Oil Massage: Self Care for Vata Season

Have you been feeling a bit…

Scattered   ✔

Ungrounded   ✔

Disconnected   ✔

Anxious   ✔

Have you been…

Having trouble sleeping    ✔

Constantly worrying about things outside of your control    ✔

Unable to focus on tasks    ✔

Tired    ✔

Yeah, me too. With everything going on in the world these feelings and reactions are completely understandable. I’ve experienced great difficulty settling into a new routine. Sticking to a routine is already quite difficult for me. My natural imbalances thrive on irregularity and I’ve been struggling to find and maintain balance since the pandemic hit. With the fall season upon us it’s important for me to reincorporate practices that I know will help ground me and move me towards balance. One practice that always seems to get me back on track and can easily be incorporated into my day is abhyanga.

Abhyanga is a self oil massage technique that can combat the dry, cold, rough, hard qualities of vata by incorporating opposite qualities. It is a grounding practice that can also aid detoxification by stimulating the movement of lymph in the body. I typically use an oil with a sesame base. The type of oil you use can vary depending on your unique ayurvedic constitution. Sesame or sweet almond oil are great options for vata. Coconut oil is a good option for those with pitta dominant constitutions and sunflower oil is good for kapha. 

I find this practice works best for me when performed first thing in the morning before I shower. It helps set the tone for my day. But this can be performed at any point in your day or at least at any point where you don’t mind your body being covered in oil.

To perform abhyanga, select the oil of your choice. I recommend warming the oil prior to application. This can be done a number of ways. The easiest and most accessible is to run hot water in your sink basin and place your bottle of oil into the water for a few minutes to warm while you get undressed. Take a moment prior to your application to set an intention for your day. Keep in mind as you perform the massage this is an act of self love, so as you massage try to keep your thoughts focused and positive. If this is difficult for you, that's okay, just repeat your intention when you recognize your thoughts are shifting.

Begin at the top of the body and work your way down. You can use as little or as much oil as you are comfortable with. Place the oil in your palm and rub your hands together to distribute the oil over both hands. Begin massaging at the scalp, moving down to the face, neck, and shoulders. Use long strokes on your arms and legs and circular clockwise movements on your breasts, stomach, buttocks, and joints. Focus extra attention on any areas where you may be experiencing tension in your body. End your massage at your feet, paying particular attention to this area. Take time to massage the tops, bottoms, and toes on both feet.

If you have the time, allow the oil to soak into the skin for at least 20 minutes. I have a set of clothing I use specifically for this time but if staying naked is an option for you, go for it! Most fabrics will absorb oils so I don’t recommend putting anything on while you are letting the oil soak in that you do not want getting damaged. While you wait, this is a great time for your meditation practice, journaling, or maybe just take the time to relax. Afterwards take a shower or bath, this will also help the oil absorb into the skin.

I love the way my skin feels after this practice. The oil brings in the opposite qualities of vata, leaving my skin feeling smoother, softer, and warmer. I typically suffer from dry skin and eczema during this time of year. In the past, when I’ve performed them regularly, daily oil massages help my skin to remain healthy and have also helped avoid the discomfort of eczema.

If you are short on time, a quick abhyanga focusing on the feet is a great way to stay grounded. This can be especially beneficial prior to bed if you have trouble sleeping. Warm your oil, massage your feet, and put on a pair of socks to protect your bed sheets.

I hope that you enjoy this practice as much as I do and are able to experience the multitude of benefits it has to offer. I would love to hear about your experience with this practice. Comment below with your experiences or any questions you may have.