Ayurveda heals us with one principle in mind: as above, so below, as without, so within. The Ayurvedic sciences draw parallels between nature and humans, believing us to be interconnected and one entity. Ayurveda also believes that a person can be called health only when they are emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally healthy, i.e. their Doshas are balanced. All Ayurvedic formulations are made keeping in mind the 3 doshas, (Vatta, Pitta and Kapaha) and how we can balance them with nature’s help. Radhika Iyer, Entrepreneur and Founder of Anahata Organics and Raa Foundation, Yogini, Mountaineer and Philanthropist shares insights on Ayurvedic oils.
The use of oils in Ayurveda evolved more than 10,000 years ago. They were first mentioned in the Charaka Samhita, the primary reference text in Ayurveda, and they are widely used to this day because of their effectiveness and no rush benefits. Ayurvedic oils are made by adding holistic healing herbs such as turmeric, tulsi, brahmi and rosemary to a carrier oil such as coconut oil, almond oil and castor oil.
The best way to use Ayurvedic oils is to massage them into your skin. You can use the technique of Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic method of self-massage to heal the body and the mind and practice self-love. This allows for deep tissue penetration and the body can then heal through the medicinal herbs. Oils are used as nourishers and emulsifying agents to bring nature’s gifts to us. Once applied on the skin or scalp, these oils fertilise our biome and help balance our doshas.
The concept of self-care and listening to one’s own body is an Ayurvedic insight. Ayurveda says that your body knows when it is out of balance and what it needs or lacks. Listed below is an oil for each doshas with their respective health benefits. After a consultation with a professional, understand your dominant dosha and select what you need.
Vata Dosha
Sesame oil is highly beneficial in balancing vata dosha properties. It helps better the flow of Prana and through the body and strengthens the Ojas levels (energy behind the immune system). You can pair this oil with wheatgerm.
Pitta Dosha
For Pitta Dosha, you can use Coconut oil or Brahmi oil. Coconut oil acts as a coolant and helps balance the pitta in the body. Brahmi oil helps calm and balance the mind. You can pair coconut oil with frankincense.
Kapha Dosha
Mustard oil and/or castor oil are ideal for Kapha Dosha. Ayurveda recommends warm oils for the Kapha Dosha such as the one mentioned above. People with Kapha Dosha should practice abhyanga lesser than those with Vata or Pitta Dosha.
Ayurvedic oils promote better sleep, hair, skin and most importantly, a calm mind. When our mind is rested, our body heals. This is the true importance of using naturally made Ayurvedic oils.
