In Ayurveda, the cause of disease is said to be the imbalance of 3 important doshas in the body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The important thing is that Abhyang is helpful in balancing these three doshas. Actually, Abhyang is a method of lubrication. The word snehan means to make the body smooth. In snehan, abhyang (massage) is done by applying oil and other smooth substances on the body.
Snehan is also used as the main karma in the treatment of some diseases. By the way, Abhyangam simply means applying oil. Different names have been given for applying oil on different parts. During Panchkarma, Abhyang i.e. massage is usually done with Ayurvedic medicinal oils. This massage is done by an expert. It is natural that when any work is done by the hands of an expert, it is done in a better way. By the way, Abhyang is also done at home by oneself.
This should be done regularly to improve health. Regular massage in winter season nourishes the muscles of the body and prevents looseness in the skin. Air diseases usually increase after the age of 40. Also, people use AC in summers and heaters in winters. This increases dryness (skin dryness). In such a situation, Abhyanga is effective. Massaging the gums by mixing mustard oil and rock salt strengthens the gums and also provides relief from the problem of bleeding from the gums.
The meaning of this shloka is that bathing cools the body while ghee gives intelligence and strength. Abhyanga (oil massage) is the best lubrication which increases both the strength and age of the body. In this shloka, the benefits of ghee have been considered but oil massage has been described as the best lubrication.
