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Body Rituals (Abhyanga)
Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic practice of warm oil self-massage — one of the oldest daily rituals described in the classical texts. Warm the oil, apply it to your body, and work it into the skin with long, steady strokes. It is simple, deeply nourishing, and one of the most grounding Ayurvedic rituals for self care.
Massage Oil (Abhyanga)
Dosha-specific massage oils for daily self-massage. Warm the oil before use it absorbs better and the ritual feels completely different.
Kansa Body Massage
Handcrafted Kansa massage tools for body and scalp. Use after oiling to work deeper into the muscles and release tension from the shoulders, back, arms, legs, and feet.
Ayurvedic Self-Massage at Home — Your Questions
Ayurvedic body rituals are daily and weekly self-care practices rooted in classical Ayurvedic texts. They include Abhyanga (warm oil self-massage), Udvartana (dry powder massage), Garshana (dry brushing with raw silk gloves), and localised oil applications. These rituals are part of Dinacharya, the Ayurvedic framework for daily routines that support overall wellbeing.
Abhyanga uses warm herbal oil and involves long, flowing strokes to nourish and hydrate the skin. Garshana uses dry silk gloves with vigorous, upward strokes and is traditionally recommended for Kapha-predominant constitutions or as a preparation before Abhyanga. Garshana is stimulating and energising, while Abhyanga is calming and nourishing.
A basic Abhyanga requires only warm oil and your hands. However, traditional Ayurvedic tools enhance the practice. A Kansa body wand can be used after oiling to work into the muscles with deeper pressure. Garshana gloves are used for dry brushing before Abhyanga. Art of Vedas offers ritual kits that combine the oil with the appropriate tools.
In Ayurveda, body type (Prakriti) guides the choice of ritual. Vata types benefit most from warm, grounding Abhyanga with heavier oils. Pitta types do well with cooling oils and moderate pressure. Kapha types benefit from stimulating Garshana or Udvartana before a lighter Abhyanga. Take the free dosha test on our website to find your type.
A full Abhyanga typically takes 15–20 minutes, though even 10 minutes provides benefit. If combining Garshana with Abhyanga, add 5 minutes for the dry brushing. The key is consistency rather than duration a short daily practice is more beneficial than an occasional long session.
