoever maintains the
three body humors (Tridosha), equilibrate di-
gestive fire (includes other pancha
Bhootagnis, Dhatwagnis - tissue fires and
Jatharagni or the main digestive fire), proper
evacuation of urine and stools (Mala), with fair
soul, sensory organs and mind. To maintain
health Ayurveda dictated regimens according
to the day, night and season. The normal
functions in human are always maintenance
of Doshas in accordance with diets. All the
food materials may be of animal or plant ori-
gin leads to either aggravation or subsidizing
of the three humors, which may even have
its effect over the mind. Not only the food habits
but also other exogenous factors such as
seasons also responsible for the alteration of
the body humors. The other factors are en-
dogenous which always alters the state of
humors in the body there by no time all the
Tridosha are in the state of perfect equilibra-
tion. Thus the state of perfect health is not
possible at any time in the body. For the al-
tered state of Doshas to maintain in equili-
bration we need a specific elimination proce-
dures when they are subjected to aggrava-
tion. Usually palliative or Shamana therapy is
being prescribed with out elimination espe-
cially when the patient is not fit for the cleans-
ing procedure. Who ever seek the perfect
health by rooting out the Disease State pre-
fers the elimination therapy under the condi-
tions of fitness.
Massage is not a new concept. It is
the earliest known form of healing developed
over years of constant observation. Almost
every culture has employed massage, includ-
ing Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Japanese,
Chinese, Swedish and the Ayurvedic man-
age by Indians. What are described additional
techniques here comes under Naturopathy
system of healing is a muscular manipula-
tive Swedish oriental technique.
Massage is a systematic rubbing and
manipulation of the body to prevent stiffness,
promoting circulation and positive health.
Massage is one of the most valuable of re-
medial measures. When combined with wa-
ter treatment accomplishes wonderful results.
Basis of massage is touch, and there is a
increasing medical evidence to show the
great value of touch.
OILATION:
The Abhyanga or system of massage
in Ayurveda gives its message to achieve a
better perfect health in normal and diseased
state. This massage even though practiced
with out unctuous material it is preferred to
do with unctuous materials under different
explained methods, as it produces lubrica-
tion. The unctuous quality is in Sneha Dravya
and its use is said as snehana or Oleation.
Oleation is made for the externally to create
softness. Snehapana is a special internal
Oleation therapy meant as pre Panchakarma
procedure. This procedure is specially to get
the Doshas, which are in Sakha (tissues) to
Kosta (Alimentary canal). Here Sneha
Dravyas (either Ghee, Oil, Tallow, Bone mar-
row or a combination of above) are given in-
ternally in specific dose for a prescribed pe-
riod or externally used for Abhyanga for the
said effect.
Sneha derived from “Sniha” which
means adhesion, sticky, wettish, unctuous,
oily and bending or an unctuous liquid. Sneha
is defined as affection, oily, oil, and softness,
which runs, which flows, liquidy and soft. Out
of five maha bhootas or basic elements, only
Ap (water) maha bhoota having unctuous-
ness but it is not perceived by eye. Sneha is
explained as perceived by eye, which is a
quality of Agni mahabhoota. According to
Susruta it consists of Pridhvi (Earth) and Ap
(water) elements in it, there by it also can be
perceived by the skin also. Because of the
earthy element, it should and must have even
a common smell but it is not observed such
and they have their own smells of different.
The Abhyanga is said to be an exter-
nal Oleation (Bahya sneha) therapy described
in dinacharya, ritu charya and also in Sneha
Vicharana i.e. roots of administration of unc-
tuousness.
Initially when human are developing,
they were learned about the importance of
pressure and its effect. They realized that the
pressure can give relief from pain and it can
be used as a therapeutic technique. As ex-
ternally to purify the body they were taking bath
with water. In that process they observed the
unctuousness of water and searched for a
better unctuous medicinal effective sub-
stance. The Oil i.e. Til oil was said to be the
best unctuous and have the effect of nullify-
ing or pacifying the Doshas which are in the
vitiated condition.
