Abhyanga Self-Oiling

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3–5 minutes
Duration
Best Time
Type
About This Practice

Warm sesame (or coconut in heat) oil between the palms and apply with long rhythmic strokes to the limbs and circular strokes over the joints, belly, and chest.

Ashtanga Hridaya prescribes daily abhyanga as a core dinacharya step — the body receives pressure and warmth as containment, which is why overwhelm softens.

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How to Practice
  1. Warm a small amount of sesame oil (or coconut oil if the body is hot) by rubbing between the palms.
  2. Apply long strokes along the limbs from shoulders to hands and hips to feet.
  3. Apply circular strokes at the shoulders, knees, ankles, belly, and chest.
  4. Work for three to five minutes; keep the breath slow throughout.
  5. Sit wrapped in something warm for 1 minute before washing off or continuing the day.
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Benefits
  • Calms aggravated vata through warmth and rhythm
  • Restores a felt boundary to the body
  • Lowers background diffuseness before sleep or after strain
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