Selection of the fat for Abhyangam

Adding on to the further discussion to the Abhyangam, herewith I will be discussing issues concerned with selection of the fat prior to the execution of the massage. Details regarding this can be found in Charaka samhhita, Sootra sathan, Chapter no. 13.

While answering questions of his most intelligent and intellectual student, Agnivesha, Atreya reveals all secretes of fats/ oils and their properties. Probably, this was the giant leap in the process of compilation of Ayurvedic knowledge. Agnivesha, who always asked treacherous questions to his great teacher and in turn who always satisfied his student with his undoubted intellect, discussion among student and teacher is really a treat to read. Agnivesha asks, “Kati sneha, ke cha guna prithaka?” How many fats are there and what are their qualities? And discussion goes on….

The word used for the oil/ fat in classical books is Sneha, and in the further discussion of the topic, I will be referring the same word.

Meaning of word Sneha

Sneha means Love. Indeed it’s Love and wisely it has been named so. Love is factor responsible for the mutual bonding and due to the same property it helps in rejuvenation and increases strength of the body. It helps in the mutual bonding of the muscles and due to the strengthening properties and being penetrative it tends to reach into the smallest of the channels of body.

Types of sneha

There are two types of sneha basically in this world:-
A) Sthavara – Vegetable origin = Thailam i. e. Oil
B) Jangama – Animal origin
Under the Jangam category, following fats have been included:-
1) Ghrita- Purified butter
2) Vasa- Animal fat
3) Majja- Bone marrow.

Practically, out of these four types of sneha, only Ghrita(purified butter), and thailam(Oil) are in general use. But, utility of two other fats can not be ruled out and they can be extremely useful in some conditions.
As a general conclusion, Charka has considered Ghrita as the best among all kind of fats and safe. He says that while treating Ghrita with other medicines, it acquires the quality of the same and doesn’t leave its own properties as well. Due to this property, which is called as ‘Sansakara anuvartana’, ghrita becomes the fat of choice and can be devised in innumerable formulations as per the requirement.
For the purpose of massage, factor which has to be considered as most important is ‘Prakriti’ of an individual. The basic constitution of an individual would be a deciding factor while picking up a fat in healthy person, while choosing fat for the massage in diseased person depends upon multiple factors. Though some intellectual people may find a controversial point in it, but this point can not be left as an individual choice.
So, its better to know the properties of these fats and then I will come back to the same.

Properties of fats

Ghrita(purified butter)

As per Charaka samhita, qualities of ghrita are as following
1) Pittaanila haram- pacifies pitta and vata.
2) Rasa oja shukra hitam- improves the quality of plasma, oja and semen.
3) Nirvapanam- pacifies burning sensation.
4) Mridukaram- generates softness.
5) Swara varna prasadnam- improves complexion and quality of sound.

Thailam(oil)

1) Marutghanam- pacifies Vata
2) Na cha shlesma vardhanam- it doesn’t increases Kapha
3) Bala vardhanam- increases strength.
4) Twachyam- improves the quality of skin.
5) Sthirakarm- induces stability.
6) Yoni vishodhanam- purifies vaginal toxins(?)
Depending upon above criterion, if we divide constitution in three types as per single dosha predominance,
Vata predominant, Pitta predominant, Kapha predominant, we can select fat as following:-

Vata- Oil
Pitta- Purified butter
Kapha- Oil

Further criterion and intricacies I will discuss in my next write up.

Ayurveda Massage

Herewith, I intend to discuss the matter which has suddenly caught the attention of whole world.

Introduction

The word massage comes from the Greek language, and it has nothing to do with Ayurveda in fact. The term used in Ayurveda for this procedure is Abhyangam. And this procedure has been recommended to be followed on daily basis by everyone. Vagabhatta clearly narrates that, “Abhyangam nityam achareta” i. e. one should practice oil application daily.

History

Ayurveda, being an observational science it is very descriptive. History of massage is very ancient and probably present in our life since the inception of the universe itself. As we see around us, air keeps on massaging the surroundings constantly and the effect of this massage can be seen practically over the see shores. Coconut trees, which are rubbed continuously by the air, over the time they tend to change their direction in the flow of air, and if air is not blowing their direction remains static and they don’t come back to their original state. Such is the effect of massage on the anatomy of this tree, Charaka, wisely utters, ‘ if hardest of the wood can be bent with the massage, human body is comparatively very easy to manipulate.’

Abhyangam

The word abhyangam, is self explanatory and explains most of the intricacies of massage in itself. Its made up of three words as follows:-
Abhi – Anja – Anga
Abhi – this word tends to explain the anatomical movement of the hand during the massage. It means, to go into the direction of body. This concept have been explained by Charka as Anuloma, i. e. massage should be done in the direction of growth of the body hair. This rule is ominously accepted by all the leading Ayurveda sages and people undertaking massage on client, should always keep this point in mind. It has two effects,
By following the direction of hair, you will not be hurting your client and will avoid any case of hair pulling and inflammations due to that.
You also avoid any case of muscle strangulation.
Anja – anja means anointment or application. Smearing of oil/ fat is next most important part of ayurvedic Abhyangam. So, oil remains an integral part of this precious treatment. If at all, massage is being given without oil/ fat, it can not be called as Abhyangam, though there are treatments available in Ayurveda, where massage is given without fat as well, but they have different names.
Anga – it means body.

So, if we join these three words, it states that, Abhyangam is a procedure in which oil/ fat is smeared over the body in the direction of body hair/ body parts.

