Simple Autumn Oil Practices

As we transition from summer to autumn, it's a good idea to sync & align our lifestyle and routines with the rhythms of the approaching season to optimize our health and well-being.  Summertime is Pitta time--hot, humid and intense.  Autumn is Vata time--sometimes cold, sometimes hot and always dry.  The dry weather of fall and winter enters the body through the skin, ears, nose, lips and genitals so we want to lubricate these openings to keep them soft and supple.

Skin

Abhyanga is a self-massage with sesame, coconut or dosha-specific herbalized oil that pacifies the nervous system, builds a strong immune system, maintains the skins suppleness, lubricates the skin and joints, stimulates the release of toxins from the cells, improves circulation.  

Start with the crown of your head and move in circular strokes.  Massage the scalp with finger tips and then move down to the neck and shoulders.  Using the palm, use up and down stokes over the long bones and circular motions around the joints.  Include your hands and fingers.  Chest and abdomen is done with soft circular motion over the heart.  Funnel strokes over the breast.  One the abdomen, you want to be in sync with the digestive system so move from lower right part of the belly and go clockwise.  Back and spine can be difficult to reach, but do the best you can especially over the kidney area.  Move to legs using long strokes over thighs and calves and circular motions on knees and joints of hip.  

Abhyanga is also about self-love, so one day it occurred to me to acknowledge gratitude to different body parts.  So as you are applying the oil to different body parts, acknowledge them with something like, "I'm grateful for my arms, my legs, fingers, toes, heart, liver, etc..whatever feels natural to you. 

Ears

Ayurveda recommends applying drops of warm sesame oil or herbal ear oil into each ear at bedtime once every two weeks.  AromaBliss makes a very nice ear oil with sesame, clove and neem essential oils that I recommend.  Lay down with ear facing upwards.  Drop 5-10 drops of warm oil into ear well while you relax and breath deeply.  Switch sides.  Warm the oil by dropping the bottle in a sink of hot water for 5 minutes prior, just be sure to check the oil temperature before applying.  This practice can be good for TMJ, tinnitus, earwax and hearing loss.  Never put the oil in the ear when there are signs of infection or discharge. 

Eyes

If you have dry eyes, lie on your back, face up, and put one drop of castor oil or organic ghee in each eye at bedtime.  In the morning your eyes will be moist, beautiful and clear.

Mouth

Every night before going to bed swish a mouthful of sesame oil around your mouth and hold it for 1-2 minutes, then expel it.  Then apply some oil to your index finger and gently massage your gums.  It's very good for receding gums and sensitive teeth and prevents cavities and earaches.

Nose

The process of applying oil to the nostrils is called nasaya.  Nasaya is great for sinus congestion, dry eyes, neck stiffness, headaches and also reduces snoring.  Here's how you do it:  Lie on your back, face up, with a pillow propping your shoulders and your head tilted back so your nostrils are facing the ceiling.  Put 3-5 drops of medicated nasal oil in each nostril.  Rest in this position for one minute.