The Art of Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Self-Massage
“Abhyanga should be resorted to daily. It wards off old age, exertion, and aggravation of vata.”
The practice of abhyanga or oil self-massage has been part of ayurvedic self-care ritual for 5000+ years.
Abhyanga is a powerful practice to incorporate into your dinacarya or daily routine for wellbeing. It is profoundly balancing for Vata dosha, yet benefit all three doshas during any season. The Ayurvedic word “Sneha” is has two meanings: oil and love. It is said that performing self-massage and adorning the body in oil is a ritual of self-love.
We apply oil to our bodies to lubricate the joints, build ojas or immunity and promote longevity. Not only does oleation nourish the tissues of the body, but studies show there are many psychological and health benefits to the practice of self-massage and touch.
Benefits
Lowers heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels - so stress less!
Supports the nervous system
Increases circulation and lymph drainage
Improves feelings of self-confidence, self-love + positivity
Benefits sleep patterns
Decreases effects of aging
How To Perform
For Pitta + Vata, long smooth strokes from head towards the feet to ground energy. For those with stress, anxiety or sleep issues, focus on feet. For Kapha, apply from toes to head, with a little more vigor for uplifting energy.
For chest and arms, guide strokes towards the heart to improve circulation.
Massage for approximately 20 minutes. Even 5 minutes makes a difference.
TIP: Invest in a set of abhyanga clothes that you don't mind being oily.
Creating your Own Oil Blend
Below are Dosha recommended carrier oils and essential oils to incorporate aromatherapy into your self-massage practice. When possible, use oils that are organic, cold-pressed and unrefined as these are the purest, closest to nature and best for your skin.
Ratio for blend is 15-20 drops of essential oil per 1 oz {30 ml} of carrier oil.
Vata Carrier: Sesame, Almond, or Avocado Oils. Choose warm, heavy oils to pacify Vata.
Vata Essential Oils: Cinnamon, Camphor, Lavender, Rose, Vanilla, Ylang lang, Ginger, Camphor, Sandalwood
Pitta Carrier: Coconut or Sunflower Oils. Choose light, cooling oils to pacify Pitta.
Pitta Essentail Oils: Rose, Sandalwood, Chamomile, Lavender, Honeysuckle, Yarrow, Jasmine
Kapha Carrier: Safflower, Flaxseed, Mustard Oils. Light or stimulating oils to pacify Kapha.
Kapha Essentail Oils: Juniper, Sage, Eucalyptus, Chamomile, Orange, Cinnamon, Patchouli, Camphor
TIP: Put oil blend in a tinted container to prolong shelf-life, protect it from the sun and keep it from going rancid.