Abhyanga - Self Oil Massage

Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic self-massage practice that involves applying warm (sometimes medicated) oil to the body. It is a traditional wellness ritual that has been practiced for centuries in India. We use oil because it matches the skin’s sebum (the oily substance that protects your skin from drying out), so it penetrates through the layers of the skin better than lotion, thereby helping to protect your skin’s natural hydration.

Abhyanga - Self Oil Massage

Benefits of Abhyanga

The benefits of Abhyanga include:

• Promotes relaxation and stress relief

• Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage

• Nourishes and hydrates the skin

• Detoxifies the body

• Enhances joint mobility

• Balances the body's doshas (Ayurvedic constitution types)

How to Perform Abhyanga

• Warm about 1/4 cup or 2 ounces of oil (see below for suggestions of oils to use based on dosha). Place the oil in a small saucepan and warm it up; or place the oil into a bottle, then place it in a pan with water.  Heat the water on the stovetop for a few minutes. Check the oil on your forearm (like a baby’s bottle) to be sure it’s not too hot. 

• Place an old towel on the bathroom floor. While standing on the towel, massage the oil into your body from the head down to the feet. Use long strokes on your muscles and circular strokes on your joints. On the limbs, I like to go towards the heart to help increase circulation; so, go from fingertips to armpit and from ankles to upper thigh. Massage your abdomen in a clockwise direction. Massage your feet, including the toes and the soles.

  

• Relax for about 10-15 minutes to allow your skin to absorb the oil. I like to wrap a large bath towel or a bathrobe around me, so that I stay warm.   

• With a towel, remove excess oil from the soles of your feet so that you don't slip in the shower.

• Step into a hot shower and allow the hot water to open your pores. If you use sesame oil, you don't need much soap because it's antibacterial. However, you can use soap on the armpits and groin area.

• While there’s still some oil on your skin, step out of the shower and pat yourself dry. There shouldn’t be any need for lotion.

How Often to do Abhyanga

Although the ancient Ayurvedic texts recommend performing Abhyanga daily as part of a morning selfcare routine, that may not be practical today with our busy lives. Also, your dosha determines how often you should do Abhyanga:

• Vata types often have cold, dry skin and need more grounding, can benefit from a daily practice. Sesame oil is an ideal oil for Vata individuals; it's a warm, heavy oil that's ideal for dry, rough skin.

• Pitta types tend to have a lot of heat, and can benefit from 3-4 times a week to pacify the heat and to maintain balance. Coconut oil is a good choice for hot Pitta skin, especially in summer, because it's cooling.

  Kapha types who usually have thick, moist skin but are prone to stagnation and sometimes excess oiliness, can benefit from 1-2 times a week to stimulate circulation. Sesame oil is a warming oil that can benefit Kapha-type skin especially in winter; however, switch to a lighter oil such as sunflower oil when the weather gets warmer.

However, regardless of your body constitution, listen to your body and find a rhythm that works for your lifestyle.

Enjoy your new, soft skin.