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Introduction

Ancient Samhitakaras have contributed special Adhyaya for enlisting the Upakramas to be followed in Dinacharya. Udvartana is one among them which simply means the gentle rubbing of Churnas with mild pressure over the body opposite the hair follicles. [1-4] Acharya Charaka have mentioned Sharira Parimarajan as Upakrama in Dinacharya for which Chakrapani stated that it is nothing but Udvartana. [2] Also, Dalhanacharya have mentioned that Udvartana is all about Gatramardana that means rubbing of body parts is called as Udvartana.[3] It is roughly followed in Indian tradition on the occasion of wedding ceremonies as ritual for Haldi. This Bahya Upakrma has lots of benefits in the management of Sthaulya Chikitsa as well as in the treatment of various disorders. An attempt has been made in this review article to familiarize the concept of Udvartana and its utility in various disorders in accordance with its types, Vidhi and properties.

AIM –

To explore the scientific concept of Udvaratana as a Bahya Chikitsa in Ayurveda.

OBJECTIVE –

1. To study the types of Udvartana in detail.
2. To familiarize the scientific method of application of Udvartana for management of various disorders.
3. To study the indications for Udvratana in Ayurveda.
4. To elaborate the properties of Udvartana in detail.

SR. NO.

BODY PART

PATIENT’S POSITION

DIRECTION FOR THE UDVARTANA PROCESS

1.

Shoulder

 

Sitting Position

Rubbing of Churnas in circular manner

2.

Arms with hands

Supine, Prone and right and left lateral position, Sitting Position

In linear direction

3.

Chest

Supine position

In circular, in clockwise and in anti-clockwise direct

4.

Abdomen

Supine position

In circular, in clockwise and in anti-clockwise direction

5.

Back

Prone position and sitting position

In linear direction

 

6.

Thighs with Legs

Supine, Prone and right and left lateral position

In linear direction

 

 

In case of Sthanika Udvartana, rubbing of Churnas should be done over the diseased or required part of body as per direction mentioned in the table no. 1 for about 5-10 minutes.

Paschata Karma [12-14] –

All the Samhitakaras have mentioned the Snana after Udvartana. Hence patient is advised to take rest for about 10 minutes after Udvartana and then he should be advised to take a bath with lukewarm water.

INDICATIONS FOR UDVARTANA –

Udvartana is grossly used in the management of Sthaulya and skin disorders. Along with these, it can be used for treating various other conditions as below –

1. Hemanta Ritucharya[15]

2. Shishira Ritucharya[16]

3. Vasanta Ritucharya[17]

4. Varsha Ritucharya[18]

5. Swapnajanaka Hetu / Anidra Chikitsa[19]

6. Brihaniya Upakrama[20]

7. Punaravartaka Jwara Chikitsa[21]

8. Prameha Chikitsa[22]

9. Rajayakshma Chikitsa[23]

10. Shirashothadi Chikitsa[24]

11. Vataja Madatyaya Chikitsa[25]

12. Kaphaja Madatyaya Chikitsa[26]

13. Dhvansaka and Vikshaya Chikitsa[27]

14. Mahavatavyadhi Chukitsa[28]

15. Kapha Dosha Chikitsa Upakrama[29]

16. Madyapama Niyama for Vataprakriti Rugna[30]

Apart from these, Acharyas also have mentioned specific Yogas for the application of Udvartana in various disorders. These are enlisted as below –

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MATERIAL AND METHODS -

Ancient Ayurvedic Samhitas along with their commentaries were referred for this study. The discussion was made on the basis of conceptual study and conclusion was drawn by considering the study and discussion.

 

UDVARTANA –

An Upakrama to be followed in Dinacharya in which massage is done by rubbing the appropriate Churnas in a direction opposite to hair follicles and with gentle pressure. [1]

VARIANCE OF UDVARTANA FROM ABHYANGA AND PRATISARANA –

Abhyanga is done with medicated oil or other Sneha Dravyas and no any external pressure is applied during its application whereas in case of Udvartana, Churnas alone or mixed with appropriate Sneha Dravas as per requirement are rubbed with mild pressure over the body parts. Thus, the only difference between two Upakramas is the use of Dravya and force applied during the procedure. [5] Also, Pratisarana is just application of appropriate Kalka, Avaleha and Churna and thus it is different from Udvartana. [6]

TYPES OF UDVARTANA –

According to Charaka Samhita –

The types of Udvartana are not specifically mentioned by ancient Samhitakaras. But as per Charaka Samhita, on the basis of therapeutic effect, Udvartana can be explained in two types –

1. Snigdha Udvartana – In this type, medicated oil is used along with Churna for its Snigdha action. This type is primarily used in the treatment of Atikrisha. [7]

2. Ruksha Udvartana – Ruksha Dravyas are mainly used in this type without any mixing with oil or other Sneha Dravyas. It is used in the management of Atisthula and Kaphapradhana Vikaras. [8]

According to Sushruta Samhita [9] –

Acharya Sushruta have not mentioned the types of Udvartana but depending upon the dravyas used for Udvartana, the three different terms mentioned by Sushrutacharya for which Dalhanacharya have mentioned the specifications are as follows –

1. Udvartana –

• Udvartana is nothing but Gatramardana that is gentle massage or rubbing of body.

