Abhyanga or oil massage is a traditional Ayurvedic practice of full-body massage that uses warm oil to promote overall health and well-being. It involves rubbing the body from head to toe with a natural oil or herb-infused oil. It is recommended to be performed daily as a form of self-care and is believed to have a variety of health benefits. The massage is typically done with warm oil and is performed on the entire body at least 10- 20 minutes before the bath. Early morning is the best time for an oil massage. The purpose of Abhyanga is to nourish and moisturize the skin, improve circulation, and remove stress and well-being. Those who cannot do oil massage daily can at least do it on the head, ears, and foot.
Skin is the largest sense organ and receives different types of external signals and responds accordingly. Massage works on the body in both physical and psychological ways as massaging produces heat which in turn increases blood circulation and nourishes all body tissues. It works on the nervous system and improves the circulation of growth hormones. It is also believed to balance the doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha which are said to be the base of the human body according to Ayurveda.
Importance of head massage
Head massage with an ample quantity of suitable oil improves the quality, texture, health, and strength of the scalp and hair. It helps make hair soft, thick, and shiny and maintains the hair colour. It also nourishes the sense organs.
Importance of doing oil massage for ears
Daily instillation of a few drops of oil and lightly massaging the outer ear relieves the pain in the ear, jaw, and head and improves ear functioning.
Importance of oil massage on feet
Massaging the feet using oil improves sleep quality, improves vision, and removes fatigue, stress, and numbness in the feet. It makes the feet soft, moisturized and treats cracked feet.
Benefits of Abhyanga
- Remove tiredness, delay aging, and increase longevity.
- Improve vision.
- Nourish the body.
- Improve circulation and reduce stress.
- Improve the quality of life.
- Tone the muscles and body tissue
- Stimulates the function of all organs.
- Relieves stress, and tension and imparts energy
Contraindication
Abhyanga should be avoided for when you have:
- Indigestion
- Fever
Method of simple oil massage:
- Oil massage can be done in a sitting or standing position and in the direction of the hair.
- Take an ample quantity of oil in your palm. Rub it within your palm and make it lukewarm. Apply generously to the whole body and head as well.
- Massage gently on each region. Use long strokes for limbs and circular motions for the chest, abdomen, and joints Concentrate more on the head, ears, and feet.
- Let the oil get absorbed for 10-20 minutes.
- Take a warm bath using a gentle cleanser or bath powder.
- Pat dry to remove all excess water.
Generally, tila taila or sesame oil is suitable for all prakriti and is considered the best among all oils. For added or specific benefits, medicated oils can be used under expert guidance. Some commonly used oils in Abhyanga include:
- Sesame oil: This oil is considered to be warm and moisturizing. Rich in antioxidants, it nourishes and makes skin healthy.
- Coconut oil: This oil is light and cool by nature. It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids that repair and moisturize the skin. It gets easily absorbed by the skin and makes the skin healthy and supple.
- Mustard oil: This oil is considered to be warming and improves blood circulation. It has anti-inflammatory properties. The high proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids not only cleanses but moisturizes the skin as well.
- Almond oil: almond oil is very mild and gentle and suits all skin types. It protects the skin from sun damage and makes skin healthy and moisturized.
