Benefits of Abhayanga or Ayurveda Self-Massage
Massaging is one of the most relaxing and therapeutic methods of application in Ayurveda. Hence, expert Ayurvedic healers recommend that you conduct self-massage or Abhayanga at least 30 minutes daily to enjoy its benefits.
Importance of Self-Massage
The benefits of performing self-massage or Abhayanga in Ayurveda is very enriching. Below are some of the known benefits to performing regular full-body massage:
- Ayurvedic self-massage helps to balance your Vata dosha. People who lead a hectic schedule on a daily basis is bound to experience extreme levels of stress and anxiety, which can aggravate the Vata dosha. The feel of warmth from the oil can pacify your Vata dosha quite effectively.
- Aside from your Vata dosha, massaging can also balance your Kapha dosha. This will help combat feeling of lethargy by enhancing circulation all throughout the body.
- With regular massaging, it can loosen any deep-seated toxins stored in your tissues and joints such that you can eliminate them off your system. Your skin can also enjoy the wonderful benefits of removing toxins such that you can enjoy a healthier and clearer skin.
- Abhayanga or Ayurveda self-massage is also great for muscle toning such that you can achieve stronger muscles and prevent injury during workout.
- Massage done in the morning is a great way to energize you for the day while promoting peaceful sleep at night.
- Abhayanga done with the use of warm oil is great to calm your nervous system such that you achieve mental alertness and focus.
- When combined with regular meditation, massage enables you to retain a more balanced emotion.
- Overall, Ayurveda self-massage makes you feel youthful and vibrant so you can enjoy more out of life.
Step-by-Step Instruction
The most important step to performing Abhayanga or self-massage is to prepare the ingredients you need, which includes the following: 2-3 ounces of massage oil, warm water, and cotton mat or towel.
Add the oil into a squeeze bottle and tightly close it. Place the bottle into a pot of warm water for at least 5 minutes or until the oil turns comfortably warm. While standing on a towel, slowly squeeze the oil out of the bottle and into your palm so you can apply it all over your body. Start from the bottom until your body is completely anointed with oil, following an up and down stroke. You should be able to complete the oil application for 10 to 12 minutes.
Then, close your eyes and remain still for 5 minutes. Perform deep breathing. After you are done, take a warm shower to remove any excess oil off your body.
Choosing Your Massage Oil Properly
The concept of self-massage or Abhayanga in Ayurveda relies heavily on the oil you use during massage. Hence, you need to invest time in making your choice. It is important to remember though that you need to use a base oil such as sesame or almond oil when massaging to avoid irritating your skin.
Traditional Ayurvedic massage oils are commonly extracted from Ayurvedic herbs such as turmeric, tulsi, shatavari, brahmi, among others. However, you can also use aromatherapy massage oils and the most recommended ones include jasmine, sandalwood, and rose essential oils. But since each skin type is unique, Ayurveda experts recommend that you need to determine your own skin type first before choosing a massage oil to use for Ayurveda Abhayanga.