Benefits of Abhyangam

Benefits of abhyangam are an exhaustive list. Vagabhatta narrates all these benefits in one verse,
Abhayngam nityam achareta, sa jara shrama vataha !
Drishti Prasad pushti ayu, swapna sutvakatvaa dadarya krita !!

One should take abhyangam everyday, its benefits are as followings:-
Jara hara- it keeps old age away
Shrama hara- it takes away fatigue
Vata hara- it checks vata
Drishti Prasad- it improves vision/ eyesight
Pushti ayu- it induces longevity
Swapna kara- induces sleep
sutvakatva krita- improves skin texture and makes it smooth
Dadrya krita- increases physical strength.

Application of oil has innumerable effects on the body and it performs its actions depending upon multiple factors. The procedure may have customised approach and material of the massage is picked upon the condition of individual factor.

Material required

Room sizing 10× 10 feet.
Abhyanga table.
Oil/ fat (as per the condition & choice) – App. 100 Ml.
Expert masseurs – 2 for a better execution.
Gas stove or a coil heater.
Towel – 1.
Abhyangam dress for the client.
Apron – 2 for masseurs.
Soaking tissues – 4.
Temperature of the room should be optimum, neither too hot, nor too cold.
Steam chamber – 1.
A bathroom with hot water facility.
A changing room.
Chair – 1.
Light music in the background.

Method of execution

Traditionally speaking, massage is executed in seven different postures. They are as following:-
Sitting
Lying over the back – supine.
Lying in right lateral position.
Lying over the stomach - prone.
Lying in left lateral position.
Lying over the back.
Sitting.

Though different institutions have different methodologies, one should not get confused over this point, as the end product remains the most important and which is Relaxation.
After stimulating all the major marma spots and offering prayers massage is started from the head, following whole body. As per the word Abhyangam, position of body hair and muscles is kept in mind and steps are executed in the direction of same.

Contradictions

Assessment of the client is most important part and it should thoroughly be examined at the time of consultation. Though there are no grave side effects are there but yet it should not be executed in following conditions:-
Ama- in the state of indigestion
Kapha disorders- conditions like obesity, water retentions, over sleepiness etc.
Amavata- in the conditions of rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis.
Agnimandya- in the state of diminished digestive fire, i. e. dyspepsia, aversion to the food.

Other factors, in case of fractures, dislocations, muscular and tendon tears, Abhyangam should not be executed else under the supervision.

Duration of the treatment

Classically, for a healthy person it should be executed for 45 minutes. Old people should be taken care of and it can be executed on alternative days to avoid any kind of exertion.

Acute pain management in Ayurveda

Today, when I was coming back to my flat on my bike from office I met an unfortunate incidence. When I was waiting a red signal to turn green, a huge Tata Indigo Marina which was trying to skip red signal just got my left foot under the rear tyre, not to say it fetched hell out of me and I was in massive excruciative pain. Driver of the cab was not ready to listen my cry and did not move his cab for long... Ah... Pain....Pain Pain....

Somehow I managed to drive myself back to home and could not think of a potent medicine that can relieve my pain. I made sure it was not a fracture.

All of a sudden I thought of a pain management measure from Ayurvedic books and bought a packet of cold milk to do a cold fomentation on it. Though, a doubtful starter I did it for another half an hour, and to my surprise pain was completely off. I took half glass of milk mixed with ! spoon of purified butter i.e. Ghee and a pinch of turmeric.

After 1 hour of rest I am back on my feet and could not wait to share this with you all.

Incredible Ayurveda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Medical System becoming Cheap

05/02/08

Advertisement of famous and reputed Hospital in Delhi:

Angiography@ Rs. 6999/-, hurry!

The day is not far away, stents would be sold on mobile handrickshaw.

Prevention is always better than cure. What are you waiting for, why not to get your angiography done.

Thanks!

Prakriti For You

27/1/2008

Prakriti for You !!!!!

Have you ever observed three kids playing together? Nye!!!!! Who is having that much time to

bother.

Just a small exercise for everyone,

Do you think that you lack interest sometimes to complete the projects that you have been given.

Do you think, you are not living up to your commitments with others.

You are lacking somewhere, and yourself being a hurdle for your career growth?

But you are very accommodating, and get along with everyone easily, still don't know why you are not progressing in your life.

There is a possibility, you are not channelizing your Air within you.

Perhaps Ayurveda can help you.

Do you Know your Prakriti ?

23/01/08

New Delhi.

Do you Know Yourself?

Its been long time talking about ourselves, lets take back seat and discuss something interesting. Prakriti as said by Ayurveda, a trait carried by an individual throughout his life due to the influence of trinity of biological humors i.e. Vata (Air), Pitta(Fire), Kapha(Water) on his/ her body. It produces many colours in your life. It even reflexes on your mental state and can help you to decide what you can do best in your life. Its like knowing yourself completely.

I hope, you know yourself.

Ayurveda goes a long way

A unique system of medicine, a great philosophy and much more than your imagination comes a long way since 5000 B.C. back.

In this world, where most of the systems of medicines explains about curing the diseases, Ayurveda asserts on retaining health of a haelthy being.

I want to change the image of tomorrow's world.Why to fall prey to diseases, when we can keep them well away.

Know your constitution and seek ayurvedic advice to keep yourself healthy.

And if you are running down with stress, shirodhara can help you. There is much more this science can serve you.

Dr. Ashutosh Guleri

Ayurveda can answer your all woes.

when you get up in the morning, try gargles with hot water mixed with Little salt.

This appears to be simple but yet effective.

It keeps your mouth clean.

It increases taste.

scrapes mucous.