Abhyanga - oil massage
 
“The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age.”
 
Charaka Samhita Vol. 1, V: 88-89
 
Abhyanga is the anointing of the body with oil. Often medicated and usually warm, the oil is massaged into the entire body before bathing. For thousands of years, people have used abhyanga to maintain health, benefit sleep patterns, increase longevity. It has also been used as a medicine for certain disorders. Abhyanga can be incorporated into a routine appropriate for almost anyone.
The Sanskrit word sneha can be translated as both "oil" and "love". It is believed that the effects of abhyanga are similar to those received when one is saturated with love. Like the experience of being loved, abhyanga can give a deep feeling of stability and warmth. Sneha is subtle; this allows the oil/love to pass through minute channels in the body and penetrate deep layers of tissue.
 
Benefits of Abhyanga (applying oil to the body) (Outlined in: Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hrdayam)
 
  1. •Produces softness, strength and color to the body
  2. •Decreases the effects of aging
  3. •Bestows good vision
  4. •Nourishes the body
  5. •Increases longevity
  6. •Benefits sleep patterns
  7. •Benefits skin
  8. •Strengthens the body's tolerance
  9. •Imparts a firmness to the limbs, lubricates joints
  10. •Imparts tone and vigor to the dhatus (tissues) of the body
  11. •Stimulates the internal organs of the body, including circulation
  12. •Pacifies Vata and Pitta and Harmonizes Kapha
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  15. Warmed oil (sesame, almond, sunflower or coconut, depending on your constitution) is rubbed onto the skin, using long strokes along the muscles and small circular stokes at the joints. Include the scalp if you intend to shampoo. The process is continued for few minutes until the whole body is oiled liberally and the circulation is stimulated. A hot shower or bath follows, allowing the oil to penetrate with the aid of steam and hot water.
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