✨ From Winter Blues to Warmth: My Abhyanga Story 🌨
How Abhyanga Helped Me Beat the Winter Blues
Winter is Kapha Season - which is heavy, slow, damp, and cool
Lately, I was feeling a little low, wrapped up in the winter blues. The days felt shorter, my energy was sluggish, and I just wanted to feel more grounded and cared for. That’s when I remembered a simple Ayurvedic practice that always brings me back to myself: Abhyanga, or self-oil massage.
One morning, I decided to try it. I lit a soft candle, poured some warm sesame oil into my hands, and started to smother it over my body. The warmth of the oil, the gentle strokes, and the slow, intentional touch immediately made me feel… lighter. My body felt nourished, my mind became calm, and I felt myself again.
Abhyanga is a centuries old practice, used to nourish the body and the mind.
Abhyanga, or Ayurvedic oil massage, has been practiced for thousands of years in India as a cornerstone of daily self-care. Rooted in the ancient science of Ayurveda, it was traditionally used to nourish the body, calm the mind, and balance the doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ancient texts describe Abhyanga as a practice not just for physical health, but for emotional well-being, longevity, and spiritual grounding. It was considered a sacred ritual, often performed daily, to keep the body warm, strong, and resilient against seasonal changes.
Why I love Abhyanga during winter
Winter brings a lot of Vata qualities: dryness, cold, restlessness, and sometimes even a little sadness. Abhyanga is like a hug for your whole system:
Warms the body and keeps joints flexible
Moisturizes dry winter skin
Calms the mind and eases anxiety
Supports better sleep
Boosts circulation and immunity
Even a few minutes can make a big difference, especially during these colder months when our bodies crave extra care.
How I Do It (Simple & Gentle)
You don’t need fancy oils or a spa — just a few mindful minutes:
Choose your oil: I use warm sesame oil in winter to stay grounded and nourished. Almond or sunflower oil also works beautifully.
Warm it up: I place my oil bottle in a cup of warm water so it feels comforting on my skin.
Start with head & feet: I massage my scalp and feet first, slowly and intentionally.
Massage the rest of the body: Long strokes on my arms and legs, circular motions on joints. I breathe deeply as I go. All strokes towards the heart.
Let it sit: I pause for 5–15 minutes and just enjoy the sensation.
Rinse gently: A warm shower, minimal soap, letting my skin keep that nourishing feeling.
Even doing this 3–4 times a week during winter makes me feel more grounded, calm, and connected to myself.
A Small Winter Ritual with Big Impact
Abhyanga has become my little winter ritual — a moment to pause, to care for my body, and to remind myself that I am deserving of warmth and nourishment. It’s simple, accessible, and profoundly healing.
If you’ve been feeling the winter blues too, I encourage you to light a candle, warm some oil, and give yourself this small act of love. Your body and mind will thank you.
