How does Ayurvedic Hasta Abhyanga or hand massage help?

“As the weather starts to get colder, your hands may cramp up more. If you have a family history of arthritis, you may notice your hands may become stiff with time. A simple Hasta Abhyanga can help relieve stiffness,” shared Niti.

She demonstrated the practice too.

*Rub some warm oil over your hands.
*Using medium-firm pressure, begin massaging from the base of the thumb, up to the tip.
*Repeat the same process for each of the other four fingers.
*Massage vigorously over the whole palm area, making sure to massage the grooves in between each finger.
*Massage the backside of the hand, again concentrating on each finger – beginning from the base of the thumb to the tip, and repeating for the remaining fingers.
*Circular massage motions around the wrist joint.
*Massage the key marma points in a clockwise motion.

She described marma points in detail and how they benefit.

Bahya Manibandha: Benefits the wrist and hand, detoxifies the liver, enhances immunity

Angustha Mula: Enhances circulation and relieves congestion, relieves pain and headaches, benefits liver and spleen functions, calms the mind and releases suppressed emotions

Manibandha: Frees movement in the wrist joint, relieves localised pain, influences reproductive organs, unfolds mental tranquillity, balances emotions, strengthens rectum

Tala Hrida: Balances heart and mind, harmonises emotions and relieves stress, regulates functions of lungs and diaphragm

Kurcha: Reduces stress, enhances flow of prana and benefits lungs, enhances immune response

Kurcha Shira: Benefits wrist joint, influences reproductive organs

*Make a fist with the massaging hand, and use the knuckles to massage the palm of the hand you are treating.
*Massage the whole hand again, finishing off with some squeezing actions.
*Take a small hand towel that has been rinsed with hot water and then wrung out. Place this on top of the hand you have just been massaging and allow the steam to open the pores of the hand. Keep the towel on for at least 30 seconds – 1 minute. Wipe the excess oil off your hands with the towel.
*Repeat daily!

Use a good quality oil (Source: Pixabay)

Niti mentioned that pregnant women should avoid pressing the marma points.

How does this practice help?

Calling it a “powerful practice”, Dr Vikas Verma, founder, Shashvat Ayurveda, Chandigarh told indianexpress.com that the gentle and rhythmic strokes improve circulation and facilitate the passage of essential “life force (prana)”. “It targets Vata Dosha which is predominant in hands restoring general balance. This strengthens the immune system by assisting with the removal of ama or toxins. The rhythmic strokes allow oil to penetrate deep into the skin which hydrates, nourishes, and calms the tissues. It balances energy by activating marma points, releasing tension and stress,” Dr Verma said.

According to the expert, the practice increases grip strength, flexibility, and dexterity which is very crucial for daily activities.

 

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A post shared by Niti Sheth | Making Ayurveda Simple (@_nitisheth_)

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