What Are the Benefits of Abhyanga in Ayurveda, and How Often Should It Be Done? - #12956

I am an Ayurvedic doctor who kinda grew into this path naturally—my roots are in Kerala, and I did my internship at VPSV Ayurveda College in Kottakkal, which honestly was one of the most eye-opening stages of my life. That place isn’t just a college, it’s a deep well of real Ayurveda. The kind that’s lived, not just studied. During my time there, I didn’t just observe—I *practiced*. Diagnosing, treating, understanding the patient beyond their symptoms, all that hands-on stuff that textbooks don’t really teach. It’s where I learned the rhythm of classical Kerala Ayurveda, the art of pulse reading, and how Panchakarma ain’t just about detox but more about deep repair. I work closely with patients—always felt more like a guide than just a doctor tbh. Whether it's about fixing a chronic issue or preventing one from happening, I focus on the full picture. I give a lot of attention to diet (pathya), routine, mental clutter, and stress stuff. Counseling on these isn’t an ‘extra’—I see it as a part of healing. And not the preachy kind either, more like what works *for you*, your lifestyle, your space. Also yeah—I’m a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence. This kinda allowed me to mix mindfulness with medicine, which I find super important, especially in today’s distracted world. I integrate meditation where needed—some patients need a virechana, some just need to breathe better before they sleep. There’s no one-size-fits-all and I kinda like that part of my job the most. I don’t claim to know it all, but I listen deeply, treat with care, and stay true to the Ayurvedic principles I was trained in. My role feels less about ‘curing’ and more about nudging people back to their natural balance... it’s not quick or flashy, but it feels right.

I am a Consulting Ayurvedic Physician practicing since 1990—feels strange saying “over three decades” sometimes, but yeah, that’s the journey. I’ve spent these years working closely with chronic conditions that don’t always have clear answers in quick fixes. My main work has been around skin disorders, hair fall, scalp issues, and long-standing lifestyle stuff like diabetes, arthritis, and stress that kinda lingers under everything else. When someone walks into my clinic, I don’t jump to treat the problem on the surface. I start by understanding their *prakriti* and *vikriti*—what they’re made of, and what’s currently out of sync. That lets me build treatment plans that actually *fit* their system—not just push a medicine and hope it works. I use a mix of classical formulations, panchakarma if needed, dietary corrections, and slow, practical lifestyle changes. No overnight miracle talk. Just steady support. Hair fall and skin issues often feel cosmetic from outside—but internally? It’s about digestion, stress, liver, hormones... I’ve seen patients try 10+ things before landing in front of me. And sometimes they just need someone to *listen* before throwing herbs at the problem. That’s something I never skip. With arthritis and diabetes too, I take the same root-cause path. I give Ayurvedic medicines, but also work with *dinacharya*, *ahar* rules, and ways to reduce the load modern life puts on the body. We discuss sleep, food timing, mental state, all of it. I’ve also worked a lot with people dealing with high stress—career burnout, anxiety patterns, overthinking—and my approach there includes Ayurvedic counseling, herbal mind support, breathing routines... depends what suits them. My foundation is built on classical *samhitas*, clinical observation, and actual time with patients—not theories alone. My goal has always been simple: to help people feel well—not just for a few weeks, but in a way that actually lasts. Healing that feels like *them*, not just protocol. That’s what I keep aiming for.

Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.

I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.

I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.

I am Dr. Hemanshu—right now a 2nd year MD scholar in Shalya Tantra, which basically means I’m training deep into the surgical side of Ayurveda. Not just cutting and stitching, btw, but the whole spectrum of para-surgical tools like Agnikarma, Viddhakarma, and Kshara Karma... these aren’t just traditional, they’re super precise when done right. I’m not saying I know everything yet (still learning every day honestly), but I do have solid exposure in handling chronic pain issues, muscle-joint disorders, and anorectal conditions like piles, fissures, fistulas—especially where modern treatments fall short or the patient’s tired of going through loops. During clinical rounds, I’ve seen how even simple Kshara application or well-timed Agnikarma can ease stuff like tennis elbow or planter fasciatis, fast. But more than the technique, I feel the key is figuring what matches the patient’s constitution n lifestyle... like one-size-never-fits-all here. I try to go beyond the complaint—looking into their ahar, sleep, stress levels, digestion, and just how they feel in general. That part gets missed often. I honestly believe healing isn’t just a “procedure done” kind of thing. I try not to rush—spend time on pre-procedure prep, post-care advice, what diet might help the tissue rebuild faster, whether they’re mentally up for it too. And no, I don’t ignore pathology reports either—modern diagnostic tools help me stay grounded while applying ancient methods. It’s not this vs that, it’s both, when needed. My aim, tbh, is to become the kind of Ayurvedic surgeon who doesn't just do the work but understands why that karma or technique is needed at that point in time. Every case teaches me something new, and that curiosity keeps me moving.

