Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic self-massage practice that’s been around for centuries. It’s mentioned in ancient texts like the Charak Samhita. Regular Abhyanga massage, even for just 5 to 10 minutes a day, is said to promote overall well-being and beauty.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating your own Abhyanga oil recipe at home and performing the self-massage.
What is Abhyanga?
Abhyanga is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that’s been around for thousands of years. It involves self-massage with warm oil, and practitioners believe it offers a ton of benefits.
Abhyanga may, with the help of essential oils:
- improve circulation
- relieve stress and anxiety
- nourish your skin
Reenita Malhotra, author of “Inner Beauty,” once said, “Giving yourself a massage every day may be the best beauty secret we have.”
In Ayurveda, the world is made up of five elements that combine into three energies called doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique balance of these doshas. Choosing an oil based on your dosha may lead to the best results from Abhyanga.
Finding your Dosha: A Quick Guide
In Ayurveda, the basic principle is that everything is made up of five elements: space, air, fire, water, and earth. These elements combine to form three energies, called Doshas:
- Vata: This Dosha is quick, creative, and energetic, but also changes quickly.
- Pitta: This Dosha is intense, intelligent, and driven.
- Kapha: This Dosha is calm, grounded, and nurturing.
It’s important to know your Dosha so you can pick the right oils. I recommend doing more research online or talking to an Ayurvedic practitioner. They can assess you properly and help you find the best recipe for your needs.
Choosing the Right Oils for Your Abhyanga
In Ayurveda, the best type of oil for abhyanga depends on your dosha, or constitution. You can also choose oils based on the season or your current state of mind. Here’s a quick guide:
Oils for Vata Dosha
If you’re trying to balance Vata, you might want to consider these oils:
- Sesame oil
- Almond oil
These oils are great for Vata because they’re grounding and warming. Vata is associated with dryness and coldness, so these oils help to counteract those qualities.
Oils for Pitta Dosha
To balance Pitta, try these oils:
- Coconut oil
- Sunflower oil
These oils have cooling and soothing properties, which is exactly what you need to balance Pitta’s hot and intense nature. If you tend to run hot or get easily irritated, these oils might be a good fit.
Oils for Kapha Dosha
If you’re looking to balance Kapha, consider these oils:
- Mustard oil
- Jojoba oil
These oils offer stimulating and warming effects, which help balance Kapha’s heavy and slow qualities. If you tend to feel sluggish or lethargic, these oils can help invigorate you.
DIY Abhyanga Oil Recipes Based on Dosha
You can make your own abhyanga oil at home! Here are some recipes based on the Ayurvedic concept of doshas.
Vata Abhyanga Oil Recipe
- Sesame oil or ghee
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Lotus root
- Basil
- Cloves
- Orange peel
You’ll need about 1 cup of ghee or sesame oil, 1/2 cup of mixed herbs, and 5-8 drops of essential oil (if you want to use it), perhaps selecting the best diffuser oils.
Combine all the ingredients and let them sit for about a day. Warm the oil before you use it.
Pitta Abhyanga Oil Recipe
- Coconut oil
- Sandalwood powder
- Rose petals
- Lavender essential oil
Combine all the ingredients and warm the oil slightly before you use it.
Kapha Abhyanga Oil Recipe
- Mustard oil
- Ginger powder
- Eucalyptus essential oil
Combine all the ingredients and warm the oil before using it.
How to give yourself an Abhyanga massage
Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing Abhyanga self-massage:
- Prepare the oil: Gently warm the oil before you use it. This helps your skin absorb it.
- Massage technique: Start with your head and face. Massage your entire body in a specific direction, generally from head to toe. Use long strokes on your limbs and circular motions on your joints.
- Post-massage care: Let the oil sit on your skin for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, rinse it off with cool water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil is best for abhyanga?
Traditionally, sesame oil is considered the best oil for abhyanga due to its warming and grounding properties, especially beneficial for Vata dosha. However, other oils like coconut oil (cooling, good for Pitta) or sunflower oil (light, suitable for Kapha) can also be used depending on your dosha and individual needs. Always choose high-quality, organic, cold-pressed oils.
What are the 7 steps of abhyanga?
While variations exist, a general abhyanga sequence involves: 1) Warm the oil. 2) Apply oil to the crown of your head and massage in circular motions. 3) Massage the rest of your body, using long strokes on limbs and circular motions on joints. 4) Spend extra time on areas prone to tension (feet, hands, neck), focusing specifically on foot pressure points. 5) Allow the oil to soak in for 5-20 minutes. 6) Take a warm bath or shower. 7) Gently pat your skin dry.
What are the ingredients in abhyanga oil?
The base of abhyanga oil is typically a carrier oil like sesame, coconut, or sunflower. You can enhance it with Ayurvedic herbs and essential oils chosen for their specific properties. Common additions include ashwagandha, brahmi, turmeric, lavender, sandalwood, and rose. The specific ingredients will vary depending on your desired benefits and dosha balance.
How to make abhyanga oil at home for skin?
To make abhyanga oil at home, start with your chosen carrier oil. For dry skin, sesame or almond oil are good choices. Gently warm the oil and add a few drops of skin-nourishing essential oils like lavender, rose, or sandalwood. You can also infuse the oil with dried Ayurvedic herbs like calendula or chamomile by gently heating the oil with the herbs for a few hours, then straining. Always test a small area first to check for sensitivity.
Closing thoughts
Adding abhyanga to your daily routine can be a really simple way to care for yourself. The act of mindfully preparing your oil and massaging it into your skin can be a wonderful ritual.
Don’t be afraid to play around with different oils and recipes until you find something that you absolutely love. What works for one person might not work for another, so experiment!
Ultimately, abhyanga is a powerful tool that can help you find more balance and harmony in your body, mind, and spirit. Give it a try and see how it transforms your day!