Ghee (called Ghruta in Ayurveda) has numerous benefits and usages, for both internal and topical application. Among its benefits, ghee is easy to digest and even enkindles the digestive fire; it nourishes the brain and ojas, and carries herbs deeper into the organic tissues. Also, ghee is appropriate for high-temperature cooking. But what about using ghee externally as a massage oil, or even rubbing ghee on your feet? Yes, it is done! And there are numerous benefits! Read on to learn about the benefits of applying ghee on feet.
Benefits Of Ghee Massage
The benefits of applying cow ghee on feet you say? Yes, this may sound curious, especially to those who are new to Ayurveda. You may have tried sesame oil for massage, so why not ghee? Ghee is a high-quality, easily digested oil and it is tridoshic. As Ayurvedic practitioner, Selina Van Orden explains, “The benefits of ghee massage include nourishment of skin, cells, joints, muscles, nervous system and mind.” When you rub and massage beneficial oils like ghee on your body, your skin, joints, and even nervous system receive the benefits.
Oil Massage For Vata Balance
All doshas can benefit from massage of some type. However, ghee oil massage is especially balancing for Vata dosha. Remember, Vata dosha is light, dry, and cool by nature. Therefore, oil (both internally and externally) is particularly helpful because oil adds moisture and heaviness. Some types of oil, such as sesame, are warming. Ghee, on the other hand, has a slightly cool nature, so it may be used for cooking and massage even during warmer months. However, don’t be mistaken, this wonderful oil is only mildly cool and good to use all year round.
Benefits Of Ghee Foot Massage
You may be convinced of the benefits of ghee and ghruta but still wonder about putting it on your feet. Self-massage is a wonderful way to show self-love, calm your nervous system, and ground Vata dosha in particular. You can also receive special abhyanga, or massage, treatments at Ayurvedic spas and clinics. However, self-massage with oil is something that you can treat yourself to daily.
Consider all that your feet do for you and how sensitive they are! Sciences such as reflexology exist for good reason—and footwear matters. I was once told by a physiology of dance teacher that everything that happens in the feet translates from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane in our bodies. Feet are significant! Your feet are remarkably dense when it comes to nerve endings, so massaging your feet, especially rubbing ghee on your feet, is a great way to soothe your nervous system.
In Ayurveda, there’s even a name for foot massage and it’s padabhyanga!
When To Massage Your Feet
In my humble opinion, there is no bad time of day to massage your feet! Classically, whole body abhyanga (self-massage with oil) is done in the morning. You can include your feet in your morning oil massage. Or, consider treating your hard-working feet to an oil massage in the evening for better sleep. Wash them well with a gentle soap, pat dry, and experience for yourself the benefits of applying cow ghee to your feet!