ChatGPT said: I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.

I am someone who kinda started out in both worlds—Ayurveda and allopathy—and that mix really shaped how I see health today. My clinical journey began with 6 months of hands-on allopathic exposure at District Hospital Sitapur. Honestly, that place was intense. Fast-paced, high patient flow, constant cases of chronic and acute illnesses coming through. That taught me a lot about how to see disease. Not just treat it, but like… notice the patterns, get better at real-time diagnosis, really listen to what the patient isn’t saying out loud sometimes. It gave me this sharper sense of clinical grounding which I think still stays with me. Then I moved more deeply into Ayurveda and spent another 6 months diving into clinical training focused on Panchakarma therapies. Stuff like Abhyanga, Basti, Shirodhara—learned those not just as a list of techniques, but how and when to use 'em, especially for detox and deep healing. Every case felt like a different puzzle. There wasn’t always one right answer, you know? And that’s where I found I loved adapting protocols based on what the person actually needed, not just what the textbook says. Alongside that, I got certified in Garbha Sanskar through structured training. That really pulled me closer to maternal health. Pregnancy support through Ayurveda isn’t just about herbs or massage, it’s like this entire way of guiding a mother-to-be toward nourishing the baby right from conception—emotionally, physically, all of it. That part stuck with me hard. My overall approach? It’s kinda fluid. I believe in balancing natural therapies and evidence-based thinking. Whether it's seasonal imbalance, hormonal issues, Panchakarma detox plans, or just guiding someone on long-term wellness—I like making people feel safe, heard, and actually understood. I’m not into rushing plans or masking symptoms. I’d rather work together with someone to build something sustainable that really suits their body and where they’re at. In a way, I’m still learning every day. But my focus stays the same—use Ayurvedic wisdom practically, compassionately, and in a way that just... makes sense in real life.

I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with more than 28 years in this field — and trust me, it still surprises me how much there is to learn every single day. Over these years, I’ve had the chance to treat over 1 lakh patients (probably more by now honestly), both through in-person consults and online. Some come in with a mild cough, others with conditions no one’s been able to figure out for years. Each case brings its own rhythm, and that’s where real Ayurveda begins. I still rely deeply on classical tools — *Nadi Pariksha*, *Roga-Rogi Pariksha*, proper *prakriti-vikriti* mapping — not just ticking symptoms into a list. I don’t believe in ready-made cures or generic charts. Diagnosis needs attention. I look at how the disease behaves *inside* that specific person, which doshas are triggering what, and where the imbalance actually started (hint: it’s usually not where the pain is). Over the years I’ve worked with pretty much all age groups and all kinds of health challenges — from digestive upsets & fevers to chronic, autoimmune, hormonal, metabolic and degenerative disorders. Arthritis, diabetes, PCOD, asthma, thyroid... but also things like unexplained fatigue or joint swelling that comes and goes randomly. Many of my patients had already “tried everything else” before they walked into Ayurveda, and watching their systems respond slowly—but surely—is something I don’t take lightly. My line of treatment usually combines herbal formulations (classical ones, not trendy ones), Panchakarma detox when needed, and realistic dietary and lifestyle corrections. Long-term healing needs long-term clarity — not just short bursts of symptom relief. And honestly, I tell patients that too. I also believe patient education isn’t optional. I explain things. Why we’re doing virechana, why the oil changed mid-protocol, why we pause or shift the meds after a few weeks. I want people to feel involved, not confused. Ayurveda works best when the patient is part of the process, not just receiving instructions. Even now I keep learning — through texts, talks, patient follow-ups, sometimes even mistakes that taught me what not to do. And I’m still committed, still fully into it. Because for me, this isn’t just a job. It’s a lifelong responsibility — to restore balance, protect *ojas*, and help each person live in tune with themselves. That’s the real goal.

