ROLE OF ABHYANGA IN JARA – A REVIEW

Ayurveda is a science of life which deals with preventive and curative aspects of the disease. . Jara is the natural and irreversible process of decaying and this manifested by various degenerative changes. In Vriddhavastha; Rasaraktadi Dhatu, Indriya, Bala etc.became Kshin. Aging related changes are noticeable from the 5 th decade of life; among them skin related changes are mostly noticeable. Valli, Khalli , Twakparushata, diminished vision, Nidranasha are common problems of old age persons. In benefits of Abhyanga it was stated that, it prevents from the aging process by nourishing the Dhatus. In benefits of Padabhyanga, Acharya Vagbhata stated that it helps in improving vision. During Abhyang, serotonin released which helps in Nidranasha. So Abhyanga helps in prevention of Jara.


INTRODUCTION
Ayurveda having holiastic approach in prevention, promotion, preservation and also cure from disease. The life span of every individual has divided into 3 parts Balyavastha, Madhyamvastha, Vriddhavastha i.e. Jara, having influence of Vata. Jara is the last phase of life which describes as Swabhavaj 1 .Which means natural and irreversible process as well as natural disorder. Jarachikitsa is mentioned as separate branch in Asthnga Ayurveda contributing the treatment of Jara 2 . Acharya Vagbhata quoted Abhyanga Aachareanitya as Jarahar in Dincharyaadhyaya 3 .Aging is a complex and inevitable process begins before birth and continues through the entire life span. Every cell and tissue of body undergoes changes as age advances. The word Geriatric consist of two words Gerias and iatric. Gerias means to grow old whereas itric means medical treatment. In this paper role of Abhyanga geriatric is discussed as Acharya Vagbhta say that Abhyanga as Jarahar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Material:

1)
Literature review from Ayurvedic Classics.
2) Literature review from Modern Text.

Skin related changes in Aging
Skin related changes are most visible sign of aging process. Evidence of increasing age includes wrinkles and sagging skin. With age outer skin layer thins, even though the number of cell layers remains unchanged. Changes in the connective tissue reduces the skins strength and elasticity This is known as elastosis. Sebaceous glands produce less oil as increased with age 8 .

Etymology of Abhyanga
According to Amarkosha the word Abhyanga derived when "Abhi" upasarga is added to Anga which means to induce specific in special movement. In Ayurveda Abhyanga means applying oil followed by light massage in specific direction. There is various terminology of Abhyanga according to part of body for example when Sneha is applied on head it is called as Shirobhyanga, when Sneha applied on foot it called as Padabhyanga.

Abhyanga in Dincharya
Abhyanga is indicated as part of Dincharya to promote the health. Regular practice of Abhyanga acts as Jarahar, Shramahar, Vatahar. It also beneficial for Netra especially Padabhyanga, acts as Prushtikara, Nidrakara.

Abhyanga in Rutucharya
Abhyanga is to be advised in Hemant ritu to protect the body from biting cold of Hemant ritu.

Abhyanga in different diseases
Sneha used for Pana ,Nasya, Anuvasana, and Abhyanga. Abhyanga is mainly indicated in Vata predominant states of diseases. Abhyanga followed by Swedana bring down the disfigured and painful body parts which occur due to aggravation Vata.

Effect of Abhyanga on various Dhatu
The commentator of Sushruta, Dalhana has describes the effect of Abhyanga is described according to its duration.

Absorption of oil through Skin
The skin is relatively permeable to fat soluble substances. Essential oil molecules are so minute that when they are able to pass through stratum corneum (outer layer of the epidermis). From here the oil molecules passes through dermis, into the capillaries and into bloodstream.
Absorption also occurs through hair follicle and sweat ducts 9 . In Abhyanga the Snehadravya has applied over the skin and gently massaged with light pressure, due to this penetration of Sneha is forced into the hair follicle and gland is increased. In this way absorption oil through skin layer occurs.

