Dear Readers,
May the divine light of Diwali enlighten your life with Joy, Happiness and Health
Wish you all
A Very Happy Diwali & a Prosperous New Year
As we know, Ayurveda is very advanced and ancient science. Most of the lifestyle patterns suggested by ancient Ayurveda scholars are very much of importance and extremely beneficial for us, even today.
Diwali has begun today and all Indians, irrespective of where they are located, are preparing for the most awaited festival of lights. One thing not to miss in this festival is oil massage (abhyanga) and application of ubtan (aromatic Ayurvedic herbal powder to be rubbed on body during bath, after massage)
Let’s see why this oil massage i.e. abhyanga is recommended during Diwali.
Abhyanga means applying medicated oil on the body. It is of two types:
● Sthanic abhyanga (local massage) –
It is preferred in diseased conditions.
● Sarvadehic abhyanga (whole body massage) –
Used in both conditions, for rejuvenation and in diseased condition.
All Ayurvedic classics describe importance of abhyanga as –
अभ्यंगं आचरेत् नित्यं स जराश्रमवातहा।
दृष्टिप्रसादपुष्ट्यायुः स्वप्नसुत्वक्त्वदाढर्यकृत्।।
अ.हृ.सू.2/7
● Jarahara (one that takes away ageing)
Jara is old age. As massage nourishes all dhatus, provides energy and vitality and ultimately keeps you young, it is said to be jarahara.
● Shramhara (removes fatigue)
Physical and mental stress affect muscles and causes tension. Using proper techniques like patting, rubbing etc muscles are relaxed and fatigue is relieved.
● Vatahara (helps reducing increased vata dosha)
Vata dosha is the root cause of any pain in the body. Lifestyle comprising excessive anxiety, stress and irregular daily routine, excessive travelling etc increases vata dosha. These causes’ different types of pains like joint pain, muscular pain etc. Daily massage or massage at particular intervals helps reduce vata and reduces pain. Use of proper oil is important here.
● Drishti prasadkara (beneficial for eyesight)–
Daily practice of abhyanga improves eyesight and keeps eye diseases away. Massage to feet at a particular point also helps for better eyesight.
● Pushtikara (provides strength)–
Massage increases circulation of vital fluids like blood, lymph and makes the body strong by increasing stamina and vitality by actions like rubbing, kneading etc.
● Ayukara (increases life-span)
As it regulates blood & lymph circulation, nourishes the body and provides immunity, it automatically increases the life span of a person who practices abhyanga regularly.
● Swapnkara (induces sleep)
Massage especially to the head and feet (shiro abhyanga and padabhyanga, respectively)gives very good sleep. Proper oils like himasagara taila should be used. So it is beneficial in cases of insomnia and disturbed sleep.
● Twak drudhkara (strengthens skin),varna bala prad –
It is the most obvious benefit of abhyanga. It makes the skin smooth and improves lustre. Dryness of skin is a result of cold climate, excessive worry, anxiety or mental work. Regular massage is the key for healthy and glowing skin.
● bhighat sahAatawam (improves resistance to trauma/injury)–
Due to strengthened skin and underlying tissues, a person who practises the abhyanga/massage daily responds quickly to injury or trauma and recovers faster than the normal person.
● Klesh sahatwam (makes you resistant against disharmony,disease)
As abhyanga increases the body’s circulating immune response by improving lymphatic system, it also provides disease resistance. Also strengthening and nourishing the seven dhatus give tolerance against sharirik or manasik klesh (sorrows, agonies etc).
In India this science is always wrapped with customs to make it a compulsory habit, by our ancestors.
Reasons why Abhyanga snana is advised during Diwali festival –
● As we gather together for the festival, we need to relax and be in a good mood. Abhyanga helps here.
● We need good sleep, of which, we are deprived many times during our hectic routines otherwise. Abhyanga is nidrakara.
● As Diwali arrives in the starting phase of winter, abhyanga snana is a reminder to practice it daily at least till the winter ends. Also it protects skin from dryness caused by cold weather.
● During Diwali, everyday is allotted for each close relation. First day for kids, elders (Naraka Chaturdashi), second for ladies (Lakshmi Pujan), third for husband-wife (padva/balipratipada) and last day for brother and sister (bhaubeej/bhaiduj). On each of these particular days, these family members get abhyanga by their mothers/grannies/wife/sisters, respectively along with aarati.
Here the energy flows with love, affection and positivity, which makes a huge difference. Also such rituals enhance the relationships and make us spare time for each other at least once in a year.
Different oils are used as per need. In diseased condition massage is to done by trained masseurs and under guidance of physician.
So this is the ancient Ayurveda merged in meaningful and scientific Indian culture.
Enjoy this Diwali with healthy living and relationships.
