Diwali, the festival of lights, is finally here, filling the atmosphere with joy and delicious treats! Along with lighting lamps and creating colorful Rangolis, we have a special tradition: Abhyanga Snan, the Oil bath.
Do you remember sitting with your mother, making such beautiful Rangolis, or bursting crackers with friends? Just like those sweet moments, Abhyanga Snan is a timeless ritual where you enjoy a gentle massage with herbal oils, making you feel great inside and out.
Let's find out all about the beautiful ritual of Abhyanga Snan this Diwali and its benefits so that you can feel joyful and prepared for the Diwali celebrations.
What's in this guide:
- What is Abhyang Snan according to Ayurveda?
- How do you do Abhyanga Snan?
- Tips for Abhyanga Snan
- What are abhyanga massage benefits?
What is Abhyanga Snan according to Ayurveda?
Diwali is not just a festival; it’s a joyful celebration of rich cultural rituals that help us care for our bodies! After Sharad Pournima, we move into Hemant Rutu, when the temperatures drop down, leading to dryness and an increase in Vata. This can cause issues like muscle spasms and joint pain.
During this time, Ayurveda reminds us to follow Rutucharya and a healthy diet suited for Hemant Rutu. These rituals are cleverly woven into our Diwali celebrations, encouraging us to look after ourselves healthy, often without even realizing it!
One important ritual in Diwali is Abhyanga Snan, which is an oil bath. According to Acharya Vaghbata, Abhyanga Snan is beneficial all year, but it’s especially helpful in the Hemant Rutu to fight dryness and cold. We all have busy lives, so doing it every day might not be possible. If you can, make time for Abhyanga Snan at least once a week during Hemant Rutu. It's a nice way to take care of yourself and value the warmth and comfort it provides!
How do you do Abhyanga Snan?
Use warm sesame or any other medicated oil for the ritual according to your health concerns. Gently massage it all over your body, starting from your head and moving down to your neck, shoulders, arms, chest, belly, back, and legs. After the massage, let it absorb into your skin.
You could try Charya Face and Body Oil, which includes sesame oil and other natural ingredients. It's a great choice for a soothing Abhyanga Snan!
Apply Ubtan all over your body after the oil massage. For dry skin, mix the Ubtan with milk and use water or rose water for oily skin. The Ubtan has a gentle scrubbing effect, and the herbs help moisturize, remove dead skin cells, and leave your skin glowing! You can try Charya Ubtan, which is made from Ayurvedic ingredients like Ushir, Anantamul, and Yashtimadhu.
Finally, take a warm bath to open your skin pores, which helps the oil absorb better. For additional benefits, you can use Charya Ayurvedic soap during your bath!
Tips for Abhyanga Snan
- Abhyanga Snan(Abhyanga massage) is usually done by gently rubbing in a downward direction, following the natural growth of hair on your arms and legs.
- It's best to do Abhyanga Snan on an empty stomach and also make sure that the food consumed the previous day has been digested properly.
- Abhyanga massage isn’t just for Diwali; it can be great for your daily routine, especially during winter.
- Abhyanga massage should be done for at least 15 minutes, but you can extend it up to 35 minutes for maximum benefits.
- It’s best to use warm oil for your Abhyanga massage during Diwali and Hemant Rutu.
- If you can’t do a full-body Abhyanga, you can still focus on important areas like your head, nostrils, ears, belly button, palms, and the soles of your feet.
What are abhyanga massage benefits?
Abhyanga massage helps reduce fatigue, balances Vata dosha, and strengthens your joints.
Abhyanga Snan helps the skin by providing deep moisture and improving its flexibility. This is especially good for fighting dryness from the cold winter weather, keeping your skin soft and glowing!
Also, the Abhyanga Massage on the head can help you sleep better.
Abhyanga massage helps improve muscle flexibility by relaxing contracted muscles and boosting blood circulation.
Conclusion
One of our soothing oil bath rituals for our Diwali celebrations is Abhyanga Snan, a nice treat for ourselves. Giving time for this comforting ritual, especially during the Hemant Rutu, helps us overcome dryness and refresh our body and mind. Additionally, it is a beautiful reminder to adopt good habits amidst the festive rush. Let's welcome the warmth of Abhyanga Snan and stay connected with our traditions!
Visit our website to check out our Abhyanga Snan Kit, which has Ayurvedic oil, Ubtan, and everything you need for a refreshing Abhyanga Snan (oil bath)!
