Abhyanga or Self Oil Massage

Now, the first ritual we’re going to discuss today is something called Abhyanga. Abhyanga is a Sanskrit word from Ayurveda, and it refers to self oil massage. More specifically, it is the practice of applying warm oil to the body as part of a daily routine. Here, we’re focusing on a form of Abhyanga that is simple and practical — something that can be easily incorporated into everyday life. A little bit of background: as some of you may know, I’m originally from Kerala in South India. I migrated to Sydney, Australia, about twelve years ago. Moving from a tropical climate — where the body naturally feels more nourished and lubricated — to a cooler, drier environment, I began to notice significant dryness in my body. I felt dry, I felt unsettled, and my nervous system felt more sensitive. This was also a period of major transition — wrapping up life in India, moving countries, separating from family, and settling into a completely new environment. It was a very busy and emotionally demanding time. It was during this period that I truly felt the impact on my nervous system. Abhyanga became one of the daily practices that helped me feel grounded, stable, and calm. Even today, it remains a non-negotiable part of my morning routine. When I skip it, I notice that I’m more easily irritated or reactive. So this is a practice I deeply rely on. In simple terms, Abhyanga is warm oil massage. You apply warm oil to your body much like you would apply a moisturizer. There are recommended techniques, which you’ll see shortly in the video. Before we go into the practical steps, let’s briefly understand what happens in the body during Abhyanga. Warmth helps improve circulation. The application of oil provides a sense of containment and stability to the body. Touch itself is deeply healing. The skin is the largest organ of the body and contains countless nerve endings, blood vessels, lymphatic channels, and sensory receptors. Through Abhyanga, we gently stimulate these systems. At the same time that the practice is stimulating, it is also deeply relaxing and nourishing. Abhyanga helps calm the nervous system, relax muscles, support lymphatic drainage, and improve overall circulation. It creates a sense of wellbeing and is a beautiful practice to do daily — or as often as possible. Choosing Oils According to Dosha As a general guideline: For Vata (cold, dry, achy, sensitive), sesame oil or castor oil is recommended.For Pitta (heat, inflammation, irritability), coconut oil or sunflower oil works well.For Kapha (heaviness, lethargy, oiliness), almond oil, mustard oil, or olive oil can be supportive. Now, as you watch the demonstration video, pay special attention to the ears — gently massaging the outer ear and applying a small amount of oil to the little finger to massage the ear canal. Use long, firm strokes along the neck and collarbones, then the back of the neck and shoulders. These long strokes help support lymphatic movement and drainage. Move along the length of the muscles, offering firm, grounding touch. Ideally, always use warm oil. It’s recommended to begin Abhyanga at the head. You’ll receive a full video showing how to start, how to end, and what you need. Medicated Oils & Variations In addition to plant-based oils, Ayurvedic medicated oils can also be used. One oil I personally love and highly recommend for women is Dhanwantharam Tailam. It’s deeply supportive for the musculoskeletal system and very grounding for Vata. For children, Lakshadi Tailam is often used. For the face, oils like Kumkumadi Tailam are popular in India due to their rejuvenating effects on the skin. If you enjoy essential oils, you can mix a few drops with a base oil of your choice. Always make sure the oil is comfortably warm. When it comes to daily rituals, simplicity is key. Keep the practice connected to you and your lifestyle. If warming oil daily feels manageable, you can simply place the bottle in warm water for a few minutes. If you’re more Pitta-dominant and don’t enjoy heat, room-temperature oil is perfectly fine. Always begin at the crown of the head (Sahasrara) — using three gentle strokes — then massage the scalp and move downward. Apply oil to your palms and gently massage your face. The video will guide you through the rest of the details. Next, we’ll move on to the second routine: Garshana, or dry brushing — a practice especially helpful for those who feel heavy or sluggish in the morning.