Oily Love
Self Abhyanga — A restorative Ayurvedic practice.
The winds are changing again, and as we find ourselves right in the middle of the Kartik month in the Swati nakshatra, all are celebrating the eagerly awaited auspicious 5-day festival of lights called Deepavali.
The primary day of this festival falls on New Moon.
As the darkest night of the year, this day and night holds much spiritual, occult, and esoteric significance.
While there are many fun ways in which Deepavali is celebrated, one of my favorite memories of this festival is about starting the day with the simple practice of Sarvadehic (Whole body) Abhyanga.
As Winter begins, this ritual that we call “Tela Nahn — Oil Bath” in Konkani and “Abhyanga Snan” in Hindi is especially done on the second day of Deepavali called Naraka Chaturdashi to pacify and balance doshas.
The first day of Deepavali begins with celebrating Dhanteras or accurately put Dhantrayodashi, in honor of Lord Dhanvantri, an incarnate of Lord Vishnu (Symbol for the preservative energy of the cosmos) who is the father of Ayurveda and also known as the God of Medicine.
We chant his mantra invoking his blessings of health, abundance, and prosperity for one and all.
Dhanvantri Mantra.
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वन्तरये अमृतकलश हस्ताय |
सर्वामय विनाशनाय त्रैलोक्यनाथाय श्री महाविष्णवे नमः ||
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha Hastaaya | Sarva-amaya Vinashaaya Trailokya Naathaya Dhanvantri Maha-vishnave Namaha ||We pray to the one who we adore as Sudarshana Vasudev Dhanvantari. He holds the pot full of nectar of immortality. Lord Dhanvantri removes all fears and removes all diseases. He who is the well-wisher and preserver of the three worlds.
Ayurveda, an approximately 5000-year-old Science, guides us on living the most healthy, aligned, and fulfilled holistic lives based on one’s innate prakruti and season (rhythms and cycles of internal and external nature). Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word derived from “Ayur,” which means long lifecycle, and “Ved,” which means knowledge.
Ayurveda provides guidelines for our Dinacharya (Daily Regimen), Ritucharya (Seasonal Regimen) and Ahaara Shaastra (Optimal Nourishment). This ancient practice of Abhyanga that predates the Vedic period is a preventive ayurvedic approach — स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणं (Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam) and is a perfect practice to reset our dosha imbalances.
सत्त्वमात्मा शरीरं च त्रयमेतन्त्त्रिदण्डत् |
लोकस्तिष्ठति संयोगात्तत्र सर्वं प्रतिष्ठितम् ||
स पुमांश्र्चेतनं तच्च तच्चाधिकरणं स्मृतम् |
वेदस्यास्य, तदर्थं हि वेदोअयं सम्प्रकाशितः ||The combination (samyoga)of body, senses, mind, and soul as experienced on this plane is known as Life (Ayu). Ayurveda is the most sacred science of life, beneficial to humans both in this world and the world beyond.”
-Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, Chap 1, Shloka 46.
SELF ABHYANGA
Self Abhyanga is an ancient Ayurvedic foundational practice of oleating the body. This simple way of lovingly anointing oneself with warmed herb-infused oil from head to toe not only cleanses, detoxifies, and rejuvenates the body but is a profoundly nourishing way of grounding oneself and discovering a deep and abiding love and respect for the body-mind.
Abhyanga, a bahya snehan (external massage that also translates to love that is expressed), is a key preparatory practice for the Ayurvedic Panchakarma intensive practice.
According to Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita (अष्टाङ्गहृदयसंहिता) by the renowned Ayurvedic scientist, scholar, and advisor Vagbhata.
वायु पिततं कफशचेति त्रयो दोषा: समास्त:
विकृता विकृतादेहं घ्नन्ति ते वर्त्तयन्ति चाVata, Kapha, Pitta are the three Doshas (The Biological Humours) of the body. Perfect balance of the doshas in every unique body keeps one healthy. Imbalance of these tridoshas leads to disease.
Doshas — the Biological Humors
Doshas are the primary life forces in the human body and correspond to the biological elements of Air(Vata), Fire (Pitta), and Water (Kapha).
