Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic practice that plays an integral role in a daily self-care regime. This ancient form of therapy involves massaging the entire body with an herb-infused oil specifically chosen to help balance the doshas, or energies, in your body. There are three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—and each one has its own qualities and characteristics. Everyone has a unique amount of each one in their body, and the concept is that by balancing them out with nutrition, seasonal practices, and daily routines such as Abhyanga, you can help you achieve more vibrant health and optimal wellness.

The word for oil in Sanskrit is sneha. Another translation of the same word is love or affection. The interesting connection is that the very essence of a plant is its oil, just as the essence of who we are is pure love. When we practice a self-massage with oil, we are literally coating our bodies with a layer of our own love and affection, as well as a soothing, healing touch. In Ayurvedic culture, Abhyanga is a staple practice which promotes physical as well as emotional and mental wellness. One of the most amazing things about this healing practice is that it gives you an opportunity to pamper yourself, to cultivate calm and stillness, melt away stress, and nurture a deeper connection to self.

The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Rewards of Abhyanga

Abhyanga self-massage provides a multitude of mind-body health benefits;

• calms the nervous system
• lubricates joints and strengthens connective tissue
• improves sleep
• stimulates the internal organs
• increases circulation
• stimulates flow of lymph, aiding in detoxification
• assists in elimination of impurities from the body
• soothes and nourishes the nervous system
• softens and smoothens skin
• pacifies Vata and Pitta and stimulates Kapha

How to do an Abhyanga massage

When performing Abhyanga the first thing you need to ensure is that you choose an oil tailored to your dominant dosha(s). Here are the recommendations for frequency and oil type, based on the doshas:

• Vata Dosha: 4-5 times a week using sesame or almond oil
• Pitta Dosha: 3-4 times a week using a coconut or sunflower oil
• Kapha Dosha: 1-2 times a week using safflower or sunflower oil

Abhyanga is an opportunity for you to shower yourself with love and affection. Be sure to set aside some quiet, uninterrupted time so you can calmly massage your body with love and patience for 10-15 minutes. Listen to relaxing music or practice breath work while massaging.

Step 1: Start by warming up your oil. Pour the oil into a glass bottle or jar, then warm it by putting that bottle into a mug of hot water for a few minutes. Warming the oil cures it, which allows it to be more easily absorbed by the skin and tissues.

Step 2: Prepare all your materials before starting; warmed oil, place a towel on the bathroom floor to help you avoid slipping or sit on an old towel to avoid a mess, listen to relaxing music, set aside a good book to read while letting the oil sink in.

Step 3: Pour about a tablespoon of oil at a time into your palms and rub them together. A traditional Abhyanga starts at the head but you can also start at the feet. Massage each body part with love and intention.

• Always use circular strokes on knees, elbows, and other joints, and long, firm, rhythmic strokes along the legs, arms, etc.
• Massage the belly using circular strokes in a clockwise motion (if you are looking down at your belly) as this is direction in which our long intestine moves and will stimulate proper digestion.
• Remember to spend extra time massaging the breast tissue, moving in the direction of the lymph nodes under the armpits.
• Add extra oil when massaging the shoulders and neck and knead for extra stress-relief.
• For the face, massage in a circular motion (always moving upward) the forehead, temples, cheeks, jaw, and ears. Add some oil to your pinky fingers and gently some oil into your inner ears and nostrils.
• Be patient! Let the oil absorb for 10-15 minutes. Rub off any excess oil with an old towel, then take a shower or bath. Do not remove the oil with soap right away. Continue rubbing it into your skin as the warm water opens up your pores so the oil can penetrate deeper into the skin. Use an old towel to pat the skin dry.

Remember that practising Abhyanga is not only about the physical massage, it is also a state of mind. Be sure to give yourself enough time so that you do not feel stressed or rushed. Embrace the entire experience of Abhyanga so you can fully enjoy the feeling of having nourished your body, mind, and spirit and carry that with you throughout your day or evening.