Abhyanga, the Healing Touch
What is Abhyanga you ask? To translate, it means love and oil. It's an ancient Ayurvedic ritual of self-massage, where you lovingly anoint yourself with warmed oil from head to toe. It calms, soothes, and nourishes not just your skin but your whole body and feels heavenly! It is recommended to be practiced daily, for about 15 minutes, 15-20 minutes before you shower. Organic unrefined, cold -pressed sesame oil is what I am currently using. It contains antioxidant properties, is helpful in protecting the skin from free radical damage and all around considered highly nourishing.
The skin is our largest organ of the body, and with this practice will perform its diverse functions more efficiently, whether it is allowing toxins to be released from the body or nourishment to be absorbed by the tissues.
Benefits of Abhyanga:
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 through the day
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
Pacifies Vata and Pitta and stimulates Kapha—learn about Doshas.
"The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with a pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age." - Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89 (One of the Great ancient texts of Ayurveda)
Want to try it at home? Watch this video to find out how.