Cross-references and usage of mas-
sage is witnessed in Bible and practiced by
Hypocrites, Galen, Pare and most famous
physicians of western medicine.
MENTION OF ABHYANGA IN SEASONAL
REGIMEN:
In almost all seasons except
Greeshma (only lepa) in all other seasons
Abhyanga is recommended as Abhyanga,
Utsadana or Pragharshana.
QUALITIES OF SNEHA (ABHYANGA)
DRAVYAThere are nine qualities explained by
Charaka. They are –
1. Drava - liquid
2. Sookshama - minuteness
3. Sara - flowing
4. Snigdha - unctuous
5. Pichila - gelatinous
6. Guru - heavy
7. Seeta - cold
8. Manda - slow
9. Mrudu - soft
Out of the above said qualities some are not
seen in many of the Sneha Dravyas.
CONTRA INDICATIONS FOR ABHYANGA:
Ajeerna
Ama Peedita
Taruna jwara
People suffer from Kapha predominant
disorders
All Kapha personalities
Santarpana janya diseases
After Vasti
After Vamana
After Virechana
CLASSIFICATION OF ABHYANGA:
1. According to materials used
2. According to region
3. According to pressure exerted
4. According to Guna of dravya
1. Based on the materials used: First clas-
sification of Abhyanga is based on the direct
or indirect methods based on the materials
used. In tradition people use it as Daiva
vyapashraya Chikitsa especially for inflamma-
tory conditions offered massage with metal
rods apart from a standard medicinal oil mas-
sage. These metal substances are not unc-
tuous but soft. Pressure is exerted with them
give rise reasonable results. This group con-
sists of medicinal oil massage in association
with manual pressure. This can be divided
into two once again, either by using hands or
legs.
A. Daiva vyapashraya Abhyanga
a) by using metallic objects - Iron rods
b) by using non metallic objects - Four variet-
ies of unctuous substance
B. Yukti vyapashraya Abhyanga
a) by using hands massage - lepa, abhyanga,
etc.
b) by using legs – Padaghata
2. According to the site of operation: Sec-
ond classification defined according to the site
of operation of massaging. It is divided into
two sub groups as regional or local and gen-
eral. In local it can be further divided in to or-
gan based and site based. Siro abhyanga,
padabhyanga are explained in this context. In
Ayurveda no reference of organ based mas-
sage but with interpretation to marma therapy
we can adopt organ massage as being done
in some areas of the world. For the general
or sarvadaihika abhyanga the seven standard
postures are used for 35 minits. When ever
local abhyanga is indicated only 15 minuts or
according to the requirement one can opt the
time schedule.
A. General Abhyanga - sarvadaihika
B. Local or Regional Abhyanga
a) Organ massage - kidney massage
b) Site wise massage - padabhyanga
3. According to the pressure applied the
division is as follows.
1. lepa - application of oil over the body2.
Abhyanga - application of unctuous sub-
stances along with necessiate pressure
3. Udvartana or shareera parimarjana - re-
verse application of pressure
4. Udghrshana - rubbing with ununctuous
substances (Rookshana vidhi)
5. Utsadana - rubbing of unctuous pasts
6. Mardana - application of more pressure
towards midline of body
7. Unmardana - holding and pulling of the
muscles
4. According to Guna of Dravya He did not specify how much time
It is clear that we use unctuous ma- Abhyanga to be done in case of Sukra gata
terial for the Abhyanga. Out of such materi- Vyadhi. But we can consider with above ma-
als Ayurveda offers four best unctuous ma- terial, further Abhyanga can lead to Sukra. If
terials viz. Taila, Ghrita, Vasa and Majja (Oil, we follow above schedule it takes approxi-
Ghee, Tallow and Marrow). Based on the mately 5 minutes for each posture Abhyanga
qualities of the material used it gives effect and totally 35 minutes. When it is to be done
over the doshic triad. A qualified and experi- for only one part then 15 minutes massage is
enced physician selects the materials ac- recommended.
cording to the necessity in association to the BEFORE THE START OF MASSAGE
specified Dravya or Dravya vargas which are (1) Massage should be done in a comfort-
capable of pacifying the Doshas and dis-
eases.
a. Oil
b. Ghee
c. Tallow
d. Marrow
POSTURES OF ABHYANGA: There are
seven postures for proper Abhyanga.
