Ayurvedic medicine treats the whole person, and consequently employs a variety of curative and palliative treatments. Perhaps the most enjoyable of the ayurvedic treatments are the Oil massage and relaxation treatments for which Ayurveda has become famous worldwide. Ayurvedic massage treatment, or snehana, is one of the five methods included within the panchakarma methodology. Ayurvedic Oil Massages will often include the use of oils and incense and are specifically designed for each patient and the particular relationship currently existing between their vikruti (current physiological and psychological state) and their prakruti (natural/balanced physiological and psychological state), thus no two massages will be the same. Ayurveda has identified and designed several oils for the needs of each of these specific circumstances. Though there are potentially innumerable types of ayurvedic oils, here we will discuss only a few of the principal types.

For the head:

Brahmi Oil: This oil is effective in cooling pitta, it helps ease tension in your mind, bringing clarity, and added concentration. It has proven effective in treating insomnia, anxiety, and nervousness, and is especially recommended for those who work in stressful environments or are required to use computers or read for long hours. It is best to apply by a gentle head massage before bed to help sleep.

Bringaraja Amalaki Oil: Bhringaraj is known as “the ruler of the hair”, and Amalaki as “the nurse” for its general maternal healing properties. This combination is a popular oil perfectly suited for long term use by application to the head before bathing. It promotes hair growth, and is good for one’s complexion, for the drawing out of toxins, and reducing inflammation. It also has cooling and calmative effects which help induce a natural sleep.

Shirodara Oil: This oil is tridoshic, meaning that it helps to balance all three doshas, and is made from a combination of ayurvedic herbs specifically designed for Shridohara, a traditional ayurvedic treatment involving gently pouring oil on the forehead to bring about relaxation and well-being. This treatment is known to alleviate stress and anxiety, cool and calm the mind, and cure insomnia and migraines.

For the muscles:

Ashwaghanda Oil: This oil is a unique combination of ashwagandha, sesame oil, and white sandalwood. Ashwaghanda is the best rejuvenative herb, particularly for the muscles, bone marrow, and semen, and Vata constitutions. This makes it ideal for sore, overworked, underdeveloped muscles, and generally for weakness and nervous exhaustion. In addition, Sesame contains large amounts of Vitamins E and B6, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, and zinc, as well as the natural preservatives Sesamol and Sesamin, which preserve its polyunsaturated fatty acids making it suitable for long term storage.

Mahanarayana Oil: This oil is made from a combination of over 50 ayurvedic herbs and is used for conditions including joint and muscle pain, backache, headache, arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and gout, as well as soothing respiratory troubles and enhancing sexual desire. It is generally held to bring balance to the Vata dosh. As vata governs such emotions as fear, nervousness, and anxiety, in people with a high vata vikruti it can help to relieve these conditions. In such cases it is generally applied before bedtime and left overnight.

For the skin:

Kumkumadi Oil: This is a unique blend of 16 different ayurvedic herbs, including vetiver, lotus, extracts of Banyan tree, Indian madder, licorice, and most importantly the rare saffron. This combination helps to revitalize skin texture and tension, nourishing it and removing wrinkles and discoloration. It is effective in the treatment of acne, dark spots, skin cracks, and especially dark circles under the eyes.

Yashtimadu Oil: This oil is a blend of licorice root and leaves in a sesame oil substrate. It is an ancient ayurvedic treatments used to heal the skin and small wounds, and enhance complexion. It nourishes and gives luster to the skin, opens pores, relieves dryness, inflammations, and minor lesions. Due to the natural preservatives found in sesame oil and the mild nature of this blend it is ideal for long term use.