The Ritual of Abhyanga
Ayurvedic Wellness by Gemma Celento
Abhyanga, Ayurvedic self-oilation is a self-care practice that goes deeper than its physical benefits. Though there are many physical benefits, what I want to share is the energetic applications of Abhyanga.
The practice of Abhyanga is typically done daily and works through the physical tissues to aid in releasing toxins, and stored emotions. But, it is the reverse aspects that are occurring. While working through the physical massage with specific oils. The practice is undoing mental and emotional impressions that have accumulated into physical form. Essentially it is unwinding from the physical to aid and support the subtle mental and emotional bodies. This practice works to tonify the body, aid in sleep, strengthen tissue, and improve circulation. These are all benefits of increased pranic flow. Through the art of Abhyanga we are working pranic flow within the body to connect to the pranic intelligence in the subtle bodies.
Prana, lifeforce is the intelligence that moves lifeforce within the body but is also the kinetic energy of the mental, emotional body connecting into physical form and manifestation. When utilizing Abhyanga and your connection to pranic flow, the practice deepens. It can be then understood as the ritual. A powerful practice that connects manifested energy within self and the subtle bodies. Through this approach you open a greater command and connection within the whole self. The practice of Abhyanga can then be used to attune to seasonal changes that occur within our physical form and our outer environment. It can then be used specifically to work with cosmic energies through Cosmic Prana, and finally, Abhyanga is used as self-alignment through the multiple bodies. When mental emotional shifts occur it is this practice that reconnects the physical form and transforms the threads of mental emotional connection that need to be reestablished with renewed energy.
The tutorial video, covers the specific technique and application of oil. The type of oil is also very important. As each plant has an energetic signature and each individual is unique in their constitution. The oil used for Abhyanga should be symbiotic with your elemental constitution (dosha). Choose the oil based on your dominant element. Earth/Water (Kapha), mustard seed or safflower. Fire/Water (Pitta), coconut oil or sunflower, Ether/Air (Vata), Sesame Oil. Oils should be organic, sustainably harvested, and cold pressed. If you don’t know your dominant element, you can also use Sesame oil. As it will ground the Ether/Air (Vata) element which is the elemental intelligence (tattwic) connection to prana, and is the force that connects the physical, mental, emotional body, and subtle realms. If you would like, I recommend adding 10 drops of Sandalwood oil to your Abhyanga oil, it will deepen the spiritual practice and support the subtle body connection. Lastly, your intentions and the power of your words is very potent. Use this power to strengthen your Abhyanga practice. Recite a mantra, either the bija (root) mantra Shri, or any mantra that aligns your being with your truth.