1. Sitting
2. Supine (lay on back)
Sitting 3. Left lateral
4. Dorsal (lay on abdo-
men)

Supine
able environment. Choose a warm, peaceful
room with dim lights, with light music at the
5. Right lateral background.
6. Supine (lay on (2) Person who takes massage to be made
back) to lie down on a table with height does not
7. Sitting strain the back of the massager
RULES FOR MASSAGER
Left Right 1. One who gives massage should be abso-
lateral Lateral lutely relaxed.
2. Massager should keep the back straight
throughout massage.
3. Massager should never stay in one posi-
TIMING OF ABHYANGA: tion for long to avoid gravitational pull.
According to Dalhana, commentator of 4. Should wear loose fitting, washable clothes,
Susruta Samhita has given elaborated sci- flat shoes, or go barefoot.
entific explanation about Abhyanga. Daily 5. Massager should use the weight of the body
massage of - to give rhythm and depth of massage.
300 matras = 95 sec. Enters into Hair fol- 6. Hands and wrists of the massager should
licles be flexible and warm.
400 matras = 133 sec. enters into Skin TIPS FOR A GOOD MASSAGE
500 matras = 160 sec. enters into Rakta 1. Most important element of massage is
600 matras = 190 sec. enters into Mamsa rhythm.
700 matras = 228 sec. enters into Medas 2. Massage should be pleasurable constantly
800 matras = 245 sec. enters into Asti keep inquiring to find out any of the move-
900 matras = 285 sec. enters into Majja ments that is painful or unpleasant.
3. Mould your hands to the cantor of the body.
4. One hand should be always in contact with
the body of the person who takes massage
throughout.
5. Vary the pressure as per the need of the
person.
6. Concentration on massage is important
should not talk unnecessarily while massag-
ing.
7. A massager should be totally relaxed while
massaging.
8. One should not worry if movements seen
chimsy with continuation the rhythm develops.
PRECAUTIONS
6. Massage the entire right leg and do right
knee and hip joint movements
7. Massage the entire left hand, followed by
wrist, allow, and shoulder joints movements.
8. Massage the entire right hand followed by
wrist, elbow, shoulder joint movements.
9. Massage the abdomen,
10. Massage the chest.
11. Massage the entire back
12. Massage head, neck, and face followed
neck movements.
DURATION
Form 30 to 45 minutes.
BASIC TECHNIQUES
A) STROKING: Flowing movements of strok-
ing form the basic of a massage and it is most
frequently used one. It is a smooth upward
movement is done in 4 ways.

1. Massage should not be given if one is suf-

fering infection, contagious skin disease or
high fever.
2. Massager should not massage if he has a) UP WORD STROKING: place one hand
fever or infections disease. on the part to be massaged move the other
3. Massage should not be given incase of hand in upward direction keep making con-
acute pains of the muscles and joints. tinuous movements with one hand at a time
4. Never massage a burse, skin infection or with both hands.
abscess, or inflammatory conditions of lower
limbs such as thrombophlebitis, vericose
veins.
5. Stomach of pregnant women would not be
massaged.
