Godara P., Sharma S., Pathak A.
, Significance Of Padabhyanga As A Daily Ritual E-ISSN : 2581-8899
P-ISSN: 2581-978X
Tantia University Journal of Homoeopathy and Medical Science
Review Article
|Volume 4| Issue 3 |July- Sept. 2021|
E-ISSN : 2581-8899, P-ISSN; 2581-978X
Significance of Padabhyanga As A Daily Ritual
Priyanka Godara1 , Sunayana Sharma2 and Anupam Pathak3
1
PGT, 2 Department of Swasthavritta & Yoga, SriGanganagar College of Ayurvedic Science & Hospital,
Tantia University, Rajasthan
Abstract
Ayurveda aimed in prevention and cure of physical and mental health. In Ayurveda,
Dinacharya is one of the concept which helps to fulfill this aim of Ayurveda. Vitality
enhancing technique which is incorporated in massage of the feet is called Padabhyanga. It is
one of the prophylactic principles mentioned in Ayurvedic dinacharya. The hectic
computerised life style, faulty food habits, stress and strain, irregular sleeping habits and
negligence in following daily and seasonal regimen provoke many eye problems. By doing
Padaabhyanga, Kharatwa, Stabdata, Rukshata, Shrama, Suptata of pada relieved and Bala,
Sthairya improved, Drustiprasaadakara. It also prevents Grudrasi vaata, Pada sputana,
Sirasnaayu sankocha.
Key Word- Ayurveda, Dinacharya, Padabhyanga, Snehana.
Corresponding Author:- Priyanka Godara , PGT, Department of Swasthavritta & Yoga,
SriGanganagar College of Ayurvedic Science & Hospital, Tantia University, Rajasthan.
Received – 10/08/2021 Revised- 15/9/2021 Accepted – 16/09/2021
INTRODUCTION procedure of padabhyanga is not
Padabhyanga is a type of bahya mentioned in classics. So in seven position
snehana wherein anointing of medicated and different maneuver padabhyanga can
sneha to the foot is done in different be done to get desired effect. Local effect
maneuver to get local and systemic benefit. of padabhyanga may be due to local
In context of Sadvritta, as a preventive absorption and sneha used for the
measure padabhyanga is mentioned in procedure.
Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita. As a How to Cite this Article- Godara P.,
part of Sarvanga abhyanga, Padabhyanga Sharma S., Pathak A., Significance Of
to be carried out is mentioned in Ashtanga Padabhyanga As A Daily Ritual. TUJ.
Homo & Medi. Sci. 2021;4(3):12-18.
hrudaya, Yogaratnakara. In detail
Tantia University Journal of Homoeopathy & Medical Science, Volume 4|Issue 3|July.–Sept. 2021| 12
Godara P., Sharma S., Pathak A., Significance Of Padabhyanga As A Daily Ritual E-ISSN : 2581-8899
P-ISSN: 2581-978X
Systemic effect may be due to been advised as daily regimen in ayurvedic
stimulation of disease causing area. classics to promote health as it prevents
Abhyanga means the application of Sneha, individual from diseases of netra, paada
mainly plain or medicated, suitable to ones gridhrasi vaata, sankocha of sira and
constitution, age, season, particular disease snayu. In Brihatrayee, padabhyanga is
and atmosphere. It should be applied in the mentioned as netra- prasadanakara or
1
Anuloma direction. It is one of the dristiprasadanakara.
prophylactic principles mentioned in Padabhyanga - Mother of all Foot
Ayurveda dinacharya.2 It has been advised Massage
as daily regimen in Ayurvedic classic to Pada is the the site of vata dosha,
promote health as it prevents individual vitiation of which causes 80 types of
from diseases of Nethra, Paada nanatmaja rogas. By means of Pad-
gridrasivaata, Sankocha of Sira and abhyanga we can get control over the vata
Snaayu. By doing Pada Abhynga in first dosha. Padabbyanga stimulates the marma
stage it relieves, Kharatva, Stabdata, (vital points) of the sole region. Kshipra,
Rukshata, Shrama supti kurcha, talahridaya, kur- chashira, gulpha
(Sadyaprashamana) in second stage it are the marma points in sole which are
gives Bala, Sthairyata of Pada, being massaged during padabhyanga
Drustiprasaada. Padabhyanga practiced as procedure. These marma are the vital
daily regimen definitely it gives points of body, where prana resides.
Drustiprasaada.3 Padabhyanga itself restores prana by
Padabhyanga – A Unique Therapy stimu- lating marma.
