Abhyang

Abhyanga is a massage that’s done with warm oil. The oil is applied on the entire body, from the scalp to the soles of your feet.

There is no greater expression of self-love than anointing ourselves from head to toe with warm oil—this practice is called Abhyanga. A daily Abhyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity.

We’ve all heard it before: take care of ourselves first; prioritize our own well-being, because only then can we most effectively care for others; we have to love ourselves before we can love anyone else; etc.

The Sanskrit word Sneha can be translated as both “oil” and “love.” It is believed that the effects of Abhyanga are similar to those received when one is saturated with love. Like the experience of being loved, Abhyanga can give a deep feeling of stability and warmth.

A regular Abhyanga practice restores the balance of the doshas and enhances well-being and longevity. Regular Abhyanga is especially grounding and relaxing for Vata dosha imbalances, but everyone can benefit from this practice.

So just how is ayurvedic abhyanga done?

• Use comfortably-warm massage oil. (Store your massage oil in a small container and warm it by holding the container under running hot water, or setting it in a bowl or container of hot water.)
• Dip your fingertips into the warm oil and apply it lightly to your entire body.
• Wait a few minutes to let some of the oil be absorbed by your skin, then massage your entire body, applying even pressure with the whole hand — palm and fingers.
• Use circular motions over rounded areas such as your head or joints, and straight strokes on straight areas such as your arms and legs.
• Apply light pressure on sensitive areas such as the abdomen or the heart.
• Use more oil and spend more time where nerve endings are concentrated, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands and along the base of the fingernails.

After we are done, relax for 5-15 minutes, letting the oil and the massage do their magic. The longer the oil is on, the deeper it penetrates. During this time, we can read something relaxing and uplifting, and rest; or shave, cut nails, and get ready for the day. Dab excess oil off with paper towels if you like, then follow with a relaxing warm bath or shower. If your schedule simply won’t allow for a daily massage, at least make it a priority a few times a week.

Benefits of Abhyanga

• Nourishes the entire body—decreases the effects of aging
• Imparts muscle tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body
• Imparts a firmness to the limbs
• Lubricates the joints
• Increases circulation
• Stimulates the internal organs of the body
• Assists in elimination of impurities from the body
• Moves the lymph, aiding in detoxification
• Increases stamina
• Calms the nerves
• Benefits sleep—better, deeper sleep
• Enhances vision
• Makes hair (scalp) grow luxuriantly, thick, soft and glossy
• Softens and smoothens skin; wrinkles are reduced and disappear
• Pacifies Vata and Pitta and stimulates Kapha

Abhyanga and Oils

Massage your body with love and patience for 15-20 minutes. Here are the recommendations for frequency and oil type, based on the doshas:

• Vata Dosha: 4-5 times a week using sesame, almond, or a Vata-balancing oil, such as the relaxing Abhy Oil.
• Pitta Dosha: 3-4 times a week using a coconut, sunflower, or a Pitta-balancing oil, such as the soothing Abhy Oil.
• Kapha Dosha: 1-2 times a week using safflower or a Kapha-balancing oil, such as the invigorating Abhy Oil.
• Good for all Three Doshas: Jojoba oil