Introduction to Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that involves massage of the body with large amounts of warm, medicated oils to soothe and nourish the body at the deepest cellular level through the skin—the largest organ.
Abhyanga uses the skin as a conduit to transport medicine and herbs into the body to detoxify, clean, purify, and rebalance the body’s natural harmony. Traditional Abhyanga uses Ayurvedic herbs and medicines infused in the oil, prepared according to ancient Sanskrit texts. This is applied generously to the body, penetrating into the skin and the deeper tissues and cells.
In Ayurveda, there are seven dhatus or layers of tissue in the body. Abhyanga is one of the most effective methods to absorb the medicinal properties of the oil into the dhatus, promoting a state of good health.
Benefits of Abhyanga
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Nourishes the body and balances the nervous system
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Prevents physiological imbalances
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Lubricates muscles, tissues, and joints
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Increases circulation and moves lymph
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Aids in detoxifying the body
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Increases stamina and soothes the nervous system
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Softens and smoothens the skin
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Promotes good vision and better sleep
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Strengthens the body and tones the limbs
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Stimulates internal organs
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Pacifies Vata dosha
Vata dosha is particularly aggravated by modern lifestyles—smartphones, constant connectivity, multitasking, irregular habits, and frequent travel.
Classical Ayurvedic texts recommend daily Abhyanga as a practice of self-love. Massage includes various marma points, stimulating oxytocin—the “happy hormone”—which promotes warmth and emotional well-being.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do Abhyanga
1. Preparation
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Perform Abhyanga before your morning shower
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Duration: 15–30 minutes + 15 minutes for oil absorption
2. Choose Your Oil
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Organic sesame oil suits all doshas and especially helps pacify Vata
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Warm the oil gently—warm to the touch, not hot
3. Massage Sequence
Head
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Start from the crown with a generous amount of oil
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Massage in a clockwise motion using firm but gentle pressure
Face and Ears
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Massage the face and ears, especially the outer edges of the earlobes to stimulate marma points
Neck
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Massage the front and back of the neck, spine top, and the indentations at the lower back of the head to activate relaxation
Arms and Hands
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Use long, firm strokes from wrist to shoulder
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Use small, circular motions over joints and continue to hands and fingers
Chest
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Use a gentle circular motion over the heart and full chest area to stimulate lymphatic drainage
Abdomen
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Massage in a clockwise, circular motion, following the intestines
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Helps with digestion and bowel movement
Back
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Use upward strokes toward the heart
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Use plenty of oil and palms for a firm but gentle touch
Legs
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Long strokes from ankles upward, starting outer to inner
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Circular motion over the joints
Feet
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Massage tops and soles of the feet
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Be vigorous here, as feet are important marma points
Time Commitment
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15–30 minutes is ideal
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15 minutes for absorption
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Even 5 minutes is beneficial if you’re short on time
If done regularly, Abhyanga enhances vitality, health, and emotional balance—helping you stay in harmony and prevent imbalances, which are often the root of disease. Love your body and your massage.