Our skin is our first line of defence and a big absorptive organ in our body. Ayurveda has known about these qualities for millennia and puts a big emphasis on oiling the body to maintain its health, strength and beauty. 

During the cooler months of the year, with grey skies and chilly winds, we experience extreme temperature differences between inside and outside and the dry air from the radiators in our homes. These changing environmental factors and the dry quality of autumn and winter can aggravate Vata and put much more strain on our skin. We might notice that our circulation is not as good (cold hands and feet) or that we have more dryness in our bodies. On an emotional and mental level, we might experience nervousness, restlessness, feelings of fear, anxiety, stress or worry. The turbulent Vata winds might also make it difficult for us to focus, and we might be more forgetful and scattered than usual. 

Ayurvedic oil massage, or Abhyanga, is a simple tool that helps ground Vata, keep our skin healthy, combat external and internal dryness, and stimulate blood circulation. Taking the time to massage your body with warm oil will make you feel more centred, calm, loved and safe. It is just what the doctor ordered during the whirlwind times of Vata season. 

What are other benefits of a regular Abhyanga practice? 

• Improves texture, tone and overall skin appearance
• Nourishes the whole body by absorbing vitamins, minerals and active compounds present in the massage oil
• Supports the movement of the lymph and elimination of impurities transported in the lymph
• Calms the mind and nervous system
• Relaxes and can help to improve sleep
• Improves muscle tone, strength and stamina 
• Increases circulation 
• Lubricates joist
• Stimulates the internal organs (by massaging them)
• Feeds your skin microbiome
• Pacifies Vata & Pitta, excessive quantities of oil can increase Kapha

Which oil to use

Cured sesame oil is revered the most in Ayurveda, but it can be too heating for Pitta and too nourishing for Kapha. If you find this is the case for you, use a cooling oil like coconut oil for Pitta and lighter or more stimulating oil for Kapha (e.g. grape seed oil, mustard seed oil). 

Ayurveda mainly uses oils infused with medicinal herbs for particular situations or dosha imbalances. You can also buy these herb-infused oils for particular skin types. 

How to Do Abhyanga 

We have created a simple Poster you can print at home for your reference. You can find the poster at the bottom of the blog in our free resources section. 

1. Abhyanga is always done with warm oil. To heat the oil, you can place a small bowl in a bigger one and fill the bigger one with hot water. Alternatively, use an oil warming device or a coffee cup warmer.
2. Make sure the room is warm enough to sit there without clothes. 
3. Apply oil first to the crown of your head (adhipati marma) and work slowly out from there in circular strokes—spend a couple of minutes massaging your entire scalp. We have many marma points on our heads. Massaging your scalp with oil will make your hair stronger, thicker and healthier. In Ayurveda, head massage is also associated with improving your brain capacity.
4. Face: Massage in a circular motion on your forehead, temples, cheeks, and jaws (always moving in an upward movement). Remember to massage your ears because they are another area in our body with a high density of marma points. 
5. Use long strokes on the limbs (arms and legs) and circular strokes on the joints (elbows and knees), massaging away from your heart to support the lymph flow.
6. Massage the abdomen and chest in broad, clockwise, circular motions. When massaging the abdomen, move along the large intestine: first up on the right side of the abdomen, then across parallel to the rib cage, and finally down on the left side.
7. End your Abhyanga with a foot massage. Your feet have a lot of nerve endings and are another area of your body with lots of marma points that deserve your time and attention.
8. Once you have finished your massage, sit and allow the skin to absorb the oil for approximately 5 – 15 Minutes. 
9. Svedana or sweating. Get in a hot shower. The heat will open your pores and increase the oil absorption. While any excess oil will wash off now, avoid scrubbing too vigorously. 
10. Gently dab yourself dry with a towel. 

When to do Abhyanga 

According to the classic texts, Abhyanga is best done in the morning after you have been to the loo, scraped your tongue and brushed your teeth. If you do oil pulling, you can do this at the end of the massage while your body is absorbing the oil. 

However, some people do not have the time for a massage first thing in the morning. Before bed is the next best option (make sure you have digested your dinner well before beginning the massage). Especially for Vata, a massage before bed can be very beneficial for sleep quality. 

When not to do Abhyanga 

Ayurveda has recognised a few situations where your body does not benefit from having to absorb and assimilate the rich massage oil. Therefore avoid abhyanga when you are menstruating, when you have a fewer or a heavy cold, in the first trimester of pregnancy, and with a full stomach. 

A few notes on towels and drains

Nominate abhyanga towels as they will get oily. 

To make sure you do not clog your drains, clean your shower floor and the drains with dishwashing soap after every oily shower. Find some environmentally friendly drain cleaner and use it once a month. 

If you have the time, put on some “abhyanga clothes” after your shower for an hour or so to avoid your regular clothes gradually absorbing the oil.