MASSAGE SEQUENCE
Massage sequence should always follow this
order:
1. Lubricate the part to be massaged.
2. Massage the left foot, do left ankle joint
movements
3. Massage the leg
4. Do knee joint and hip joint movements
5. Massage the right foot, do right ankle joint
movements.
b) FAN STROKING: Done on wider area like These friction movements are best given
chest abdomen and back. Glide both hands around joints, shoulder blades, and soles of
feet hands and legs.
a) Rotary friction: Place both hands on the

slightly in upward direction and slightly pull

the hands to sides’ fan out your hands and
again return to original place. Continue this
movement 3-4 times
c) CIRCULAR STROKING: Place both
hands on one side of the body with 15 cm
apart, then stroke round and round in wide
curves, making a circle, Arms cross as one
hand completes the circle. One hand does
whole circle while the other does only half a
circle. Keep one hand over the other arm, and
continue stroking with the other hand. Place
your hand gently on the skin and repeat.
d) THUMB STROKKING: On smaller areas,
stroke with thumbs, either with one thumb or

area to be massaged and roll gently in the

upward direction
b) Spiral friction: Place one hand around the
area to be massaged and more in the direc-
tion resembles a spring.
C) PERCUSSION: Percussion movements

both the thumbs.

B) FRICTION: Friction bests done with the
four fingers, but can be done with just the
thumbs or the palm of the hand. These are
circular movements that go deep into the
muscle. There are rotary and spiral frictions.
are striking, slicing, backing, chopping move-
ments done in a rapid rhythmic motion. They
are brisk and bouncy, useful on fleshy, bulky,
muscular areas. Never percussion move-
ments on bonny areas never percussion
movements on bonny areas. Percussion
movements are further divided into varieties.
a) Clapping: Hold both hands like a cup and
keep rhythmically tapping one hand at a time
continuously and rhythmically, in upward di-
rection.
b) Tapping: Hold both hands with soles of
the hands facing each other and gently over
one hand after other with finger tapping the
area gently and rhythmically with bonny move-
ments.
c) Hacking: Holding both the hands firmly to-
gether, loosening the wrist loosely start hit-
ting the area hard and movements be bonny
in upward direction
d) Pummeling: Form hands into loose fists
and with relaxed wrist start beating with bonny
movements with softer side of fist.
D) POUNDING: With your fists loosely held,
using hard, bonny movements start knocking
on the fleshy part of the body with knuckles
side of fist.
E) KNUCKLING: Knuckling is small circling
strokes employed on shoulders, chest, palms
and feet for relief or treatment. Cure the hand
into loose fists and with the knuckles of the
fist move round in circular movements.
F) VIBRATIONS: Rapid shaking or trembling
movement on the skin’s surface without brak-
ing the contact. Fingers or the palm of the
hand is used there are few variations in the
movement.
a) Static vibration: Keep the palm of the
hand on the bulky fleshy area and give a gentle
shaky and trembling movement for some time
and then move to another area.
b) Running vibration: Keeping the palm b) Circular pressure:
firmly placed on the body move the hands Press and then make
creating shaky and trembling movements. small penetrating, cir-
G) KNEADING: This movement is like mix- cular and movements
circling the skin
against the underlying
muscle.
SOME SPECIAL LOCAL MASSAGES
BACK MASSAGE: Back
massage is useful in Relief
of pain from muscle
spasm. Relaxing the back
muscle. Entire sympa-
thetic, parasympathetic
nervous system gets to
need up. Relieving
broncho-spasm in Asthma
and Bronchitis
ABDOMINAL MASSAGE: Often people find
it uncomfortable
ing the wheat flour with water before making while taking ab-
Chapathis. It is useful on fleshy parts of the dominal massage
body. due to the tickling
a) Light kneading: On less fleshy areas such sensation felt while
as shoulders and arms lift, squeeze and roll taking massage. It is
the flesh between thumb and fingers of one useful in -
hand glide it towards the other hand, and - Relieving abdomi-
squeeze the flesh with the second hand. nal pain and dis-
H) PETRISSAGE: Method is as same as light comfort
kneading but done with more pressure. - Relieving constipation
I) PRESSURE: Deep, direct pressure to re- - Weight reduction
lease tension and fatigue of muscles, on ei- - Stimulating liver and pancreas. Hence use-
ther side of spire and around shoulders. ful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, hy-
pertension.
HEAD MASSAGE:
Head massage is highly
invigorating and relaxing.
useful in - - Relieving
headaches, migraine -
Dandruff - Hair growth by
stimulation on scalp.
