Abhyanga
Pre-Movement Oil Warming
Warm sesame oil on the joints and low back. Two minutes, no rush.
3 minVataPitta
How to do it
Warm the oil to a little above body temperature — a few minutes standing the bottle in hot water is enough. Use long strokes along the limbs and circles at the joints, with more pressure than feels polite. Leave it on at least ten minutes before you wash it off.
The sequence
5 steps- 1Warm the oilStand the bottle in hot water for two or three minutes.
- 2LimbsLong strokes along the arms and legs, toward the heart.
- 3JointsCircles at ankles, knees, hips, shoulders.
- 4Belly and low backClockwise circles on the belly, firm strokes across the low back.
- 5Rest, then washLeave it on ten minutes. Towel on the floor before you stand.
What it does
Warm oil settles the nervous system before movement rather than after.
When you'll be given it
Vata and Pitta protocols, and any session on a high-Vata day.
Where it comes from
Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 5 — abhyanga as daily practice.
Take care
Skip over broken skin, and on days with fever or an active infection. Oiled feet on tile are genuinely dangerous — put a towel down.
Not sure whether it suits you? Ask a Vaidya.
There's no button here to start this. Your practice is prescribed each morning — that's what keeps the dose honest.