Ayurveda teaches us the art of healing through the five senses: and healing through touch is a pillar of this ancient healing system. Some view our skin like our nervous system turned inside out. Others say that our skin functions like our second brain. It interprets every experience for us, every emotion.

Skin is not superficial - it is more than meets the eye. It is the largest organ, and is connected to every other system of the body. Skin cells are in constant communication with our whole body. Our skin has the most complex network of nerves in the whole body: It has 600,000+ sensory receptors that link directly to the brain and the entire nervous system. Every inch of your skin contains nine feet of blood vessels and 9,000 nerve endings. We have a huge opportunity and responsibility to maintain our inner health through the art of touching the skin.

When we experience massage or therapeutic touch, our stress levels decline, circulation improves, lymph moves, and our body releases health-promoting hormones.

Anointing the body with richly scented oils is one of the most sacred ancient rituals of humankind. The Sanskrit word sneha means both “oil” and “love”. Thus, when we give oil to the body, we give it love. And if we are lacking love in our lives, we can bring it with oil. Oils give the body a protective barrier, maintaining skin’s pH level, boosting immunity, insulating the electrical nerve impulses in your skin. Oil protects skin against bacteria, viruses, and other environmental attacks.

This all brings us to beautiful concept of Abhyanga,or self-oil massage. To ensure you are reaching your daily “touch” quotient, perform this daily ritual at home, either in the morning or before bed:

Use an oil appropriate to your dosha, the season, or use our Tridoshic oil, for all types. Use a light but firm touch- we are not targeting the muscles with this self-massage, as much as we are targeting the subtle energy channels (the marma points and the nadis). The marma points in the body are seen as portals, where the physical body meets the mind. On joints and the belly, move your hands in a clockwise circular motion. On limbs, stroke in an up-and-down motion to create friction. On hands, feet, neck and face, stroke in an upward direction only.

Oils to support your at-home Abhyanga practice:

Treat yourself to the ancient ritual of Abhyanga, Sanskrit for "oil massage," with this all-purpose Ayurvedic body oil. Formulated to balance all skin types in all seasons and climates, this oil provides stability and warmth while giving the skin a dose of essential fatty acids and vital, hormone-balancing nutrients.

Our luxurious Vata • Nourish • Body Oil is ideal for Vata-dominant types with dry skin, or anyone living in a dry climate. This oil has warming and grounding properties, and is perfect for any dosha in the fall and winter seasons. These organic plant extracts supply the skin with antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids, which boost collagen and tone skin, giving a vibrant glow. Adaptogenic Ashwagandha protects skin from daily stress.

Our Toning Body Oil is a stimulating blend of ingredients designed to reduce the appearance of cellulite, arthritis, varicose veins, and other swollen conditions. The oil detoxifies and dissolves accumulations of fluid and toxins in the lymphatic system, which, according to Ayurvedic wisdom, causes cellulite and arthritis. Use this oil twice a day to help regulate the functioning and circulation of the lymphatic system.

Our Muscle + Joint Body Oil uses natural plant anesthetics to counter joint and muscle pain. It supports and strengthens the muscles and joints while clearing stagnant energy. Spiritually, basil, camphor and clove work synergistically to increase prana flow in the body - awakening perception and bringing harmony to the mind, body and spirit.