Ayurvedic Body Oiling (Abhyanga): The Ritual You Need This Season

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, our bodies crave warmth, nourishment, and grounding. Enter Abhyanga - the ancient Ayurvedic practice of self-massage with warm herbal oils. Often called the liquid gold of Ayurveda, this simple yet powerful ritual melts away stress, rejuvenates your skin, and brings your body, mind, and spirit back into balance.

If you’ve been searching for a natural way to boost your mood, glow from within, and stay centred this season, Abhyanga might just become your new favourite ritual.

What Is Abhyanga?

In Sanskrit, Abhyanga means “loving hands” and that’s exactly what it is: a daily act of self-love through oil massage. Rooted in Ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old healing system, Abhyanga is designed to balance your doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), improve circulation, nourish the tissues (dhatus), and calm the nervous system.

It’s more than skincare, it’s soul care.

Why You Need Abhyanga This Season

Seasonal changes, especially autumn and winter, tend to aggravate Vata dosha, bringing dryness, anxiety, and fatigue. Regular oiling acts as a protective, warming shield that helps you stay grounded and hydrated from the inside out.

Top Benefits of Abhyanga:

• Deep hydration: Nourishes dry, rough skin and restores elasticity.
• Calms the mind: Reduces stress, improves sleep, and balances mood.
• Boosts circulation: Stimulates lymphatic flow and detoxification.
• Improves digestion: When done regularly, it helps regulate metabolism and digestion.
• Slows aging: Promotes supple, radiant, youthful-looking skin.
• Enhances immunity: Strengthens ojas - your body’s vital energy.

Think of it as a warm hug for your nervous system, something we all need a little more of this time of year.

How to Do Abhyanga: A Simple Step-by-Step Ritual

You don’t need to visit a spa as Abhyanga can be a luxurious at-home ritual you’ll actually look forward to.

1. Warm your oil: Heat your chosen Ayurvedic oil until it’s comfortably warm (not hot).

Tip: Why not try our deeply nourishing Migh-Tea Moisture Body Oil Spray

2. Set the mood: Light a candle, play calming music, and take a few deep breaths.
3. Apply the oil:
• Start at the crown of your head, massaging in circular motions.
• Move down your body using long strokes on limbs and circular motions on joints.
• Spend extra time on feet, ears, and scalp as these are energy points for balance.
4. Let it soak in: Allow the oil to absorb for 10-20 minutes (perfect for a short meditation or gentle yoga).
5. Rinse with warm water: Use a mild natural soap if needed.
6. Moisturise & glow: Your skin will feel silky smooth and your spirit refreshed.

Try it 2-3 times a week (or daily if you can) for best results.

Best Oils for Your Dosha

Ayurveda teaches that each person is unique, and so is their perfect oil.

For Vata Dosha (Air + Ether)

Prone to dryness, coldness, anxiety

• Ideal Oils: Sesame oil, almond oil, or Ashwagandha-infused oil
• Tip: Warm oil and massage slowly to ground and calm the nervous system

For Pitta Dosha (Fire + Water)

Prone to heat, sensitivity, and irritability

• Ideal Oils: Coconut oil, sunflower oil, or Brahmi oil
• Tip: Use cooling, soothing oils, especially during summer or stressful times

For Kapha Dosha (Earth + Water)

Prone to sluggishness, congestion, and heaviness

• Ideal Oils: Mustard oil, sesame oil, or eucalyptus-infused oil
• Tip: Use stimulating strokes and uplifting oils to energise and awaken

Your New Seasonal Ritual

Abhyanga isn’t just a skincare routine, it’s a moment of self-connection. When you take time to lovingly anoint your body, you tell yourself: I am worth this care.

This season, let your daily ritual be one of warmth, nourishment, and balance. Your skin will glow, your mind will quiet, and your energy will flow with ease.

So, pour the oil, breathe deeply, and let the wisdom of Ayurveda embrace you, one stroke at a time.