Ayurveda encourages appropriate oiling of the body parts. This needs to be practiced on an everyday basis.
The main reason behind this is that applying and massaging oil onto the body is believed to be a good manner of rendering nourishing and suppleness to both the muscles and the tissues of the body.
Oiling of the body has been compared in the ancient text along with rubbing oil onto a piece of leather—which in turn makes it firm, flexible and long lasting. Similarly, there is the example of pouring oil over the axis of the wheel.
Merits of Oiling the Body
Some of these significant benefits are:
- Customary oiling and massage of the body tends to settle down the aggravated vatta dosha or the air body humor. This helps to balance the humor and shield it from a wide variety of ailments.
- It has been specified in Ayurveda text that the process of oiling the body is good for promoting general health and tends to enhance the vital power of the physical body.
- Oiling renders relaxation to the mind and the central nervous system.
- When oiling of the body is undertaken habitually, this simple practice lays down the foundation of a strong immune system.
Three Processes of Oiling Necessary for the Body
According to Ayurveda therapeutic science, although oil may be applied onto the complete body for the purpose of general massage therapy, there are three particular body parts that need to be oiled every single day. These are the scalp, ears, and soles of the feet.
Smearing the Head with Oil: When you aptly tend to apply oil onto your head (scalp and hair), it helps the body to stay clear of many ailments, such as headaches, hair loss and untimely graying of the hair, anxiety, and insomnia.
Ayurveda recommends this habitual oil massage on the scalp for owning as well as maintaining healthy hair, as well as imparting natural glow to your face. Furthermore, this process of oiling the scalp frequently is believed to be a nourishing endeavor for the bodily senses. All the more, this leaves a soothing and calming effect onto the brain.
Oil Application on the Ears: In addition to applying oil onto the scalp, Ayurveda recommends oil application on the ears. For this purpose, oil may be rubbed inside the ear cavity with soft finger strokes, and massaged into the external ear and its skin circumference.
This practice of oiling of the ears is believed to be vatta balancing. In addition, this simple technique could save you from a number of hearing maladies.
Oil Massage of Soles of the Feet: Regular massage of the soles of the feet is another practice that has been emphasized, owing to the virtues it bestows. This deed highly amicable for the healthy conditions of the feet—saving them from cracking, numbness, twitching, and stiffness.
There are more virtues that Ayurveda acknowledges. It has been believed that this practice of oiling and regular massage of the feet tends to result in a sound and relaxed sleep. This is also greatly favorable for maintaining as well as enhancing the eye vision.
Ayurveda Commends Oil Gargles
Gargles with oil, or filling the mouth with oil, are highly beneficial for the natural health of the oral cavity. This aids in strengthening the jaws, imparts sweetness to the voice tone, as well as has a cleansing effect on the tongue.
This process is suggested to be undertaken frequently as this strengthens the teeth and the gums, saving from so many dental ailments.
Dr. Sonica Krishan is an Ayurveda and Natural Lifestyle Consultant, freelance health writer, and book author based in Chandigarh, India. She has authored the natural home cure books Herbal Healers and Home Remedies, and is presently writing for national and international publications. She may be contacted at drsonica@herboveda.co.in or visit www.herboveda.co.in.