Ayurveda recognizes the mutual interdependence of the Body-Mind and Dosha-Dhatu (Ashraya-Ashrayi Bhava) system and addresses the well-being of the whole being.
When the doshas are in dynamic equilibrium, one naturally experiences vibrant health, an agile body, and a feeling of innate well-being all around.
Qualities of Vata Dosha
तत्र रुक्षो लघु: शीत: खर: सूक्ष्मश्चलोनिल: ॥
Dry. Light. Cold. Rough. Subtle. Moving.
- Vagbhata, Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana.
The onset of Winter now heralds the dominance of “Vata” dosha in nature. Our skin is the largest organ of our bodies and one of Vata’s prime places apart from the colon, lower limbs, hips, bones, and ears.
Vata’s innate nature is subtle and quick-moving.
All movement-oriented tasks of the body such as nervous impulses, inhalation, exhalation, circulation, discharge of wastes, movement of thought, sensory and motor functions are all possible only because of the properties of Vata.
When in balance, The Vata nature offers us the gift of experiencing alignment and joy in our ways of moving and doing — we are naturally proactive. We live and move with energetic enthusiasm in a creative flow.
When aggravated and imbalanced, the same causes maladies such as anxiety, worry, confusion, irritability, mental chatter, restlessness, exhaustion, doubt, weakness, insomnia, weight loss, constipation, colder extremities, dry itchy skin/scalp, premature greying of hair, dandruff, hair loss, kidney-uterus-bladder issues, osteoarthritis, creaky or painful joints and more.
Daily or weekly practice of Abhyanga offers us many physical benefits -
अभ्यङ्गमाचरेनित्यं सजरश्रमवात: |
द्रुष्टिप्रसाद पुष्टि आयुः स्वप्नसुक्त्वत्व दार्द्यक्रुत् ।।Abhyangam aacharet nityam sa jaraa shramavaataha |
Drushti prasaada pushti aayu susvapna twak daardhyakru||
-Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana, 2.8Delayed aging, mental clarity, reduction of tiredness, better eyesight and lustrous hair, healthy toned muscles, good sound sleep, smooth radiant complexion, good blood circulation, active lymphatic system, balanced nervous system, overall energetic, a fit body, and a prolonged life span are few of the main benefits of Abhyanga.
Vata dosha increases in our bodies as we age, bringing the possibility of typical aging signs such as bone and joint issues, dry thin skin, and scattered flighty thoughts. As we oil nails, leather, earthenware, etc. so they last longer and are protected from environmental effects; one of Abhyanga’s most obvious benefits is that it similarly protects and nourishes our skin.
One of the most profound effects of this simple practice is that it offers us many psycho-physical-spiritual benefits. Modern science now recognizes the link between sensory stimulation, and emotional connection.
As we continue massaging our bodies with oil in loving attention, we notice how this not only re-regulates Vata but deeply heals us at the core, gently bringing us back to our center.
We experience the transformative power of this practice as our open, loving, and mindful touch calms our nervous system and anchors our whole being.
THE PROCESS
The Sarvadeha (Whole Body) Abhyanga includes and places much importance on massaging the Head (Shiro), Ears (Karna), and the Feet (Pada). Massaging our body, especially the Marma Points, helps cleanse, stimulate, and lubricate our body, activating our innate immune, blood vascular, and lymphatic systems.
Health Precautions
Begin first by taking full responsibility for your complete well-being.
Be completely present with your body in the now at all times.
Consult an ayurvedic doctor before beginning this practice, especially if you have severe health conditions and/or are recovering from surgery.
Do not do this practice on a full stomach.
If you are menstruating or have sprains and aches, be mindful while massaging certain areas.
Trust your innate knowing that knows how to be in and with this practice.
Prep Work
Oil stains are tough to get rid of, so make sure you keep a whole set of clean Bedsheets, Towels, Pillow (if needed), Pillow cover, Bathrobe, Mat, etc, aside just for this practice. Once done, you can wash them in hot water and dry them.
You can set your space up indoors or outdoors as you prefer.
It is ideal to sunbathe after a massage but not mandatory.
Time
Early Mornings are the best for Abhyanga.
Sunbathing in the early sunlight is ideal, but don’t let that stop you from trying this at other times in the day that may fit your routine better.
