Beauty is not Just Skin Deep
Abhyanga- Ayurvedic Oil Massage
Oil massage or 'abhyanga' in Sanskrit, means anointing the whole body, 'anga' with oil
'Abhyanga' should be resorted to daily, it wards of old age, exertion and aggravation of Vata; bestows good vision, mourishment to the body, long life, good sleep, good and healthy skin.'
so states Vagbhatta Acharya in Ashtanga Hrudaya Su, 2/7
Skin is a sense organ of touch. It is constantly exposed to the drying effects of air, wind and sun. Oil being heavy, smooth, lubricating and stable, has all the properties to negate drying effects of these elements and pacifies the Vata dosha. Vata is composed of Air and Space elements. Oil is the key agent used in pacification of Vata.
In Ayurveda, skin as a sense organ is used as a route to cure many diseases especially when other routes are not available. It has ability to allow penetration all the way to the tissues of the body. Therefore the benefits of Oil massage are not just skin deep!
'Sneha' is anther term for unctuousmess and nourishment. 'Sneha' can be given to body internally or externally with oil, ghee or any fatty substance. The modes and forms of administering sneha to body depends on the needs of the body. ‘Abhyanga’ is a form of 'Sneha' recommended as a daily tonic to the body.
In general, sesame oil is used for oil massage. Add some essential oils to it to make it aromatic. In summer, use coconut oil or medicated oil with brahmi or amalaki. In winter, add some mustard oil to sesame oil to give heating effect.
Preferrably, the best time to do 'abhyanga' is before a meal and before shower. This ensures channels or 'srotasas' are open and free of obstruction to allow the applied oil to penetrate through the skin pores and be digested and assimilated by the 'Agni' , the digestive fire and 'Agni' of various tissues in the body.
Technique:
Warm oil should be applied on the body. Best way to do this, place a glass jar of oil in a container of hot water. Using a hotpot makes life much easier. Start by rubbing oil on the soles of the feet. Start with vigorous strokes and slow down to gentle massage. This helps to create passage for Vata dosha to move through and pacify it with the gentle strokes. Massage in the direction of hair growth on arms and legs – going straight down, starting with vigorous strokes and slowing down to gentle, caressing strokes. On the navel area, apply oil in circular motion going in clockwise direction. This massage can be done in 10-15mins.
Areas you must NOT miss: Feet, ears and head. Below I have stated benefits of 'abhyanga' to these particular areas.
Keep oil on for minimum of 15 minutes, I keep it on for an hour before I shower off. You do not need to use soap , use a scrub powder like chickpea flour or any gentle body scrub to take off excess oil. Initially, you may not like the idea of oily skin when you come out of the shower. Though you may want to use soap for 'essential' areas. Ayurveda also says when one cannot do massage everyday, it recommends every other day or every third day.
Benefiits:
Benefits of 'Abhyanga' or External Oleation:
- It is jaraHara - Known to slow down aging process
- ShramaHara, reduces fatigue from physical and mental stress.
- Vatahara, subdues the Vata Dosha which is dry, light, cold, unstable, subtle in nature and oil is a perfect antagonist being heavy, warm, smooth, lubricating, stable.
- Dhrusti Prasad Kara beneficial for the eyes.
- PushtiKara, it has tonifying to the skin and the body
- AyushaKara – promotes longevity-by adding years to life and life to years
- SwapnaKara-abhyanga is a easy powerful treatment to help induce sleep
- Su TwaktwaKara-improves skin complexion, makes skin soft, smooth and supple
- DhardyaKara – by increasing muscle tone it increases exercise tolerance, strength, stability & sturdiness to body.
Benefits of 'Karnapoorana' or filling up your ears with oil
- Ears are abode of Vata dosha which is the main culprit in all stress related issues, calming Vata helps reduce stress.
- Prevents stiffness in neck & jaw
- Prevents collection of wax, ear ache .
Benefits of 'shirobhyanga' or head massage
- Improves vision
- Useful in diseases of central nervous system and head
- Helps hair growth on the scalp and gives beautiful, lustrous hair.
- Prevents early graying & early hair loss
- 5. Prevents headaches & induces good sleep.
Benefits of 'Padabhyanga' or application of oil to legs & feet
- Reduces roughness, fissure & dryness
- Useful in reliefs for muscle cramps & muscle spasms
- Useful in sciatica & palplegia
- Improves vision & induces good sleep
Who Should not do oil massage:
Those who have aggravation of Kapha Dosha like-(congestion, cough, cold, asthma, feel heavy, trouble with digestion); if you have had purification therapies like: emesis, purgation, etc.
If you have fever, anaemia, skin diseases, itchiness, swelling or are in your menstrual cycle.