HOW TO DO ABHYANGA IN THE KAPHA SEASON
For several weeks, you have learned about the qualities of Kapha and what changes you can make to align your body and mind entirely with the springtime season. You are gradually transitioning from unctuous, cool, heavy, and slow qualities to lighter, more active, and warmer qualities. Abhyanga, the tender and loving act of self-massaging, further supports this transition.
Healing Qualities of Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a self-administered full-body Ayurvedic massage that uses warm oils to support overall health and well-being. When used intentionally, balance is restored and enhanced in both the body and the mind.
Abhyanga offers numerous benefits, including:
- Emotional balance
- Improved body awareness
- Pain and stress relief
- Blood pressure modulation
- Nourishes the body
- And much more.
It is a protector of sorts, shielding you from environmental changes and preserving and strengthening your self-confidence and willpower.
Kapha Abhyanga
Some of the best oils to use are mustard, corn, and almond, as they are warming oils that are best for Kapha. However, you are not limited to these oils. Abhyanga can also be done with herbal oils such as tulsi, eucalyptus, and rosemary, which may be ideal as these add more Kapha-pacifying properties.
Regarding the amount of oil you should use, less oil is needed for Kapha Abhyanga.
Another massage that works well for Kapha is Udvartana, which involves massaging with powders. You can use Triphala powder or chickpea flour. This massage is said to help remove Kapha from the system and smooth and cleanse the skin. It also doesn’t hurt that cleaning afterwards is much easier than with oil.
Routine
When you create your Abhyanga routine, there are some things to consider before you begin. Because this will become a regular weekly habit, it is important to consider setting it up carefully.
- Find a private, warm, and cosy spot. You should use the same spot each time you oil massage. When your body calls for a massage, it will feel intrinsically pulled to the regular area you have chosen for this act of self-care.
- For example, continue heating the oil bottle before you begin your massage – placing it in a tea mug of hot water.
- Oil massage can be practised daily, but it’s essential to dedicate 10–20 minutes at least once a week to a thorough, relaxing session. Take your time to enjoy it without rushing. Before starting Abhyanga, consider dry brushing (Garshana), which invigorates the body and complements the calming and nourishing effects of the massage.
- Your body will intuitively understand where to start, so let your hands be free as it explores and shapes what needs to be recirculated. It will also inherently sense what needs to be kneaded, rubbed, or soothed.
- You can make it a family activity if you’d like! Encouraging your children to participate in occasional oil massages can help them develop the habit of self-care and understand the importance of maintaining their bodies. Remember that it can be a bit messy, so be sure to use your least favourite towels.
- You can choose to oil massage either before or after your shower. Clean your drains with heated diluted vinegar afterwards to prevent pipe clogs if you massage before your shower.
Caring for and honouring your body as a sacred temple is especially important during the Kapha season, so approach this practice with mindfulness and heartfelt intention.
You are always welcome to experience the Abhyanga massage at AYM Yoga and Ayurveda Center and other Ayurvedic massages from some of our expert Ayurvedic teachers, such as Victoria Raven Hyndman, Amanda Dries, Eva Ugolini, and more.