How Padabhyangam Therapy Heals Your Body and Mind

 

What is Padabhyangam Therapy?

Padabhyangam can be loosely translated as “foot massage “or “foot therapy”. This therapy holds a special place of importance in Ayurveda because our feet connect our bodies with the earth. Foot care is holistic and involves massaging the pressure points with herbal and medicinal oils. Applying the right massage techniques relieves the body of its ailments and restores the root of our body and soul through our feet. There are several different techniques used in Padabhyangam to administer a beneficial oil massage. Ayurvedic treatments often include the extensive use of metals. Bowls made from bronze and tin help eliminate toxins from the body. They also help maintain body temperature and balance. Applying the strokes in circular motions on the plantar surface particularly helps in blood circulation. Copper, tin, and bronze are all popular and widely used. A small bronze bowl called “kasa” is often coated with oil and warmed up to gently massage the foot. The feet are also exposed to the fumes of herbal decoctions if required.

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An ayurvedic massage is a form of treatment for various age-related and other common disorders. Some of the advantages, which can be cited, are pain relief, improved circulation, stress relief, better sleep, flexibility, athletic performance, and emotional benefits. Ayurvedic Massage therapy can soothe pain, relax stiff muscles, and reduce the swelling that accompanies arthritis. Advocates claim that with ayurvedic massage, deep-seated toxins in the joints and tissues are loosened and released into the system for elimination through natural toxin-release processes. Ayurveda is ancient wisdom, or science of life, born more than 5000 years ago in India. The function of Ayurveda is to prevent imbalances from taking hold in the body, maintain the balance of good health and heal diseases caused by imbalances. 

 

Diseases & Conditions Treated in Padabhyangam

There are multiple health benefits of this therapy:

• Padabhyanga relieves stiffness, dryness, and numbness of the leg and foot

• Offers sturdiness and stability to the foot and limbs

• Promotes healthy eyesight and hearing senses

• Prevents/cures sciatica through enhanced blood circulation and improved peripheral circulation

• Prevents foot ailments and relieves contraction of muscles, ligaments, and vessels of the feet

• Prevents cracks in the foot and leaves the feel looking healthier and attractive

• Padabhyanga reduces stress, calm the mind, and allows a rejuvenated mind and body

• Relaxes and revitalizes the central nervous system

• Removes fatigue from the lower limbs and improves quality of sleep

• Activates metabolism, cures headaches, and prevents the onset of degeneration

• Helps to calm and maintain the “Vata Dosha” which in excess is considered the main cause of major illnesses

• Provides overall immunity to the body

 

Conditions that are holistically treated in Padabhyanga include:

• Hypertension

• Hemiplegia and paraplegia

• Insomnia

• Depression

• Epilepsy

• Diabetic neuropathy

• Anxiety

• Sprains, cramps, and numbness of the feet and legs

• Roughness and cracking of the feet

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