Abstract

A CRITICAL REVIEW ON ROLE OF ABHYANGA IN PAIN MANAGEMENT

*Dr. Jyoti Balasaheb Mane, Dr. Jatved J. Pawar, Dr. Kishor R. Ugale and Dr. Shilpa K. Ingle

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Abstract

Pain is the unpleasant and emotional experience associated with or without actual tissue damage.[1] It is estimated that approximately 30% of the world’s population suffers from pain. Pain is a very first symptom experienced in many diseases. It is described under terminologies like Vedana, Shool, Ruja etc. in ayurveda. All of these words describes pain with different perception. Vitiation of Vata is the main causative factor for all types of pain.[2] Ayurveda has given different therapies and also oral medications for managing various types of pain like joint pain, muscle pain, headache etc. Abhyanga is one of the therapies which is beneficial for maintaining health as well as used as a medicine for certain disorders. It offers an immunemodulatory action, improves the quality of life thus beneficial to persons of all age groups. It includes massage of the entire body with warm medicated oil.[3] Vata dominates in Sparshanendriya[4] (skin) and Tail (oil) possess those qualities opposite to that of Vata. So, Abhyanga produces Snigdhata (oiliness), Vishyandata (liquefication), Mardavata (softness) and Kledana (moistness) in the body and regulates properties of Vata dosha ultimately acting as Vatahara.[5] Thus the probable result will be decrease in pain hence, Abhyanga has physiologic as well as psychogenic benefits because it also helps in de-stressing & keeps a healthy mind. This study enlightens Abhyanga in details as mentioned in ayurvedic literature, it’s mode of action and it’s effects in pain management.

Keywords: Pain, Vedana, Vata, Abhyanga.