The combination of the gentle motion of the message and the healing power of herb-infused oils is optimum for stimulating the dosha energies to carry on their natural functions and retain balance, as well as for toning the skin and its underlying muscles and tissue. The infused oils used for massage have rejuvenating properties that we miss out on if we think of all oils as impurities or as sources of automatic acne or other breakouts since the right oils actually help remove toxins. Through Ayurvedic herbal extracts are available in creams, oils penetrate each of our 7 tissue layers successively. This is why professional Ayurvedic centers typically recommend abhyanga massage over a course of 7 days.
If using oils feels strange to you, start practicing abhyanga with an unprocessed oil like coconut or sesame. Using an unprocessed oil is critical even though it might be more sticky or odiferous than refined, processed oil. The latter is typically made for the cosmetics industry but has virtually no ability to grab on to the toxic matter in the tissue layers. Once you have chosen your oil, focus on the soothing effects of the message for the face and entire body, but if you do not have enough time for the full routine, focus on the head, face, hands, and feet for optimum results.
Abhyanga massage is traditionally performed with oils prepared from medicinal herbs that balance the doshas. If you are feeling healthy, use the oil for your dosha, otherwise, use the oil for the dosha that is out of balance. While these herb-infused oils are available from specialty shops. It is also easy to make your own simple, infused oil by combining a base oil with readily available culinary herbs, spices and flowers, many of which you might already have in your own kitchen. These oils will moisturize your skin gloriously while the scent will transport you, and the message you give yourself will give you time to focus inward every day. Here are recipes for making your own Ayurvedic abhyanga oils.
Abhyanga Massage Oils
Vata Abhyanga oil
1 cup ghee or sesame base oil, 1/4 cup mixed herbs; fresh turmeric root, fresh ginger, lotus root, fresh cloves, and fresh orange peel, Jatamansi, jasmine or rose flower petals, ashwagandha root powder in any combination. Essential oils: Jasmin, basil, orange, rose (optional).
Pitta Abhyanga oil
1 cup ghee, coconut or sunflower base oil 1/4 cup mixed herbs: fresh turmeric root, camphor pieces, manjistha, neem, shatavari, white sandalwood in any combination. Essential oils: pine, sandalwood, tea, tree or neem (optional).
Kapha Abhyanga oil
1 cup sesame base oil, 1/4 mixed herbs: fresh turmeric root, tulsi, fresh ginger, fresh lemon peel cardamom and cloves, in any combination.
Essential oils: patchouli, eucalyptus, rosemary. ( potional).
- In a small saucepan, heat the oil gently until it is beginning to boil but not smoking.
- Stir in the herbs and remove from heat.
- Cover and let the herbs steep in the oil for 1 day or up to 2 days. Strain the oil through a coffe filter or a double layer of cheesecloth into an airtight container.
- Add 5- 8 drops of single or mixed essential oil, if desired.