Make sure you DO NOT do this outdoors if there is a cold draught or you have very cool temperatures.
Abhyanga Oil
Always begin by choosing a good quality, cold-pressed natural organic oil based on your prakruti and the current season.
Preferably use dosha-specific herb-infused oils.
I make a basic one at home that works well for us. Find the recipe below. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor to learn more about your prakruti and what will suit you best.
You can meanwhile also use any of the commonly known safe oils as per season. Sesame oil works well for this time in Winter for Deepavali oil baths.
For Vata — Warming, grounding, heavier oil, such as Sesame or Mustard oils, is ideal. These oils are well suited for Winter.
For Pitta — Cooling, soothing, pacifying medium-light oils such as Coconut and Olive oil is ideal. These oils work well for Spring and Summer.
For Kapha — Lighter, energizing and balancing oils suit best such as Grapeseed oil and Safflower oils. In general, these oils work well for Summertime.
You are welcome to use a different oil for your head vs. the rest of the body. Oils that have brain, scalp, and hair nourishing ingredients, such as Brahmi, Amla, Bhringraj, Hibiscus leaves, flowers, etc. are wonderful for the Shirobhanga practice.
Note: If you can afford it and it’s possible for you, research and buy organic cold-pressed oils from small businesses that do this to keep these valuable practices and ways of life alive. Even if it means you need to pay a slightly higher price.
Homemade Abhangya Oil Recipe (Optional)
Heat 1/2 cup oil in a clean iron (preferable) pan till hot. Add ingredients (list below) and cook for a few minutes. Switch off the gas and allow it to cool. Strain and bottle.
If you are using essential oils, then do not heat the oil.
Option A for Winter — Add 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp crushed ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric (will stain your clothes!) You are forewarned! This is a strong-smelling oil. And offers many health benefits.
Option B for Summer — Add all-natural Sandalwood, Geranium, Lavender essential oils for a cooling effect.
Option C for Spring Summer — Add all-natural Sweet orange, Peppermint, Vanilla, Helichrysum, and Lavender essential oils.
It is all about Oily Love after all! So don’t be shy and test to create your own combinations or add any one of your favorite essential oil fragrances you love.
Prepping and Storing the Oil
Store your homemade oils in preferably dark glass containers away from direct sunlight.
Always use warm oil. Place the bottle in hot water for a few minutes to warm the oil before you begin.
Ah! The Massage
Abhyanga is not a deep tissue massage but more of a vigorous rubbing massage. It can also be a calming smoothening massage.
At the core it is what one may call an intuitive “felt-sense” massage.
As we massage the body and become one with it, the innate wisdom of what is needed in the moment arises from the space and this connection.
Our state of being trumps everything.
All our practices can be sacred pathways for us deeply anchor into ourselves when we move into it from beyond the always vigilant questioning mind.
The effects of this type of an unassuming massage is profound.
The percutaneous absorption of these oils allows for it to seep in all the way deep down to even affect the health of our bones.
See more instructions and info on Marma points below.
For many good reasons, we always begin by massaging our head first. Massaging the head (Shirobhanga) helps calm and detach us from our mind taking us beautifully into our body’s energetic felt space.
Start from the head and end with the feet.
Make sure you are careful as you walk around with oily feet! I have had a fall or two!
Use as much oil as you need. You will notice how some parts will “drink” all the oil in immediately. Reapply as needed.
One of my favorite times to massage is also nighttime.
You can do a shorter version of this just before heading to bed.
I personally prefer to shower in the morning to give the body the time to saturate in the oil. But you can always take a shower before you tuck yourself in for the night. Bathing with warm water just before bed helps us loosen our muscles even more and is a relaxing way to cozy up and get a good night’s restful sleep.
Take as much time as you have or need for this practice.
Find your own pace and ways that feel good to you.
Allow this to be an easeful, nourishing and gratifying practice for your sacred body-mind.
Marma Chikitsa (Marma Therapy)
Marma Vidya is an extraordinary ayurvedic therapy that can help us influence the healing of very many conditions in the body. Marma points are very critical junctures in the body through which our prana or life energy flows.
Marma points can be loosely compared to the Acupressure points in Chinese Medicine.
