Abhyanga: Warm Oil Massage

Abhyanga is probably my most cherished Ayurveda practice, and it is integrated into my daily Dinacharya (daily rituals). It's a simple and easy addition to my daily routine and also a significant part of my deeper monthly practice. This monthly routine includes a more in-depth/full-body Abhyanga session, an Ayurveda hair oiling session and a Yoni steam session. What I find most appealing about Abhyanga is its dual role in nourishing the skin, the body's largest organ, while also soothing the nervous system in a profoundly supportive manner.

Abhyanga translates to “glowing limbs” or “self-oil massage,” while Sneha translates to both “oil” and “love.”

When we care for our physical body, we are truly practicing self-love. Abhyanga, with its healing touch, envelops the body in love and provides our tissues with a deeply nurturing experience. It's a gentle reminder that despite being with our body every second of every day, sometimes for 100 years or more, we can still be out of touch with it. There are areas of the body that we keep hidden, covered, and secret. Areas where we hold shame, guilt, or judgment. Abhyanga honours every single part of the body invigorates our cells and tissues, and detoxifies the organs!

I have found that with my 1:1 virtual clients, people seem to have a block up when it comes to Abhyanga. Who has time to warm oils, coat their bodies, and allow the love to sink into their tissues on a regular basis? Let's remove the assumptions and hassle; Abhyanga can be really simple! The reason why I started making my own Ayurveda Abhyanga oils is because I wanted to make it easy for people to practice Abhyanga. Initially, I started oils for my own use, then for a small group of clients, then for my festival offerings this summer, and finally for sale to people who want to enjoy the beautiful ritual of Abhyanga at home!

I have felt so blessed this summer to provide Ayurveda consults and Abhyanga treatments to some wonderful humans at various festivals around Western Canada! Hearing the feedback about the Ayurveda body oils I make and experiencing the ease of the nervous system of my clients has been truly an honour to witness.

All of my products use the highest quality ingredients I can find; care and intention are my number one ingredients. My Dosha-specific body oils use various carrier oils (Almond, Sunflower, and Coconut) with slow-infused herbal additions to support each Dosha specifically. I also have 2 “target tissue” oil blends, specifically crafted to support the respiratory and digestive systems that contain a blend of carrier oils and essential oils. I also have crafted a hair and scalp blend that incorporates a powerful Ayurvedic Nootropic herb to support a healthy nervous system and brain function, along with the benefits of hair and scalp nourishment. Last but not least (and possibly my favourite) is a Nasya oil (Ayurveda nose oil) designed to support healthy sinuses and the delicate mucosal lining of the nose, something so vital for anyone who struggles with allergies, asthma, or sinus concerns.

I currently sell my Ayurveda oils mainly in person, but in the fall of 2024 I will begin shipping products within North America for interested customers. Stay tuned for more details, and feel free to send me a message if you would like to learn more.

If you want to learn more about Abhyanga or my products, feel free to send me a message or check out my Instagram page for more details!

Click the following links for some of my YouTube videos on Abhyanga, hair oiling, and abdominal self-massage!

**Cover photo by the wonderful @joelle.wildearth while at @earthdaughtersfestival in beautiful British Columbia summer of 2024.