In our Ayurvedic texts, “Padabhyanga” is described, which suggests the use of a brass bowl to massage the feet with cow ghee or coconut oil as a primary treatment. The benefits are as follows:
– Reducing the amount of Vata in the body.
– Decreasing excess heat in the body.
– Stimulating the muscles of the eyes.
– Alleviating fatigue in the body and increasing cooling.
– Reducing sensory loss in the feet caused by diabetes.
– Helping to manage insomnia issues.
– Mitigating Pitta-related problems.
– Reducing pain from conditions like knee pain, heel pain, and back pain.
– Decreasing swelling in the feet.
– Addressing issues like cracked soles and foot inflammation.
– Beneficial for varicose veins.
– Reducing dark circles under the eyes.
– Lessening dark spots on the face.
The text “Bhavaprakash” states, “Kansyam Buddhivardhakham,” indicating that brass enhances intellect. There is a saying in Marathi, “The fire in the soles reaches the head,” which holds true; massaging the feet with a brass plate soothes the mind. By pacifying Vata, which is the root of many diseases, this treatment has proven to be very effective. In Europe and America, people pay a lot for this treatment.
There is a Sanskrit verse that mentions that a person who massages their feet before sleeping will be free from diseases, just as a garuda (eagle) is free from snakes. In our body, there are 72,000 channels, and many of them end in the soles of the hands and feet, making foot massage a beneficial and inexpensive remedy for many ailments.
Historical heritage of kasya thali massage:
Brass is a metal known primarily for its association with gold and silver medals. In many regions of India, it is customary to give brides brass utensils at weddings, although its use is minimal. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, which Ayurveda has recommended for reducing heat in the body for over 5,000 years.
In Gujarat, brass plates are used for meals, brass bowls are employed for worship, brass is used for temple bells to produce a melodious sound, and due to its hardness and resistance to oxidation, it was historically used for cannons. In the past, church bells in Russia and cannons in Spain and Portugal were made from this metal.
The verse states: “Vata-vidyahara, Kafaprashnam, Kanti-prasadavaham, Twagavevarny vinashnam, Ruchikaramam, Sarvangadha-Dharanapradam, Agniredipti-karam, Balopajananam, Praswedamedop maham padabhyam mardanam udishanti munaya,” which means that sages advise that massaging the feet with oil or ghee is beneficial for reducing Kapha.
It provides a complexion equivalent to gold, enhances skin tone, stimulates digestion, is strength-giving, reduces excess fat and perspiration, and is appetizing.
Disclaimer: Before beginning any Ayurvedic treatment plan, it is imperative to speak with a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner. This is because personalized suggestions may differ depending on your constitution (dosha), underlying medical concerns, and general lifestyle.
Useful & applicable information. Nice photos.
Thanks madam