ABHYANGA: THE ART OF WARM OIL MASSAGE

Abhyanga is a beautifully nourishing self-care practice from the Ayurvedic Tradition. When we adopt oil massage into our daily routine we find a deeper sense of well-being, relief from stress, better sleep and an increased physical and mental vitality.

 This holistic practice involves the application of warm herbal oil to the entire body, including the scalp, face, ears, neck, limbs, joints, and feet. Abhyanga is not merely a physical act but a deeply nurturing and rejuvenating ritual.

When using herbal infused massage oils, the medicinal qualities of the plants travel into the tissues to work their magic on our being. We can choose specific herbal and carrier oils to pacify a specific Dosha: Vata, Pitta or Kapha.

The ancient Ayurvedic texts teach us that Abhyanga can deliver the following benefits:

• Gives strength, softness, and flexibility to our joints and body in general.

• Regulates sleep patterns.

• Stimulates circulation and movement of lymph tissue fluid.

• Supports tone and suppleness of our skin.

• Nourishes and calms Vata Dosha and the nervous system.

• Balances the three Doshas when the correct herbal/vegetable oil is selected.

• Harmonizes the mind and emotions due to the calming and restorative action of this practice.

 Instructions for warm oil massage:

 1) Create a warm, clean and comfortable space. Place old towels on the floor to sit on for oil application. The oil will stain these towels and you will eventually (over long term use) need to throw them out, so use old ones for this practice.

2) Gently warm 20 mls oil in a saucepan over very low heat. Use raw sesame oil for Vata Dosha, sunflower oil for Pitta Dosha, ½ sunflower & ½ sesame oils for Kapha Dosha or select a Floraveda Botanical Body Oil for your constitution.

3) Get comfortable on your towel and begin massaging the warm oil (NOT HOT!) into your feet. When practicing Abhyanga we always massage from the extremities and work back towards the heart.

4) Massage the warm oil into your toes, heels, and around your ankles. Really spend time here to encourage the oil to absorb. Work the calves and thighs in long upward strokes, moving the blood and lymph in your legs back towards the core of the body.

5) Massage in a circular motion around all joints; knees, hips, elbows etc.. Massage clockwise around the belly.

6) Work the arms starting from the hands, up your forearms to the shoulders. Do not miss the area around the armpit and the underside of the arm. There is lymph fluid here that can tend to stagnate in the tissues.

7) Make sure to give attention to the remaining parts of the body including neck, face, and earlobes. Massage warm oil into your scalp if desired. (Highly recommended!)

8) Have presence and offer loving energy and thoughts to yourself with this practice. Allow time to slow down and come back to your body. Notice how you are feeling and allow compassion and self-acceptance to flood your being.

9) Let the oil penetrate for 10 to 30 minutes. The longer the better. Then take a warm shower or bath. This will push the oil deeper into the tissues. Do not use soap. Lightly towel dry after the shower, and then wear a robe until you are sure all the oil is absorbed.  Only dress in regular clothing after you are sure there is no oil residue left on your body as it may stain your clothing.

 Oil massage can be practiced daily or whenever you need extra grounding and nourishment for your body and spirit.

 Please note, there are some conditions where this practice should be avoided:

 DO NOT PRACTICE ABHYANGA IF:

You are pregnant, menstruating, constipated, intoxicated or have open sores. If you have a cold/flu or have very sluggish digestion, avoid oil massage until you are feeling better. If you have a medical condition consult your medical or Ayurvedic Practitioner before adopting this practice.

 Abhyanga offers a wonderful opportunity to nurture oneself on a physical and emotional level. Whether you seek relaxation, rejuvenation, or simply a pause amidst the chaos of daily life, abhyanga invites you to honour the temple of your body with love, reverence, and intention.