THE TOUCH THAT HEALS: UNRAVELLING THE MULTIMODAL MECHANISMS OF ABHYANGA IN MODERN PHYSIOLOGY

Abstract

Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic practice of therapeutic oil massage, is a core Dinacharya regimen described in the Ashtang Hridaya with benefits ranging from delayed ageing and relief of fatigue to improved sleep, skin integrity, and pacification of Vata. Modern physiological explanations for these classical outcomes remain incomplete, and direct mechanistic data specific to Abhyanga are sparse. To critically examine the physiological mechanisms underlying the outcomes of Abhyanga as described in the Ashtang Hridaya, from the perspective of contemporary human physiology, integrating Ayurvedic concepts with modern physiological principles. We conducted a review integrating classical Ayurvedic primary sources with modern physiological literature, focusing on cutaneous, circulatory, lymphatic, neurological, and endocrine correlates of oil massage. The physiological effects of Abhyanga can be categorized into local cutaneous effects, hemodynamic and lymphatic alterations, neuroendocrine modulation, and systemic metabolic influences. Abhyanga likely operates through multimodal physiological pathways. Rigorous standardised protocols with objective biomarkers, pharmacokinetic sampling, and factorial designs isolating mechanical from pharmacological effects are required.