The relationship between summer and Abhyanga in Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic terms, summer is the season of Pitta dosha , which is dominated by the qualities of heat, intensity, and fire. This affects us not only on a physical level, but also on an emotional level. The body is prone to overheating, irritation, and inflammatory processes. We may get frequent headaches and become much more irritable.

The Abhyanga, i.e., self-massage with warm oil, can be especially important during the summer, but in a different way than in the winter. In this case, it is not so much about increasing the warmth, but rather to cool, calm, and create balance.

During summer Abhyanga, it is worth using oils with a cooling effect, such as:

• Coconut oil – cools, nourishes the skin, relieves Pitta excess
• Base oil mixed with sandalwood or rose essential oil – calms the mind and nervous system

Let's see the benefits of using cooling oils during Abhyanga:

1. Cooling and soothing

Pitta oil usually contains ingredients such as sandalwood, vetiver, false daisy, and neem, which have cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Sandalwood or rose essential oil has a calming effect.

These oils help reduce overheating, mental stress, anger, and irritability.

2. Nourishes the skin

Deeply moisturizes and softens the skin, especially if it is dry, sensitive or excessively red. Relieves skin symptoms caused by excessive heat (e.g. rashes, redness).

3. Detoxifies the body

Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga) supports lymphatic circulation, thus helping to flush toxins (ama) from the body.

4. Improves circulation

It improves blood flow, thereby enhancing nutrient delivery and overall fitness.

When you feel like you can't get a massage from a therapist, don't neglect your body and soul, so we recommend a self-massage that you can do at home for the hot summer days.

Cooling self-massage at home in the summer heat

We recommend that you take time several times a week for self-massage, which helps calm emotions fueled by Pitta, reduces skin sensitivity, and supports a balanced nervous system – especially on hot, summer days.

Create a calm environment around yourself so that not only your soul but also your body can refresh in the 15-30 minutes you spend on yourself.

Find a towel, sheet, or yoga mat that you don't mind getting oily.

Choose a base oil (at least 10 ml), which can be coconut oil (this is good for cooling), or a neutral sunflower oil, into which you can add 1-2 drops of essential oil (rose or sandalwood or lavender, but it can also be jasmine)

Warm the oil, then add the essential oil drops and start massaging the oil.

Start with your head first (of course your hair will be oily). Spend a little more time massaging your forehead and temples.

Then comes the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Then, massage your chest and abdomen with gentle, circular movements.

Don't forget your back either. Don't force it, just massage as much as you can.

Then come the legs, knees, ankles, and finally the soles, which we tend to forget about, even though they play a very important role.

Then make yourself comfortable, listen to light, soft, meditative music, and focus on your breathing while the oil is absorbed into your skin. This shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes.

Then either shower with lukewarm water and natural soap, or simply blot up the excess oil with a cloth diaper or paper towel.

Finish the ritual by drinking a lukewarm rosewater lemonade, but even mint and lemonade will do.

If you've done this much for yourself, choose a seasonal light meal when you're hungry.

You can incorporate this routine into your weekly routine. Believe me, not only your skin, but also your body will be grateful for it. Not to mention your environment, as you will be less irritable.

If you've tried it, we'd love it if you shared your experiences below our post.