Ayurvedic massage is known as abhyanga. The word ‘abhyanga’ is composed of two Sanskrit words, abhi and anga. Abhi means ‘towards’ and anga, in one of its meanings, refers to ‘movement’.

Oil massage should be resorted to daily. It wards of old age, exertion and aggravation of vata. It bestows good vision, nourishment to the body, long life, good sleep, and good and strong healthy skin. It should be done to the feet, head, ears and palm.

Abhyanga may be done using oil, herbal powder, herbal pastes or ghee. It is a part of the dinacharya or the daily routine suggested by Ayurveda. It is used for relief of pain, stiffness and tiredness. It also forms an important part of snehana or oleation which is an indispensable prelude to panchakarma treatments, the five Ayurvedic detoxification therapies.

The scientific reason for abhyanga may be to increase the blood flow towards the most distal parts of the body and avoid overwhelming the heart through increased venous return if the massage is done towards the heart, or in other words, in the direction opposite to that of the body hair.

In Ayurvedic pharmacy there are several herb-infused oils available for different purposes and can be selected following the advice of an Ayurvedic Practitioner for example Mahnarayan oil to relieve Joint pain in Arthritis.

At Ayurveda heaven, your Ayurvedic massage treatment will begin with a consultation with me (Dr.Kanchan Sharma, Ayurveda consultant). I will go through your health and lifestyle check-up to establish your needs and expectations and choose suitable oil for you. This is completely confidential and will take around 15 minutes. Depending on your need and prescribed treatment, the massage can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. The oil,especially mixed for your condition, is heated and applied directly to your skin.

Please bear in mind that you may feel very relaxed after the treatment, so it's suggested not to plan any strenuous activities following the treatment to match this feeling. Make sure you stay warm after your massage.

• Reduction in Stress, Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
• Reduction Of Burning Sensations In Diabetic Neuropathy Patients
• Reduction In Heal Cracking, Roughness And Dryness Reduction in     Knee Pain In Osteoarthritis Patients
• Lower Levels Of Anxiety And Depressed Mood
• Newborns who receive massage from their mothers also tend to cry     less, and are more active, alert, and sociable
• Reduction in Atopic dermatitis/eczema
• Reduction in Rheumatoid arthritis
• Useful for many musculoskeletal problems, such as low back pain,     osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sprains and strains.
• Massage may also relieve depression
• Increases your chance of sleeping better

Ayurvedic massage should not be done in the following conditions according to Ayurveda.

• Fever
• Indigestion
• Kapha aggravation
• In ‘ama’ conditions which includes an acute swelling
• Immediately after Ayurvedic detox therapies like Vamana (induced     vomiting) and Virechana (induced purgation)
• During chemotherapy. If you have DVT (Deep vein thrombosis)

• Begin by heating a quarter cup of massage oil suggested for your body type. It should be slightly warmer than body temperature.
• Massage the oil into your entire body,beginning at the feet and working up the legs toward the middle of the body and then take up your arms.
• Use long stokes along the limbs and circular strokes on the joints.
• Use moderate to light pressure particularly on the heart area. Use a very gentle circular motion over the abdomen, moving clockwise, in the     direction of the large intestine.
• Massage the face and outer part of the ears, using the fingers. Massage the outer ear using your little or index finger.
• Put a small amount of oil on the crown.Give gentle dabbing strokes using your palm.. The stroke should be circular, describing small circles.
• Massage the front and back of the neck, and the upper part of the back using firm and long strokes along the direction of muscles fibers.
• Massage the back, spine and sides as far as your hands can reach using firm and long strokes.
• The ideal length of a daily full body massage is 15 to 30 minutes, but even a quick massage for 5 minutes could be very beneficial. In these short     massages make the priorities the head and feet.

Finishing Up Your Ayurvedic Massage

• Take a warm shower 20 minutes after your massage. Do not use soap on the body. For taking oil out of the hair an herbal shampoo can be used.     Dab the body dry with a towel. It is better to keep separate towels for the massage routine as ultimately they get oily and need to be changed.
• Caution: Never put oily towels in a dryer or hot vehicle as oil and heat can start a fire.

Causes Of Arthritis

• Diet - increased vata
• Malnutrition
• Wrong Lifestyle
• Injury or infection

Along with a well structured approach to diet, Ayurvedic arthritis home remedies can also be very helpful, especially if the condition is not chronic or severe.

• Massage joints with camphor oil before going to bed
• Castor oil - 1 tsp taken before bed with ginger tea
• Fenugreek - ½ tsp of powder in warm water before breakfast
• Turmeric - 1 tsp twice daily
• Mix a tablespoon of castor oil into a glass of milk and take it at bed time..

In Ayurvedic pharmacy there are several herb-infused oils available for different purposes and can be selected following the advice of an Ayurvedic Practitioner for example Mahnarayan oil to relieve Joint pain in Arthritis.

The ayurvedic procedure of instilling medicated oils in the ears is called Karna Purana. It is beneficial in ear diseases including hearing loss, tinnitus, Meniere’s disease (characterized by mainly vertigo), swimmer’s ear and other diseases related to the ears.

