Abhyanga (oil massage)

Daily oil massage of the body. The foundational practice of Ayurvedic personal care.

Charaka Sutra 5.84: “Just as a pitcher by smearing with oil, or a hide by soaking in oil, or an axle by lubricating, even so by daily inunction, the body becomes firm, the skin beautiful, the vata disorders are quieted, and tolerance to hardship and physical strain is induced.”

Sushruta Cikitsa 24.13: “Anointing the head with oil makes the hair grow luxuriantly, and imparts thickness, softness and a dark gloss to them. It soothes and invigorates the head and the sense-organs and removes the wrinkles of the face.”

The protocol

1. Warm 30–50 ml of oil (a Mahanarayana Taila, Bala Taila, or season-appropriate blend) by floating the bottle in hot water — NEVER microwave, never direct flame
2. Apply to dry skin in order: scalp first → ears → face → neck → arms (in 7 directions per joint, Charaka Sutra 5.85) → torso → abdomen (clockwise around navel) → legs → feet
3. Massage gently but with intention. Long strokes on limbs, circular strokes on joints, abdomen, breasts
4. Leave on 15–30 minutes (longer = deeper penetration)
5. Bathe in warm water with Triphala-saponaria wash (no harsh soap or detergent)

Frequency

Daily is the classical prescription. Skip during:

• Acute fever, indigestion (Sushruta 24.22)
• Pregnancy days 1-7 of menstruation
• Immediately after eating
• Within 1 hour of Panchakarma procedures

Oil selection by Dosha

Dosha	Default oil	Season
Vata	Mahanarayana Taila / Bala Taila	All year, especially autumn-winter
Pitta	Chandanadi Taila / Ksheerabala Taila	Summer
Kapha	Triphaladi Taila / Mustard-sesame blend	Spring-winter

Connection to other practices

Abhyanga is step 12 in the classical Dinacharya — it follows Dhumapana (smoke inhalation) and precedes Vyayama (exercise) and Udvartana (powder massage). The combined sequence — oil-in then powder-off — is the Ayurvedic equivalent of a modern oil cleanse + exfoliate.