Benefits of oil application (Abhyanga) over the body at regular interval…….

More than 2,000 years ago in India, oil was found to not only heal illness but also prevent future imbalances. These therapies are given (to oneself or to others) on a daily basis. Oil was poured onto the entire body is called “Abhyanga”, only in the head called ‘Shirobhyanga or Sirodhara”, ear (Karna Purana), feet (pada abhyanga), or specific site that require attention (Maram abhyanga). 

[Abhyanga (Oil application on the body]

There are many benefits that have been mentioned in Ayurveda for Abhyanga. Some important benefits are as follows-

1. Reverses/prevents aging and increases longevity. 

2. Remove fatigue and stress from work and life overall. 

3. Heals and prevents nervous system disorders. 

4. Promotes good vision

5. Nourishes the body and promotes sturdiness. 

6. Remedies insomnia. 

7. Creates an electrochemical balance in the body. 

8. Oil rubbed into the skin prevents dehydration and strengthens the nerves. 

9. Oil helps the electromagnetic field of the body. 

10. Stimulates antibody production, thus strengthening the immune system.

11. It stimulates the lymphatic system. The lymph is pervasive in the entire body except for the brain, bone marrow, and deep skeletal muscles (though some scientists believe they may extend there as well). The role of this system is to carry nutrients and remove the toxins from the cells. Some cells in the nodes destroy bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful particles. Other vessels send the fluid from the other side. Lymph contains about half the concentration of the proteins in the plasma and returns the serum protein to the blood. Thus this is a sort of self-feeding, pre-processing system that means the body prepares its own food and feeds itself. Additionally, it contains many white blood cells that help maintain the body’s resistance to immune disorders, forming these infection-fighting cells in the nodes. The amino acid tryptophan is needed for producing energy and balancing the hormonal and nervous systems. Melatonin a brain hormone synthesis from the tryptophan within the pineal gland is believed to relate to the thyroid gland, adrenal, and gonads. It has been found to help calm excess mental activity. An enzyme Dopamine beta-hydroxylase is believed to be related to schizophrenia and other mental disorders. Histaminase, other enzymes break down histamine. If histamine is in excess, it causes gastric acidity, lethargy, itching, headaches, pain in muscles and nodes; and allergies. Thus, abhyanga (oil application) may help the body to produce its own natural antihistamines.  Lymphs also played important role in the various forms of edema. 

Recommended oil for application on the body (massage)- 

Sesame, mustard, and almond oil are only recommended for application on the body or use for massage. The oil should be pre-heated and then wait up to lukewarm condition and then. Applicator’s hand or massagers hand should also be not in normal or cool condition. It must be a little warm in front of heat or both hands should be rubbed to each other until it shows heat, then only this is fit for the person to whom the oil application is to be done. 

Time for oil application (abhyanga) - 

Daily abhyanga is done 1 to 2 hours after eating. After abhyanga bath should be avoided within an hour. At least one hour must require for abhyanga before taking bath to let the oil nurse and detoxify all the tissues layers. 

Precautions: Abhyanga should not be given immediately after enemas, emesis, or purgation therapy; during the first stage of fever, or with indigestion. It should also not be given to a person having excess Kapha duration.