Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Oil Massage, Oils, Spa Versions and Safety

Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic massage with oil, described in the classical texts as both a daily habit and a part of formal treatment. In this guide we look at the practice as a whole: where it comes from, how the tradition chooses oils, what a treatment by a trained therapist involves and how to judge a spa offer. If you only want a short home routine, read self-massage (abhyanga) in the daily routine, which covers the steps and the basic cautions.

In Ayurveda, tradition holds that abhyanga nourishes the body and calms vata, the principle of movement. Modern studies suggest massage can relax muscles and improve comfort for a time, but good research on Ayurvedic oil massage specifically is thin. We present it as a traditional practice, not as a treatment.

Where it comes from

The word abhyanga is usually explained as anointing, from the root for smearing or rubbing. The Ashtanga Hridayam recommends it every day and compares the oiled body to a pot, a piece of leather or a cart axle that stays in good order when lubricated. The Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita also describe oil applied to the body, with the Sushruta Samhita placing it in the context of both healthy living and the care of the sick.

The classical language uses the word sneha, meaning oil or oiliness, for both the substance and the quality. In the tradition, oil has qualities described as heavy, smooth, soft and warming (in the case of sesame), and these are said to be the opposite of the dry, light and rough qualities of vata. That is the reasoning behind the practice. It is a framework of the tradition and is not a measured effect.

Choosing an oil

Oil choice in the tradition depends on season, dosha and the purpose.

• Sesame oil (tila taila) is the classical default. It is described as warming and is the usual choice in cold weather and for vata types.
• Coconut oil is described as cooling and is often suggested for hot weather and for pitta types.
• Mustard oil is used in some regions of India. It is strongly warming, can irritate the skin, and many health authorities advise against it for babies.
• Medicated oils, in which herbs have been cooked into a base oil by a classical process, are used by practitioners for specific purposes. We do not give recipes or uses, since these are medicines with their own risks, and quality varies widely.

For home use, an ordinary edible oil from a reputable supplier is the cautious choice. Test any new oil on a small patch of skin first. Cold-pressed and refined oils differ in smell, so choose one that you can tolerate.

Forms of abhyanga given by a practitioner

In a clinic, the practice grows into a family of treatments, which the tradition places under snehana, oleation, the preparation for other procedures.

• Full body abhyanga with warm oil, often given by one or two therapists, is the form most spas call Ayurvedic massage.
• Shiro-abhyanga is a head massage, and the related pouring of oil on the forehead is described in shirodhara.
• Sweating treatments (swedana) follow oil in some programmes, using steam or heated herbal poultices. These carry a burn risk, and they should be done only by trained people.
• Part of panchakarma. In the classical clinical programme, oil massage and sweating are the preparation for the main procedures, and they are done under medical supervision. See panchakarma explained.

The strokes in a spa differ from the Swedish or deep-tissue massage people may be used to. They are usually long, flowing, rhythmic and rather gentle, with circular movements over the joints and more pressure on the limbs than on the torso, though practice varies from school to school.

What a good session looks like

If you book a treatment, these points help you choose well.

• Training. In India, look for a BAMS-qualified physician for clinical treatment, and for a therapist trained in a recognised course for massage. Outside India, rules differ, so ask about training and registration.
• A consultation. A responsible provider asks about your health, medicines, pregnancy and allergies before they begin.
• Clear information. They should say which oil is used and what is in it.
• Hygiene. Clean linen, clean hands and a clean room.
• No medical claims. Be wary of any provider who says a massage will cure disease, remove toxins or let you stop your medicines.
• Comfort. The pressure and temperature should always be comfortable, and you can ask to stop at any time.

What modern research says

Studies on massage in general suggest short-term relief of muscle tension, a reduction in stress and anxiety and improved comfort in some settings. A few small studies have looked at Ayurvedic oil massage in infants, in older people and in people with joint pain, but they are small, differ in method and are often of low quality. Research on oils themselves is mixed. For example, some oils help skin dryness, while others, including mustard oil on newborn skin, have been linked to irritation. The claims that abhyanga removes toxins, boosts immunity or slows ageing are not supported by reliable evidence.

Safety notes

• Allergy and skin reaction. Patch test the oil. Stop if you develop redness, itching, a rash or swelling. Nut and sesame allergies are common.
• Skin disease and wounds. Do not massage over infections, open wounds, eczema flares, sunburn, new scars or lumps without medical advice.
• Fever, acute illness and indigestion. The texts say to avoid abhyanga at these times.
• Pregnancy. Many therapists avoid deep abdominal and lower back work in pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife first, and tell the therapist. Medicated oils are not advised without medical approval.
• Blood clots, circulation and bleeding disorders. If you have had deep vein thrombosis, take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, ask a doctor. Do not massage a swollen, red or painful calf.
• Cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and recent surgery. Ask your doctor first, and tell the therapist.
• Infants and children. Use only an oil recommended by your doctor or health visitor, and avoid mustard oil on babies.
• Heat treatments. Hot oil, steam and heated poultices can burn. Speak up if anything is too hot.
• Slips and fire. Oily floors are slippery. Oil-soaked towels can heat and ignite after tumble drying.
• Product quality. Some imported Ayurvedic oils and preparations have been found to contain heavy metals such as lead. Buy from sellers who publish testing, and do not use unlabelled products.
• Do not stop or change any medicine because of a massage programme.

Related reading

The daily-routine version is covered in self-massage (abhyanga). Related practices in this section include nasya and shirodhara. The seasonal reasons for changing oils appear in the ritucharya overview, and the idea of the doshas in the doshas section.

This page describes a tradition and is not medical advice. Please read the medical disclaimer, see a doctor for any health concern, and a registered Ayurvedic practitioner if you want Ayurvedic treatment.

Frequently asked questions