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Ayurveda and Abhyanga: The Healing Power of Daily Massage

by with No Comment LifestyleWellness

Medically Written and Reviewed by Ayurvedacharya Dr. Gaurav Pathare (BAMS)

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Abhyanga, the application of medicated oils to the body, holds a significant place in Ayurveda as a vital part of the daily regimen. In today’s fast-paced world, where time is often scarce, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care. However, Ayurveda teaches us that maintaining health is just as important as managing time. The core principle of Ayurveda, as captured in the saying “Svasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam, Aturasya Vikar Prashamanam,” means “the protection of the health of a healthy person and the alleviation of the ailments of a sick person.” To support this, Ayurveda suggests following a daily regimen (Dinacharya) and seasonal regimen (Ritucharya), with Abhyanga being a major component.

Abhyanga in Ayurveda

Abhyanga is traditionally performed by applying medicated oils to the body, with sesame oil being most commonly used due to its beneficial properties. The oils are often infused with herbs tailored to balance specific doshas (body energies). According to Vagbhatacharya, an ancient Ayurvedic sage, “Abhyangamacharenityam” (abhyanga should be performed regularly), emphasizing its importance in maintaining health. While daily abhyanga may not be feasible in the modern world due to time constraints, it is advised to perform it at least once a week or even once a month for its many benefits.

In contemporary wellness practices, Abhyanga is often referred to as a “Rejuvenation Massage.” This type of massage can be done by oneself, but for maximum benefits, it is best performed by trained therapists and under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician. A trained practitioner can tailor the oils and techniques to your individual dosha and health conditions. The therapist also knows the correct pressure to apply to specific parts of the body and the duration for which each area should be massaged.

Specific Areas for Abhyanga

Vagbhatacharya specifically highlights the importance of massaging the head, feet, and ears. These areas are particularly sensitive and are prone to Vata dosha imbalances. Vata dosha governs bodily functions like movement, communication, and flexibility, and when it is aggravated, it can lead to dryness and stiffness in the body. To balance this, oils infused with Vata-pacifying herbs are used, giving the oil a thicker consistency to counteract the dryness associated with an aggravated Vata.

Benefits of Abhyanga

Abhyanga provides a wide range of benefits, including

Anti-Aging: Reduces the effects of aging (Jara), promoting youthfulness.

Improved Vision: Enhances eyesight (Drishtiprasadak)

Increased Vitality: Boosts overall body strength (Pushti) and vigor

Relaxation and Sleep: Helps in achieving restful sleep (Swapna) and reduces fatigue (Shrama)

Strengthens the Skin: Makes the skin soft and smooth (Sutvakva)

Balances Vata Dosha: Reduces the effects of excess Vata in the body (Vataha)

Increased Longevity: Supports long life (Longevity benefits)

Vagbhatacharya further emphasizes that regular Abhyanga enhances mental clarity, physical strength, and overall vitality, ensuring better health and well-being.

Who Should Avoid Abhyanga

While Abhyanga is highly beneficial for most people, certain individuals should avoid it

People with Kapha-related diseases: Kapha imbalances result in conditions like obesity, respiratory issues, and excess mucus.

Post-purification individuals: Those who have undergone cleansing treatments like

Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) or Virechana (therapeutic purgation).

People with indigestion: Those suffering from Ajeerna (poor digestion) should refrain from Abhyanga until their digestive health improves.

Post-Abhyanga Care

After performing Abhyanga, it is important to rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the oils to be absorbed and to avoid any exposure to wind or cold. This rest period helps the body fully absorb the medicinal properties of the oils and enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

Conclusion

In today’s stressful and hectic lifestyle, Abhyanga offers a simple yet effective solution to promote health and well-being. Even if daily practice is not always possible, incorporating it into your routine weekly or monthly can lead to significant benefits. Taking the time to care for your body through Abhyanga can lead to better physical and mental health, improved vitality, and a more balanced life.