FACE MASSAGE: -it is
more of cosmetic importance. It is very use-
ful in: -
-Relieving tension, anxi-
ety, headaches spe-
cially frontal
- Treatment of sinusitis
a) Static pressure: Place the pads of thumbs -Clearing dark circles
on the skin and gradually lean on to them. around eyes.
Press for few seconds, then release and glide - Treatment of acne
to the next point.
OVERALL BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
1. Overall well being
of Individual
2. Relaxation of body
and mind
3. Relief of pain from
aching muscles
4. Relief from fatigue
stiffness of the joints
5. Increased blood
circulation to skin
surface improving
skin function
6. Removal of im-
pure verious blood
7. Removal of wastes through lymphatic
drainage
8. Relaxation of central, sympathetic, and
parasympathetic nervous systems
9. Improvement of overall functioning ability
of internal organs
10. Improvement of functioning of the endo-
crine glands.
11. Useful as an adjuvant for the weight re-
duction
12. Useful in improving rest and sleep
13. Enhances bodies immunity.
COMPLICATIONS OF
EXCESSIVE MASSAGE
1. Increases Kapha
2. Increases Medas
3. Decreases Agni i.e. digestive fire
4. Develops Ama in system
5. Develops Glani
6. Develops Jwara (fever)
DYNAMICS OF ABHYANGA:
1. Physical pressure moving the fluids in
internal environment
The Abhyanga is acting over the skin,
which is a seat of Vata. The skin not only a
seat of Vata but also for Lasika (lymph). Thus
the lymphatic drainage will be the prime ef-
fect of Abhyanga. Lymph possesses a rela-
tively large amount of the amino acid tryp-
tophan, especially when compared with the
dietary intake. It likewise has a large amount
of albumin (protein), glucose and histaminase
(breaks down histamine). Hypothetically,
blood aminoacids like tryptophan increase
after massage. An increase in plasma tryp-
tophan subsequently causes a parallel in-
crease in the neurotransmitter (chemical be-
tween nerve endings) at motor end plates,
and serotonin, which is made from tryptophan.
Serotonin has been implicated in several
phychiatric diseases with low levels of me-
tabolite found by researchers in depression
and schizophrenia. Giving albumin bound
protein tryptophan to the brain with proper diet
and massage should theoretically increase
brain serotonin. In practise the abhyanga re-
lieves systems like those caused by seroto-
nin depletion, anxiety, irritability, etc.
The fluids of internal environment sub-
jected for movement because of osmotic
pressure and hydrostatic pressure. Here
abhyanga causes mechanical hydrostatic
pressure in the extra cellular compartment i.e.
in the peripheral vascular area. A forceful ex-
pulsion from peripheral vessels causes
splanchenic pooling of the blood. It helps fluid
to enter in to viscera and tissues and dilutes
the toxins accumulated. When it refills the
peripheral vessels after the completion of pro-
cedure the diluted toxins are brought in to
general circulation and in due course of elimi-
nation procedures such as Vamana and
Virechana they are oozed or pulled in to gut
and expelled.
2. Physical pressure causing electrical
charge to the body - phizoelectricity
Phizo electricity is said as pressure
electricity. Today we witness different modes
of generation of electricity, such as thermal,
hydro, nuclear etc. The phizo electricity is
derived from friction and pressure. This theory
was invented in 1880. Phizoelectricity devel-
oped from Tormalin quartz is more used in
Watch, Microphone and Phonographic indus-
tries.
Here in Ayurveda we may not be us-
ing the term of phizo electricity, but the tech-
nique leads to the same effect. When utiliz-
ing a medium of unctuous substance to re-
duce the friction, a good amount of rhythm if
uses a specific pressure developed and cre-
ates magnetic field and electricity in the body.
At present context we have to remember that
human body is made of metallic and also non-
metallic compositions and subjected for mag-
netic meridian. From physics, we learned that
any object is being rubbed towards one-di-
rection get electricity charged. The same is
going to happen in the body surface area and
the charged molecules will attract the mol-
ecules of susceptive and drag them from
sakha to kosta, by interrupting the
doshadooshya sammurchana.
