Importance of Abhyanga

What is Abhyanga?

Abhyanga= Abhi + Anga

Abhi means towards and Anga means to smear or to move or to apply.

Abhyanga refers to the application of oil or similar substances to the body, typically accompanied by gentle rubbing or massage with hands. In a broader sense, procedures such as Lepa (herbal application), Udvartana (powder massage), and Mardana (kneading/pressing massage) can be considered forms or variations of Abhyanga when they involve unction or massage-like actions.

Should the same oil be used for Abhyanga every time?

Acharya Suhruta has advised that in Abhyanga one should not rely on a single type of oil or medium for everyone.
Instead, the selection of taila, ghrita or any other unctuous substance must be done thoughtfully, keeping in mind the prakriti (constitution) of the individual, the ritu (season), satmya (habitual suitability), as well as the prevailing dosha-state, desha and the roga (disease or condition) being addressed.

Who should avoid Abhyanga?

• Individuals suffering from Kapha disorders or Kapha-dominant diseases.
• Those who have recently undergone Vamana (therapeutic vomiting) or Virechana (purgation therapy).
• Persons with Ajirna (impaired digestion/indigestion).
• Those with Ama (undigested toxins) or in a state of Samavastha (toxic accumulation).
• Individuals affected by Tarun Jwara or Nava Jwara (acute fever).
• Persons who have undergone Datta Basti (medicated enema).
• Those suffering from Santarpana roga (diseases due to over-nourishment or excess unctuousness).
• Persons with Agnimandya (weak or impaired digestive fire).

What are the techniques used in Abhyanga?

• Massage should be done in Anuloma Gati (toward the direction of natural hair growth).
• Special attention should be given to head, feet, and ears during Abhyanga.
• For the head, use either sheeta (cool) oil or sukhoshna (moderately warm) oil, depending on condition.
• Hot oil should never be applied to the head.
• For hands and feet, use hot oil in winter and cooler oil in summer.
• On long structures like arms and legs, apply oil following Anuloma Gati.
• On joints, massage in circular motions to promote flexibility and lubrication.

Abhyanga helps enhance blood circulation and improve the nourishment of internal organs.

How long should Abhyanga be performed?

Acharya Dalhan, the renowned Ayurvedic commentator, has explained the duration required for the oil (Sneha) to penetrate into the deeper tissues of the body during Abhyanga.

1 Vakmatra is generally considered as 19/60 seconds. The duration for oil to reach different layers of tissue is as given below:

Oil (Sneha) Penetration According to Vakmatra 

This table shows how increasing the duration during Abhyanga enhances penetration, allowing oil to nourish progressively deeper tissues from skin to muscles, fat, and bones.

A full-body Abhyanga should be performed for approximately 15–35 minutes. If the massage is applied to only a single body part, it should be done for about 15 minutes.

What steps should be followed after Abhyanga?

1. Rest for 15 minutes - Allow the body to absorb the oil and relax fully after the massage.
2. Clean the body gently - Use a napkin, damp cloth, or towel soaked in warm water to wipe off excess oil.
3. Warm water bath - Take a bath with lukewarm water to maintain the therapeutic effect of the oils.
4. Use natural cleansing agents like besan (gram flour) - Avoid soap, as it may strip the oil from the pores and reduce the benefits of Abhyanga.

What are the therapeutic advantages of Abhyanga?

• Jarahara – Delays aging; acts as a rejuvenator.
• Shramhara – Reduces fatigue and tiredness.
• Vatahara – Pacifies Vata dosha.
• Drishti Prasadakara – Improves vision and eye health.
• Pushtikara – Nourishes the body and promotes strength.
• Ayushyakara – Supports longevity and overall vitality.
• Swapnakara – Promotes sound sleep.
• Twak Dadhyakara – Enhances skin texture, luster, and firmness.
• Klesha Sahatwa – Reduces mental stress and anxiety.
• Abhighata Sahatwa – Increases resistance to trauma or injuries.
• Kapha-Vata Nirodhana – Balances Kapha and Vata doshas.
• Mrija Varna Balaprada – Improves complexion, softness of skin, and strength.