ABHYANGAM

It is the application of Sneha dravya (most commonly medicated oil) over the body with the certain amount of pressure in a specific direction. It can be done whole body or locally. The patient should be seated on droni (the massage table) with extended legs. Oil with optimum temperature should be applied to head, ears, palm and foot. Oil should be applied uniformly. It can be done in the traditional seven postures like sitting, supine, Right lateral, supine, left lateral, supine, sitting. Prone posture can also be adopted. The number of strokes and pressure vary with the condition of the individual. According to Ayurveda, it is said that massage should be done daily to prevent ageing and degeneration (Abhyangam achareth nithyam…). This stimulating treatment increases blood circulation, which in turn encourages quick removal of metabolic wastes also.