Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic practice of self-massage using a warmed oil best suited for your dosha. This self-care practice has many benefits and is easy to incorporate into your self-care routine. The massage is best performed in the morning. Starting with the limbs, apply the oil of choice to the skin in long, sweeping strokes toward the torso, and on the entire torso towards the heart. If you have the time, massage into the head as well. Let it sit for a few minutes as you visualize yourself in a perfect state of health and well-being. Then rinse, dry, and carry on with your day!
Abhyanga has many benefits:
- Nourishes the entire body—decreases the effects of aging
- Imparts muscle tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body
- Imparts a firmness to the limbs
- Lubricates the joints
- Increases circulation
- Stimulates the internal organs of the body
- Assists in elimination of impurities from the body
- Moves the lymph, aiding in detoxification
- Increases stamina
- Calms the nerves
- Benefits sleep—better, deeper sleep
- Enhances vision
- Makes hair (scalp) grow luxuriantly, thick, soft and glossy
- Softens and smoothens skin; wrinkles are reduced and disappear