Everyone loves a good and pampering massage, right? Across all cultures all over the world, massage is a love language that encourages connection, rejuvenation and relaxation. In Ayurveda, the application of oil on skin is known as ‘Snehana’. In Sanskrit, ‘Sneha’ means ‘love’ and the term ‘Snehana’ means ‘application of love’ or ‘oleation’. Abhyanga, the Sanskrit term for Massage with medicated oil, is one of the main processes that fall under Snehana. This is an ancient practice used by people from all walks of life from new born babies to kings, queens and even seasoned soldiers of war. Everyone deserves to be pampered, okay? We’re all human, after all!
Pada Abhyanga
The act of performing Abhyanga daily or weekly is one of the most simple and profound methods of self-care in Ayurveda. Instead of a 10-step skin care regiment, perform Abhyanga instead because it is known to encourage lymphatic drainage, improve circulation, tones the muscles, improves stamina and brings elasticity to the skin. The secret lies in the oil because it acts as nourishment for our skin which happens to be our largest external organ.
Remember that whatever you apply on your skin, will get absorbed because your skin is alive and it needs to be cared for. If you have heard of the phrase “You are what you eat”, then here is a new phrase for you: “You absorb what you apply”. Your skin is like a sponge, apply good things and it will absorb good things.
Traditionally, Abhyanga is performed by applying cold pressed, untoasted sesame oil all over the body in the morning before exercise or shower. This can take up to 45 minutes which for some people might be too much of a commitment.
Instead, you can focus on Pada Abhyanga which means Foot Massage. Pada Abhyanga is wonderful and nourishing for everyone. It can be done anytime of the day but it is especially beneficial as a night time routine before bed because it is known to improve sleep quality, health of lungs & eyes, reduce sciatic pain and improve heart health.
In Ayurveda, it is believed that our bodies are like an inverted tree. Our feet are our roots that keep us grounded, our bodies are the trunk for stability and our head & hair hold the leaves and bear the fruit. Our feet connect us to the Earth and carry us through many phases of our lives. Our second heart, known as the Peripheral Heart, is felt in our calves. Our feet are precious and deserved to be cared for to be able to keep us steady, stable to safely navigate this crazy journey called Life. So beautiful, right?
Pada Abhyanga is especially beneficial for expecting mothers because it helps to prevent edema (water retention), maintains healthy circulation for both mother & fetus, supports sound sleep, relieves sciatic pain and relieves tiredness. During pregnancy, it needs to be performed gently on the heel and in the middle of the sole of the foot. It is important to avoid massaging the ankles as it can trigger the uterus to contract and affect the pregnancy. A gentle touch with some warm oil is more than enough. It is important to dab off any excess oil and wear comfortable cotton socks to retain the warmth and circulation created – like a hug for your feet!
Don’t know or where to start on your self-care journey? We have got you covered!
We have specially handcrafted a Soothing Foot Oil and paired it with Kansa Bowl which is an Ayurvedic Reflexology Tool to help you get started on your self-care journey.
Grab Elok Healing Duo and gain all the wonderful benefits of Pada Abhyanga daily.