Application of oil or any other Importance of Abhyanga4
sneha dravya on the feet followed by Abhyanga practiced as daily
massage is known as padabhyanga5 . It is a regimen it acts as a
type of bahya snehana procedure. The Jarahara (prevents aging process)
word abhyanga is derived from ang- dhatu Shramahara (cures tiredness)
(to smear) and abhi- upasarga. The word Drustiprasaadakara (nourishes the
pada denotes lower extremities. Therefore, eye)
padabhyanga literally means methodical Pustikara (nourishes the body)
smearing of sneha dravya to lower Aayuskara (prolongs life span)
extremities especially to the sole. It should Sapnakara (induces sleep)
be applied in the Anuloma direction. It has
Tantia University Journal of Homoeopathy & Medical Science, Volume 4|Issue 3|July.–Sept. 2021| 13
Godara P., Sharma S., Pathak A., Significance Of Padabhyanga As A Daily Ritual E-ISSN : 2581-8899
P-ISSN: 2581-978X
Tvakdaardyakara (improves skin Most of all Marmavidda condition,
tone) Abyanga is one of the effective line of
Kleshasahatvakara (improves treatment.
mental stability) Duration
Importantance of Pada Abhyanga5 900 matrakala is the time
Kharatwa - clears the roughness mentioned for abhyanga by Acharya
6
of the soles, Sushruta , which comes approximately 5
Stabdata- cures stiffness, mins. So in each maneuver 5 mins
Rukshata – corrects excessive abhyanga can be performed to get desired
dryness of feet, effect. When padabhyanga carried out as a
Shrama – relieves exhaustion of part of sarvanga abhyanga time can be
feet, reduced according to the need. Time for
oil to reach in different Dhatus
Suptata of Pada - cures
1. 300 Matrakala _ Sneha enters
numbness of feet, Baala,
Romkupa
Sthairya - promotes strength of
2. 400 Matrakala – Sneha enters Twak
the feet of Pada improved.
3. 500 Matrakala - Sneha enters Rakt
Drustiprasaadakara -
4. 600 Matrakala - Sneha enters Masa
Nourishment to eyes. It prevents
5. 700 Matrakala - Sneha enters Meda
Grudrasi vaata, Pada sputana,
6. 800 Matrakala - Sneha enters Asthi
Sirasnaayu sankocha.
7. 900 Matrakala - Sneha enters Majja
Drudaendriyata –
YOGYA KALA7
Svakaaryakaran akshamaan
Abhyanga is Contra-indicated after
indriyaaniyasyasaha.
food, but it is generally for sarvanga
Pada Abhyanga and
abhyanga. So when exclusively
Marmaparipaalana
padabhyanga is done, then it can be
Pada gives Ashraya for following
followed anytime of the day. In specific
Marmas.
disease like anxiety, stress, insomnia
Korchashira - Snaayumarma
padabhyanga done at night hours has good
Talahridaya
effect.
Kaalantarapranaharamarma
Taila Yog For Padabhyanga8 - When
Kurcha -Vaikalyakaramarma
padabhyanga is carried out as dinacharya,
Kshiptam-
Kaalantarapraanaharamarma
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Godara P., Sharma S., Pathak A., Significance Of Padabhyanga As A Daily Ritual E-ISSN : 2581-8899
P-ISSN: 2581-978X
selection of taila according to prakruti can Morning time in an empty stomach
be made before bath is ideal time of Padabhyanga
1. Vata pradhana Prakruti - for routine practice in healthy person. The
Himasagara taila client is asked to lie down on ab- hyanga
2. Pitta pradhana Prakruti - table. Oil for application is heated in
Chandanadi taila, Ksheerabala taila boiled water approximately up to 400C.
3. Kapha pradhana Prakruti - This warm oil is to be smeared to the feet
Triphaladya taila both in its planter and dorsal aspects up to
Meanwhile, when it is performed the ankle. Following this, massage should
for disease, selection of taila according to be done by moving his palms in distinct
disease can be made. direc- tions. The whole procedure is
1. Crack foot/ vaipadika- completed on around 35 minutes. After the
Vaipadikahara taila, Madhuchista procedure the foot is to be wash with
taila lukewarm water and then patient is asked
2. Eczema- Marichadi taila to take rest for at least 15 minutes.
3. Fungal infection- Chakramarda Methods of Padabhyanga9
taila 1. The Hand Techniques
4. Peripheral vascular disease- In this technique stroking and
Pinda taila rubbing are included, and through this we
5. Degenerative joint disease- can generate better cardiovascular
Ksheerabala taila, Ashwagandha circulation in the foot, this friction also
balalakshadi taila stimulates the flow of energy directing it in
6. Calcaneal spur- Vishagarbha taila, the intended way. For this techniques
karpooradi taila sesamum oil is commonly used.
