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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Eyes, Fire, and Vision

The eyes are most closely connected to Pitta dosha and vision relates to the fire element—the chief element that composes Pitta dosha. Therefore, with some exceptions, dry and irritated eyes tend to indicate a Pitta imbalance. Chronic dryness, especially during the fall and early winter (Vata time of year) may also point to a Vata disturbance. However, when it comes to many issues with the eyes, it is helpful to examine one’s vikruti (current constitutional state) to assess whether there may be a Pitta imbalance.

Signs of Pitta imbalance include but are not limited to:

• Intense anger, rage, and/or judgement
• Feeling hot
• Rashes
• Bloodshot, red, or irritated eyes
• Burning indigestion, loose stools
• Early graying of hair
• Inflammation, particularly with redness and heat

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is likely that your Pitta may be increased, causing an energetic and constitutional imbalance.

Furthermore, if your eyes are bothering you, in addition to considering an overall Pitta-pacifying food plan and lifestyle, you may also want to consider ghee for your eyes. There are a few different ways in which you can use ghee to benefit eye health.

Firstly, according to Ayurvedic scholar, author, and practitioner Dr. David Frawley, “Ghee itself is the most important food for the eyes, and by taking 1-2 teaspoons twice a day, vision can be improved.” (1) Dr. Frawley goes on to mention that Chyawanprash is also a wonderful tonic for the eyes, as its chief ingredient is amalaki, which is beneficial for the eyes and pacifies Pitta dosha.

Ghee For Eyes: Lesser Known Practices

In addition to taking ghee internally to build ojas, calm Pitta, and benefit the eyes, there are topical eye treatments that use ghee for eyes. Netra tarpana or netra basti is a treatment in which the eyes are literally given a ghee bath. This can be a very beneficial practice. However, due to safety and sterilization practices, it is best to do this practice under the guidance of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner. Or, enjoy this treatment at an Ayurvedic spa or clinic. You can read more about this practice here.

Ghee Gazing

Another Ayurvedic practice that uses ghee for the eyes is the practice of gazing at a ghee lamp. You can either purchase or make a ghee lamp (by placing a wick in a small glass jar filled with ghee) and then gazing at the flame for up to 20 minutes (1). Dr. Frawley comments that star-gazing is another wonderful way to cool and clear the visual field (1). Plus, lunar energy is extremely balancing for Pitta dosha!

Whether you eat ghee, gaze at a ghee lamp, or receive a special ghee bath for the eyes, it is clear that ghee nourishes more than just our bellies! But be sure to use a high quality ghee, like Ghruta for maximum benefits. PIOR Living Ghruta is authentically made according to Ayurveda traditions using free-range and grass-fed A2 Indian Gir cows.

References

(1) Frawley, D. (2000). Ayurvedic healing: A comprehensive guide. Twin Lakes, WI: Lotus 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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