The benefits of abhyanga
How to incorporate this ancient therapy as part of your self-management strategy.
Abhyanga is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy that involves the application and massage of warm oil over the whole body.
The benefits of abhyanga include:
Improving moisture, tone, and appearance of the skin and hair
Improved circulation
Nourishes the joints and internal organs
Enhances sleep and calms the nervous system.
Benefits immunity and longevity.
In particular it pacifies vata dosha - which is particularly important in endometriosis as well as in primary period pain.
Which oil to use:
A medicated oil selected for your constitution is the most beneficial choice but sesame oil is the next best choice, it has a slightly warming quality but it can be used by all body types. Organic, cold-pressed sesame oil is recommended, avoid toasted sesame oil. If you feel warm or know you are of pitta constitution, you can also use coconut oil, however, I would avoid using coconut oil during the winter as it can be too cooling.
General steps:
Warm the oil slightly by placing the bottle in hot water. This is to increase the absorption and therapeutic effect of the oil.
Use a dry brush to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. This step is optional.
Apply a generous amount of warm oil to the skin. On the limbs, use long strokes towards the heart, and use smaller circular motions over the joints. See below for further tips on specific areas.
If you do not have much time for a full body massage, focus on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, and ears. Application to the chest is beneficial for anxiety.
After completing the massage, let the oil absorb for a further five to ten minutes.
Finally, take a warm shower.
The most beneficial time to do abhyanga is in the morning, but it is also an excellent way to calm the body after a stressful day and promote restful sleep, particularly when performed on the soles of the feet. Tip: if performing just before going to sleep, pop on an old pair of socks after to protect your sheets.
Areas to focus on:
Foot massage. This practice draws vata down, providing a calming, grounding effect to the body. Apply warm oil and massage the whole foot, paying close attention to the soles, the small joint of the toes, the heel, and the ankle. Use circular motions over the joints and thumbs to kneed into the soles, relieving tension.
By oiling the body's extremities, it brings a feeling of calm and safety to the body. In addition, the soles of the feet contain many nerve endings and marma points; massaging here stimulates prana or life force energy.
Abdominal massage: Use a generous amount of oil here. Start by rubbing the oil into the abdomen in a clockwise manner, one hand on top of the other, then again with the hands parted. Next, use an upward stroking motion on the right-hand side (from hip to under breast), along the top of the abdomen, and down the left-hand side. Use small circular motions over the hip bones and strokes and circular motions over the lower back.
Earlobes: Apply oil to the outer ear, use circular motions with thumb and index finger all over the earlobes, then again with all fingers. Gentle massage the mastoid bone behind the ear then down to the jaw. Spend some time here as it is a place where we can hold a lot of tension. You can also massage in between the eyebrows and then sweep down toward the temples. Use gentle circular motions over the temples.
When not to perform:
Do not perform abhyanga whilst you have an acute illness, for example, flu, cough, cold, diarrhea, or while menstruating. At this time, your digestive strength is reduced, and your body needs additional rest. Both menstruation and abhyanga are cleansing, and both together can be too much for some constitutions which can result in imbalances.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for information only. Please seek advice from relevant healthcare professionals when implementing any new strategy to manage your symptoms.
FREE GUIDE: Endometriosis is not an oestrogen dominant condition. Find out why focusing on hormones is not enough and what you can do instead.