Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Self Massage

In Ayurveda the practice of self-massage is called Abhyanga.

Practiced daily Abhyanga helps restore the balance of the Doshas and enhances well-being.

*Check the Dosha information & quiz below to find your predominate Dosha.

Nourishing oils are used for Abhyanga, in Sanskrit the word for “oil” and “love.” is Sneha, the same word for both, It is said that Abhyanga has similar benefits to those received when one is saturated with love. Abhyanga can give a deep feeling of nurture stability and warmth.

Benefits of Abhyanga

1. Nourishes the entire body

2.Imparts muscle tone and vigor to the tissues of the body

3.Imparts a firmness to the limbs

4.Lubricates the joints Increases circulation

5.Stimulates the internal organs of the body

6.Assists in elimination of impurities from the body

7.Moves the lymph, aiding in detoxification

8.Increases stamina

9.Calms the nerves Benefits sleep—better, deeper sleep

10.Enhances vision

11.Conditions hair and scalp

12.Softens and smoothens skin.

13.Brings you into a grounded, balanced and peace-filled state.

Oils to benefit the individual doshas

There are specific oils that offer greatest benefit to the individual doshas but please don't feel that you have to use only these. If you don't have them on hand use whatever you do have, even olive oil will do. The act of self massage is one of self love.

Vata Dosha: sesame, almond, or avocado oil

Pitta Dosha: coconut, sunflower or castor oil

Kapha Dosha: safflower or flaxseed oil

Good for all Three Doshas: Jojoba oil

How to do Abhyanga - self massage

Start by warming the oil. Simply pour or scoop the required amount of oil into your oil warmer or into a jar or plastic bottle and then place in a cup of hot water to heat. While your oil is warming get your room ready and prepare for your massage.

The bathroom is the best place to practice. Use a small heater to warm the room to a comfortable temperature and lay a towel down over the floor.

You might like to light a candle, dim the lights or turn off artificial lighting, put some soothing, calm music on and make the room as relaxing as you can.

Have a spare bath robe and a thick pair of socks especially for your abhyanga practice. ready to put on once you have finished.

Massage your body with love and patience for 30-40 minutes.

• Start on the left for females, right for males.

• Take warm oil into the palm of your hand, apply to the foot and start to move towards the ankle. Take your time. Massage each toe and work the oil into your feet, using circular motions around the ankles.

• Use long strokes and move up into the calf muscle.

• Use circular motions around the knee, encouraging warmth.

• Moving up into the thigh and back of the leg using long, vigorous strokes towards the heart. Try using a circular stroke on the back of the legs, whilst maintaining the upward flow. Repeat on the opposite leg.

• Apply oil to the belly with a soft circular motion. Start on the left at the top of your belly and move down and then across to your right and up towards the top of your belly and back across to the left.

• Massage in a circular motion around the chest/breast area.

• Move to the back of your body, using upward moving strokes from your buttock/hip area, reaching up as far as you can.

• Arms, remember left for female and right for male, apply oil to the hands and work it into the fingers and the palm of your hand. Use long strokes towards the shoulders, paying particular attention to your wrists, elbows and shoulders, using circular motions to warm the joints.

• Massage into the neck from the shoulders. Work out any tension you are carrying.

• Pour remaining oil onto the top of your head, vigorously massaging into your scalp.

• Finish by massaging your ears, starting at the top and moving down towards your ear lobe.

• If you have the time allow the oil to soak into the body for at least half an hour before showering.

Once you’ve showered put on a nice thick pair of socks & something soft and comfortable and take the opportunity to have a delicious cup of chai or some other nourishing drink and rest.

Dosha Quiz

​Take this quick quiz to find out your predominate Dosha.

There are three Doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—each derived from the 5 elements and representative of a unique blend of physical, emotional, and mental characteristics inherent in every individual.

Please answer according to how you have felt and acted most of your life, or at least in the past few years.