Mode of action of Abhyanga on the basis of properties of Snehadravya
The Snehadravyas contains the following Gunas and their properties are mentioned below

Mode of action of Abhyanga according to ModernView
The internal fluids of the skin are subjected to movement in the massage because of osmotic pressure. Here massage is causing mechanical hydrostatic pressure in the extra cellular compartment. A forceful expulsion from peripheral vessel cause splanchenic pooling of the body. Massage helps fluid enter into viscera, tissues and dilute the accumulated toxins.
After the completion of procedure; when it refills the peripheral vessels, the diluted toxins are brought into general circulation and during course; they are expelled out via elimination procedures.
Abhyanga acts on skin (Twacha), which is the seat for the both Vata and lasika. In this way; the lymphatic drainage will be the prime effect of Abhyanga. Lymph exhibits large amount of amino acid tryptophan.
Hypothetically, after massage; amino acids like tryptophan increase in blood. It cause a parallel increase in the neuron transmitter serotonin; which is made from tryptophan at motor ends plates.
The piezoelectricity is derived from pressure. While utilizing a medium of unctuous substance to reduce the friction a good amount of rhythm is used and creates magnetic field and electricity in the body. By charging the conductivity of nerves will be increased which may go up 100 metres per second. Electricity is discharged in nerve fibre at regular intervals and moves in circular pattern.
Interruption to momentum is resulting into the state of disease, which may be pacified by doing massage with specific pressure. Acetylcoline acts as transmitter at motor end in the presence of calcium ion and facilitates synaptic action potential.
The nerve fibres have a mylenated sheet in which lipids are the chief ingredients. Na and K ions are responsible for the repolarisation in the nerve fibre. This action with the association of melatonin; a by-product of serotonin and a neuro chemical is causing pleasant and calming effect by the massage. With the concentrated from of the drug; the absorption rate increases. Percutaneous absorption is observed in the inflammatory condition due to the presence of substances 14 .

Health benefits of Massage
The following are the key effect of Massage

 Reduce Muscle Tension
Massage affects the muscles in the body. It affects the muscles and other soft tissue in the body. Massage loosens contracted, shortened, hardened muscles. It may stimulate flaccid muscles. Chronic muscle tension is causing in reduction of the circulation of the body and movement of lymph area.
 Improves Blood Circulation The oxygen capacity of the blood can increase 10-15% by the procedure of massage. With the help of direct or indirect stimulating nerves that supply internal organs, blood vessels of these organ dilated and allow more blood supply to them.

 Induces better Lymph Movement
Lymph is milky white fluid that helps in draining of impurities and waste away from the tissue cells. A component of these waste is called as toxins which are the by-product of metabolism. That's why; it is vital to our health. Muscular contraction is having a pumping effect that moves lymph. Massage helps to move lymph.

 Results in Increased Mobility and Range of Motion of Joints
Massage provides a gentle stretching action to both the muscles and connective tissues which supports the muscles and many other parts of the body and which help to keep these tissues elastic.

 Stimulation or Soothes Nervous system
Massage enhances the skin condition by improving the function the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands, which keep the skin lubricated, clean.

 Results in Better Digestion and Intestinal Function
Massage procedure increases the body's secretions and excretion. It also increases the production of gastric juices, saliva and urine. There is an increased excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorous and salt also. Thus, results in increasing metabolic rate 15 .

CONCLUSION
Abhyanga is one of the procedures to be practiced in Dincharya. The advantages and beneficial in the management of Jara. Abhyanga is easy procedure, economic and effective. It increases the blood and lymph flow and in this way nourishes skin and local tissue. Abhyanga improves the complexion of skin, it also nourishes the Rasaraktadi Dhatu, improves the functioning of sebaceous gland and sweat gland, prevent from the skin related changes occurs in old age. Increased in the level of neuron transmitter serotonin produces sound sleep in elderly persons. So we can say that Abhyanga in daily beneficial in preventing ageing related changes.