Secondly by such charging, the con-
ductivity of nerves will be increased. The nor-
mal velocity of electric conductivity in a nerve
fiber is said as 0.5 meter per second which
may go up to 100 meters per second. In nerve
fiber electricity is discharged in regular inter-
vals and moves in circular pattern. Interrup-
tion to the momentum or hyper electrical dis-
charges results in to the state of disease.
Treatment is said as rectification of the state
of disturbance. Thus the method of Abhyanga
that depolarizes the excessive electrical
charge in exited state of nerves and also in-
duces perfect charged phizo electricity to
bring into normalcy.
3. Physical pressure acting as counter ir-
ritant
While doing Abhyanga pressure is
applied. That pressure acts as an irritant to
the surface and the effect of irritation produced
as the effect of inflammation and color - rise
of local temperature and dolor - mild pain is
produced. And robor -rising the peripheral
vascularisation is witnessed at the end of pro-
cedure, which fill the splanchenum during the
procedure. This shuffling of extra cellular com-
partment fluid makes the sedentary or accu-
mulated impurities at the level of tissues to
move, said in Ayurveda as movement of
Doshas from sakha to kosta. In various con-
ditions of Vata disorders where pain is a
symptom, the counter irritation produced by
massage cures by its classical color and
robor actions, by which phagocytosis occurs.
4. Physical pressure acting over skin
The main objective of Abhyanga is
creating softness in the external skin and
smoothing of internal viscera and tissues.
When softness is induced in skin, the skin
becomes lustrous, attains complexion and
colour. More over an oily or unctuous skin is
going to prevent the body from exposure of
heat and dust. The depositions of dust and
tidy particles are going to cleansed and
cleaned physically by applying the pressure,
especially procedures such as udgharshana.
5. Physical pressure acting over Neural
controls
At motor end plates acetylcholine acts
as transmitter in the presence of Calcium ion
and facilitates synaptic action potential. The
nerve fibers have a myelinated sheet where
lipids are the chief ingredients. Na (sodium)
and K (potassium) ions are responsible for
repolarisation in the nerve fiber. Out of elec-
trolytes, calcium, Hydrogen, sodium and po-
tassium produce depolarization and chlorine
and potassium are responsible for hyper
polarisation. This action with the association
of melatonin a byproduct of serotonin also
synthesized from tryptophan is a neuro
chemical causes pleasantness and calming
effects in the process of massage. Apart from
the effect said the toxins that are settled in
the nerve fiber or myelinated sheet and inter-
rupting the conductivity of the nerve impulse
are drained out by the exertion of physical
pressure on peripheral nerve endings, espe-
cially motor and also sensory.
6. Physical pressure acting over Hor-
monal controls
Melitonin, a newly discovered brain
hormone is rhythmically secreted in the pi-
neal gland of the brain. Radioactive tryptophan
has been found to accumulate in pineal, so
we can assume the pineal uses it to form
serotonin and melatonin. The pineal gland has
a diurnal rhythm and is sensitive to light. Dur-
ing the day the pineal produces high levels of
serotonin, and at night produces high levels
of melatonin. Melatonin has been found to
decrease thyroid activity, adrenal and gonadal
activity as well as diminish growth hormone
and melanocyte stimulating hormone levels.
In all melatonin decreases protein synthesis
in the hypothalmus and pituitary resulting in a
decrease in six of the seven anterior pituitary
hormones (three of six confirmed in man).
Melatonin turns down the body’s hormonal
activity. Giving melaronin to human results in
sleep or sedation (depending upon the dose
and way of administration), vivid dreams, EEG
changes, which resemble those of a medita-
tive state, and a feeling of well being and mod-
erate elation.
Ayurveda explains the action of
Abhyanga as Brimhana, Sodhana and
Shamana. The further processional analysis
has to be elucidated by scientific methodol-
ogy under the shade of scientific knowledge.