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Ayurvedic Self-Massage | Benefits & How-To

By Sugandha

2 minute read

Abhyanga isn’t just a beauty ritual—it’s therapeutic. It supports your nervous system, improves circulation, strengthens immunity, and helps move toxins out of the body.

In fact, in the Ayurvedic detox method Panchakarma, oil is used both internally and externally to deeply cleanse the system.

Abhyanga is especially beneficial if you:

  • Feel anxious, scattered, or mentally drained

  • Have dry skin or stiffness in joints

  • Struggle with sleep or feel overstimulated from daily life

These are signs of excess Vata—the air element—being out of balance. Abhyanga acts like a warm, grounding hug for your nervous system. And who doesn’t need that in today’s fast-paced world?


 What You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to get started:

  • A bottle of warm Ayurvedic oil:

    • Sesame oil for Vata (warming, deeply penetrating)

    • Coconut oil for Pitta (cooling and soothing)

    • Mustard oil for Kapha (stimulating and detoxifying)

✨ Practical tip: If you’re in the U.S. and can’t find good-quality sesame oil, go for high-quality coconut oil instead—Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods often carry excellent options. You can also mix almond oil with coconut oil for extra nourishment.


🤲[How to Do Abhyanga 
I like to do Abhyanga before my shower, and it only takes 5–10 minutes.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Warm your oil slightly—either in a hot water bath or by rubbing it between your palms.

  2. Start with your limbs. Use long strokes on the arms and legs, and circular strokes on the joints.

  3. Move to your torso, back, and neck—always with gentle, loving pressure.

  4. Let the oil sit for about 10 minutes if you can. Then, take a warm shower.

If you have access to a steam room or sauna, even better! It helps the oil penetrate deeper and loosens up toxins. Your skin will feel soft, nourished, and truly alive.

Who Shouldn’t Do Abhyanga Daily
Abhyanga is great for almost everyone—but how often you do it depends on your dosha:

  • Vata types: Daily or at least 4–5 times a week

  • Pitta types: 2–3 times a week

  • Kapha types: Once a week is usually enough


So go ahead, make Abhyanga part of your weekly routine. It’s a beautiful, simple act of self-love that brings balance to your body and peace to your mind.

If you try it, let me know how you feel in the comments below. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs a little more calm in their life.

See you in the next blog—until then, stay grounded and stay glowing.

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Sugandha Singhal

Nourish and Thrive: Living with wisdom of Ayurveda

Our Ayurvedic Wisdom course is your gateway to a holistic lifestyle—one where the 5000 years old science supports your health,

About the Author

Picture of Sugandha Singhal

Sugandha Singhal

Ayurvedic therapist & Yoga instructor

An E-RYT 500, PRYT Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedia Therapist and Practitioner, and Ayurvedic Chef.

My passion for Ayurveda and Yoga has been a part of my life since childhood. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by my father, who practiced these ancient sciences, and I naturally absorbed their wisdom through observation and learning.

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