Abhyanga: When, Why, and How

First of all, if you are new to Ayurveda, you may have some questions about abhyanga: when, why, and how. Though receiving a special abhyanga from a professional may be an occasional treat, self-abhyanga is a practice you can do daily. Traditionally, first, warm the abhyanga oil and then apply from head to toe, massaging into the skin. It is best to warm the oil using the double boiler method or you can simply fill a bowl with hot water and then place your bottle of massage oil in the bowl of hot water until it is gently warmed. The abhyanga oil should feel warm to the touch but not hot.

Take as much or as little time as you like to self-massage. Perhaps it’s a lazy Sunday morning and you can take 20-30 minutes to do abhyanga. Or, if it’s a rushed Monday morning, 5 minutes is great.

Ayurveda generally recommends that after you do abhyanga, give a little time for the oils to seep in, and then bathe or shower to rinse off the excess oil. However, some people do their abhyanga in the shower and others do directly after bathing.

Oil Nourishes

Regardless of your exact abhyanga process, quality oils are held in high regard in Ayurveda. Ayurveda teaches that the internal intake of oil and external application of oil nourishes the rasa (fluids of the body) and ultimately helps build and maintain ojas, our vigor and vitality. In addition, the oils that you choose make a difference.

The Best Abhyanga Oil For You

When considering the best abhyanga oil for you, you will want to consider your dosha(s) as well as the season and the climate. Here are a few guidelines.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is warming and nourishing. It calms and balances the cool, dry, rough nature of Vata dosha but will tend to increase Pitta and Kapha doshas. Therefore, sesame oil is a good choice for those with a predominant Vata constitution. In addition, this is a good oil choice for the fall and early winter, the Vata time of year.

Ghee and Ghruta

We know that ghee (or better yet, ghruta) are delicious and that they make fabulous cooking oils, but did you know that you can apply ghee externally too? Ghee is actually used in many Ayurvedic body therapies. Ghee is tridoshic, mildly cooling, and nourishing. It protects ojas and encourages agni, the digestive fire. Our bodies easily absorb ghee, whether we take it internally or externally.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is lighter and cooler than sesame oil. It is not as dense and heavy as ghee and sesame oil. This can be a good choice for Pitta dosha or for summer abhyanga, especially if you live in a hot and humid climate.

Mix It Up!

You may be wondering if you can mix oils to achieve the best oil for abhyanga. The answer is yes! You can combine any of the above oils to get the best oil for abhyanga for you. Also, you may want to add a few drops of an essential oil of choice or an herbal infused oil to further boost the effects of your oil for abhyanga.

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Types of Ayurvedic Oils

There is no single Ayurvedic oil. The answer is multifaceted. In fact, an important principle in clinical Ayurveda is to understand the nature of the individual, the nature of the imbalance, and the nature of the medicine. Even for daily living and self-care, it is helpful to understand one’s constitution, the time of year, the climate, and other relevant information so that one can make the best selection in terms of foods, herbs, oils, and the like. However, here are some of Ayurveda’s favorite oils and their benefits:

Ghee and Ghruta

Ghee and ghruta are perhaps the most beloved and highly regarded Ayurvedic oils. (That’s not to say that there aren’t many other fabulous, health-giving oils in Ayurvedic medicine that serve unique purposes.) However, ghee has many special attributes: it is tridoshic, easily digested, enkindles the digestive fire, and nourishes the brain. It is even used externally to moisturize and soothe the skin.

Pick up any Ayurvedic cookbook and you will observe that ghee is a widely used ingredient in Ayurvedic cooking. You can use ghee in savory and sweet dishes alike. In terms of energetics, ghee has a sweet taste, a cool energy, and an overall nourishing effect. In fact, ghee helps maintain and build ojas, one’s vital energy. This is true when taken internally and when warmed and applied externally.

In addition, taking ghee or ghruta infused with herbs amplifies the benefits of the herbs. The oils carry the beneficial constituents of the herbs deeper into one’s organic tissues.

Sesame Oil

Though ghee is incredibly nourishing and versatile, there are also other Ayurvedic oils to consider. Sesame oil is also popular in Ayurveda. It has a bitter and sweet taste, a heating energy, and an overall purifying effect (1). Sesame oil is especially balancing for Vata dosha. Its heaviness tends to increase Kapha dosha and its warm nature tends to increase Pitta dosha.

