Abhyanga- an Evening Self-Care Ritual 🌙✨
As the day comes to a close, this evening ritual offers a chance to restore your body and prepare for deep, rejuvenating sleep. Before beginning, complete any screen-related responsibilities and do your best to remain screen-free with low, calming lighting until breakfast the following morning. Your nervous system will thank you.
1. Warm Oil
Gently warm 3 tablespoons of body oil on the stove in a small pan, or place the bottle in an oil warmer in the bathroom. The warmth awakens the oil’s healing qualities and helps it penetrate deeply into the skin.
2. Dry Brush
Using a dry brush or exfoliating gloves, brush your entire body from head to toe in light, circular movements. Spend extra time around the lymph nodes—groins, belly, armpits, and neck.
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in balancing fluids, flushing toxins, and fueling the immune system. A gentle brushing practice stimulates this system and it’s ability to cleanse the body.
3. Warm Oil Massage (Abhyanga)
After brushing, your skin is primed to drink in nourishment. Massage the warmed oil into your body from head to toe, using long strokes on the limbs and circular motions around the joints and belly. Let this practice increase circulation, radiance, and a sense of grounding.
Wrap yourself in an old towel, allowing the oil to soak in for at least 15 minutes.
4. Bath
Draw a warm bath, light candles, and soak in the glow of your own self-tending. The warmth of the water opens the pores and allows the oil to seep deeper into your skin.
5. Sleep
Aim for a 9 PM bedtime. It may feel early at first, but remember: we are synchronizing with the rhythms of Mother Nature, not the modern world’s agenda. Given the chance, your animal body will naturally fall into step with the cycles of the sun and moon.
If sleep doesn’t come easily, don’t worry. Stay calm, and keep boundaries around screens and bright lights. Instead, try deep breathing, gazing at the moon, candlelight meditation, or chanting a mantra. Even simply resting in darkness at this hour gently resets your circadian rhythm.
🌿 By honoring this evening ritual, you are teaching your body to unwind, replenish, and align with the natural world. Over time, these rhythms will carry you into deeper rest and more vibrant days.
