HEALTH BENEFITS OF OIL BATH

"வருமுன்னர்க் காவாதான் வாழ்க்கை எரிமுன்னர் 

வைத்தூறு போலக் கெடும்."

English Translation:

"His joy who guards not 'gainst the coming evil day,
Like straw before the fire shall swift consume away."

Thirukkural – 435

The above lines are from Thirukkural written by Thiruvalluvar many years ago. He says, “Prevention is better than cure”.

It best suits for Health management as well. It is better and wise to keep themselves healthy better than taking medicines after the attack of germs.

Bathing is one of the essential things in everyday life. Bathing keeps one fresh, removes dirt from the body, and keeps the skin clean and fresh. Applying oil overall body and bathing has many benefits. Let us discuss here the Oil bath.

OIL BATH

Massaging the body with oil and bathing after it gives immense health benefits. The oil bath is one of the traditions followed in Tamil Nadu, India long years ago. Many village people follow an oil bath, even a newborn bathed with oil massage.

SESAME OIL

Image Source : Wikimedia Commons

Ayurveda, Siddha are traditional medicines of India that have mentioned the importance of oil bath, the procedure followed during the oil bath, how to apply, what to consume on that day, etc. The oil bath believed as a therapy in Tamil Nadu, India. An oil bath is one of the habits followed once in a week.

STEPS

People prefer three types of oils like sesame oil, castor oil, and coconut oil.  Most of the people prefer sesame oil and next is castor oil. The ancient people believed that the oil penetrates the body through the openings present in the body and cures diseases.

1. Wake up early in the morning by sunrise.

2. Sit in the sunshine.

3. One can apply the oil as such or warm it before applying.

If people have any illness, the oil warmed with spices. On a preceding day-night, boil the oil. Add 1 dry chilli (without chopping), 4 – 5 cloves of Garlic (without peeling), some peppers, and a few jeera leave it to seethe and keep it aside for the whole night. The next morning heat it slightly as one can hold in their palm.

4. Apply the oil and massage the entire body. Start applying from the head and reach the toe. Massage it nicely over the hairs on the head, all openings in the body, ears, navel, armpits, and groin. The body must be soaking in the oil. The oil enters into the body through pores present in the skin.

5. Leave it at least for half an hour to one hour.

6. Then bath with warm water using Shikaakai powder instead of shampoo throughout the body.

7. Wipe-out well.

DO’S AND DONT’S

• Avoid sleeping on that day since it reduces body temperature and may cause illness. Secondly, the eyes cannot discharge the heat so the eyes may turn reddish.

• For an aged person is good to avoid taking an oil bath.

• Avoid preferring oil bath during the rainy season, people living in chill places.

• Ensure making the hair dry as soon as bathing. Especially women with long hairs make the scalp and hair dry completely.

• Avoid consuming chill food items, food taken from the refrigerator, and eating it immediately.

• Avoid consuming vegetables, which has water content like pumpkin, brinjal.

• Avoid consuming Non-veg food.

• Avoid intercourse.

•  Avoid roaming in hot.

•  As per astrology and tradition, it is preferred

For men to bath on Wednesday and Saturday (the sesame related to the planet or Lord Saturn).

For Women, it is good to bath on Tuesday and Friday.

SESAME

Sesame oil extracted from the ingredient sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are one of the flavouring agents and enriched with lots of nutrients. Sesame seeds are a rich source of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, healthy fats, Omega-6, fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, which all aids in increasing energy levels in the body. Sesame seeds are natural antioxidants.

 

WHITE SESAME SEEDS

Image Source : Wikimedia Commons

BLACK SESAME SEEDS

Image Source : Wikimedia Commons

Regular consumption of this seed or oil helps in regulating blood sugar level, lessens arthritis pain plus swelling, and reduces cholesterol. This oil is preferred for babies as well. Sesame strengthens the bones. Hence, this oil is preferred for massaging, which assists in the mental calmness, relieves stress, and gives unforced sleep.

BENEFITS

• Oil bath reduces the body heat since sesame is one of the hot ingredients. When massaging, oil enters into the body and reacts with the body heat. Eventually expels the excess body heat.

• An oil bath makes the body beautiful.

• One can feel a good appetite and taste of the food.

• Oil bath prevents migraine, depression, stomach disorder, jaundice, cancer, stress.

• Oil bath removes fatigue and gives deep sleep and excellent concentration.

• An oil bath improves skin colour and complexion.

• Oil bath cures all types of problems in the head, makes the hair grow thick and prevents greying of hair.

• An oil bath improves vision.

• The body cells get revitalized.

• An oil bath improves blood movement.

• An oil bath prevents dry skin.

• Oil bath heals body pain.

• Oil bath cures and prevents/deters Dermatitis.

• Oil massage with an herbal warm water bath is a good root for relaxation, stress, and maintaining blood pressure.

In conclusion, an oil bath gives immense health benefits and cures many types of diseases. As the disease get reduces in due course, a person can lead a long life. It is good to take an oil bath once a week.