Abhyanga: The Ayurvedic Art of Self Care Warm Oil Massage
Photo by Lindsey Eden Photography
Oil oil oil oil!!! Whyyyy so much oil???
It’s not uncommon for my clients to ask why I use so much oil- or mention they feel oily. Ayurvedic treatments and daily practice includes using a lot of oil.
Oil is a form of snehana- the Sanskrit word for oil/love therapy. This is an actual form of love for the body, mind and multi layers of your being- soothing the emotional body- easing the mental body- protecting the physical.
Each cell is coated in a layer of fat, the entire nervous system is coated in a membrane made of fat- the more oil we use oil externally and eat healthy fats internally, the more balanced and relaxed we become and the less doshic/elemental build up can occur (creating stress, disease and imbalance). Literally because it just slides off the oil in your body ;)
Oil up! Make it warm- use a lot! In my treatments I use 8-12 Oz of organic herbal and aromatherapy infused oil on your body. Oil is a wonderful way to apply medicine to your body regularly. Anoint your heart when you’re feeling sad.
Soothe an overactive/worried/anxious mind with some oil on your forehead and crown of your head, these are important Marma/energy centers for the mind and will help deliver calming effects to the thoughts, especially if we use herb infused oils such as brahmi, gotu kola, jatamansi, vetiver, lavender, chamomile and rose.
Help relax your aching shoulders and back with some warmed sesame oil. Let me know how it goes…
The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age. Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89
What is Abhyanga?
In Sanskrit, the ancient, vibrational, written and sometimes spoken language from India, abhy means to rub and anga means limb, so together they make up the word massage. Abhyanga is an anointing of the body with warm oil often infused with healing herbs and balancing essential oils.
In the West we are beginning to catch on to the importance of massage from a wellness and preventative health standpoint. In Ayurveda the healing aspects of Abhyanga include relaxation of the muscles and calming of the nervous system as well as attention being paid to many subtle healing aspects that make it a holistic healing modality.
The benefits of regular snehana invite the same qualities as being deeply loved, loving yourself
and loving another: strength, stability, openness and warmth.
More benefits of Abhyanga as stated by the ancient Ayurvedic text, Astanga Hridaya:
• Improves Sleep
• Promotes sturdiness of the body
• Promotes longevity
• Nourishes the body
• Promotes better eyesight
• Prevents and corrects affliction of the nervous system
• Overcomes fatigue
• Prevents and corrects the aging process
• Detoxification of the body
In the Charak Samhita, another ancient Ayurvedic text, abhyanga in the form of snehana is said to be like a pot smeared with oil and the impurities of vata, pitta, and kapha cannot stick to it. In the same way, if the body is properly oiled with abhyanga daily, impurities cannot penetrate and disease cannot develop. Abhyanga is best performed daily before bathing or showering. After the warm oil is massaged into the skin, it is best to sit for 15-20 minutes in a warm room to allow the oil to penetrate deep into the tissues. Depending on your current state of balance and the seasons you can choose the most balancing oil for you.
For Spring and Kapha (cold, and wet) types choose organic sesame oil, jojoba, olive oil or safflower oil. Essential oils can greatly enhance the emotional and spiritually balancing aspects of the abhyanga and so I highly recommend adding 1-4 of these to your base oil: tulsi, eucalyptus, frankincense, rosemary, sage, lemon, peppermint, pinyon pine, juniper, and cinnamon.
For Winter, change of seasons and Vata (dry, cold, light) types choose organic sesame oil, olive oil, almond oil and essential oils of jatamansi, lavender, ylang ylang, geranium, cedarwood, tulsi, patchouli, myrrh, and cinnamon.
For Summer and Pitta (hot, inflamed, oily) types choose coconut oil, sunflower oil, neem oil, safflower oil, almond oil and essential oils of sandalwood, rose, lavender, jasmine, vetiver, sweet orange, lime, clary sage and geranium.
the general indication for essential oils to base oils for general body oils are 25 drops for 2 oz of base oils
How to Perform a self massage/ Abhyanga
Remember you are anointing your body with oil as a way of loving yourself and to increase your state of health in your mind, body and spirit. Take your time, be gentle and soft with yourself.
1. Choose your base oil and essential oils. Generally a safe proportion is 2 oz of base oil to 20-25 drops of essential oil.
2. Heat up your massage oil. Warm the oil in its container in a sink full of warm water or a large Pyrex measuring cup filled with warm water.
3. Begin by applying a small amount of oil to the top of your head. Massage the top of the head in a clockwise manner with the center of your palm. This is the Maha (great) Marma point and regulates the amount of prana that moves throughout the body.
4. Next apply oil to the entire body beginning with the neck and arms. Remember to do circular motions over the joints and long strokes on the limbs.
5. Clockwise circular strokes will be performed around the breast area and on the abdominal area.
6. Continue sequence to hips, buttocks, legs and ending on the feet.
7. Let the oil soak in for 15-20 minutes for maximum benefit. Be sure to stay out of drafts and in a warm space at this time.
8. Take a warm bath or shower. Use gentle soap, it is good if a little oil remains.
9. Repeat daily. ☺
Enjoy the benefits of daily Abhyanga!