Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Self-Massage

Written By katie mullins denk

Nourishing Self-Massage for Daily Balance + Self Love

What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda, the “science of life,” is an ancient system of holistic healing that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. Rooted in nature and balance, Ayurveda promotes wellness by harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.

The term Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit:

  • Ayur = Life

  • Veda = Knowledge or Science

At its core, Ayurveda is the science of self-healing—understanding your unique constitution (dosha), following intuition, and building daily rhythms that support long-term vitality.

Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, Ayurvedic health is individualized. It’s about restoring equilibrium through lifestyle choices, diet, and rituals that counter imbalance. Ayurveda works alongside modern medicine, enhancing awareness and empowering you to live with balance and intention.

What is Abhyanga?

Abhyanga is one of Ayurveda’s most beloved daily practices — a warm oil self-massage that soothes the nervous system, hydrates the skin, and supports long-term vitality. More than a skincare ritual, Abhyanga is a form of snehana, which means both “oil” and “love.”
In Ayurveda, applying oil to the body is considered an act of self-affection, offering steadiness, grounding, and care to every layer of our being.

The practice is traditionally used to:
• calm the mind and reduce stress
• support circulation and lymphatic flow
• strengthen digestion and immunity
• nourish joints, muscles, and skin
• promote deeper sleep and relaxation
• create a daily moment of mindful presence

By adding Abhyanga to your routine, you’re inviting warmth, stability, and rhythm back into your body — a beautiful counterbalance to modern life.

Abhyanga Practice

1. Warm Your Oil

Warm oil softens the skin and calms the nervous system.

How to Warm Your Oil:

  • Place the bottle in a cup of hot water or simply rub oil between hands before applying.

  • Choose an oil that supports your needs. Moonflower carries Ayurvedic inspired oils from Banyan Botanicals:

    • Daily Massage Oil for everyday nourishment

    • Vata Massage Oil for grounding and deep moisture

    • Pitta Massage Oil for calming and soothing heat

    • Kapha Massage Oil for stimulation and uplift

    • Mahanarayan Oil for joints and muscles

    • Sleep Easy Oil — calming blend to relax the nerves before bed

2. Begin at the Head (Optional but Highly Beneficial)

A small amount of oil on the scalp helps quiet the mind and nourish the hair.

How to Massage the Scalp:

  • Place a few drops on the crown of the head

  • Massage with slow circular motions

  • Leave in during the rest of the massage

  • Shampoo into dry hair first, then rinse

3. Massage the Face, Jaw & Ears

Gentle strokes relax facial tension and support the senses.

How to Massage the Face:

  • Use upward strokes along cheeks and jawline

  • Make small circles around the ears

  • Avoid heavy oil on acne-prone areas if needed

4. Massage the Neck & Shoulders

These areas hold stress and benefit from consistent attention.

How to Massage the Neck & Shoulders:

  • Use long strokes downward

  • Use circular motions at the tops of the shoulders

  • Move slowly and with care

5. Massage the Arms & Hands

Long strokes calm the nervous system; circular strokes nourish the joints.

How to Massage the Arms:

  • Long strokes from shoulder to wrist

  • Circular motions around elbows and wrists

  • Don’t forget palms, fingers, and each knuckle

6. Massage the Chest & Abdomen

These areas benefit from gentleness and warmth.

How to Massage the Chest & Belly:

  • Keep movements slow and steady

  • Circle the abdomen clockwise to support digestion

  • Move with the breath

7. Massage the Back & Hips

Apply oil to areas you can reach comfortably.

How to Massage the Back:

  • Use upward strokes on the lower back

  • Use circular motions over the hips

  • Pause wherever there is tension

8. Massage the Legs & Feet

This is one of the most grounding parts of the practice.

How to Massage the Legs & Feet:

  • Long strokes from hips to ankles

  • Circular motions at knees and ankles

  • Spend extra time on the soles of the feet

  • Massage toes one by one

9. Rest & Allow the Oil to Absorb

Let your body drink in the nourishment.

How to Rest After Abhyanga:

  • Wrap in a robe or towel

  • Sit quietly or meditate 10–20 minutes

  • Allow warmth to settle into the tissues

10. Rinse with Warm Water

Use gentle soap only where needed.

A warm shower helps the oil penetrate deeper, relax the muscles, and seal in hydration.

Why Abhyanga Matters Today

In modern life, our bodies often feel rushed, overstimulated, and disconnected. Abhyanga restores steadiness by offering:

• Nourished skin and healthy circulation
• Reduced stress and a calmer mind
• Improved digestion and energy flow
• Better sleep and deeper relaxation
• A grounded, centered sense of self
• A daily moment of loving presence

Simple. Warm. Slow. Healing.

Discover Ayurveda with Moonflower

At Moonflower, we believe lasting health begins with self-awareness. Ayurveda provides timeless tools to realign with your body’s natural intelligence and live in harmony with nature.

Discover your unique dosha and explore personalized ways to support your well-being. Consider Ayurveda Wellness Coaching for a personalized approach to your own holistic healing journey.

katie mullins denk
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