Abhyanga or Udvartana. What Does Your Body Need This Monsoon?

🌿 Abhyanga – When Your Body Needs Nourishment

Abhyanga is a body massage done with oil. Traditionally, warm oil is gently massaged over the body.

It may be a good choice when you experience:

• Dry or rough skin
• Stiff joints or muscles
• Tightness in the body
• Physical tiredness
• Mental tiredness or stress
• A feeling of dryness

The oil helps moisturise the skin, while the massage can feel relaxing and soothing. It can be especially comforting when your body feels dry, tired or stiff.

Abhyanga is traditionally associated with Vata qualities, such as dryness, roughness and stiffness.

🌿 An easy way to understand it

Think about the difference between a dry-weather climate and a humid-weather climate.

In a dry climate, the skin may become dry, rough and uncomfortable. In such a situation, a nourishing oil massage like Abhyanga may feel more suitable.

In a humid climate, there may be more sweating, sticky skin and a feeling of heaviness. In such a situation, a dry powder massage like Udvartana may feel more refreshing.

This does not mean that everyone living in a dry climate should choose Abhyanga or everyone living in a humid climate should choose Udvartana.

Your skin type, body condition, season and personal comfort should always be considered.

The simple idea is:

Dry environment + dry skin → more nourishment may be helpful.

Humid environment + oily/sticky skin → a refreshing powder massage may feel better.

🌾 Udvartana – When You Feel Heavy and Sluggish

Udvartana is a traditional dry powder massage. Herbal powders or flour-like preparations are gently rubbed over the body.

It may be suitable when you experience:

• A feeling of heaviness

• Sluggishness

• Oily or sticky skin

• Excess sweating

• Low energy

• A desire for gentle exfoliation

• A need for a fresh and clean feeling

The rubbing action can help remove dead skin from the surface and leave the skin feeling cleaner, smoother and refreshed.

Udvartana is traditionally associated with reducing qualities such as heaviness and oiliness.

🌾 Simple Home Udvartana with Besan

You don't always need expensive products for a simple powder massage.

Besan (chickpea flour) can be an easy option for a simple home routine.

How to use it:

Take some besan in a bowl.

Add a little water and make a smooth paste.

If your skin feels dry, add a little milk to make the paste softer.

Apply it gently over your body.

Massage gently in upward strokes.

Do not rub too hard.

Rinse with lukewarm water.

Pat your skin dry gently.

The aim is to make your skin feel clean and refreshed, not dry or irritated.

If your skin is very sensitive, irritated or damaged, avoid vigorous rubbing.

🌧️ Why Should We Change Our Routine?

The same weather does not affect everyone in the same way.

One person may say:

“My skin is dry, my body feels stiff and I feel tired.”

For them, a nourishing oil massage may feel more comfortable.

Another person may say:

“I feel sweaty, sticky, heavy and sluggish.”

For them, a dry powder massage may feel more refreshing.

This is why Ayurveda focuses on individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all routine.

Listen to Your Body

Ayurveda gives us a simple message: listen to your body and adapt your routine.

You don't have to follow the same practice every day or throughout the year. Your needs can change with the season, climate, lifestyle and condition of your skin and body.

So before choosing a massage, ask yourself:

“Does my body need nourishment or refreshing?”

Dry + Stiff + Tired → Abhyanga 🌿

Heavy + Oily + Sluggish → Udvartana 🌾

The aim is not to follow a trend. The aim is to understand your body and choose a routine that makes you feel comfortable, refreshed and cared for.

 EXAMPLES-

For children with dry skin and poor sleep may be given gentle Abhyanga .

Pregnant women with mild muscular discomfort may be given gentle Abhyanga under professional supervision. 

Active psoriasis should not undergo with vigorous ABHYANGA or UDVARTANA.

Old person with obesity , sedentary lifestyle and feeling of heaviness may be considered for UDVARTANA.