14 Proven Scientific Benefits Of Ayurvedic Massage, with references (Abhyanga Benefits)

Ayurvedic massage benefits (Abhyanga benefits) are numerous according to the ancient Ayurvedic texts. The following 14 scientific studies though reveal several Abhyanga benefits in specific health conditions and general massage benefits as well.

Have you had Ayurvedic massage? What benefits did you experience? Please share in the comments below!

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

What is massage good for?

The following document from the University of Maryland Medical Center sums up the benefits of Ayurvedic massage.¹⁵

“In general, researchers believe massage supports healing, boosts energy, reduces recovery time after an injury, eases pain, and enhances relaxation, mood, and well being. It is useful for many musculoskeletal problems, such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sprains and strains. Massage may also relieve depression in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, reduce pain and improve quality of life, ease chronic constipation (when the technique is performed in the abdominal area), decrease swelling, alleviate sleep disorders, and improve self image. In the workplace, massage has been shown to melt away stress and enhance mental alertness. One study found that deep tissue massage reduced blood pressure levels (an average reduction of 10.4 mm Hg in systolic pressure and a diastolic pressure reduction of 5.3 mm Hg). Other studies show that massage may have immediate beneficial effects on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer.

Clinical studies show that massage relieves chronic back pain more effectively than other treatments, including acupuncture, and in many cases, costs less than other treatments. Mothers and newborns also appear to benefit from massage. Mothers trained to massage their infants often feel less depressed and have a better emotional bond with their babies. Newborns who receive massage from their mothers also tend to cry less, and are more active, alert, and sociable. Premature babies who receive massage therapy have been shown to gain weight faster than premies who do not receive this type of therapy. Infants who receive massage regularly may also sleep better, be less gassy or colicky, and have better body awareness, as well as more regular digestion.

Clinical studies also show that massage may be effective for a wide range of health problems, including:

• Autistic children, who usually don’t like being touched, show less autistic behavior and are more social and attentive after receiving massage therapy from their parents.
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema. Children with this scaly, itchy skin problem seem to experience less redness, scaling, and other symptoms if receiving massage between flares. Massage should not be used when this skin condition is actively inflamed.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Massage may improve mood in children with ADHD and help them feel less fidgety and hyperactive.
• Studies show that adolescents with this eating disorder feel less depressed and anxious after receiving massage therapy.
• Cystic fibrosis. Massage may reduce anxiety and improve respiration in children with this lung condition.
• Massage may help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce anxiety and depression in children with diabetes.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) have been shown to experience less pain, morning stiffness, and anxiety as a result of massage therapy.
• Studies suggest that massage helps reduce anxiety during labor. A bonus: massage increases oxytocin, a hormone known to facilitate bonding.
• Multiple Sclerosis. Studies suggest massage is more effective than exercise in reducing the frequency and severity of MS symptoms, including fatigue, pain, spasticity and quality of life.”

REFERENCES
¹ Basler, A. J. “Pilot Study Investigating the Effects of Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage on Subjective Stress Experience.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.). U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2011. Web. 24 May 2017.
² The Effect Of Dhanwanthara Thaila as Shiropichu And Abhyanga In Cerebral Palsy In Children. Dr Preetham Pai (Dept of kaumarabhritya,Bharti vidyapeeth Deemed university college of Ayurved,Pune,India Published in – IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 15, Issue 2 Ver. I (Feb. 2016), PP 47-51.
³ International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 2015, 6(4), 317-320 ISSN: 0976-5921, Mahalakshmi K M Assistant Professor, Department of Panchakarma, JSS Ayurveda Medical College & Hospital, Mysuru India.
⁴ Published in Punarnav ISSN: 2348 1846 An International Peer Reviewed Ayurved Journal – Role Of Padaabyanga In Shishira Ritu (Winter Season) W.S.R. Pada Sputana (cracking of feet)  : A Clinical Study By Rekha BV.
⁵ International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Impact Factor (2012): 3.358 Volume 3 Issue 5, May 2014 www.ijsr.net Effect of Massage on Physiological and Behavioral Parameters among Low Birth Weight Babies Sneha Pitre Professor cum Principal, Bharati Vidyaapeet Deemed University’s College of Nursing Pune (India).
⁶ International conference and exhibition on Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Dec 09-11, 2013, Hyderabad, India.
⁷ ISSN 2394–806X (Print), ISSN 2454-5139 (Electronic) IJHRMLP, Vol: 02 No: 02, July, 2016 Printed in India © 2014 IJHRMLP, Assam, India Original Paper Role of Tila Taila (sesame oil) as Sneha Abhyanga in Sandhigatavata in Relation to Pain to Prove the Theory “Snehat Vatam Samayati” Kalita Upen, Deka Himamoni, Mahanta Neelakshi
⁸ Evaluation of efficacy of Mahamasha oil  Abhyanga, shashtik shali pinda sweda, and mustadi rajyapana basti in the management of pakshaghata w.s.r. to hemiplegia : a combine therapy Published in  International Journal of Ayurveda & Alternative Medicine (Vol.2, No. 4) Page 66-71,  R.B. Patil; S.K. Landge; M.V. Patil; R.R. Gayal
⁹ International Journal of Current Advanced Research volume 6; issue 3; March 2017; formulation of indigenous protocol for the management of muscular dystrophies balrog (pediatrics) department GAC&H Osmanabad, Balrog Department GAC&H, Nagpur.
¹⁰ Field T., Diego M., Hernandez-Reif M., Schanberg S., Kuhn C. (2004). Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 25, 115–122.
¹¹ Lawler, S.P., Cameron, L.D. (2006). A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine. Ann Behav Med. 32(1):50-9.
¹² Oliveira, D., Hachul, H., Tufik, S., Bittencourt, L. (2011). Effect of massage in postmenopausal women with insomnia – A pilot study, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Depto de Psicobiologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Depto de Ginecologia, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Clinics vol.66 no.2 São Paulo 2011.
¹³ Crane, Justin D., Daniel I. Ogborn, Colleen Cupido, Simon Melov, Alan Hubbard, Jacqueline M. Bourgeois, and Mark A. Tarnopolsky. “Massage Therapy Attenuates Inflammatory Signaling After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage.” Science Translational Medicine. American Association for the Advancement of Science, 01 Feb. 2012. Web. 24 May 2017.
¹⁴ Cherkin, Daniel C., Karen J. Sherman, Janet Kahn, Robert Wellman, Andrea J. Cook, Eric Johnson, Janet Erro, Kristin Delaney, and Richard A. Deyo. “A Comparison of the Effects of 2 Types of Massage and Usual Care on Chronic Low Back PainA Randomized, Controlled Trial.” Annals of Internal Medicine. American College of Physicians, 05 July 2011. Web. 24 May 2017.
¹⁵ “Massage.” University of Maryland Medical Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2017.

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