Reference

Ashtang Hridaya chapter 2 / 7

 

summer drinks

“Stay Hydrated the Natural Way: Best Summer Drinks from Ayurveda”

by with No Comment FoodWellness

Medically Written and Reviewed by Ayurvedacharya Dr. Gaurav Pathare (BAMS)

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In Ayurveda, the focus during the hot summer months is on cooling the body and balancing the excess heat that tends to build up. Ayurvedic cold drinks are typically made from cooling herbs, fruits, and spices to reduce inflammation, quench thirst, heat stroke, burning sensation and promote overall well-being. Here are some Ayurvedic cold drinks that are perfect for the summer season

Dhnayak Heem (Coriander Drink):

Dhanyak Heema is an Ayurvedic formulation that is primarily made from Dhanyaka (coriander) along with other ingredients, often designed to soothe internal heat and balance bodily functions.

Ingredients: 1 part of coriander coarse powder.

Preparation: Add the powder to 6 part of boiling water, cover, and let it cool. After cooling, crush the mixture and take it with the medicine.

Uses and Benefits

Antardaha (Burning Sensation inside the Body)

Dhanyak Heema is very effective in alleviating Antardaha, which refers to a burning sensation inside the body. This burning feeling can be associated with excess Pitta or heat in the body, and Dhanyak Heema’s cooling and soothing properties help to relieve this discomfort. It balances internal heat and can be used for conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, or fever-induced burning sensations.

Trushna (Excessive Thirst)

Dhanyak Heema is helpful for Trushna, or excessive thirst, especially when it is caused by heat-related conditions or dehydration. It works by cooling the body and providing hydration, helping to reduce the sensation of unquenchable thirst.

Strotovishodhan (Detoxification and Purification of Channels)

The term Strotovishodhan refers to the process of purifying the body’s channels (Strotas), and Dhanyak Heema helps cleanse and detoxify these channels. It particularly supports the Mutravahi (urinary) channels, acting as a diuretic, promoting healthy urinary function, and helping the body eliminate excess toxins through urination. This cleansing effect can also help in improving overall metabolism and bodily function.

Manuka Heem (Black raisin Drink)

Ingredients: 1 part of black raisins with seeds, 6 parts of water.

Preparation: Soak the black raisins and water together for 4-5 hours, then crush and strain. The strained water is Manuka Heem.

Sharkar Sherbat (Herbal Syrup)

Ingredients: Juices of Kokum (Garcinia Indica), Vala (Chrysopogon zizanioides), Amla (Phyllanthus Emblica), Gulabpush (Rose petals), Kevadpush (Pandanus Fascicularis), or other sour-sweet fruits, along with double the sugar and water (8 times).

Preparation: Mix the juices of the fruits, sugar, and water to create refreshing herbal syrup.

Panak Kalpana (Fruit Pulp Drink)

Ingredients: Sweet-sour fruits Kairi (raw mango), pomegranate, falsa (Grewia asiatica) Tamarind, grape, orange, pineapple, date, sugar or jaggery, and water (16 times the pulp).

Preparation: Cook or ripen the fruit, then blend the pulp with sugar or jaggery, and dilute with water.

Laja Manda (Puffed Rice Water Drink)

Laja Manda is a traditional Ayurvedic drink made from puffed rice (Laja), which is often mixed with water. This simple and effective preparation has several cooling and digestive benefits.

Ingredients: Saali lahya (popped rice/puffed rice) and Khadisakhar honey.

Preparation: Soak Saali lahya (puffed rice) in hot water (14 times the amount of lahya) overnight. In the morning, strain and mix with Khadisakhar honey.

Kapha & Pitta Hara (Balances Kapha and Pitta)

Laja Manda helps in balancing the Kapha and Pitta doshas. It is especially effective in cooling down the body, which can be beneficial for those with an excess of Pitta

(Heat) or Kapha (Dampness and Heaviness) by reducing the excess heat and moisture, it helps bring balance to both doshas.

Grahi (Astringent or Absorptive)

Laja Manda has an absorbing quality that helps in reducing excess moisture in the body. This quality can be especially beneficial when there is a need to manage conditions that involve the accumulation of fluids or dampness, such as edema or digestive disturbances.