2. Udgharshana - 

1. In this type, only dry churna of herbs or other material is used without addition of Sneha Dravyas for the process of Gharshana.

2. This causes Harsha, Saubhagya, Sharira Shuddhi and Laghavata in the body.

3. It is responsible for wiping out of Kandu, Kotha and vitiated Vata Dosha.

4. For example, Samudrafena is used for Udgharshana over thigh region. This results in Sthirata and Laghavata in thigh along with suppression of Kandu, Kotha, obstruction due to Vata Dosha and diseases caused due to accumulation of Mala.

5. Ishtika Churna kindles the Twakastha Agni that is Bhrajaka Pitta, Siramukhaneha Vivechana that is broadening of openings of Sira by removing the blockages and reduces Kandu and Kotha.

3. Utsadana –

1. In this type, Sasneha Kalka that is paste of herbs mixed with oil or other Sneha Dravyas is used. This is responsible for brightening and glowing of the skin especially in females.

2. Acharya Charaka and Acharya Sushruta have included this in Vrana Upakrama also. [10-11]

UDVARTANA VIDHI –

Ancient Acharyas have mentioned Udvartana as one of the most important Upakrama in Dinacharya.  The exact Vidhi is not mentioned by any one of them but by studying the classical literature, the details about its Vidhi can be summarized for its practical application as below –

Purva Karma - Preparation of patient and drugs [12-14]–

Udvartana ideally should be done in the morning after evacuation of bowel and bladder. Acharya Charaka have mentioned the Udvartana after Abhyanga whereas Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhata have mentioned it after Vyayama. That means Udvartana should be done after Abhyanga with medicated oil and mild exercise should be done before the procedure. The Churnas of herbs should be selected as per the Dosha and Vyadhi Avastha by proper examination of the patient and should be kept ready at the time of procedure.

Pradhana Karma [1]–

For whole body Udvartana, patient should be advised to lie down on a table and Udvartana should be done over the body parts as mentioned below in table no. 1. A gentle rubbing of Churnas with little pressure in the direction opposite to hair follicles should be done for about 5-7 minutes in respective position. The total duration for this process is about 30-40 minutes.

Table no. 1 showing instructions for the application of Udvartana over the body parts

SR. NO.	BODY PART	PATIENT’S POSITION	DIRECTION FOR THE UDVARTANA PROCESS
1.	Shoulder	Sitting Position	Rubbing of Churnas in circular manner
2.	Arms with hands	Supine, Prone and right and left lateral position, Sitting Position	In linear direction
3.	Chest	Supine position	In circular, in clockwise and in anti-clockwise direct
4.	Abdomen	Supine position	In circular, in clockwise and in anti-clockwise direction
5.	Back	Prone position and sitting position	In linear direction
6.	Thighs with Legs	Supine, Prone and right and left lateral position	In linear direction

 

In case of Sthanika Udvartana, rubbing of Churnas should be done over the diseased or required part of body as per direction mentioned in the table no. 1 for about 5-10 minutes.

Paschata Karma [12-14] –

All the Samhitakaras have mentioned the Snana after Udvartana. Hence patient is advised to take rest for about 10 minutes after Udvartana and then he should be advised to take a bath with lukewarm water.

INDICATIONS FOR UDVARTANA –

Udvartana is grossly used in the management of Sthaulya and skin disorders. Along with these, it can be used for treating various other conditions as below –

1. Hemanta Ritucharya[15]

2. Shishira Ritucharya[16]

3. Vasanta Ritucharya[17]

4. Varsha Ritucharya[18]

5. Swapnajanaka Hetu / Anidra Chikitsa[19]

6. Brihaniya Upakrama[20]

7. Punaravartaka Jwara Chikitsa[21]

8. Prameha Chikitsa[22]

9. Rajayakshma Chikitsa[23]

10. Shirashothadi Chikitsa[24]

11. Vataja Madatyaya Chikitsa[25]

12. Kaphaja Madatyaya Chikitsa[26]

13. Dhvansaka and Vikshaya Chikitsa[27]

14. Mahavatavyadhi Chukitsa[28]

15. Kapha Dosha Chikitsa Upakrama[29]

16. Madyapama Niyama for Vataprakriti Rugna[30]

Apart from these, Acharyas also have mentioned specific Yogas for the application of Udvartana in various disorders. These are enlisted as below –

Table no. 2 showing specific Udvartana Yogas enlisted from Brihattrayi

PROPERTIES OF UDVARTANA AS PER BRIHATTRAYI [2-4]–

Table no. 3 showing comparative analysis of properties of Udvartana according to Brihattrayi

Acharya Charaka don’t have mentioned the impact of Udvartana over Doshas while Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhata have mentioned this. The comparative analysis of properties of Udvartana according to three Acharyas can be done as below -

Discussion

Types of Udvartana –

Though ancient Acharyas don’t have mentioned the types of Udvartana specifically, on the basis of therapeutic indications of Udvartana from Charaka Samhita, it can be classified as Snigdha Udvartana and Ruksha Udvartana. Also, on the basis of nature of drugs used, Sushrutacharya also have mentioned the three terms that is Udvartana, Udgharshana and Utsadana. Out of this, Utsadana is mentioned as Vrana Upakrama by Acharya Charaka and Acharya Sushruta.

