The word 'Abhyangam' is composed of two Sanskrit words, abhi and anga. Abhi means 'towards' and anga, in one of its meanings, refers to 'movement'.
Abhyangam is a synchronized massaging of the body towards the direction of the movement of arterial blood. In practical terms it means massaging the body in the direction of the body hair. The scientific reason for this is 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.
Abhyangam may be done using oil, herbal powder, herbal pastes or ghee. It is a part of 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.
Abhyangam not only prepares the body for Panchakarma, but also helps to mobilize the dosha from the periphery toward the core in order to get them eliminated through the body orifices. The Vata dosha is particularly pacified by Abhyangam but even Pitta and Kapha can be pacified using different massage mediums like ghee and herbal powders respectively. Abhyangam is considered an important treatment modality for balancing the dosha.
The difference between Ayurvedic massage (Abhyangam) and regular massage
Abhyangam and other types of massage are the same in that both involve the basic manipulation techniques that have been developed through experience by different schools and have been passed on from generation to generation. Interestingly, Ayurvedic texts do not give details of the procedures involved in Abhyangam but mention 'samvahan' which means gentle rubbing, 'peedan' which means pressing and squeezing and 'mardan' which means pressure massage, which corresponds to modern day massage techniques. Different Abhyangam techniques have been developed over centuries. Marma massage and Kerala foot massage which were traditionally used to heal injured warriors were carefully guarded secrets. Now they are being taught to other seekers as well.
Abhyangam differs from other massage in that it invariably uses oil for massaging the body. Unlike massage which is used more for recreation and relaxation, Abhyangam is a therapeutic procedure in many Vata disorders. Different oils are used to encourage different therapeutic effects on the body. This type of distinction is not made by modern day massage therapy, unless combined with aromatherapy.
Dr. Vimala Lewis is an alumnus of the prestigious Fr. Muller’s Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, India. She graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor Degree in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery. Thereafter she worked at a Government Homeopathic Centre in Udupi, India for a brief period before joining her alma mater as a tutor for Homeopathic Materia Medica, where she worked for 2 years. She was assigned duties to the outpatient department of the hospital at the same time. Later on she started her own private consultancy in her hometown and practiced homeopathy for a couple of years.
Dr. Eram Mohd Shaikh is an established and highly skilled General Practitioner with strong focus towards Integrative Medicine. Being born and brought up in Dubai, she graduated from one of the leading universities in UAE and was trained in multiple hospitals across the Emirates such as, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Al Baraha Hospital in Dubai.
Dr. Asha Jones has many years of broad practical experience in Ayurvedic medicine and treatment in India and in UAE. Since graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery from India’s highly reputed Government Ayurvedic College in Trivandrum, Kerala, Asha Jones has worked as a consultant in many of the country’s Ayurvedic hospitals and centres. She has been practicing in U A E since 2004. Jones joined Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre in 2011.
After graduating in 1992 as an allopathic physician from the University of Bonn, Germany, Dr Maria worked for three years in neurology and four years in psychiatry. She had extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (acupuncture & herbal prescriptions). Furthermore she has a Master’s Degree in Preventive Medicine from Dresden International University. Dr Maria is licensed as a conventional and as a CAM physician. She is also trained in homoeopathy, naturopathy, and is fluent in English, German and Spanish.
With over 8 years of experience practicing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the United Arab Emirates, Shan Xu is highly passionate about functional and integrative medical approaches that honor the concept of holism, which is central to TCM.
Jing Zeng got the medical degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 when she completed her 6 years studying at Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, China. Ever since then she has been working as a doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.During 2005-2007, Jing Zeng was selected to follow Acupuncture Master Dr Dong Hongtao (a reputed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in China) to learn acupuncture techniques. And during 2008-2010, she worked in the affiliated hospital of Guangxi TCM University. In the year 2010 she became a Member of The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, as well as relocating to Dubai to continue her profession. With enthusiasm, Jing Zeng has focused her practice in fertility support, rehabilitation, detox, energy balancing and facial acupuncture by Acupuncture treatment and prescriptions of herbal teas (decoctions).
Yang Yang has been practicing medicine for almost 20 years. She obtained her medical bachelor degree from Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2000 and worked in Dalian hospital as a TCM doctor. She pursued further study at Dalian Medical University and was awarded a Masters degree 2010. She treats her patients using acupuncture therapy combined with cupping, Chinese herbs, moxibustion and lifestyle management to treat both physical and psychological problems, in order to promote health and wellbeing both spiritually and mentally.
Zhiyan Shi completed her Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. During her Master’s Degree studies, she worked at the affiliated Foshan Chinese Medicine Hospital. From 2011 to 2015, she worked in the No.181 Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army. Her therapies include TCM consultation, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, tuina massage and ear point treatment. Zhiyan has focused on fertility support, rehabilitation, detox, acupressure, energy balancing, facial acupuncture by Acupuncture treatment and prescriptions of herbal teas (decoctions). Besides other diseases she is specially trained on treating arthritis, rheumatism, muscle strain, tennis elbow, headache, migraine, immune system diseases, insomnia, neck-, shoulder-, low-back- and leg pain. She joined Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre in 2015.
Dr. Acharya has five decades of clinical experience and four decades in hospital administration. After seven years in the National Health Services (NHS, UK), Dr. Acharya held the position of Director of Primary Healthcare in the Department of Health & Medical Services, Government of Dubai from 1972 until 2002. During this period, he was also Head of the Dermatology Department and Liaison Officer for WHO. Upon completing his tenure at DOHMS, Dr. Acharya helped to establish the Dubai Herbal & Medical Centre (DHTC) as one of the first truly integrative medical centres in the UAE. From 2002 until 2010, he held the role of Medical Director at DHTC, while continuing to practice integrative dermatology.
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