Discover the incredible benefits of Abhyanga—Ayurvedic self-massage with oil that grounds, nourishes and helps you sleep. Try it today for instant transformation.
What if I told you there is a simple yet transformative practice that can ground and nourish you and help you sleep better in less than 15 minutes a day? I found just that with Abhyanga—Ayurvedic self-massage with oil.
Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic soul-soothing ritual that nourishes, grounds and rejuvenates by massaging warm oil into your skin. It’s more than just self-care for your skin; it’s a way to nurture your body and mind to create space for relaxation. Once you try it, you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner.
Abhyanga is the ultimate form of self-love. In fact, in Sanskrit (the ancient language of yoga), sneha—the word for oil— also means love.
I’ve been practicing Abhyanga for years, and it has completely changed the way I approach my self-care routine. Here are three key reasons you need to make it part of your daily routine starting today.
3 Life-Changing Benefits of Abhyanga
Abhyanga Grounds You Profoundly
I’m a busy mom juggling a hectic routine with family, work and life. And let me tell you, when I began practicing Abhyanga, it became my anchor. After a busy day, my racing mind is sometimes unable to settle down. But when I begin my Abhyanga routine, everything shifts. As the warm oil absorbs into my skin, I immediately start to feel more centered. It’s like hitting the reset button for my body and mind. The act of massaging the oil into my skin is highly meditative—each brush of the skin brings a sense of calm, helping me focus on the present moment. Imagine experiencing that every day. When life feels like it's spiraling out of control, Abhyanga can help you regain your center.
Abhyanga is more than a soothing massage; it’s a full-body experience that helps you reconnect with yourself in a way that feels almost magical. Some of its key benefits include calming the nervous system, enhancing circulation and bringing balance to body and mind.
For someone constantly on the go, Abhyanga can be a life-changing practice. It’s an opportunity to pause, breathe and ground yourself. Imagine stepping away from the busyness of life for just a few minutes every day to reconnect with yourself.
Abhyanga Nourishes You Deeply
You take care of your body by eating healthy food and exercising. But when was the last time you nourished your skin deeply? Skin is the largest organ of the body and it's visible, so it deserves the same kind of nourishment as the rest of your body. When you apply oil to your skin in Abhyanga, you're engaging in an act of nourishment that goes beyond the surface. The warm oil trickles into your pores, promoting deep hydration.
For me, the results were noticeable that same day of the first time I practiced Abhyanga and even more noticeable within just a couple of weeks of regular practice. My skin began to look healthier and more radiant, and it felt softer. Abhyanga is especially great for dry skin or when your skin feels depleted from exposure to the elements like too much sun or wind.
Abhyanga also nourishes your mind and spirit. As your body absorbs the oil, your mind is calmed by the quiet space that the practice creates. Abhyanga is particularly good at calming vata dosha, the dosha associated with air, ether and movement. When vata is out of balance, it can lead to anxiety, restlessness and a feeling of not being grounded. By practicing Abhyanga, you're helping to restore balance to your body and mind.
Abhyanga Can Help You Get the Best Sleep of Your Life
Ever find yourself tossing and turning trying to fall asleep, or struggling to stay asleep all night? Then you know how elusive good sleep can be. Abhyanga might be the solution you’ve been looking for. It has been a game-changer for me when it comes to sleep.
Personally, I’ve found that practicing Abhyanga in the evening is the way to signal to my body that it’s time to wind down. The soothing effects of the oil, combined with the slow, methodical movements of the self-massage, calm my nervous system. During the practice, I feel like my body finally exhales, signaling that the day is over.
The magic continues after I step into the shower to rinse off the oil. I feel more relaxed and mentally prepared for sleep. It’s as if I’ve taken my body through a mini self-care ritual that’s primed me for deep rest.
I rarely skip my Abhyanga sessions, especially before bed. When I do, I immediately notice the difference. With Abhyanga, my sleep is deeper and more restorative.
5 Steps to Get Started With Abhyanga
Now that you understand the life-changing benefits of Abhyanga, let’s talk about how to add Abhyanga to your self-care routine tonight. While traditionally done in the morning, I’ve found that practicing it in the evening has been a game-changer for me.
The process is simple, and with just a few steps, you’ll be on your way to experiencing the benefits of this ancient practice. It doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a little quiet time, a towel you don’t mind getting oily and some oil.
Step 1: Choose Your Oil.
The first step is to choose the oil for your dosha and the season. What needs balancing? I prefer sesame oil in the winter because it’s warming, nourishing and grounding. During the summer, I switch to coconut oil because it's cooling. Specific oils are recommend to balance each dosha depending on the season. Experiment to see what works best for you.
Step 2: Get Comfortable.
Abhyanga is best practiced in a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. Sit on a towel on your bathroom floor or on the lid of the toilet. Warm the oil slightly by running the container of oil under hot water, or place it in a small jar and heat it in a bowl of hot water. Warm oil feels incredible on the skin and enhances the soothing effects of the practice.
Step 3: Apply the Oil.
Start with your feet. Apply the oil and gently massage it in circular motions. Then, work your way up your body, focusing on joints (like your ankles, knees and elbows) with circular movements and using longer brushes along the length of your arms and legs. Don't forget the crown of your head, neck and earlobes.
Step 4: Soak in the Benefits.
Once you’ve massaged the oil into your body, sit for about 10 minutes and allow the oil to absorb. During this time, meditate, read, journal or breathe deeply. This is your time to slow down and center yourself.
Step 5: Rinse Off.
Rinse off the excess oil in the shower. Be careful not to slip, as your skin will be silky smooth. Clean the oil residue from your shower or bath floor afterward.
Important Note
Abhyanga is not recommended with certain medical conditions, during pregnancy, your period or if you're feeling sick. Always listen to your body. Before beginning a new Ayurvedic self-care routine, customized for your dosha, know what dosha needs balance, then consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner. Visit the National Ayurvedic Medical Association website to find a certified Ayurvedic practitioner near you who can help you identify specific Ayurvedic self-care rituals according to what needs balancing.
Try Abhyanga Today
Abhyanga isn’t just a skin-care ritual—it’s an ancient Ayurvedic practice that offers profound benefits for your body and mind. Abhyanga is a commitment to your well-being. In a world that constantly demands more from you, taking just 10 to 15 minutes each day to practice Abhyanga can be the key to feeling more centered, relaxed and nourished.
Start practicing tonight—and feel the difference. Take a few moments to slow down, breathe deeply and give yourself the ultimate gift of self-care.
Nourish your skin, calm your mind, and feel the transformation. Start your Abhyanga journey today with one of my favorite oils for Abhyanga: Banyan Botanicals sesame oil.
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