Ayurveda has long held that Abhyanga massage, a full-body oil massage, is deeply beneficial, especially for infants and young children, where it has served as an old and trusted tradition. Indian families have followed this practice for generations, and a case out of Gonda has now brought it back into focus. Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mishra, an Ayurveda expert based in Gonda, says that when this massage is done correctly and consistently, it has a direct effect on a child's physical and mental development.
What Abhyanga Massage Actually Does For A Child's Body
According to Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mishra, Abhyanga massage helps strengthen a child's muscles. The steady, gentle pressure applied to the skin during the massage speeds up blood flow, and that improved circulation is what goes on to add strength to the bones. The same gentle pressure relaxes the child, which is why children who receive it tend to sleep better and feel less fatigue. Dr. Mishra notes that children who get this massage regularly stay more physically active overall, and that added activity feeds back into faster development.
A 45 Day Recovery That The Vaidya Still Talks About
Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mishra recalled a specific case that came to him: a child of around 3 to 4 years old who had been unable to walk since birth. Alongside other necessary treatments, Dr. Mishra put the child through regular Abhyanga massage sessions. He says that after roughly 45 days of this combined treatment, visible improvement began to show, and the child started walking a little on his own. At the same time, Dr. Mishra is careful to add that every child's condition is different, so no one should rely on massage alone for any illness, and treatment should always follow a specialist's advice.
The Family's Own Account Of The Recovery
Ubaid Ullah Khan, the child's uncle, said the family had already sought treatment in Lucknow, Gonda and several other places, but got no relief anywhere. It was only after that they learned about Dr. Abhishek. Khan says the child has now been under treatment there for around 45 days, and the results have been better than expected. He adds that after Dr. Abhishek's treatment, the child has started walking a little on his own.
What Parents Should Keep In Mind Before Massaging A Child
Dr. Abhishek Kumar Tiwari advises choosing an oil suited to the child's age and always massaging with light hands. Massage should be avoided in extreme cold or under harsh sun. If the child already has an illness or a skin-related issue, a doctor should be consulted before starting any massage. After the massage, the child should be allowed to rest for a while. Done the right way and under expert guidance, Abhyanga massage can genuinely benefit a child's health. But in cases involving a serious illness or a developmental problem, a doctor's advice and proper medical treatment must remain the top priority.