I am an Ayurvedic doc trained mainly in Shalakya Tantra—basically, I work a lot with issues of the eyes, ears, nose, oral cavity, head... all that ENT zone. It’s a really specific branch of Ayurveda, and I’ve kind of grown to appreciate how much it covers. I deal with all kinds of conditions like Netra Abhishyanda (kinda like conjunctivitis), Timira and Kacha (early or full-on cataract), Adhimantha (glaucoma stuff), Karna Srava (ear discharge), Pratishyaya (chronic colds n sinus), Mukhapaka (mouth ulcers), and even dental stuff like Dantaharsha (teeth sensitivity) or Shirashool (headaches & migraines). I use a mix of classic therapies—Tarpana, Nasya, Aschyotana, Karna Purana, even Gandusha and Dhoomapana when it fits. Depends on prakriti, the season, and where the person’s really struggling. Rasayana therapy and internal meds are there too of course but I don’t just throw them in blindly... every plan’s got to make sense to that individual. It’s kind of like detective work half the time. But honestly, my clinical work hasn't been just about Shalakya. I’ve got around two yrs of broader OPD experience where I’ve also handled chronic stuff like diabetes, thyroid issues, arthritis flares, PCOS, IBS-type gut problems, and some hormonal imbalances in women too. I kind of like digging into the layers of a case where stress is playing a role. Or when modern bloodwork says one thing, but the symptoms are telling me something else entirely. I use pathology insights but don’t let reports override what the patient's body is clearly saying. That balance—between classical Ayurvedic drishtis and modern diagnostic tools—is what I’m always aiming for. I also try to explain things to patients in a way they’ll get it. Because unless they’re on board and actually involved, no healing really works long-term, right? It’s not all picture-perfect. Sometimes I still re-read my Samhitas when I'm stuck or double check new case patterns. And sometimes my notes are a mess :) But I do try to keep learning and adapting while still keeping the core of Ayurveda intact.

I am Dr. Hemal Shah, an Ayurvedic physician with an M.D. in Ayurveda, trained in Mumbai and working full-time with people who are honestly just tired of temporary fixes. I’ve spent over 6 years in focused clinical practice—most of it rooted in Panchakarma and deep classical healing work. My main areas include digestive issues (Ajirna, Agnimandya, IBS etc.), skin stuff like psoriasis and eczema, infertility cases, and joint-muscle complaints that just keep flaring up for no reason (or at least that's how ppl feel). I mostly approach things from the basics—prakruti, agni, ama, samprapti—because unless we figure that internal terrain, nothing really holds up long-term. Every case starts with listening. Not just to symptoms, but lifestyle, sleep, stress patterns, subtle emotional cues. Then I combine what’s needed: customized detox via Panchakarma, herbs (not always dozens—just the right few), simple diet tweaks that don’t overwhelm, and corrections in routine that actually fit into the patient’s day. I’m not into “one-size-fits-all" therapies. I’ve seen how healing changes when plans match the person’s nature, pace, and real-life limitations. I work a lot with hormonal issues—irregular cycles, PCOS, unexplained infertility—and I’ve learned that many times, calming the system down is the first real step. Same goes with skin—the flare ups are usually telling us something’s off inside. I don’t rush that part. At the same time, I’ve done clinical research on depression too. That showed me how Ayurveda’s mind-body approach—sattvic food, medhya rasayanas, grounding routines, and even small rituals—can shift mental health in a way that’s both subtle n’ powerful. It made me more attentive to how emotional patterns show up in physical symptoms... and vice-versa. Honestly, what I’m trying to do is keep Ayurveda real. Not textbook Ayurveda, but the living kind—the one that adjusts, listens, and evolves with each person. I want my patients to feel they have agency again, that their health is something they can actively shape, not just manage with pills or patchwork. Whether it’s a chronic issue or just this sense of “not feeling right,” I try to be there and offer something that lasts beyond the clinic table.