How to Do Abhyanga, a Self Massage with Warm Oil

A series of rituals to prime the body for optimal health and wellness. Here we focus on Abhyanga—the gift of self-massage and a luxurious treat for the mind and body. Treat yourself to comfort.

Without access to professional masseurs and in the spirit of saving those hard earned dollars, this is a wonderful time to practice some real self love and learn the Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga or self massage. A way to respect your mind, body and spirit while treating them with the care they deserve, there are a lot of benefits of incorporating this practice in your regular routine.

The skin is the largest organ of our body and Abhyanga harnesses this as a means to purify, nourish and optimise internal organ health. It boosts circulation and stimulates organ function while powerfully detoxing the body by boosting lymphatic drainage. It strengthens body tissue and lubricates internal organs, bones, and joints while improving strength, vision, stamina, and muscle tone. In addition to this, it improves overall health and well-being.

Abhyanga is one of the most effective ways to calm the anxiety that is almost synonymous with mod life. It helps improve sleep for those struggling with insomnia and reduces symptoms of depression. While these physical and mental health benefits are amazing as they are varied, Abhyanga also improves the health of your skin – slowing down aging, nourishing and healing skin with potent oils, hydrating and moisturizing skin while improving its tone, texture and overall appearance. It leaves your skin looking smooth and absolutely radiant.

We are living in unprecedented times with a global pandemic resulting in an increase in anxiety, depression and stress which can manifest in physical pain in your body. This is a wonderful and simple method of supporting your body and mind to function optimally with love and care and it doesn’t have to be a time consuming process. Traditionally the massage is done with mostly with sesame oil (warm oil) or coconut oil (cooling oil) though the best oil to use depends on your dosha, imbalances, as well as season and environment. Ideally you should start by dry brushing your skin to get rid of buildup and to prep your skin for the oil treatment.

Start by warming your oil and then rubbing it all over your body. Start your massage from the feet up using broad and long strokes over the limbs and circular strokes over the joints. Always massage towards the direction of your heart. For your abdomen and chest, use broad clockwise circular motions. Massage every part of your body paying attention to your feet, ears and even your scalp. This process should take 15-20 minutes. Take time to sit with the oil for another 15 minutes to allow it to penetrate well before showering off.

We love using the Herbivore Jasmine Body Oil.

🌼Camellia Seed Oil gives skin a luminous glow with fatty acids Omega 3 and 6.
🌼Grapeseed Oil absorbs quickly into skin without feeling greasy. Rich in Linoleic Acid as well as Vitamin C, D, and E.
🌼 Jasmine Sambac Oil gives this oil an intoxicating scent and works to increase skin's moisture content.