That said, sesame oil is very helpful in balancing out the cool, light, dry, rough nature of Vata dosha. It makes an excellent massage oil or skin oil and you can also use this warming, purifying oil for oil-pulling (the practice of swishing the mouth with oil). In addition, you can mix sesame oil with ghee to make an extra rich body oil. This will also reduce some of the heat from the sesame oil.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is also handy to keep around the home or Ayurvedic clinic and may be used both internally and externally. This Ayurvedic oil has a sweet and astringent taste, a cool energy, and an overall nourishing effect (1). It is one of the preferred oils for Pitta dosha. Like ghee and ghruta, sunflower oil stands up to high temperature cooking so it is useful in that regard. Also, it may be used externally as a body oil. Especially for those who live in a hot, humid climate, sunflower oil is a nice choice for both internal and external use as it is slightly cool and not very heavy.

Using Ayurvedic Oils

There are many uses for oils in Ayurvedic. The most practical and popular use is for cooking. And if I had to choose one Ayurvedic oil for cooking, it would probably be ghee or ghruta. Ghee and ghruta are highly revered in Ayurveda for their numerous health benefits, but another wonderful thing about ghee and ghruta is that these Ayurvedic oils stand up to high-temperature cooking. So, you can use ghee and ghruta for frying, roasting, baking, or simply spread it on toast like butter!

Beyond cooking, there are also many ways in which you can use oils externally. In Ayurveda, dinacharya is one’s daily practice for wellness. Dinacharya includes healthful practices such as nasal rinsing, abhyanga, tongue scraping, ear oiling, and oil pulling. You can choose from several different oils for these daily practices. For instance, if you apply oil to the nostrils after doing jal neti (nasal rinsing with salt water), you can buy special nasya oils that come in dropper bottles. There are also many special scented or herbal-infused abhyanga oils on the market.

While there are benefits to purchasing special herbal body oils, ear, and nasal oils, you can also turn to your own kitchen cabinet for Ayurvedic oils for dinacharya.

For instance, you can apply a drop of slightly warmed and melted ghee inside your nostrils after doing neti. You can even use ghee to moisturize your skin. Ayurveda teaches that ghee is one of the most easily digested oils. This applies to your skin’s digestive function as well as that of the gut!

To Oil is to Love

Ever heard of the expression, “a well-oiled machine?” Well, though our bodies are not machines, Ayurveda teaches that we can nourish our tissues, bolster our digestive fire, and practice a little self-love by enjoying good quality oils internally and externally. In addition, Ayurveda considers the application of oil as a way to show love. When we apply oil to our bodies we are practicing a form of self-care and self-love. It is a way to nurture one’s skin, joints, muscles, and connective tissue. More than that, using Ayurvedic oils is a way to provide moisture, nourishment, and protection—on both a physical and subtle level.

References

(1) Lad, V. & U. (2009). Ayurvedic cooking for self-healing. The Ayurvedic Press.

Greta Kent-Stoll is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA), as well as a writer, editor, and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Her Ayurveda practice is based in Asheville, North Carolina and she is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville.

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Ghee for Skin and Healthy Rasa

Ayurveda organizes human physiology into seven dhatus, or layers of tissue. The most external layer is the rasa dhatu, or fluids of the body. Though this layer is superficial, it is important and all-pervasive. Fluids such as lymph, plasma, and mucus protect, encase, and nourish the various other organs and tissues. Therefore, keeping adequate and healthy rasa has an effect on all the other deeper layers of physiology.

In addition, when the rasa is adequate, the other layers will be nourished. If the rasa is inadequate or excessive, the deeper tissue layers will be negatively impacted.

Ghee is Moisturizing

Ayurveda teaches that one of the ways in which to build and maintain healthy rasa, or fluids, is the intake of good quality fats. Ghee and ghruta are prime examples. Ghee is tridoshic, meaning it is suitable for all three doshas, it is easy to digest, and it supports healthy moisture levels in the skin and other tissues. This is especially important for those who run dry, such as Vata types. In addition, if you live in a dry climate or experience dry, chapped skin and lips in the winter, ghee is a friend to your skin and your whole body.

Ghee is Nourishing

In addition to nourishing your skin by providing moisture, ghee and ghruta offer other nutritional benefits. PIOR Living’s ghruta offers digestible, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, including Omega 3s, as well as trace minerals. Furthermore, Ayurveda considers ghee to be a brain tonic and a key food for building ojas (vitality). When the body is well nourished, your organs, including your skin can perform their best.

How To Enjoy Ghee for Skin

Cooking with ghee and eating ghee are great ways to put ghee to use for your skin. In addition, you can even use ghee externally on your skin as a massage oil for abhyanga—or apply it to especially dry skin patches as a spot moisturizer. You may discover that some Ayurvedic massage oils and moisturizers contain a blend of ghee and other oils, such as coconut, sesame, or shea butter. A dap of ghee on the lips can soothe chapped, dry lips, and no harm if you swallow some!

