When I started diving deep into yoga and wellness I came across Ayurveda – an ancient Indian system of medicine. I really liked it because it creates a treatment system based on you mind and body; thus began my era of endless research via podcast, blog posts, working with an Ayurvedic practitioner, and choosing a 300hr yoga teacher training which included Ayurveda as a big portion of it’s teachings.

One of the significant self-care practices in Ayurveda is Abhyanga, an ancient practice has been cherished for centuries for its profound healing properties and its ability to balance the mind, body, and spirit. It involves anointing the body with warm oil from head to toe, usually infused with herbs or essential oils that are specifically chosen to balance an individual’s dosha (mind-body type). The practice aims to nourish the skin, enhance circulation, and promote physical and mental relaxation. Let’s dive into the incredible benefits of this practice and how you can start adding it into your self-care routine!

Benefits of Abhyanga

1. Detoxifies the Body:  The massage and oils stimulate lymphatic drainage, helping to remove toxins from the body. Yes Please!
2. Balances the Doshas:  Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—are the three fundamental bio-energies in Ayurveda that govern physical, mental, and emotional characteristics in the body, influencing health and balance. By choosing oils specific to your dosha, Abhyanga helps restore balance and harmony in the body. If you don’t know your dosha type try this quiz from the Chopra Institute.
3. Improves Skin Health:  Regular practice hydrates the skin, improves its texture, and slows down the aging process.
4. Reduces Stress and Calms the Mind:  The rhythmic motions of Abhyanga soothe the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of stress and overwhelm. When paired with essential oils targeted for your dosha type, the benefits are enhanced!
5. Enhances Circulation and Flexibility:  The massage improves blood flow and helps in maintaining healthy joints and muscles.
6. Boosts Immunity:  The warmth of the oil and the massage boost immunity by supporting the body’s natural defences.

How to Perform Abhyanga at Home

1. Choose the Right Oil: Select an oil based on your dosha. Sesame oil is generally good for Vata, coconut oil for Pitta, and mustard or sunflower oil for Kapha. To enhance the benefits, blend the oil with certain essential oils or herbs for your specific dosha. Don’t know where to start for blending these oils, or want someone to do it for you? Message me here with your dosha type and any allergies, and I’ll mix up a blend for you! Or schedule a free essential oil consult call here, and we can chat more about how I can help you and what custom blends I can create for you!
2. Warm the Oil: Pour the oil into a small bowl and warm it up by placing the bowl in hot water. The warmth enhances the absorption of the oil into the skin.
3. Find a Comfortable Space: Choose a warm, quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. You might want to place a towel on the floor to catch any excess oil.
4. Apply the Oil: Start by applying oil to your head, massaging it into your scalp. Then, move on to your face, neck, and ears, using gentle, circular strokes.
5. Massage Your Body: Use long, sweeping strokes on your arms and legs, and circular motions on your joints (elbows, knees, and shoulders). Always move in the direction of your heart to promote circulation.
6. Spend Extra Time on Stressed Areas: Focus on areas that feel tense or sore. Take your time with the massage; it should feel soothing and unhurried.
7. Let the Oil Soak In: Once the massage is complete, allow the oil to soak into your skin for about 15-20 minutes. This gives the herbs/oils time to penetrate and work their magic.
8. Shower or Bathe: Use warm water to rinse off the oil. Avoid using harsh soaps that may strip the skin of its natural oils.

Incorporating Abhyanga into Your Routine

For optimal benefits, try to incorporate Abhyanga into your weekly routine. Pick a day when this will suit you – I always enjoyed doing it on a Sunday to enjoy it’s benefits before the work week started up again…. Now that I’m a mom it’s a different story and I do it when I can 🙂

Abhyanga is more than just a massage; it’s an act of self-love that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit. By making this ancient Ayurvedic practice a regular part of your wellness routine, you can experience greater balance, relaxation, and overall health. I hope you enjoy it, and let me know your experience with it or if you have any questions!

Love and light,

Kayla