Massage oils in Ayurveda
- I am YAM
- May 28, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18, 2024
I am often asked the following question : what is special about Ayurvedic massages ?
I then explain that each massage is unique, they all have their own goal. Lymphatic massages (Garshan and Udvartan) stimulate the lymph, boost the immune system and reduce toxins. The enveloping abhyanga massage soothes the body and mind and provides a feeling of grounding. The sattvic relaxing massage invites meditation and total relaxation of the body. Massages for pregnant women and postpartum women support and take care of the woman's body during maternity.
The common point between these treatments is Ayurvedic oil. Indeed, the oil used during the massage plays a preponderant role, another particularity of Ayurvedic massages. Unlike other types of massage, Ayurvedic massages are always performed with oil. This oil is heated and has many virtues.
Ayurveda and oils
Ayurveda very often resorts to the use of oils. They are used in particular during dinacharya which is the set of Ayurvedic rituals carried out daily. One of the stages of dinacharya is cleaning the nose. After cleaning your nose, you put a few drops of oil in each nostril, this is nasya. Another step is teeth cleaning. After brushing your teeth, you come and make a mouthwash with oil : gandush.
Oils are also used during body massages : oil is applied from the top of the head to the tips of the toes, including the hair.
However, it is not any oil. Ayurveda believes that anything put on the skin should be able to be ingested through the mouth. Both the skin and mouth are considered organs of absorption. It is therefore essential to use quality oil. The oil must be organic, untreated and cold pressed. Having quality oil is fundamental.
Ayurveda uses two categories of oil. The first concerns pure and virgin oils (coconut oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, etc.). The second category concerns therapeutic oils which are mixed with plant decoctions. They are used to treat specific ailments such as joint problems, skin problems, etc.
Before doing the massage, the oil is heated beforehand so that it can better penetrate the skin. It is important to keep it for at least 30-45 minutes after the massage so that it can penetrate the different tissues of the body.
How to choose your massage oil ?
In Ayurveda, everything is individualized : lifestyle rules, diet and including the choice of massage oil. To choose the right massage oil, two criteria must be taken into account : the birth constitution of the person being massaged (their prakriti), that is to say their dominant dosha(s) with possibly their imbalances (vrikriti) and the season when the massage is performed.
The constitution/imbalance of the person being massaged
A person who is Vata dominant or has a Vata imbalance has dry and cold skin. We use a heavy and hot oil. For Vata, the best suited oil is sesame oil. It is warming and helps combat the cold quality of Vata. It purifies the body in depth and brings calm and grounding by helping to stabilize the mind of a Vata person who is often agitated.
A person who is Pitta dominant or has a Pitta imbalance has a hot skin which can be marked by inflammation, redness or acne. We use a refreshing oil such as sunflower oil or coconut oil. They also calm the manifestation of fire on the skin.
A person who is Kapha dominant or has a Kapha imbalance has oily and fresh skin. We use a light, warming oil such as mustard oil and safflower oil. These are also particularly useful for weight loss, Kapha people being particularly prone to weight problems.
The season in which the massage is performed
Fall and winter are two seasons marked by a worsening of the Vata dosha. The cold and the wind increase this dosha. When a dosha is aggravated in our environment, it automatically increases within us. Sesame oil is then best suited.
Spring, a season marked by the return of heat, is synonymous with a worsening of the Kapha dosha. The latter, having accumulated throughout the winter, will then liquefy and increase drastically in the spring. The spring oils are therefore safflower oil and mustard oil.
Finally, summer, a season marked by heat, aggravates the Pitta dosha. Coconut oil or sunflower oil will be best.
How do I choose the oil at I am YAM during an Ayurvedic massage ?
Before performing the massage, a quick interview will allow us to define which oil will suit your needs. This oil is chosen according to your doshas and the season. Mixtures between two oils can be made to obtain the most suitable oil. For example : coconut oil with sesame oil, mustard oil with sesame oil etc.
Quality oil is essential : at I am YAM the oil is organic, untreated and cold pressed.
During the massage, the oil is put on the body including the scalp and hair. I ask you for your prior consent each time.
It is advisable to keep the oil after the massage for at least 30-45 minutes after the massage.
Have you ever tried an Ayurvedic massage with me ? Do not hesitate to contact me for more details or to make an appointment!
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