Beyond food and herbs, Ayurveda describes a set of hands-on practices. Some are simple habits done at home and others are procedures given by a trained practitioner. This section explains them as the tradition describes them, says what is known about them, and is clear about where care is needed.
Abhyanga is the massage of the body with warm oil. The classical texts recommend it as part of the daily routine and describe the choice of oil, often sesame, by season and dosha. People enjoy it as a relaxing habit. Anyone with a skin condition, an allergy to the oil, a fever or an illness should ask a doctor first, and the oil makes floors and baths slippery.
Oil pulling (gandusha and kavala in the texts) means holding oil in the mouth, then spitting it out. The texts describe it as a way of caring for the mouth and throat. It is not a replacement for brushing, flossing or a dentist, and the oil should never be swallowed or spat into a sink where it can block the drain.
Nasya is the placing of oil or medicated preparations in the nose, described in the texts for the head and neck. The nose is a delicate area, products vary, and nasya is not suitable for everyone, for instance in pregnancy or with a blocked or injured nose. It is best done under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Panchakarma means five actions. It is the tradition’s set of cleansing procedures, usually described as emesis (vamana), purgation (virechana), two kinds of medicated enema (basti) and nasal treatment (nasya), prepared for by oil treatments and sweating. These are strong interventions. They carry risks, they are not for pregnant women, children, frail or elderly people or those with many medical conditions, and they should only be done under the supervision of a registered practitioner. In India that means a BAMS-qualified physician. A spa package using the same name may be nothing like the clinical procedure.
Yoga and pranayama are closely related traditions, and the texts of Ayurveda recommend exercise and breathing in measured amounts. We will link to guides on them rather than repeat them here.
The guides in this section will describe each practice step by step as the tradition gives it, and will not claim that any of them treats a disease or detoxifies the body, claims that modern medicine does not support. Please read the medical disclaimer and see a qualified doctor before you try anything that involves your mouth, nose, digestion or skin if you have a health condition.