Abhyanga Body Massage Oil

with chamomile, roses, butterfly pea flowers, hibiscus and cedar in sesame seed oil in a 4 oz dropper bottle.

Abhyanga is a form of Ayurvedic therapy that involves massage of the entire body from the head to the toe with Dosha-specific warm herb-infused oil. The oil is commonly pre-mixed with herbs for specific conditions. Traditionally, Abhyanga is done before a shower, sweat treatment or bath.

The Ritual: Set a positive intention and choose a relaxing morning. Brush your skin with a dry brush to remove dead skin, dirt and debris from its surface as well as prepare the skin’s pores for receiving the oil. Warm your oil – you can do this while dry brushing if warming your oil in a pot, or rub the oil between your palms if you are short on time.

Gently but firmly, massage your body all over: begin with the neck, working your way down to your feet. Use long strokes for limbs and short strokes for joints. Don’t forget fingers and toes, and pay extra attention to the soles of your feet, as they contain all the nerve endings and important marma points, or conjunctions of prana, life force energy.

Let the oil sit for 5-10 minutes. Don’t skip this step, as abhyanga’s deeper benefits depend on the body’s absorption of the oil and herbs. It takes a few minutes for the oil to penetrate to the deepest layers of the skin, and another several minutes for it to penetrate the tissues of the internal body. This is an excellent time to prepare some tea or practice some deep breathing.

Use Cleansing grains in the shower and rinse off the excess oil.

You can practice self-abhyanga daily, though you’ll receive wonderful benefits even from practicing it just a 2-3 times a week.

The Benefits: Abyanga improves circulation, strength, vision and stamina. Increases the moisture retention in the skin and improves texture, tone and appearance if the skin. It also drains the lymphatic nodes and strengthens bodily tissues and increases lubrication of internal organs and bones and joints. It helps sleep better and overall health.