Ayurvedic Self Massage // Abhyanga
The Ayurvedic Practice of Abhyanga
Ayurveda is the ancient teachings of ‘the science of life’, known as the sister science to yoga. Ayurveda places great emphasis on self-care practices that promote overall well-being, radiance and longevity. One of the foundational practices is Abhyanga, a form of self-massage that involves the generous application of warm oil to the body, more than just a massage; it's a deeply nourishing and therapeutic ritual that you can add to your at home self care routine.
What is Abhyanga?
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic self-massage technique that involves the application of warm and traditionally herbal oils to the body. The term "Abhyanga" is derived from the Sanskrit words "abhi," meaning "towards," and "anga," meaning "limb" or "body." This practice is designed to move energy towards the body's extremities, promoting circulation and balance.
In Sanskrit, the word "sneha" translates to both "oil" and "love." This dual meaning underscores the nurturing nature of Abhyanga, where enveloping your body in oil is akin to enveloping it in love.
Benefits of Abhyanga
The benefits of Abhyanga are extensive and touch every aspect of your well-being:
Musculoskeletal and Nervous System Health: Regular self-massage helps in relaxing tense muscles and soothing the nervous system.
Improved Circulation and Lymph Drainage: The massage strokes enhance blood flow and lymphatic drainage, helping to detoxify the body.
Better Sleep: Abhyanga calms the mind and body, promoting deeper and more restful sleep.
Skin Health: The oils nourish the skin, making it softer, stronger, and more radiant.
Healthy Joints: This practice promotes hydration in the joints to keep functional and help protect from inflammation
Graceful Aging: Regular oil massage helps maintain the tone and vigor of body tissues, supporting graceful aging.
Lustrous Hair: Massaging the scalp with oil can lead to thicker, healthier, and shinier hair.
Firm, Strong Limbs: The massage strengthens the limbs and enhances muscle tone.
How to practice an Abhyanga Ritual
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Choose Your Oil: Select an oil that suits your dosha/constitution. For Vata, use warming oils like sesame. For Pitta, cooling oils like coconut or sunflower are best. For Kapha, use lighter oils like mustard or almond. If you don’t know your dosha you can do an online quiz here
Warm the Oil: Warm about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of oil by placing the bottle in in a bowl on top of a candle or in a pan of hot water until the oil is pleasantly warm.
Prepare Your Space: Use a designated towel to cover the floor (one you don’t mind getting oil stains on). Make sure the room is warm and free from drafts, I always like to light candles and incense and have some calming music to set the scene.
Apply the Oil: Generously apply the warm oil to your entire body. Start from the extremities and move towards the center. Use long strokes on the limbs and circular motions on the joints.
Massage with Love: Massage the oil into your body for 5–20 minutes, paying extra attention to areas like the scalp, ears, and feet. Use gentle pressure and move in circular motions on the joints and longer strokes on the limbs. This is a beautiful time to practice appreciating your body and developing a kind and supportive relationship to the way you view your body.
Let It Soak In: Allow the oil to penetrate the skin for a few minutes to maximise absorption.
Shower: Enjoy a warm bath or shower. Use a gentle, natural soap to wash off the oil - be mindful not to slip in the shower from the oil.
Dry Off: Towel dry gently and wear comfortable clothing.
Tips forAbhyanga
Choose the Right Time: Perform Abhyanga in the morning for vitality or before bed for better sleep.
Consistency: Make Abhyanga a part of your daily/weekly routine to really notice the benifits.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins released during the massage.
Abhyanga is more than just a self-massage; it's a powerful act of self-love and care that nurtures your body, mind, and spirit. By incorporating this ancient Ayurvedic practice into your daily routine, you can experience profound health benefits and a deeper connection to yourself. So, take a few minutes each day to indulge in the luxurious ritual of Abhyanga and let the healing properties of Ayurvedic oils transform your life.