How Does Ayurvedic Massage Help Maintain Your Joint Health?

Ayurvedic Oil Massage for Optimal Joint Health

Ayurvedic oil massage, known as" Abhyanga", is an integral part of panchakarma therapy. Ayurveda treats you according to your dosha predominance. So, your Ayurveda Practitioner can perform abhyanga with appropriate medicated oil after thoroughly accessing your health condition and dosha. 

In treating joint health conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, abhyanga is essential. This procedure is also one of the best Ayurvedic remedies for joint mobility.

Abhyanga is an external therapy categorised as an oleation therapy in Ayurveda. "Oleation therapy" includes externally or internally administering any oil, ghee or fat substances. Abhyanga is the external application of oils, etc. 

How does a simple external application of oil benefit our joints? Let us look into the benefits of abhyanga and how it acts.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Massage for Joints

Just as we apply grease or oil to a door hinge for its smooth functioning, our joints also need the timely application of lubricants for proper mobility and function. Ayurvedic massage for joint health provides this lubrication. 

Abhyanga gives you better joint health through the following mechanisms:

• Practising Abhyanga increases blood circulation to your joints.
   
• Further, it reduces the stiffness and discomfort of your joints.
   
• Massaging the joints helps in proper lubrication of the joint spaces.
   
• Abhyanga reduces and supports the management of inflammation and pain in joints.
   
• Abhyanga helps with the relaxation of muscles and tissues around the joints.
   
• It also promotes overall relaxation and well-being, which further helps proprioception (the body's ability to sense movement, action and location). 

Above mentioned are some of the main benefits of joint health through Ayurveda therapeutic massage. There are many other benefits of Abhyanga, such as improvement in skin texture, increase and maintenance of your digestive fire, and improvement in the functioning of your sense organs.

Abhyanga and Other Ayurveda Therapies : Combining Them for Better Joint Health

Abhyanga, combined with other Ayurveda therapies, are very effective in maintaining the health of your joints. Following are some therapies other than Abhyanga in Ayurveda that can benefit your joints.

Ayurvedic Oils for Joint Pain Relief

Ayurveda is a treasure trove of powerful and effective medicinal formulations. It contains a vast list of medicated oils prepared by traditional Ayurvedic methods. Here, we will discuss the most widely prescribed Ayurvedic oils for joint pain:

Dhanwantara Taila

One of the main potent Ayurvedic classical formulations, it is prepared with the base of sesame oil. Further, it houses more than 30 potent ingredients, such as bala (Sida cordifolia) and dasamoola (a powerful combination of roots of 10 medicinal plants). Many often use it for treating vata disorders, including joint health conditions and postnatal period care of muscles and joints.

Pinda Taila

This widely used oil has sesame oil as its base. Mainly indicated in increased pitta dosha conditions, this oil has a vital role to play in inflammatory conditions of joints. Ayurvedic practitioners widely prescribe this oil for massage in joint health conditions.

Bala Guduchyadi Taila

This oil is very effective in joint health conditions associated with burning sensation, swelling and pain.  

Murivenna

This famous Ayurvedic medicine is like a first aid medicine. The formulation has coconut oil as its base, making it more skin-friendly. It is indicated for fractures and joint swellings and is very effective for osteoarthritis conditions. Massaging with this oil on your joints helps to rid away most of your symptoms.

Some of the best oils for daily massage include sesame oil, coconut oil, etc. Sesame oil balances all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha). It is deeply nourishing for the skin and body. 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has cooling and soothing properties. It is especially beneficial for people with pitta dosha.

Please Note: It is essential to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before choosing an oil for massage, especially if you have any specific health concerns.

Common Side Effects of Massage

The common side effects of massage include: 

• Muscle soreness
• Bruising
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache

When Should You Not Do a Massage

Avoid massage if you have any of the following conditions:

• Fever
• Infection
• Blood clots
• eczema or psoriasis
• Recent surgery

The application of oil and massage differs. For example, a simple massage usually uses a lighter oil and gentle strokes, but an Ayurvedic massage may use a heavier oil and more intense strokes.

To Conclude

Ayurvedic massage, with its impactful benefits and time-tested techniques, offers a holistic approach to joint health. By incorporating this practice into one's wellness routine, individuals can experience improved joint mobility, reduced discomfort, and greater overall well-being. 

We recommend you seek personalised guidance on your specific needs and constitution from an Ayurvedic practitioner.