The ancient classical text, Charaka Samhita says, "The body of one who performs oil massage regularly, even if they are subjected to strenuous work or physical stress, is not much affected.  His physique is strong, soft, and charming and the onslaught is aging is slackened."  Volume 1 V:88-89, Page 125

Of all the lifestyle recommendations of Ayurveda, Abhyanga, (ah-be-yong’-ah) the practice of a warm oil daily self massage, is one of the most beneficial and blissful to keep you feeling young, healthy and beautiful.  It truly harmonizes the body and mind!  

If I could only keep one morning ritual, I would choose Abhyanga.  The practice of moving warm oil into the tissues of my body provides me a grounded, protected, loving feeling that I’ve become addicted to.  Interestingly another Sanskrit word, sneha also means both “love & oil.”   It is said that the the effects of abhyanga are similar to the effects of being intensely and deeply loved.  Abhyanga is an opportunity to love and feel affection and gratitude for your own body, and when you appreciate it and pay loving attention to it, it just functions better.   Remember the aphorism “Where attention goes, energy flows?”  Wherever attention goes, some change occurs.

Benefits of a daily Abhyanga include:

* Stimulates and strengthens the immune system

* Flushes toxins from the lymphatic system

* Promotes the flow of prana (life force) in the body/mind

* Promotes flexibility

* Tones muscles

* Rejuvenates and softens skin

* Reduces fear, nervousness and soothes the emotions

* Benefits sleep patterns

* Stimulates circulation and color to the body

* Decreases the effects of aging and increases longevity

* Bestows good vision

Abhyanga is suggested as a daily preventative therapy throughout the year but is especially important during Autumn, as this is when the quality of dryness is most pervasive in nature.   The  practice takes about 15 minutes and is typically done in the morning before your daily shower.  If you find this is not a convenient time of day, then try it before bed.  It’s a sublime segue to sleep!

Here are some suggestions to get the most from this life-giving ritual:

1.  Choose an oil appropriate to your constitution or the season.  It is preferable to use a  dosha specific, herb infused oil appropriate for lowering the imbalanced dosha.  If one is not available to you, an unrefined, organic sesame oil is recommended in cooler months and coconut oil can be used for a more cooling effect in warmer months.  

2.  Warm the oil in a copper oil warmer bowl.. (about 1/4 cup) to slightly above body temperature, around 101 degrees.  Warm oil penetrates the tissues of the body and feels better.  You can do this several ways.  You can fill up your bathroom sink with hot water and place the oil there for 5 minutes.  You can also heat the oil on the kitchen stove, but be careful not to over heat.   The most convenient tool I’ve found is a cooper oil warmer bowl powered by one or two tea candles.

3.  Find spot to work.  Most people choose the bathroom or any place that is private and draft free.  Lay a towel down (Dr. Chopra suggests on top of a plastic trash bag) and have handy a hand towel and pair of sox.  (Your feet will be slippery and you don’t want to slip and fall.)

4.  Take a deep breath and rub your palms together, pour a tablespoon of abhyanga oil or so into the palm of your hand.  Begin with the top of your head, using the palm of your hand and massage circular strokes as if you were washing your hair. (On days you don’t wash your hair, begin with your face and neck.)  Move to your face and continue with circular strokes around the eyes and temples.  Massage your ears, neck and shoulders.

5.  Move down to your arms, hands and fingers.  Apply the oil liberally in straight strokes over the long bones and clockwise circular strokes at the elbows and wrists.  Work in the direction of the heart.  Massage the chest, stomach and lower abdomen.  Next, move to your legs, feet and toes applying the oil in the same manner.  Work using straight back and forth strokes that create friction over the long bones and clockwise circular strokes over the knees and ankles.  Reach around with your arms and massage your back side with up and down strokes.

6.  There is no real healing without awareness, so remember to bring a quality of self love and self nurturing to the practice.   Give yourself affirmations like, “I love myself, I’m beautiful, I’m blissful, I’m healthy, I appreciate my body, I’m grateful for my arms, my legs, my fingers, toes, etc.,” 

7.  After the massage, wait a few minutes before showering or bathing to allow the oil to penetrate your skin.

8.  Use a light, gentle soap for showering.  Be mindful of the excess oil that will be present & take care not to slip.  (A good bathmat is wise.)

9. Wipe your Copper Oil Warmer bowl clean for next use.