Padabhyanga - Therapy for good sleep

Padabhyanga 

Padabhyanga in Ayurveda is one of the most important steps in daily routine as well as in curative measures for some diseases. In the context of Ayurveda for healthy well being several steps are explained by acharyas and Pada abhyanga is one of them.

Padabhyanga means pad + abhyanga = feet + massage 

It means massage of feet with medicated oil.
Padabhyanga has many benefits but it works best on insomniacs means it helps in good sound sleep. If you are a person who has difficulty sleeping then you must give this procedure a must-try. 

Benefits of Padabhyanga

• Cures roughness from soles
• Cures stiffness present in feet
• Treats excessive dryness present in feet
• Helps in relaxation after excessive work
• Helps in correct numbness 
• After Padabyanga feet become smooth 
• Gives strength to feet
• Improves eyesight
• Helps is pacify Vata dosha 
• Prevents diseases like Gridhasi ( Sciatica ) and cracked heel  
• Helps in good sound sleep

In healthy individuals oil is prescribed by physicians according to there Prakriti and in diseased person, oil is prescribed according to there specific diseases such as for skin related problems -Marichyadi oil is indicated, for Vata Roga ashwagandha oil, Bala oil, etc are used.

PROCEDURE

Preparation of person - for a healthy person it is advised that Padabhyanga should be done empty stomach before bathing.
A person who is suffering from skin related problems should apply after bathing, cleaning of the specific affected part.
For a person who is Insomniac then it is advised also to do Pada abhyanga also at night just before sleep with the availability of oil in the house.

As Padabhyanga is done by different specific maneuvers by trained therapists of Panchakarma but in the house you should apply oil on your feet and massage it thoroughly.

First of all container of oil is placed in warm water then this warm oil is smeared to the feet of a person and applied gently to feet, following the massage in distinct directions.

To get the best result each foot should be massage carefully for about 5-10 min.

After Procedure - When Abhyanga is done it is advised to take rest for about 15-30 minutes.

Precautions - All the steps of procedure and place where the procedure is done it should be clean and aseptic measures should be taken carefully.

After some days of this procedure you felt relax and you will be able to achieve a good sound sleep. So give this procedure a must-try.