If any of the oil not available, then 2. The Marma Therapy
Murchita tila taila can be used. This is a name given to the
Contra indication for Padabhyanga7 massage and reflexology techniques done
1. Fever, Cold, Flue, Indigestion on foot through themarma. Marmas
2. Toxin induced trauma, lymphatic explained in Ayurveda, total no. of
infection marmas are 107. Marma therapy is the
3. Acute trauma to foot. theory of Marmavijgnana, and it is the
4. Abnormal skin condition. origin of acupressure, acupuncture and
The Procedure- Padabhyanga reflexology treatments. That means when
Tantia University Journal of Homoeopathy & Medical Science, Volume 4|Issue 3|July.–Sept. 2021| 15
Godara P., Sharma S., Pathak A., Significance Of Padabhyanga As A Daily Ritual E-ISSN : 2581-8899
P-ISSN: 2581-978X
we conducting acupressure, acupuncture Probable mode of action as
and reflexology therapies on the patients, Chakshushya :
we are only dealing with the marmas and In nadi vigyana, nadi darpana it has
trying to soothe them thereby re- been quoted that there are 10 nadi in
establishing the free flow of energy in all head among which 2 are related to
the energy channels of the body. Marma eyes.11
therapy is also said to detoxify and Gandhari- surrounds Ida nadi, which
rejuvenate our system. Through working extends from paada and ends in left
on marma points, we can control prana, eye. Hastijihwa- surrounds Pingala
Through Prana, we can control our sensory nadi, which extends from paada and
and motor organs and eventually our entire ends in right eye.
mind-body complex, and release negative Acharya vagbhata also mentioned, 2
energy. siras situated in the centre of foot
DISCUSSION which is connected to the eyes.12
Every principle in Ayurveda is During padabhyanga, these nadi's are
being written in sutra form. Detailed stimulated and leading to chakshusya
description of padabhyanga and its effect.
procedure is not available in the classics of Probable mode of action in anidra
Ayurveda. The effect of padabhynga is Abhyanga → locally lymphatic
mentioned in all the three texts of drainage increased → lymph contains
Brihatrayee, have commonly mentioned as aminoacid like tryptophan which increase
dristiprasadana or netraprasadana10. by abhyanga
Tila taila is best option of choice, ↓
as a daily regimen of padabhyanga, Tila is As level of tryptophan increases in
Kapha-Vatahara and Chak- shushya. It is plasma, it accumulates and stimulates
an antioxidant as it contains vitamin E. pineal gland
This oil is rich in minerals (copper, ↓
calcium, zinc, iron) and penetrates skin Secretion of melatonin and
easily. This oil has alkaloids like saponin, seratonin
flavonoid, tannin, phenol etc. These ↓
pharmacological components make tila Melatonin- sedation and pleasant
taila as good option for eye-health. feeling Serotonin – induce sleep and also
helps to control mood of person
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Godara P., Sharma S., Pathak A., Significance Of Padabhyanga As A Daily Ritual E-ISSN : 2581-8899
P-ISSN: 2581-978X
like insomnia, sciatica, eye disorders to see
Probable mode of action in gridhrasi / the efficacy and to understand the mode of
sciatic pain : action of padabhyanga.
Gridhrasi, is a condition where It is easy, quickest and inexpensive
pain starts from low back which radiates to procedure which make people healthier
buttocks, thigh, leg upto foot, which and happier, oil which is used for
simulates with the sciatica- pain along abhyanga is Til Tail (sesamum oil) which
sciatic nerve course. is easily available and it has Chakshushya
Sciatic nerve originates in the effect, cost of Til tail is also low,
lowback from lumbar spine, passes eventhough it is a small procedure the
underneath the gluteal muscles, runs down benefits of this procedure is broad
the leg and ends in the heel of the foot. spectrum i.e, from locally to systemic
There is a sciatic reflex area on the feet effect.
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Godara P., Sharma S., Pathak A., Significance Of Padabhyanga As A Daily Ritual E-ISSN : 2581-8899
P-ISSN: 2581-978X
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