Useful In

Pipasa (Excessive Thirst)

Laja Manda is particularly useful in alleviating Pipasa or excessive thirst. Its cooling properties help to quench thirst, especially when it is due to heat-related conditions, dehydration, or fever.

Jwara (Fever)

Laja Manda is commonly used in Jwara, or fever to cool the body. It helps lower body temperature, reduces the burning sensation that often accompanies fever, and helps with hydration, which is essential during illness.

Manth Kalpana (Sweet and Sour Fruit Drink)

Ingredients: A mixture of sweet and sour fruit juices like Kharjur (date), Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Draksha (raisins), and others, along with water (4 times the juice).

Preparation: Mix and soak the ingredients in water for 2 hours, then churn and rub with hand. Strain through cloth to get the liquid.

Shadangapaniya (Aromatic Herbal Drink)

Ingredients: Nagarmotha (Sedge Root), Pittapapada (Fumitory), Aromatic Vala, Black Vala, Sandalwood, and Sunth (Dried Ginger) (3 gm each) with 1250 ml of boiling water.

Preparation: Mix all ingredients with boiling water and keep the mixture covered until cooled. Consume little by little.

Deepan (Increase Digestive Fire)

Shadangpaniya is known to stimulate and increase the digestive fire, or “Agni,” which is essential for proper digestion and metabolism in Ayurveda. Enhancing the Agni helps improve the body’s ability to digest food and absorb nutrients efficiently.

Pachan (Digestion)

This beverage is particularly useful in aiding the digestion process. It helps break down food and improves overall digestive function, which is beneficial for those suffering from indigestion or slow digestion.

Aamdoshharam (Relieves Ama or Toxins)

Shadangpaniya is effective in eliminating Ama (toxic substances or undigested food) from the body. In Ayurveda, Ama is considered a major cause of many diseases, so anything that helps in removing it is highly valued for overall health and well-being.

Useful In

Jwara (Fever)

Shadangpaniya is often recommended in cases of Jwara or fever, as it helps cool down the body and enhances digestion, which is often compromised during illness.

Pipasa (Excessive Thirst)

It helps quench excessive thirst (Pipasa), which can occur due to various factors such as dehydration or conditions that disturb the body’s fluid balance.

Daha (Burning Sensation)

Shadangpaniya can help alleviate the burning sensation or Daha, particularly when it occurs due to excess Pitta or heat in the body. Its cooling properties help soothe the body and bring down the internal heat.

Narikodaka (Coconut Water)

It is described in Ayurvedic texts for its various beneficial properties.

Singdha (Unctous): It has a moist and smooth texture, making it soothing and hydrating.

Madhur (Sweet): It has a naturally sweet taste, which contributes to its nourishing and restorative qualities.

Shukravardhak (Increases Semen): Coconut water is considered beneficial for reproductive health, promoting the production of semen or improving its quality.

Sheeta (Cold): It has a cooling effect on the body, making it ideal for hot climates or conditions that cause heat-related symptoms.

Laghu (Light): It’s light on the stomach, making it easy to digest and absorb without causing heaviness or discomfort

Useful in

Excessive Thirst (Trushna): Coconut water is often recommended to alleviate thirst, particularly when it’s caused by dehydration or excessive heat.

Vata and Pitta Disorders: It helps balance the Vata and Pitta doshas, which are often aggravated by heat, dryness, and stress. It is especially useful in soothing conditions like inflammation, irritability, and digestive issues.

Deepan (Increases Digestive Fire): Though it is considered cold, coconut water can aid in improving digestion, especially when digestive fire is weak.

Bastishodhan (Diuretic): It acts as a natural diuretic, promoting urination and helping in the elimination of toxins through the urinary tract.

References

1) Sharangdhar Samhita Madhyam Khand 4/7.