Udvartana Vidhi –

The exact methodology for Udvartana Karma has not been mentioned in any Samhita. Acharya Charaka have mentioned the Udvartana after Abhyanga whereas Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhata have mentioned it after Vyayama. Thus, from the classical literature for the practical implication of Udvartana, it can be noted that Udvartana should be done in the morning after Abhyanga and after doing mild exercises. Appropriate Churnas should be rubbed over the skin opposite the hair follicles with mild pressure in respective positions as mentioned in table no. for about 5-7 minutes each. Thus, the total time required for the procedure is about 30-40 minutes and after that patient should be asked to take a bath with lukewarm water.

Indications –

All the three Acharyas have mentioned the Udvartana as Upakrama to be followed in Dinacharya. The indications for different Vyadhis are mentioned while table no. 2 shows the Yogas used for Udvartana by ancient Samhitakaras. These are more or less similar to each other with specific indications in relevant part of each other.

Properties –

The properties of Udvartana as explained by ancient Samhitakaras with their probable mode of action can be explained as below -

1. Kaphahara – Acharya Vagbhata have mentioned that Udvartana helps mainly in the vitiation of Kapha Dosha. The Kapha Dosha predominant symptoms like Kandu, Gaurava, Snigdhata, Shotha can be reduced by using Viruddha Guna Dravyas in the form of Ruksha Udvartana. The process generates the heat and helps in pacification of Kapha Dosha.
2. Vatahara – According to Acharya Sushruta, Udvartana pacifies the Vata Dosha. Udvartana comprises pleasant massage which relaxes the body and mind as well. The increased venous flow helps in the elimination of inflammatory products and thus the Pratyatma Lakshana of Vata that is pain abate impulsively.
3. Kapha Vilapanam – Use of Ruksha Dravyas for the process of Udvartana in the form of gentle rubbing action opposite the direction of hair follicles causes the amalgamation of Kapha Dosha from the tissue cells. Acharya Sushruta have noted this property of Udvartana.
4. Meda Vilapanam – Udvartana done with gentle pressure helps in the emulsification of Meda Dhatu in the superficial connective tissue which later enters into the lymphatic system and gets metabolized. This property is mentioned by both Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhata.
5. Daurgandhyahara and Sweda Bibhatsatahara – Due to mechanical effect that is gentle and somewhat vigorous friction of Drvayas over the body causes removal of the dirt or other waste products over the skin. This simultaneously cleans up the body channels and restricts the sweat formation. This is known as Shiramukha Virechana. Thus, Udvartana pacifies the sweat formation and body odour produced due to it. Ancient Acharyas have specified the drugs for this also.
6. Gaurava, Tandra, Kandu, Mala and Aruchihara– Process of Udvartana causes pacification of Vata and Kapha Dosha and at the same time pacifies the Lakshanas produced due to vitiation of these Doshas.
7. Anga Sthairyakara – The massage to the body cells in the form of Udvartana gives strength to the body and nourishment to the body cells by the use of specified herbs. Thus, it kindles the Dhatvagni causes Sthirikarana of body.
8. Twaka Prasadakara – This is mainly due to increased blood supply and provides nourishment to the skin and concurrently excretes the waste products from the skin. The massage in the form of Udvartana causes removal of blockages of sira and broadening of their openings and stimulates the proper functioning of Twakastha Agni that is Bhrajaka Pitta. This also gives glow to the skin and improves its texture and health status also.

Importance –

Udvartana is a very easy and convenient procedure useful to treat a disease and it doesn’t require any kind of special skill or expertise. Also, the Churnas used for it are easily available, cost effective and doesn’t require a special method of preparation. Thus, it can be easily applied independently or with the combination of other therapies and other interventions as per increasing demand of Ayurvedic treatment for the management of various disorders all over the world.

Conclusion

Udvartana is one of the most important Upakrama mentioned by ancient Acharyas to be followed in Dinacharya. It is very simple, easy and convenient Bahya Chikitsa which does not require any special skill. It is primarily used in the management of Sthaulya over modern weight loss treatments but by studying the various indications for Udvartana, it can be concluded that it can be used as a single therapy or with the combination of other therapies and other interventions in the treatment of many more disorders. The gentle massage with mild pressure execute feeling of relaxation also. It should be applied daily in order to achieve one of the two objectives of Ayurveda that is ‘Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam’ that is protections of health of healthy individual. Moreover, people are getting attracted towards Ayurveda because of the promising nature of all the therapies especially in the management of obesity and skin disorders and hence Udvartana can be used miserably for its immense benefits. Thus, the second objective of Ayurveda that is ‘Aaturasya Vikara Prashamanam’ that is alleviation of disease of the patient can also be achieved with the help of Udvartana.