Padabhyanga & its many benefits

Foot massage is called "Padabhyanga", and it has a very special place within the Ayurveda tradition. Feet are very important part in our body, as many nerves from many organs terminate in the feet. So massage helps to strengthen these nerves and restores health to many parts of the body. It is helpful in the treatment of illness, and significantly prominent in the area of preventative medicine. In India, Padabhyanga is commonly practiced as a daily ritual, especially before retiring at night. There is a wonderful Ayurveda saying: "Disease does not go near one who massages his feet before sleeping, just as snakes do not approach eagles."

Benefits of Padabhyanga are many. It helps to calm the mind, maintain eyesight and hearing, Promotes quality sleep, Improves peripheral circulation. It is also beneficial in preventing sciatica and restless foot syndrome. Clinically, Padabhyanga helps to calm and maintain the "Vata Dosha" which, when present in excess, is regarded as the major cause of illness.

The benefits of the massage may be enhanced by the choice of the massage oil. Although the base oils that are commonly used have their own therapeutic properties, they can also act as suitable vehicles for the addition of herbs and essential oils to help obtain the required healing effect. Sesame oil is the most commonly used oil for massage. It is rich in fat soluble vitamins, has a high mineral content and has excellent keeping qualities. Sesame oil is a powerful antioxidant, is easily absorbed and is very nourishing for the skin.