Consider ghee for skin, internally and externally. Eating ghee helps build healthy fluids, moisture, and necessary fat tissue. Applying ghee topically provides added external moisture and protection.

Greta Kent-Stoll is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (NAMA), as well as a writer, editor, and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Her Ayurveda practice is based in Asheville, North Carolina and she is the co-owner of Iyengar Yoga Asheville.

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Understanding Hair Loss in Ayurveda

The causes and severity of hair loss can be varied. Although hereditary factors often play a major role, Ayurveda identifies several major reasons for hair loss.

Doshic Imbalances

Doshic imbalances are a primary reason for how and why you might experience hair loss:

• Hair loss due to the Vata dosha may be the result of dry and dehydrated follicles, which will cause hair loss, often in patchy formations.
• Pitta hair loss will usually be due to an excess of heat from other organ systems. This heat inflames the follicles and causes them to lose strength, leading to hair loss in hereditary areas with premature greying.
• Hair loss from Kapha dominance will generally be due to an overproduction of sebum on the scalp. The clogged pores will cause a greasy scalp, and oily dandruff, and premature hair loss.

If your hair loss is due to a doshic imbalance, it’s important that you understand how to use diet and lifestyle to balance your doshas. Read our comprehensive guides to the Vata dosha, Pitta dosha, and Kapha dosha to learn about each dosha and how to maintain balance and achieve wellness.

Stress

Stress is a major factor when it comes to any and all diseases, and has been specifically shown to increase hair loss. In addition, the psychological disappointment of hair loss can be distressing. That’s why treatment for hair loss should always involve tips for mitigating stress. Doing pranayama exercises, practicing meditation, and developing a yoga practice that is calming and suitable for your dosha are vital in balancing your nervous system to reduce stress and subsequent hair loss.

Age

Age will also play a part. Generally, individuals over 60 years of age will endure the natural processes of aging. And this includes some hair loss.

Tips from Ayurveda for Hair Loss

Incorporating Ayurvedic herbs, tailams, and dietary changes will help you regrow your hair and reduce hair loss.

Herbs and Tonics for Healthier Hair

• Amla (or gooseberry) has been used for centuries in Ayurveda as an antioxidant, antiviral, and to help balance all the doshas. Taking amla daily will help the body’s cellular renewal processes, and will strengthen the immune system.
• Triphala includes potent ingredients like haritaki, bibhitaki, and amla! Triphala helps to regulate digestion, which helps with the absorption of nutrients. It is safe enough to take daily, and is great for all ages.
• Brahmi clears the mind and reduces stress. It works specifically on reducing cortisol (stress) levels as well as boosting memory and concentration. It can also be used topically – read more below!
• Chyawanprash is one of the most powerful herbal blends for overall health and wellness. Packed with over 30 potent and tridoshic herbs and superfoods, Chyawanprash helps to balance all 3 doshas, and provides the nutritional support needed for healthy tissues – including hair and scalp!

Dietary Support

Some helpful and nutritious additions you can add to your cuisine that help with hair loss includes:

• • Pumpkin
  • Mung beans
  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Fresh yogurt
  • Coriander

Don’t hesitate to add some additional spices to your daily foods as well. These can include cumin, fennel, peppermint, rosemary, turmeric, and black pepper. All of these will aid in reducing hair loss by helping to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.

Tailams and Other Topical Treatments

Massaging the scalp with medicated oils is one of the best treatments for hair loss. It increases circulation to the follicles and helps the scalp absorb the nutritive herbs which strengthen the follicles. It is best to massage the scalp 2-3 times a week.

• Bhringraj oil successfully treats various scalp and skin conditions. It is best to warm the oil in the hands, massage vigorously into the scalp, and allow it to absorb for as long as possible, overnight is recommended.
• Dosha specific oils infused with essentials oils also help activate the hair follicles. You can specifically add the essential oils of rosemary, jasmine, lavender, or rose.
• Brahmi helps treat dry and damaged scalp conditions. It nourishes and balances the hair follicles, making it an ideal and powerful scalp massage treatment to prevent and reduce hair loss.

Book a Consultation

If you are hesitant or concerned about your hair loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to your qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or Ayurvedic physician to discuss more options for treatment.

Ceanna Saatsaz is a Licensed Master Esthetician, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Certified Professional Herbalist from Seattle, WA.

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