Ayurvedic Self-Massage

Abhyanga is a deeply nourishing self-care practice that calms, nourishes and balances

Abhyanga (pronounced ah-bhee-yahn-gah or click here to hear it) is a traditional Ayurvedic massage therapy in which warm herbal oils are lovingly applied to the body. The word “abhyanga” comes from the Sanskrit language, and means “self-massage with oil.” Abhyanga is an essential practice for all doshas and has myriad benefits.

Benefits

1. Improves circulation: The gentle massage strokes help to stimulate the flow of blood and lymphatic fluids throughout the body, which helps to nourish the cells and remove toxins.
2. Promotes relaxation: The warmth of the oil and the gentle massage strokes help to calm the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
3. Nourish skin: The warm herbal oils are rich in nutrients that nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple and hydrated.
4. Strengthen the immune system: Abhyanga helps boost the immune system by removing toxins and stimulating the flow of lymphatic fluids.
5. Balance the doshas: The specific oils used in the massage are selected based on an individual’s dosha type, helping to balance the doshas.

Oils to choose based on your dosha

• Vata: The best oils for balancing vata dosha are sesame and almond oil, which are warm, heavy, dense, soft and smooth.
• Pitta: For balancing pitta dosha coconut oil (favor liquid coconut oil) and sunflower oil are cooling and smoothing.
• Kapha: Safflower and grapeseed oil are good choices for kapha dosha due to their light quaility and easy absorbtion. Mustard seed oil can also be a good choice.

Note, there are some tridoshic (meaning good for all doshas) oils as well. Here are two that I like:

• Daily Massage Oil by Banyan Botanicals (Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
• iYURA Balaayah Black Gram Body Booster (This is my personal favorite and I’m not an affiliate, I just really love it.)

How to do Abhyanga

1. The massage is performed using warm, herb-infused oils selected based on an individual’s dosha. You can warm the oils in a tea light oil warmer or diffuser or place hot or warm water in a crock or similar receptacle and place the bottle of oil inside to warm.
2. Start from the head and work your way down toward the feet.
3. Apply in a rhythmic, flowing motion, with long strokes on the limbs and circular motions on the joints. If you are a visual learner, I love this Abhyanga video tutorial by Ayurvedic Practitioner Julie Bernier.
4. Once all oil is applied, leave it on for some time to allow it to penetrate the skin and nourish the deeper tissues.
5. Some people like to turn on the shower and a space heater to create a steam bath or sauna effect.
6. After allowing the oil to soak in, take a warm bath. The warm water will help the oil penetrate deeper and will rinse away the majority of it.
7. When used this way the oil is cleansing, so you only need to wash your hair and use soap in areas that get sweaty.
8. Pro-tip: You may want to set aside a designated towel for Abhyanga, as the oils can sometimes penetrate into the fibers and make the towel a little mucky.

When to do Abahyanga

Any way you slice it, Abhyanga is a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating therapy. I recommend incorporating it into your weekly routine. Once a week is a wonder and great regular self-care. If you can do it more often, go for it. Return to it more often or for extra support when life gets hectic, you are having trouble sleeping or you are feeling tired, anxious or stressed.