A 5-Minute Self-Care Ritual to Keep Your Body Young, Nourished, and Healthy

If your knees have started giving background music, your skin feels dry, and your mind refuses to slow down, Ayurveda has a simple suggestion: bring out the oil.

Done daily, Abhyangam helps keep the body youthful, energetic, relaxed, and stress-free. No fancy equipment, no big routine, no spa appointment.

Just five minutes, and a little oil.

Abhyangam should be done daily.

अभ्यङ्गं आचरेत् नित्यं – abhyaṅgaṁ ācarēt nityaṁ

The term “Abhyangam” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Abhi,” which means “to apply,” and “Anga,” which means “body.”

The technique of Abhyangam involves rhythmic and synchronised movements that cover the entire body, from head to toe. The intention is to stimulate the flows in bodily channels and to balance the doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Oil Bath - Step-by-Step Guide:

Generally, we recommend a suitable herbal for the head and feet, and another for the body, based on individual needs.

To begin, take 5 to 10 drops of the recommended head oil and apply it to the vertex of your head. Gently massage the scalp with fingertips. Also, apply the same oil to both the soles of your feet and massage generously.

Next, follow these steps for using the recommended body oil:

Step 1: Take the required quantity of oil and rub it between your palms to slightly warm it. Repeat this step after each of the following steps.

Step 2: Apply the oil over your abdomen and rub it well in a clockwise direction.

Step 3: Apply the oil over your lower back and massage in a downward direction on either side of the spine.

Step 4: Apply the oil on the face, instil a drop in both ears.

Step 5: Then apply in a circular manner over all the joints.

Step 6: Apply the oil over the long bone regions of all the limbs. Massage in straight, long motions on your arms and legs.

All the above oil applications will take less than 5 mins.

Step 7: After applying, wait for 5 minutes and then take a shower. Remember to thoroughly enjoy the process, inviting your body to absorb nourishment and care.

Note:

1. Use room temperature water for bathing. The rule of thumb is if you pour water on your body, you should feel only the flow of water – not the temperature. If absolutely needed, use warm water below the neck. Never use warm or hot water on your head.

2. Avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning. Instead, use herbal cleansing powders for hair and body, which do not dry your scalp and skin.

Caution:

Abhyangam should not be done on the days you suffer from excess mucous and indigestion.

Benefits of Abhyangam:

The benefits of Abhyangam in Ayurveda are numerous.

…………………………, स जरा श्रमवातहा ।

 

दृष्टिप्रसाद पुष्टि आयु:स्वप्नसुत्वक्त्वदार्ढ्यकृत् ॥

Daily Oil application has the following benefits:

• Delays ageing
• Relieves fatigue and excess of Vata dosha (imbalance of Vayu element)
• Improves vision and all other senses
• Gives longevity
• Better Sleep: promotes better sleep patterns and overall sleep quality.
• Nourishment for the Skin: nourishes and moisturises the skin, promoting a healthy and glowing complexion.
• Improved Circulation: enhances blood and lymphatic circulation, which aids in the elimination of toxins and waste products from the body.
• Relaxation and Stress Relief: helps reduce stress, anxiety, and tension.
• Joint and Muscle Health: eases muscle stiffness and tension, improves joint mobility, and provides relief from muscular aches and pains.
• Hormonal Health: balances the hormones and helps in thyroid disorders, diabetes, adrenal fatigue, menstrual disorders and sexual health.
• Balancing Doshas: By selecting appropriate oils and performing the massage in a specific manner, Abhyangam is believed to help balance the doshas, thereby promoting overall health and well-being.

 

ஓங்கிய சிரத்தில் எண்ணெய் உடலுறு பிணியை மாற்றும்

“Oil application on the head heals all diseases in the body”

Our great masters consider the human body to be like an inverted tree. Just as one should attend to the roots to care for a tree, similarly, to take care of the human body, it’s important to focus on the head. The head hosts the five sense organs, which are the windows of our life experience, and it is also the seat of prana, the life force. Abhyangam in the head nourishes the five sense organs and balances the whole system.

தாங்கிய பதத்தில் எண்ணெய் தடமுறு விழிநோய் மாற்றும்

"Oil application on the feet heals diseases of the eyes"

Each of our feet and eyes is connected to two Nadis or subtle channels. Applying oil to the feet nourishes the eyes. In this era of increased screen time and eye strain like never before, an Abhyangam at the feet can be beneficial.

Applying oil to the body, especially in the abdomen, lower back, and all the joints, helps balance the vata dosha. Applying oil to the entire body promotes healthy circulation of blood, nervous impulses, hormones, Agni (digestive fire), and Prana (life force) as a whole.