Experiment in Ayurveda: Abhyanga

Abhyanga is the anointing of the body with oil. Often medicated and usually warm, the oil is massaged into the entire body before bathing. For thousands of years people have used abhyanga to maintain health, benefit sleep patterns, increase longevity. It has also been used as a medicine for certain disorders. Abhyanga can be incorporated into a routine appropriate for almost anyone.

I really loved doing the Abhyanga self massage.  It simply just made me feel good.  It is something that I have chosen to continue.  I did change the oil I was using, after finding out that my Dosha was different than what I originally thought.  I didn’t notice a change in the affect of the oil. 

My favorite is coconut oil.  I usually use sesame but change it up with coconut oil.  It makes me feel like I am somewhere tropical.  The Abhyanga feels very self nurturing and loving to me.  My first experiment was with Ahimsa and this seems to be a continuation of practicing non harmful thoughts toward yourself. 

I notice a significant change in the days that I have done Abhyanga compared to the days I have not.  Through this experiment, I had some pretty rough days with my asthma and this really calmed me down and helped me relax.