2) Bhaishajya Kalpana Vidnyan by Dr. Ram Chandra Reddy (Edition 2005, pages 197-198)

3) Bhaishajya Kalpana Vidnyan by Dr. Ram Chandra Reddy (Edition 2005, page 194)

4) Sharangdhar Samhita Madhyam Khand 2/174.

5) Sharangdhar Samhita Madhyam Khand 4/9-10, 11

6) Sharangdhar Samhita Madhyam Khand 2/158.

7) Ashtang Hridaya Sutrasthan 5/19

 

Women are playing yoga at the park. Exercising.

Ayurveda in spring: Detox, Diet & Daily Routine According to Vasant Ritucharya

by with No Comment LifestyleWellness
Medically Written and Reviewed by Ayurvedacharya Dr. Gaurav Pathare (BAMS)
Women are playing yoga at the park. Exercising.

Spring season (Vasant Ritu) – (March, April, first half of May)

This seasonal Ayurvedic regimen for spring provides a comprehensive approach to maintaining health and balance by addressing the body’s natural changes during the season.

State of Doshas in the Spring Season (Vasant Ritu)

Kapha: The predominant dosha during spring. Its excess leads to imbalances like congestion, sluggishness, and moisture buildup in the body.

Pitta: Generally stays in balance, supporting good digestion and metabolic function.

Vata: Weakens, which may reduce digestive fire (Agni) and decrease appetite

Dietary Guidelines (Ahara)

Focus on dry, light, sharp, hot, and pungent qualities to counter Kapha’s heaviness and moisture.

Stimulate digestive fire by consuming easily digestible foods.

Preferred Foods:

Grains: Old rice, brown rice, Jowar (sorghum), Millet.

Legumes: Roasted pulses like moong (Yellow moong dal), lentils, Tur (pigeon pea) Sandage, Usali.

Roasted Foods: Roasted meats (Goat, Chicken, etc.), Tandoori.

Vegetables: Spinach, Radish, Fenugreek, Brinjal, Shevga (Drumstick or Moringa Oleifera)

Spices: Turmeric, Cumin, Cinnamon, Pepper, Asafoetida, Mustard, Bay leaf.

Other Foods: Wheat flour, Gram, Older Grains, Boiled and Cooled Water.

Prohibited Foods:

Heavy and Cold Foods: Avoid Curd, Ice Cream, Lassi (Yogurt based sweet drink), Cold drinks, Sour and Fried Foods.

Sweets: Avoid rich sugar based sweets.

Dairy & Fermented Foods: Avoid Curd Rice, Cheese, Paneer.

Other Foods: Bananas, Tomatoes, Fish, Urad dal, Peas, and hydrogenated fats (dalda).

 Avoid Late Night Eating: Eating late can disrupt digestion

Lifestyle Recommendations (Vihar)

Langhan: Practice moderation in food intake with small, easily digestible meals.

Exercise: Engage in regular light exercises like walking or pranayama (breathwork). Avoid heavy exertion but aim to stimulate circulation.

Body Care: Rub the body with warm water to increase circulation and remove excess moisture. Take warm baths to soothe the body.

Sleep: Avoid daytime naps, as they can aggravate Kapha.

Panchakarma (Detoxification)

Vaman: Induced vomiting to help expel excess Kapha from the body and clear congestion.

Nasya: Nasal treatments using oils to clear sinuses and reduce mucus buildup.

Rasayan (Rejuvenation)

Triphala Rasayan: A traditional herbal remedy for detoxification and digestion.

Honey-Water: A natural tonic for balancing Kapha and improving digestion.

Overall Approach

The regimen reduces Kapha’s excess moisture and heaviness by focusing on stimulating, light, and easily digestible foods.

Regular light exercise and detoxification techniques (like Vaman and Nasya) help clear excess Kapha and boost vitality.

By avoiding Kapha-aggravating foods and focusing on digestive health, the body can stay balanced and energized during the spring season.

This holistic approach of diet, lifestyle, detox, and rejuvenation supports the body’s natural rhythms, helping to maintain optimal health during the transition of seasons.

Reference:

Ashtang Hridaya sutrasthan chapter 3 /19-25