How Padabhyanga Therapy Heals Your Body And Mind

What is Padabhyanga Therapy?

Ayurveda is an indispensable way of living that uses methodically crafted therapies to ensure smooth bodily function and restored wellness. Ayurveda stresses life-long healing through therapies and procedures. The “mother” of all therapies is known as “Padabhyanga” (Reflexology).

Padabhyanga (Reflexology) 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 body with the earth. Foot care is holistic and involves massaging the Reflex 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.

Padabhyanga Therapy Procedure and How it Impacts the Body

There are several different techniques used in Padabhyanga to administer a beneficial oil massage.

Hand Techniques

Sesame oil is the preferred oil in Padabhyanga because it is a powerful antioxidant and is easily absorbed in the skin.

Applying generous amounts of the medicated or herb oil on the foot and massaging releases toxins. After liberally applying the oil to the soles, heels, ankle joints, and legs, it is then rubbed energetically into the bones of the joint and tendon. In general, this 30 minute massage can extend up to an hour of stroking and rubbing the feet.

The energy points are focused upon with care to ensure they are activated. They stimulate the flow of energy and direct it in the intended way. The practitioner applies moderate pressure in circular motions to generate a calming and rejuvenating experience.

Kansa Bowl

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 “kansa” is often coated with oil and warmed up to gently massage the foot.

Marma Therapy

Body Parts Treated in Padabhyanga Therapy

Ayurveda illustrates that different parts of the feet correspond to different organs in the body. The feet have pressure points called “marma”. These are the energy centers that run throughout the body. When pressed, it triggers the circulatory energies in the liver, kidneys, stomach, neck, heart, head, and other organs.

In Ayurveda, five marmas (vital areas) out of 107 marmas are located in each foot and they also contain many nerve endings. Padabhyanga helps release all the negative energy from these marmas and contributes to good health and well-being.

It is safe to say that Padabhyanga directly influences the subconscious nature while simultaneously providing a psychological cleansing effect.

“Pad” in Sanskrit means “foot” and “abhyanga” means “massage using oils”. Together, this means foot massage. This Ayurvedic therapy considers our feet as the focal point of all energies that connect the body to the earth just as the roots of a tree connect its branches, trunk, and leaves to the earth. Nourishment of the root yields a good fruit as nourishment through Padabhyanga yields wellness of the body.

Diseases & Conditions Treated in Padabhyanga

There are multiple health benefits of this therapy:

• 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 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
• Reduces stress, calms the mind, and rejuvenates the mind and body
• Relaxes and revitalizes the central nervous system
• Removes fatigue from the lower limbs and improves quality of sleep
• Activates metabolism, relieves headaches, and prevents onset of degeneration
• Helps to calm and maintain the “Vata Dosha” which in excess is considered the main cause of most illnesses
• Provides overall immunity to the body

Conditions that are holistically treated in Padabhyanga include:

• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Anxiety
• Sprains, cramps, and numbness of the feet and legs
• Roughness and cracking of the feet

Who is Padabhyanga Therapy Recommended For?

Padabhyanga, a soothing and calming massage, is highly recommended for everyone on a daily basis before going to bed. A gentle massage including stroking and rubbing of the foot generates better cardiovascular circulation in the foot and helps you feel relaxed.