The skin is our largest organ. Like a chemical factory, it produces hormones, defence substances and a multitude of vital substances. The skin environment (protective film and pH value) plays an important role in the defence against foreign bodies and bacteria. We also breathe through the entire surface of the skin.

It is very important that we treat this organ with care. Ayurveda recommends a full body oil massage in addition to daily cleansing.

Why should I do an oil massage?  

It has a soothing effect on the nervous system and the endocrine glands. It strengthens the circulation and helps to remove toxins from the body. Muscles, connective tissue and joints are strengthened, the skin becomes soft and supple and acquires a silky sheen. All internal organs are also stimulated via the reflex zones. The Ayurvedic oil massage should be a regular part of the daily routine. Before the morning bath or shower, it invigorates the circulation and also protects the skin from severe dehydration.

When is the best time for an oil massage?  

An oil massage can be performed not only in the morning, but at any time of the day. In contrast to conventional applications, the oil massage in Ayurveda is always performed BEFORE showering or bathing. The oil should work into the skin for 5 - 15 minutes before the excess oil is washed off by bath or shower. Soap, shower gel or shampoo can be used without any problems.

An oil massage is particularly recommended in winter, the Vata season. The warm oil application followed by a warm shower balances the Vata dosha.

How to do it:

Use an Ayurvedic massage oil of your choice (see below).

The massage can be done standing or sitting. Take a large towel to avoid oil stains on the floor and make sure the room temperature is pleasantly warm. The oil should be preheated slightly above body temperature. To do this, place the container in which you store the oil in a hot water bath for a short time. Alternatively, you can pour some oil (1 - 2 teaspoons) into a palm of your hand and warm it up by making a rubbing hand movement like soaping your hands. Most users perform the oil massage in the bathroom. It can also be done at the beginning of a sauna session in a sauna, steam bath or infrared cabin.

The entire massage should be done with little pressure. Massage slowly and evenly. Either apply the oil directly to the skin or first into the palm of your hand and then spread it. Hold the hand like a bowl and leave the thumb on. Massage with the whole hand - not just the fingertips or palm. In the end, a thin film of oil should cover the entire body. If you are short on time, it is better to shorten the whole massage rather than skipping it altogether. Then massage only the forehead, neck, ears and soles of the feet.

• Start by massaging the scalp area. Massage the scalp (the scalp can be omitted if you have long hair) with small, circular movements. Allow enough time for this.

• Then massage the ears and face . You can now spread the oil all over the body to give the oil enough time to penetrate the skin.

• Then massage the neck and shoulders. Remember to use the whole palm and fingers - less the fingertips.

• Massaging the arms, hands and fingers is the next step. Massage the long bones with long up and down movements and the joints (shoulder, elbow and wrist) with circular movements.

• The chest and abdomen should be massaged very gently - circular movements over the chest, straight up and down movements over the sternum and solar plexus.

• Massage the abdomen with slow, circular movements in a clockwise direction - the navel as the centre.

• Massage the back as far as you can. You can apply a little more pressure here. Use strong strokes up and down, a circular motion with stronger pressure in the area of the lower spine.

• The legs can also be massaged a little more vigorously. And in the same way as the arms: straight on the long bones and circling the joints.

• Finally, massage the feet and soles. The finger pressure can be increased here.

It is optimal to leave the oil on the skin for at least 5-10 minutes before taking a shower or bath. This gives the body time to absorb the oil.

See our video of the Ayurvedic oil massage here.

Ayurvedic massage oils

• Sesame oil matured: has a nourishing and warming effect. In the classical texts, sesame oil is described as one of the most important means of balancing Vata.
  Beneficial for Vata and Kapha qualities of the skin, for Vata and Kapha dominance in the physiology and in the cold season.

• Virgin coconut oil: has a cooling and soothing effect. Recommended for sensitive, irritated or inflamed skin and in the hot season.

• Vata massage oil: Noble massage oil for normal to dry and combination skin. With original Ayurvedic herbs and flowers, including sand mallow, winter cherry, field bindweed and sense plant. Vata-reducing. .
  Matured sesame oil from controlled organic cultivation provides a pleasant skin feeling. 100% natural lemongrass aroma oil exudes a summery fragrance.

• Pitta massage oil: A rich selection of Ayurvedic herbs is used for this precious massage oil. Carefully extracted extracts of sandalwood, blue water lily, vetiver and flame grass reduce the pitta dosha and give the oil a fresh, tangy fragrance.
  Due to its high content of matured sesame oil, the massage oil penetrates deeply into the skin. Particularly suitable for sensitive skin types prone to irritation, swelling, flaking and redness.

• Kapha massage oil: Invigorating for the senses in the morning. Ayurvedic massage oil with elecampane, Indian nard, nut grass and other Ayurvedic herbs. Suitable for oily skin prone to impurities, during the Kapha season (spring) and for refreshing in the morning.
  Matured sesame oil from controlled organic cultivation as the pampering basis of this precious massage oil and 100% natural citronella aroma oil perk you up and ensure a relaxed start to the day.

• Almond oil: is particularly fine and mild. This is why this oil works particularly well on irritated or inflamed skin. It nourishes and cares for skin and hair and has a slightly cooling effect.
  The clear and delicate yellow almond oil contains a rich mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, B, D and E, and the minerals potassium, calcium and magnesium, which have a variety of effects on different parts of the body.
  It is particularly valuable and gentle for facial skin, gives hair a natural shine, and can also be used to prevent stretch marks.  

• MA628 ayurvedic joint oil: helps to balance Vata in the joints and supports the suppleness of the joints. It warms, relieves aching limbs and improves mobility. Use: for joint pain and swelling of various causes, stiffness in the joints, pulled muscles and ligaments.
  This oil is produced in elaborate processes from sesame oil with the addition of valuable medicinal herbs.

• MA929 Muscle/joint oil: valuable massage oil for people who are active in sports. Helps to restore the mobility of muscles and joints after overstraining.