Other benefits

• Loosens ear wax
• Strengthens the bones in the ear
• Prevents neck stiffness

Oils

It’s best to use a herbalized oil that is significantly more moisturizing than a plain vegetable oil.

2 to 15 drops of medicated oils are instilled in the ears during karna purana therapy.

• Do head massage of the patient for 15 to 30 minutes before the procedure.The brahmi oil can be used for head massage.
• Warm some sesame oil or ghee and put in shallow bowl
• Use a cotton ball to soak up the oil
• Lay on one side and squeeze the oil out of the cotton ball into your ear ( it will tickle)
• Massage your ear lobe and bones gently for a couple minutes
• Lay for 20 minutes (even 10 minutes does some good), bonus points if you so hum
• Put a towel over your ear, tilt your head so the oil drizzles out
• Repeat other side

The procedure should be followed continuously for a week for better and desired results. If patient has not got the desired results, then repeat the Karna Purna procedure after a month.

Karna Purana has many benefits in ear disorders. It helps to treat the incurable diseases such as tinnitus. It improves hearing quality, helps in hearing loss and reduces frequent ear infections. Other benefits of Karna Purana are given below:

• Medicated oils are used in Karna Purana. These oils have strengthening properties for ear structures. These oils nourish all parts of the ears including external ear, middle ear, inner ear and eardrum.
• It is very helpful for Balance Disorders. Balance disorders are characterized by vertigo, dizziness and loss of balance.
• If you are suffering from frequent earaches, then it is the good therapy for your ears. The ayurvedic oils used in the therapy of Karna Poorna are beneficial for reducing inflammation and pain of the ears.
• Karna Purna also improves hearing capacity and quality. It nourishes the acoustic nerve and improves signal quality to the brain. It also enhances better interpretations of sounds by the hearing center in the brain.
• The mind disturbs due to many reasons such as depression, sleeplessness, emotional trauma etc. The karna purna helps to calm the brain and mind as well.
• It increases sense of sound by enhancing ear functions
• If karana purana taken regularly in interval of six months, it helps to prevent frequent ear infections.
• Karna purana helps in headache and migraine that are associated with body balance problems.

Nasya' is an Ayurvedic practice that encourages nasal administration of medicinal herbs, decoctions and oils. Commonly such treatments are known to clear sinus congestion, help clear accumulated toxins from head and neck region.

In Ayurveda Nasya is considered one of the most important holistic self-care that encourages internal detoxification. Many Vaidya’s consider Nasya as a part of Ayurvedic Daily Routine and conducts in every day by putting 3-5 drops of warm ghee or sesame seed oil into each nostril in the morning.

Nasya helps to lubricate the nasal passage, clean out mucus and sinuses, improves voice, mental clarity,smell and vision.

• Comfortably lie down on your back and tilting your head back. Use a pillow under the neck only and tilt the head down (backwards – looking up on the ceiling). Or if you are lying on a bed, you may hang your head off the edge of the bed.
• Place 3-5 drops of either Dosha specific Nasya oil or Anu Taila or Tridoshic Nasya oil in each nostril. Apply or administer drop by drop in order to absorb the oil through the nostril better. Massage in circular motion the outside perimeter of the nostril to ensure drops go down the nasal passage.
• Breath in with light force and then rest for two minutes allowing the oil to penetrate. Nasya will not block air or breathing, or disturb sleep on the contrary it will clear the nasal passage and make one feel more energetic. Do not overdo Nasya.

Apart from the above mentioned benefits Nasya as a Daily Routine can relieve you from

• Hoarseness of voice and stuttering or slurred speech
• Stiffness in the head, neck, throat, teeth and jaw area (TMJ)
• Headaches and migraines
• Earaches and any pain in nose and throat
• Known to improve conditions such as Rhinitis (runny nose)
• Relieve mental and emotional stress, anxiety, fear and negativity
• Positively impact higher cerebral and sensory organs (eyes, nose, ears, skin and tongue)
• Neuro muscular conditions
• Prevents facial paralysis, goiter, tonsillitis, convulsion and motor disorder.
• Prevents loose teeth, gingivitis and diseases of the oral cavity.

Nasya also nourishes the body by

• Strengthening the hair as well as prevent white/grey hair
• Firming veins, joints, tendons, and ligaments of the neck
• Reduces the chances of eye disorders due to old age

Massage of the body with some extra pressure in a reverse way i.e. from toes towards head is called Udvartan. There are two types: Snigdha Udvartan and Ruksha Udvartan Dry herbal powders or herbal paste prepared with medicated oils is used in this herbal powder massage.

Udvaratn Ingredients - For Weight Loss

• Triphala powder
• Soap Nut – Reetha
• Pushkarmool
• Black Pepper
• Long pepper
• Barley – Yava churna
• Nagarmotha
• Valerian- Tagar

Udvaratn Ingredients - For glowing skin

• Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry)
• Licorice or Yashtimadhu
• Rose petals
• Sariva
• Neem
• Red Sandalwood
• White Sandalwood
• Turmeric

Medical Oils used in Udvartana: