In Ayurveda, self-massage is part of the daily routine (called dinacharya) to support our overall health and well-being. Self-massage with oil is simply part of our self-care just like brushing our teeth and washing our face.
Oil application and self-massage have real benefits. “Modern studies have proven that Abhyanga has a potential psychogenic and physiologic benefits” (1) this includes “reducing subjective stress experience. It may be beneficial in lowering Heart Rate in all, and Blood Pressure in prehypertensive subjects” (2)
Oils and touch help to regulate the nervous system, it’s grounding and soothing. Oils nourish the tissues including dry skin.
“The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age.” –Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89.
The deeper benefits of oil massage
The oil moves much further than just the skin. The qualities of the oils penetrate all of the dhatus (or tissues) of the body. In ayurveda we apply oils to the joints, the abdomen to support our digestion, to the heart area to soothe our hearts, to the lower abdomen for womb health.
Every time we massage our body we support the muscles, lymphatic and circulatory systems.
From a Western perspective, there are several studies concerning touch therapy and massage in general. “Tactile stimulation is a major trigger for oxytocin release… Oxytocin can play a stress-buffering role” (3). Oxytocin is the bonding or love hormone!
Ayurvedic oil massage
In ayurveda, we believe that abhyanga is beneficial for all doshas (with few exceptions). Oil is specifically nourishing and calming for vata dosha. Vata being the elements of air and space tends to dryness and creaky joints. Vata can also manifest as constipation and bloating, insomnia and anxiety. The nervous system is often related to vata dosha.
But with vata being air and space it can be unstable and if it vitiates or if we have a tendency to excess vata oil can be an excellent tonic.
Vata is also related to the sense of touch due to the presence of the air element. Combining oil and touch is the perfect remedy for out-of-balance vata.
But most people benefit from oil massage.
Touching oneself with a warm soothing oil, with tenderness and love, noticing the different body parts, and connecting to this vehicle that you experience life through is powerfully healing.
Oils for each dosha
A general tri-doshic oil is sesame oil. It can be slightly warming for anyone with a tendency to excess pitta though.
Vata: using warming oils such as sesame. Almond oil or oils specifically blended for vata dosha such as Osi Oils Shine Organic Ayurveda Vata Body Oil (use code ANJA10 for 10% off your order)
Pitta: cooling coconut or a lighter sunflower seed oil or oils specifically blended for pitta dosha such as Osi Oils Manifest Organic Ayurveda Pitta Body Oil (use code ANJA10 for 10% off your order)
Kapha: might need a more stimulating massage or even using a dried herbal mixture instead of oil. Sunflower or a warming mustard oil are recommended as are oils specifically blended for kapha dosha like Osi Oils Rejuvenate Organic Ayurveda Kapha Body Oil (use code ANJA10 for 10% off your order)
This is one of my absolute favourite practices to do. Both the physical and emotional benefits are underestimated yet so immediate and profound. Get yourself some oil and enjoy applying it with love and tenderness. For 10% off your Osi Oils order, please use the discount code ANJA10 at checkout.
References:
(1) http://dx.doi.org/10.7897/2277-4572.102201
(2) https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0281
(3) https://doi.org/10.1007/s40750-016-0052-x
