Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic practice of anointing the body with warm oil before bathing.
It’s not skincare in the modern sense.
It’s a ritual of care — a way of softening dryness, restoring comfort, and returning to yourself through touch and warmth.
Traditionally, Sesame oil is the classic choice for Abhyanga: dense, warming, and deeply nourishing.
Why Oil First
Water alone can leave the skin feeling tight and exposed — especially in cooler months or during busy, high-output periods. Abhyanga reverses that order.
Oil first.
Then water.
The oil creates grounding, comfort, and protection — and the ritual itself slows the pace of the morning or evening down into something more deliberate.
Why Sesame Oil
Sesame is considered the classical oil for daily body application because it is:
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Warming in character
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Grounding and stabilising
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Deeply nourishing for dry, delicate skin
In traditional practice, sesame oil was sometimes cured to refine its qualities. Today, cold-pressed organic sesame preserves the integrity of the seed — rich, whole, and potent.
If sesame’s aroma feels strong at first, blend it with a lighter oil — but for depth and warmth, sesame remains unmatched.
How to Practise Abhyanga
1) Warm the Oil
Stand the bottle in a sink of warm water for a few minutes. The oil should feel comfortably warm — never hot.
Warm oil absorbs differently. It also changes the ritual: it asks you to slow down.
2) Begin at the Head
Start with the scalp using slow, circular motions with open palms (not fingertips). Move to the ears and give them particular attention. Then use gentle circles across the face.
3) Work Downward Methodically
The rhythm is simple:
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Long strokes along the neck and shoulders
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Circular motions over joints (shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles)
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Long strokes down the limbs
Take your time with the hands: each finger, each knuckle.
Move steadily across the chest with broad, gentle strokes.
Use clockwise circles across the abdomen.
Reach behind for long strokes along the back where possible.
4) Finish With the Feet
Sit on a towel and spend time here. Slow strokes, careful attention to the toes and soles.
This is one of the most nourishing parts of the ritual, especially for Vata types and Vata seasons.
5) Pause, Then Bathe
Allow the oil to sit for 5–10 minutes before showering. Bathe as normal.
Abhyanga is not about using a lot of oil.
Use less than you think. Move more slowly than usual.
Over time, it becomes less of a task and more of a return — a way of keeping the body feeling supported, comfortable, and quietly radiant.
What to Use
For the traditional ritual, choose Cold Pressed Organic Sesame Oil.
If you’d like to tailor your ritual further, you can also explore your oils based on what your skin is asking for — more softness, more radiance, or more resilience.
