Ayurvedic Massage Benefits

Abhyanga is used as a preoperative procedure of Panch Karma, the five detox therapies of
Ayurveda. It is also used as part of a management protocol for different disease conditions. In
these studies, pure sesame oil or herbal oils were used for the Abhyanga. Abhyanga benefits are
clearly demonstrated.

1. Reduction in Stress, Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

A pilot study investigating the effects of Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage on subjective stress
experience showed high statistically and clinically significant reductions in subjective stress
experience. A consequent analysis of physiologic data indicated likewise reductions in heart rate
(HR). A blood pressure (BP) reduction was not recorded for the total sample but was found in the
pre-hypertensive subgroup.

Findings indicate that Abhyanga massage is promising in reducing subjective stress experience.
It may also be beneficial in lowering HR in all and BP in pre-hypertensive subjects.1

2. Improvement In Head Holding In Children With Cerebral Palsy

A study involving use of an herbal oil for Abhyanga and anointing the bragma of children with
cerebral palsy showed significant improvement in head holding and standing motor milestone. In
the study, dhanwanthara thaila (oil) was utilized during shiropichu therapy, the placing of an oil
soaked cotton pad on the head.2

3. Reduction Of Burning Sensations In Diabetic Neuropathy Patients

In this study it was found that after massaging the feet with an herbal oil for 20 minutes daily for
14 days, there was a significant decrease in the symptom of burning sensation in patients having
diabetic neuropathy. Although 80% of them had reoccurrence of burning on the 60th day of follow
up, the severity was very less compared to the first day.3

4. Reduction In Heal Cracking, Roughness And Dryness

A significant reduction in the cracking of heals and roughness of the feet was found in subjects
who received foot Abhyanga with sesame oil for one month. This clinical study showed highly
significant results in group A (those who received foot massage) compared to group C (the control
group). The study focused on the management of cracks in the skin of feet during winter season.
Significant improvement was seen in group A with reduced dryness of the feet, less dryness
associated with itching and less dryness associated with changes in the skin texture of the feet
(98% reduction). Group A also experienced less cracks, associated pain and less cracks of the
feet in the middle foot and the forefoot. The length of the the cracks was reduced by 90%. The
number of cracks on the feet reduced by 75%.4

5. Weight Gain In Low Birth Weight Babies

A study published in an international journal of science and research estimated the effect of
massage on physiological and behavioral parameters among low birth weight babies. The study
concluded that massage among low birth weight babies may have a potential to contribute
greater weight gain and better adaptation to external stimuli. It also assumed that massage is
safe and easy to administer which can enhance growth and development of the baby in the form
of better weight gain, stable physiological parameters and improvement in behavior of the baby.5

6. Reduction In Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate and Respiratory
Rate
A study for ascertaining the effect of head massage (shiro Abhyanga) with an herbal oil on 10
normal healthy volunteers found that there was significant reduction in their systolic blood
pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate.6

7. Reduction In Knee Pain In Osteoarthritis Patients

In this study it was found that the massage of the knee joint with warm sesame oil in patients of
osteoarthritis (sandhi Vata) of the knee showed significant reduction in pain score.7

8. Improvement In Hemiplegia
A study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of the combined therapies of Mahamasha taila
(herbal oil), Abhyanga, shashtik shali pinda sweda (bolus massage using rice and milk) and
mustadi rajyapan basti (herbal decoction used in enema therapy) in the management of
hemiplegia, paralysis of one vertical half of the body. This combined approach showed statistically
significant improvement after treatment in all parameters except in the ability to hold and lift
things. It was concluded that to improve the power of wrist and fingers a longer duration of
treatment is needed.8

9. Improvement In Muscular Dystrophy

A study published in International Journal of Current Advanced Research showed improvement in
children with muscular dystrophy. The children received Sarvanga Abhyanga (full body Abhyanga)
with sesame oil and sarvanga pind swedan (bolus massage) for six months along with an oral
herbal formula. In addition, an herbal decoction enema was administered after the full body
massage and bolus massage each time for six months. Observation showed that the total CPK
level (Creatine Phosphokinase, a marker of muscle function) had started decreasing after only
one month of treatment. Clinical improvement of symptoms was observed in terms of decreased
rigidity of calf muscles, ability to walk and climb and performing daily routine improved to some
extent.9

In addition to these studies which originated in India, there have been many studies from around
the world on massage therapy in general, which are worth mentioning. These studies only
support the benefits of Abhyanga as mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts.

10. Lower Levels Of Anxiety And Depressed Mood In Depressed Pregnant Women
In this study eighty-four depressed pregnant women were recruited during the second trimester of
pregnancy and randomly assigned to a massage therapy group, a progressive muscle relaxation
group or a control group that received standard prenatal care alone. These groups were
compared to each other and to a non-depressed group at the end of pregnancy.

The massage therapy group participants received two 20 minute therapy sessions by their
significant others each week for 16 weeks of pregnancy, starting during the second trimester. The
relaxation group provided themselves with progressive muscle relaxation sessions on the same
time schedule. Immediately after the massage therapy sessions on the first and last days of the
16-week period the women reported lower levels of anxiety and depressed mood and less leg
and back pain. By the end of the study the massage group had higher dopamine and serotonin
levels and lower levels of cortisol and norepinephrine. These changes may have contributed to
the reduced fetal activity and the better neonatal outcome for the massage group (i.e. lesser
incidence of prematurity and low birth weight), as well as their better performance on the
Brazelton Neonatal Behavior Assessment. The data suggests that depressed pregnant women
and their offspring can benefit from massage therapy.10

11. Migraine Frequency Reduced

In another study on migraine patients, it was found that compared to control participants,
massage participants exhibited greater improvements in migraine frequency and sleep quality
during the intervention weeks and the three follow-up weeks. The findings provided preliminary
support for the utility of massage therapy as a non-pharmacologic treatment for individuals
suffering from migraines.11

12. Reduction In Menopausal Sleep Disturbances

A study showed that therapeutic massage decreased the severity of subjective sleep disturbance
related to menopause. First, there was a decrease in insomnia and anxiety-depressive
symptoms; the treatment also suppressed other menopausal symptoms. Second, PSG findings
revealed a decrease in REM latency and increased stages three and four. Based on the results it
was suggested that therapeutic massage is beneficial for improving subjective sleep quality in
postmenopausal women, as well as for alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.12

13. Reduction Of Inflammation In Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

A study published in Science Translational Medicine states that massage therapy attenuates
inflammatory signaling after exercise-induced muscle damage when administered to skeletal
muscles that have been acutely damaged through exercise. The massage therapy seemed to
work through reducing inflammation and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.13

14. Relief Of Chronic Back Pain

A comparison of the effects of two types of massage and the usual care of chronic low back pain
showed that massage therapy may be effective for treatment of chronic back pain, with benefits
lasting at least 6 months. No clinically meaningful difference between relaxation and structural
massage was observed in terms of relieving disability or symptoms.14