Marma literally translated, means “Points that can kill”
The term Marma is found in the oldest Vedic literature, the Rigveda where Warriors had to take certain precautions before they headed out to the battlefield as any injury to the Marma sthana (Marma locations) parts had severe consequences and eventually would result in ill-health or death.
Sushruta, the father of Ayurvedic surgery, shares much about the Marmas in his Sushruta Samhita.
In this context though, lightly massaging the body while keeping the Marma points in mind is fairly simple when done mindfully and intuitively. Depending on your comfort level, you can choose to stimulate these Marma points with light finger pad pressure, or you can generally massage your body with fluid and easy palm strokes.
Do what feels best for you.
According to The Art of Living, the exciting secret is that Marma focused massage offers us access to the higher realms of consciousness.
Marma therapy holds the possibility to alter consciousness and bring transformation in one’s awareness. Through working on the Marma points, one can control their prana levels, sensory-motor organs, and their entire mind-body complex.
There are 107 Marma points in the body, and the Mind may be seen as the 108th Marma.
Photos sourced from http://www.edkishtur.com/
Locations of the Marmas as devised and developed by the great South Indian sage Agastya and highly recommended by two ancient texts: the Yogayajnavalkya Samhita and the Vasishta Samhita.
Find below a couple of points and practices that have helped me immensely.
1. The power of the Indravasti — The Indravasti point on the forearms and calves are a powerful points to jumpstart our whole system.
Press these points once a day in the morning, especially once you turn 40.
This increases our jataragni (Digestive fire) power and activates our digestion and assimilation processes.
2. Make sure to especially massage the particular points noted below to keep the lymphatic system running optimally. With smooth, light pressured rotating finger pad movements, rub the area of your inner elbows, wrists, behind the knees, ankles, sides of the neck right under the jaw area and around your armpits for a minute each.
3. As we age and Vata dosha naturally increases in the body, we also tend to get dry skin and dry lips. One of the most helpful practices is adding a couple drops of oil in the navel. Especially in the Winter months. This helps keep our lips naturally moistened and skin moist and soft.
4. Another aha I was amazed by was how massaging our feet and soles well (Do this at night too! and wear a pair of socks) directly impacts the health of our eyes.
Important note: As mentioned before, never over-exert, push, force, or strain your body. Only add pressure as comfortable.
Self Abhyanga is a pleasurable and relaxing practice.
Post Massage Guidelines
Lie down or relax after your massage for at least a minimum of 10 minutes.
I use this time to be in Shavasana (if it’s early in the morning I nod off!), meditate or listen to my favorite music.
You can keep the oil on for as long as you like. If you plan to do this for the day, don’t step out into the cold.
Stay hydrated.
Avoid overstimulation and rushing through your day as much as possible.
Post Massage Bath
To wash up, you can use “ubtan” instead of soap.
Simple homemade Ubtan Recipe — Mix 1 tsp Turmeric and 1 large cup of Besan (Chickpea Flour) and keep in an air-tight container.
This is a wonderful mildly exfoliating scrub-like mixture that takes the excess oil off the body without drying out the skin again.
Dip your fingers in the ubtan as needed to scrub the body and then wash it off.
You can also choose not to wash your body with soap or ubtan allowing the warm water to wash off the oil.
सम दोष समाग्निश्च सम धातु मल क्रियाः |
प्रसन्न आत्मेन्द्रिय मन स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ||Samdosha samagnischa samdhatu mal kriya |
Prassan atmendriyaman ha swastha iti abhidhiyate ||
- Sushruta Samhita 15.41According to Sushruta, the father of surgery, balanced dosha (humours), dhatu (building blocks/tissues), agni (digestive fire) and excretion are key to experiencing optimum health. When our senses and body-mind are anchored in the innate joy and peace of our being we naturally live in complete and total well-beingness.
If this inspires you to have yourself a sample of some Oily Love, I would love to know how it went or is going for you!
Every practice is a sacred doorway.
A doorway that holds the possibility to help wake us up to the experience of our innate radiance.
May this Deepavali be a reflection and celebration of our true ever present radiant light!
Wishing you and all your loved ones a very Happy Naraka Chaturdashi and Deepavali!!
🪔 ❤ 🪔