Abhyanga literally means to smear, anoint, an oil massage and is defined as the procedure of anointing of oil on the body ofthe individual. Just as a pitcher, or the axis of a cart become strong and resistant by the application of oil, similarly after massaging the person becomes strong and resistant to disease.
If a person practices oil massage regularly, the body even if subjected to injury or strenuous work, is not harmed much, it becomes smooth, strong, supple and charming. By practicing the oil massage regularly, the onslaught of ageing is reduced. Vata predominates in the tactile sensory organs and these sensory organs reside in the skin.
Abhyanga (body massage) is useful to the skin, if practiced regularly. Abhyanga is an effective remedy for reducing and controlling obesity. Under this exercise the subject is anointed with herbal oils, which bring the tissues to the normal level. In Ayurveda, Basti is considered the key activity of all Panchkarma Treatments since it cleanses the accumulated toxins through the colon.
Ayurveda Basti is also highly effective as a rejuvenation treatment. Medicated oil or ghee (clarified butter) and a herbal combination are given as an enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone. This procedure can be applied for a number of days based on the medical condition of a person and as prescribed by the Ayuivedic physician.
Vata's predominant site is the colon. Ayurveda Basti involves the introduction of herbal decoction of sesame oil, and certain herbal preparations in a liquid medium into the rectum. Basti is the most effective treatment for Vata disorders, although many enemas over a prescribed period of time are usually required. It relieves constipation, distention, chronic fever, cold, sexual disorders, kidney stones, heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints.
Many other Vata disorders such as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasm and headache may also be treated with Ayu tveda Basti. The medication administered rectally effects asthi dhatu. The mucus membrane of the colon is related to the outer covering of the bones (periosteum), which nourished the bones. Therefore, any medication given rectally goes into the deeper tissues, like bones, and corrects Vata disorders. Main types of Ayurveda Bastis are as follow
Nasya: The nose is the doon/vay to the brain and it is also the doorway to consciousness. The nasal administration of medication is called Nasya. An excess of bodily humors accumulated in the sinus, throat, Nose or head areas are eliminated by means of the nearest possible opening, the nose.
Prana, life force as nerve energy, enters the body through the breath taken in through the nose. Prana is in the brain and maintains sensory and motor functions. Prana also governs mental activities, memory, concentration and intellectual activities. Deranged prana creates defective functioning of all these activities and produces headaches, convulsions, loss of memory and reduced sensory perception.