Abstract

ABHYANG –WAY TO HEALTH

Dr. Priyanka Sharma Dr. Prashant Sharma

ABSTRACT

Abhyang is the daily oil massage as recommend in Ayurveda., Literally, abhyanga means: smearing the body with unctuous or oily substance. The knowledge of Ayurveda is timeless,it exists primarily as an oral tradition. Caraka Samhita, considered the oldest, refers to abhyanga often. Caraka advocates skin organ of touch connects with mind, gives rise to pleasure and pain experiences.” sparsanendriyasamsparsah sparso manasa eva ca dvividhah sukhaduhkhanam vedananam pravartakah. Sa.I.133 .So Abhyang is important procedure to control mind and normal physiology of body. Other the benefits of applying oil to the body are firm, smooth-skin, free from disturbances of vata and tolerant of exertions and exercise. The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age. According to Modern physiology massage soothes the two master systems of the body, the nervous system and the endocrine system .Nervous and endocrine systems are seen as communication systems connecting all cells. The pleasure from touching is mediated through the limbic system which causes the secretion of hormones physically equivalent to health and happiness. Massage or touching, from the perspective of modern physiology, has been found to increase secretion of human growth hormone (HGH). Growth hormone is believed to speed up the movement of digested proteins (amino acids) out of the blood and into the cells, and this accelerates the cell‟s anabolism (build up of amino acids to form tissue proteins), hence this action promotes normal growth. It's also responsible for increased protein synthesis and decreased oxidation of proteins. Growth Hormone also affects fat and carbohydrate In fact, scientists now believe that HGH has a role in most healthy functions of the body, including sexual function, proper operation of stomach and bowels, liver, immune system, and all glandular systems. Thus Abyang contribute to the various components of health. The mind-body integration and purification which takes place form the basis of the growth of consciousness as well. These form the basis of immortality. Both cure and prevention depend upon these aspects and are directly addressed by this simple daily task. In modern and ancient paradigms abhyanga does indeed promote strength and immunity also.

Keywords: Abhyanga, massage,stress, neurotrasmittors