Notice how your skin feels like parchment in winter? Your body is asking for something it can't get from lotion and creams.
Whether you live in the cold north, like I do in Buffalo, New York, or winter means you now need long pants (hello Miami and San Diego friends!), the winter weather signals that more care is needed.
Winter makes you dry. Not just your skin. The cold wind can rattle your nerves, scattering your thoughts. Everything gets brittle when it's cold and windy outside.
Ayurveda has a simple answer: abhyanga. It's self-massage with warm oil. Nothing fancy. Just oil, warmth, and your own hands. It can be as short as 5 minutes or longer, such as 15 minutes if you’d like.
Here's How It Works
Pour a small amount of almond oil into a container. Set the container in a bowl of hot water to warm it up.
Massage your face, neck, torso, arms, legs. Or just your face and hands if that's all you have time for. Use long strokes and a gentle touch.
You don't need to leave the oil on overnight. Towel off well or shower afterward. The benefit comes from the oil massage itself, not from saturating your skin.
Then, repeat tomorrow. Abhyanga is a daily practice, which may seem idealistic, but once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your routine.
What This Does for You
The gentle pressure increases circulation and blood flow, especially welcome to cold extremities. The warmth penetrates deep. The oil nourishes dry winter skin better than any cream can.
But here's what you'll notice most: it grounds you. Your racing thoughts slow down. Your rollercoaster emotions settle. You feel like yourself again instead of scattered in different directions.
Think of it like resetting your nervous system. You're literally touching every part of your body with warmth and intention. Your body recognizes that as safety.
When to Do This
Before bed is ideal. The calming effect prepares you for deep sleep. But morning works too.
Even five minutes makes a difference. Your feet only? Still worth it. Your hands and face? Yes.
Consistency matters more than duration.
Why Oil Instead of Lotion
Ayurveda prefers oil because it penetrates deeper. Lotions and creams sit on the surface. Oil feeds the tissue layers underneath.
Your winter-dry skin will drink it in.
If you've been feeling scattered, anxious, or disconnected from your body, try this. Winter asks us to slow down and nourish ourselves. Abhyanga is how you answer that request.
Your body wants to heal. Ask, listen, and take action.