Abyangha

Oil Massage

Abyangha Directions

You will need an old towel, a dry brush and body oil. I use Sunflower and almond oil as base body oils.  While Sesame oil is very grounding it can leave a residue on sheets and clothes that eventually creates a rancid smell.  

Warm up oil:  Place your bottle of massage oil into a sink or cup filled with hot tap water. 

Dry Brush Body:  Using a natural bristle body brush, brush your body in a circular motion over joints, belly and back and then towards your heart when brushing over your limbs.

Oil and Massage: When the oil is warm stand over your towel and pour the oil onto your body.  It will feel scrumptious! It is especially grounding for your nervous system to get the oil on your scalp.  It does take a few washes to get the oil out so do your scalp when you have a good amount of time.

Massage oil into scalp and whole body for at least 5 - 10 minutes or longer to help the oil to sink in.  I like to wrap an old sarong around me and do some puttering through the house stopping every once in a while to massage in the oil.

Bathe: Now it's time to bathe or shower with warm water, no soap, to help oil sink in more deeply.  (Please note: You will be getting into your bath or shower with an oil body so be careful not to slip!)

Dry: Pat yourself dry.  Most likely you will not feel oily at all but just nice and smooth.

Clean up:  I pour some baking soda into my tub or shower floor and give it a quick scrub with a rag to clean up the residue right away.

Abyangha, keeps your skin well lubricated especially in drier seasons, stimulates circulation to help the body stay warmer in cold weather and enlivens the immune system.  It is especially pacifying for Vata imbalances; anxiety, dry skin, constipation, chatty-ness, challenges making decisions. 

It is great to oil your body when you are going through transitions.  When I travel I try to oil up as soon as I get to my destination to help me to more fully arrive.