One great way to care for your body is through abhyanga, which involves applying warm oil to your skin through gentle massage. You can do this alone or have someone else do it for you. According to Ayurveda, it's best to do this before taking a shower or bath, and the kind of oil you use depends on your dosha- your Ayurvedic blueprint or current state of health. It's important to note that whatever you put on your skin gets absorbed into your bloodstream, so use only what you would be comfortable eating.
In Sanskrit, oil is known as snehana, which also means love. The warmth of the oil allows it to penetrate deeply into the tissues of your body, nourishing your skin, which is your largest organ. This act of self-love can create a sense of balance and grounding for your heart and mind.
However, be careful when applying oil to your feet to prevent slipping and falling. You can stand on a towel or wear socks to prevent this. If you're doing abhyanga in the bathroom, turning on a hot shower can warm the room, and the steam can soften your skin. You can also add your favorite scented essential oil, such as eucalyptus to clear the sinuses, lavender to help you sleep, or bergamot to invigorate your state of mind during the day, to the corner of your bathroom or oil warmer to enhance the experience. And don’t forget to wash the oil off the floor or the bathtub before someone else enters.
If you want to support a detox to flush out parasites or parasitic bacteria, you can add eucalyptus, ginger, or sandalwood essential oil to the steam room. However, be cautious as inhaling too much scent with steam can lead to herx symptoms.
I do not add essential oils to the carrier oil as I use dosha-appropriate herbal formulas. However, you can add organic therapeutic-grade essential oil to your carrier oil. I recommend either unrefined organic cold-pressed sesame oil for someone with dry and rough skin or unrefined organic cold-pressed coconut oil for someone who is hotter and has supple skin. But the choice depends on the person’s imbalances, season, age, etc.
To warm your massage oil, place one ounce of oil into a chemical-free plastic container and heat it under hot water. Check the temperature on your wrist to ensure that it's suitable. Alternatively, you can use an electric mug to warm up the oil quickly and keep the temperature consistent.
When applying the oil, start with your feet and move toward your heart. Use long strokes on your limbs, circular motions on your joints, and upward movements toward the inside of your body. This is also a good time to perform a breast massage and check for abnormalities. Also, gently massage the face, neck, scalp, and heart area last in a counterclockwise direction.
After applying the oil, it's important to sweat to remove excess oil and toxins from your skin and body. You can sit and relax near your hot shower or work up a sweat through exercise. Or, you can go into a steam sauna or an infrared sauna.
I prefer a steam sauna, and Ayurvedically, it is advised to sweat until you break a gentle sweat on your forehead. For some, ten minutes is sufficient. Keeping the brain and heart cool while in the sauna is also essential. If you sweat longer than advised, place a cold towel on your heart and head. Drink electrolytes to maintain hydration, and remember to listen to your body and use common sense- if you are feeling sick, get out!
After sweating, shower and use soap only on your armpits and genitals. Let the water run down your skin without soap to keep it moist. Washing the hair can be tricky as oil tends to stay. But there are also benefits to having oil on the hair. Darker towels are less likely to look dirty after many uses.
Abhyanga is great after dry brushing, as it helps rehydrate and nourish the skin at a deeper level.
Abhyanga is an excellent way to maintain healthy skin, increase circulation, and strengthen immunity and longevity. It helps create a healthier body and mind, more energy, better sleep, and lustrous hydrated skin. By caring for our skin, we maintain a healthy barrier between environmental factors and our body.
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The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please see a qualified health practitioner for more information about your needs.
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