As per the Ayurvedic system of medicine, holistic health can be achieved by following a daily routine of activities that are aligned with the cycles of nature and are helpful in promoting good health. This Dinacharya (routine of activities) helps establish a balance between the Doshas (bio-energies) within our body.

Abhyanga is a part of dinacharya that involves massage of the body with dosha-specific warm herb-infused oils. It is explained in numerous ancient Ayurvedic textbooks as a lifestyle approach for maintaining good health, promoting natural healing, and treating various diseases. The oils are commonly pre-mixed with herbs for treating specific conditions.

The concept of Abhyanga is aimed at nourishing the Dhatus (body-tissues) and bringing Doshas (bio-energies) back in balance.

Most effectively, it is used to soothe Vata (space or air, bio-energies equated with nervous system) imbalance to bring deep relaxation to the body and mind.

Traditionally, the base oil used for Abhyanga is Tila Taila (sesame oil) as it is suitable for all body types, helpful in soothing all doshas and is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. However, oils used can vary depending upon the season or depending upon the specific Vkrtti (out-of-balance constitution).

Abhyanga helps nourish the tissues, makes the body capable of withstanding fatigue, and skin more resilient to stress. To gain its maximum benefit, this dinacharya can be easily practiced and perfected at home. A daily routine of 5 to 10 minutes is sufficient to achieve nourishment to the deepest layer of tissues.

Advanced stages of many diseases can be effectively managed by using the right combination of warm herb-infused oils and the recommended 30 to 60 minutes of Abhyanga treatment. For instance, it can help reduce pain associated with chronic conditions such as Arthritis and Fibromyalgia.

Ayurveda recommends choosing the massage oils according to the dosha-specific constitution. Our skin is often an indicator of the predominant type.

– For dry skin (vata) warm, heavy oil such as sesame, almond, avocado, or bhringraj is used.

– For sensitive or overheated skin (pitta), cooling or neutral oil such as olive, sunflower, coconut, castor, or ghee (clarified butter) is used.

– For oily skin (kapha), a stimulating oil like mustard, or a light oil such as flaxseed, corn, canola, or safflower is used.

The ancient Ayurvedic concept of Abhyanga (self-massage) is based on stimulating the nervous system, which in turn activates the energy channels by stimulating the specific muscle group, vessels and glands governed by the particular set of nerves. It also improves blood circulation that helps relieve pain.

Human body has a total of 107 Marma bindus (vital points) that are considered energy centers of the body. A marma point is where two or more types of tissues meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. They are points of the vital life force.

Abhyanga stimulates the vital points and produces positive energy that helps protect, rejuvenate and improve overall immunity.