What is Ayurvedic oil massage for the body, head, and entire being?

In Ayurveda, internal and external oleation are distinguished. In the first case, the patient takes ghee internally. Depending on the state of health, the ghee can be pure or mixed with other fats and various Ayurvedic additives. External application of oil mixtures affects the entire body, which is called from head to toe. Both of these procedures are part of the preparatory complex before seasonal detoxification – Panchakarma.

Ayurvedic oil massage image — Ayurvedic oils

How to lubricate internal organs and joints through the skin

Ayurvedic healers believe that the human body consists of seven layers. The skin is the first, outermost layer, followed by muscles, bones and joints, blood, reproductive fluids, and hormonal and nervous systems. The healing of the reproductive and nervous systems is only possible with a full two-week course of procedures. Ayurvedic oil massage is called Abhyanga. With simple safety precautions, it can also be performed at home.

The oil applied to the skin is absorbed and penetrates into the deep layers of the dermis. Oiling the next day causes the previous layer of oil to go even deeper, to the second level. With the next application, the oil descends to the third level and so on. It will take at least a week to saturate all levels, and then another seven days of repeated oiling are needed so that the oil that has penetrated thoroughly saturates the deepest layer.

Sesame oil is suitable for Abhyanga.

Choosing an oil blend for oil pulling is quite simple. It doesn't have to be a special Ayurvedic oil. If a person likes the smell of the blend, then they have found the most correct and suitable oil for them. There is only one condition – refined oils are not suitable. You should use first cold-pressed oils without fragrances or any other additives.

The choice of oil depends on the time of year and health condition:

Sesame and almond warm.
Coconut and olive are cooling.;
Sunflower and grapeseed oils moisturise.;
In general, any high-quality, cold-pressed edible oil can be used.

Sesame oil is most often used for oil massage in Ayurveda. It combines bitter, sweet, and astringent tastes, warms well, and nourishes the skin. When preparing for Panchakarma in Ayurvedic clinics, compositions are made based on vegetable oils, including herbs and plants. The selection of components is carried out taking into account only the individual characteristics of the person.

You should not use preparations with added essential oils or Ayurvedic remedies for oiling if you do not have specific knowledge of their use.

What is oiling the head and hair

Beyond the obvious improvement in the appearance and condition of hair, saturating with oil mixtures nourishes the skin, while massage relaxes muscles and relieves spasms. The skull is covered by a network of tendons that support the muscles. With age, this network dries out and compresses blood vessels, impairing blood supply. Oil massage helps to soften the tendons and relieve pressure on the vessels.

Slightly warmed oil is applied to the face, neck, ears, and skin with gentle circular motions. After about an hour, the mixture is washed off. For this, you will have to wash your hair several times with a mild shampoo. For the first application, it is best not to use water. Distribute the shampoo, and then gradually add warm water. It may be necessary to repeat the washing cycle one or two more times.

Ayurvedic head and hair oiling image — Oiling the head and hair

Pregnancy massage

Ayurveda believes it's important for expectant mothers to protect their bodies from dryness and dehydration. Alongside proper nutrition and an atmosphere of love and tranquility, Ayurvedic healers recommend relaxing aromatherapy baths and abhyanga. It's advisable to perform oil massages in the morning. The duration should be 5-10 minutes. Applying oil to the head should be practised no more than twice a week.

Depending on a woman's constitution, an Ayurvedic doctor selects an oil massage composition, which includes base and aromatic oils. It is difficult to determine the necessary ingredients by yourself. If you lack the relevant knowledge, it is advisable to use a good edible oil without fragrances or additives.

Panchakarma in pregnancy is prohibited.

How to perform Abhyanga at home

It is best to perform Ayurvedic body oiling in the evening, as finding even half an hour of free time in the morning is not so easy. Furthermore, abyanga is relaxing, and after it, it is important to rest or sleep. While oiling, it is desirable to completely relax, for which you will need a secluded place where no one will disturb you. In an apartment, such a place can be the bathroom.

Before application, the oil is warmed to a pleasantly warm temperature. It is poured into a plastic or glass container and placed in a larger bowl of hot water. Steam baths and other contrivances are not required. Measuring the oil is also unnecessary. Oiling begins from the bottom, starting with the feet. If there is opportunity and time, gently massage the feet, shins, and thighs. Special attention is paid to problem areas, such as joints or ligaments. The upper part of the body is treated starting from the fingertips, moving towards the shoulders.

The oil layer should be left on the body for at least half an hour. If possible, even a whole hour. Then it is washed off using powder from ground grains.

If you're short on time, face oiling can be done in a shortened version: apply oil to your temples and a point on the back of your neck. With this method, you won't have to wash your hair specifically. If you're not in a hurry, the self-massage is carried out in full.

Ayurvedic oil massage photos — Abhyanga massage oil

Precautions

During oiling, many stressful situations arise: how not to slip, not to freeze, how to turn on the tap with oil-slicked hands, etc. This causes completely unnecessary anxiety. It is advisable to carefully think through your actions before starting the massage, not to lock the bathroom door from the inside, and to enlist the support of loved ones. In Ayurvedic clinics, during Panchakarma procedures, everything is much simpler - there are special oiling tables, and you can relax and not worry about anything. And most importantly - not to worry about having to clean up all the mess.

How to stay safe at home:

It is essential to lay down a towel or thick fabric (old nappies or clothes will suffice) on the floor. This is to prevent slipping and falling.
Prepare a roll of paper towels in advance or select a few rags that can be disposed of later. They will be needed for wiping your hands and surfaces in the bathroom.
You can lay a towel on the edge so you don't have to stand while oiling. Be prepared for the fact that the entire room will need to be thoroughly washed after the procedure.

If the bathroom is cold, you should warm up the room with a heater or run the hot water for a couple of minutes. It shouldn't just be warm, but even slightly hot. In cool air, oil will not be able to absorb, it will only clog pores.

How to wash off an oily substance

It is not advisable to wash off oil with regular products. Therefore, Ayurveda uses finely ground grains, such as oats, oatmeal, or chickpea flour, almond flour, corn flour (ubtan). A mixture of almond flour and cosmetic clay yields good results. You should stand in the bath, turn on the warm water and apply the powder to your body in light circular motions, rolling the oil off your skin. It is recommended to place an anti-slip mat on the bottom of the bath or shower.

The drain is covered with a special mesh to prevent oil, flour or powder residue from blocking the drain.

Soap or shower gel should not be used for washing. As a rule, all industrial products contain chemicals that dry out the skin. They will collect and draw out all the oil that the skin is saturated with.

Conclusion

Oiling is one of the stages of Panchakarma in Ayurveda. It's not just skincare; it's about penetrating the inner layers, delivering therapeutic oils to the lymph and blood, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. It lubricates and nourishes all bodily tissues, calms the nerves, and preserves the youthfulness and beauty of the skin. However, it's not essential to tie Abhyanga to Panchakarma. You can practice self-massage at home. Ayurvedic oiling makes a person calmer and more confident. And it is precisely such people who typically achieve success in life.