Introduction

The ayurvedic abhyanga massage is one of the greatest forms of self-love that we can perform. It is believed that it creates a feeling of stability and warmth and of being cocooned in love. Anointing yourself with warm herbal oil not only creates the sense of nurturing but also with daily practice it helps restore the balance of our dosha.

What is Abhyanga?

Ayurveda says that the daily practice of massage with oil promotes wellbeing and longevity, but what exactly does it mean to perform abhyanga? It is a massage with oil that is infused with dosha specific herbs to regain balance and connect with your body. The name is derived from abhi which means glow and anga which means limb. As a life science based on ancient teachings, Ayurveda promotes maintaining physical and mental health through natural therapies such as massages and herbs as well as through diet. The benefits of abhyanga is that it is a daily or regular practice that involves massaging the whole body from head to toe to release toxins from the body.

Ayurvedic doshas: What are they?

All living beings are governed by the tridosha or three energies we have within us. Ayurveda says that we enjoy health mentally, physically and spiritually when these dosha are in balance. Vata pitta and kapha dosha are the three forces of which a unique combination can be found in each of us. The entire ayurvedic system of medicine is based on these three dosha.

The dosha are related to the elements of nature, vata dosha to air and space, pitta dosha to fire and water and kapha dosha to water and earth. It is believed that there are five elements of nature namely earth or Prithvi, air or vayu, water or jala, fire or teja and space or Aakash.

Our individual constitutions are based on a combination of these dosha with one always being predominant. When these are in perfect balance we experience health and wellbeing but when out of sync we experience ill health, stress and anxiety.

Abhyanga massage for each dosha

Abhyanga is about dedicating 15-20 minutes of your day towards showing love and care to your body by applying oil and massaging with circular strokes to promote circulation and remove toxins. The frequency and type of abhyanga oil you should use will vary based on your dosha.

You will need to allocate a quiet and peaceful place within your home where you can sit or stand during the abhyanga. Be in lose fitting clothes which you do not mind getting essential oils on and have plenty of towels at hand. You could even sit in the bath tub if you have one. You will need utensils for warming oils for better absorption. Massage the crown of your head and work downwards with long strokes

Vata

The nature of this dosha is light, cold and dry and governs the movements of our body and functions such as the flow of blood and the elimination of waste. It further has an impact on our thoughts, breathing, nervous system and joint movements.

For those with vata as their predominant dosha it is recommended that abhyanga be done 4-5 times a week using grounding oils such as sesame or almond or abhya oil and such vata balancing oil. Adding essential oils such as jasmine, lavender, cinnamon and frankincense will be helpful. A lot of oil should be used to counter vata’s dry nature. Use heavy long strokes on the limbs making sure they are smooth and fluid. Special attention should be paid to areas of the body such as the colon, chest and pelvis. Once done allow the oil to seep into the skin. Enjoy a warm bath or shower to truly feel the benefits of the self-massage.

Pitta

The nature of pitta dosha is hot, light, sharp, oil, fluid and mobile and has an effect on the digestive system, body temperature and metabolism and on the skin and complexion.

People with the pitta dosha constitution should balance that hot nature with cooling oils such as sunflower, coconut or olive oil. The room should be warm to allow the pores to open but not hot. Gentle circular motion strokes will work best. Pay attention to the liver and spleen areas along with head and eyes. Adding cooling essential oils such as peppermint, sandalwood, lavender, chamomile and rose will also be beneficial. Aim to do this 3 to 4 times a week.

Kapha

The kapha nature is slow, moist, heavy, smooth, cool, oily and steady and it is associated with stability, lubrication and structure of the mind and body. Use drying oils such as mustard, sunflower and safflower as they are light. Adding essential oils such as eucalyptus, sage, cinnamon and basil will be beneficial. Massage with a lighter touch with rapid strokes as kapha has a heavy element. A warm room and warm oils will be good but kapha does not require vast amounts of oil. Focus on areas such as the lungs, joints and stomach to stimulate and revive them. One to two times a week is enough for this dosha type.

Abhyanga suitable for any or multiple doshas

Abhyanga is suitable for all dosha types and if you want to treat more than one dosha type at a time you can use a mix of the oils such as jojoba oil, herbs and essential oils. Seek the guidance of an ayurvedic practitioner or do your research for the best combinations to suit your requirements. Practicing abhyanga promotes circulation, relieves toxins, nourishes the body, improves digestion, promotes healthy skin and revitalises the body and mind.

Conclusion

A daily practice of abhyanga promotes mental, spiritual and physical health and wellbeing as it is a wonderful form of selfcare. It helps balance the dosha while allowing you to truly appreciate yourself. We all need time to ourselves to take a break from daily stresses to nurture our inner energies and give them a boost so that we feel at our best. Abhyanga is an easy ayurvedic practice that we can perform on ourselves. You can even have it done by a practiced practitioner once in a while for even more benefits.