Abhyangasnan: Significance and Benefits of Doing
Cleanse, relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and senses this Gudi Padwa with an Abhyangasnan with Parama Naturals oils.
It is amazing how our ancient sages incorporated everything that benefits the complete health of an individual into sacred rituals to be performed on auspicious days and festivals. Abhyangasnan or an oil bath is one such ritual associated with Gudi Padwa and Ugadi.
Also celebrated as Chheti Chand, Chitra Navratri, Ugadi, Sajibu Nongma Panba, Navreh etc. in different regions of India, Gudi Padwa is an important festival for the people of Maharashtra and the Konkan region. Celebrated on the first day of Chaitra month in the Hindu lunar calendar, Gudi Padwa essentially signifies the beginning of a new year and of Spring season.
Gudi Padwa festivities begin with a sacred oil bath or the Abhyangasnan as per Ayurveda. Spiritually, it signifies fresh and new beginnings, and also removal of all that is evil from our lives.
Shop now Parama Naturals' Abhyanga Snan Collection
At the physical level, the Abhyangasnan entails massaging the whole body with an oil and following it up with a bath using a traditional utana or ubtan after a minimum gap of 30 minutes to let the oil be absorbed into the skin.
Benefits of Abhyangasnan
The Abhyangasnan is said to decrease the Tamas and Rajas gunas, increase the Satva gunas(qualities) within us and balance the Tridoshas(Vata, Kapha and Pitta). Other benefits include:
- Cleanses and exfoliates the toxins and dead skin cells from the skin surface.
- Moisturizes the skin to make it smooth, supple, blemish-free, elastic and youthful.
- It invigorates the body by relaxing and strengthening the muscles.
- Lubricates the joints and strengthens the bones.
- Stimulates the nerves thereby calming and relaxing our body.
- Stimulates the lymphatic system that is responsible for removal of toxins in the body.
- A head massage keeps all hair- and scalp-related issues at bay.
- Re-energizes and reinvigorates your body and mind.
- Helps induce a deep and relaxing sleep.
- Improves digestion and appetite.
- Parama Naturals' oils Zingiber Foot and Body Massage Oil is the perfect blend of Zingiber(anti-inflammatory, re-energizing and circulation boosting), Turmeric(anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial) and cold-pressed Sesame Oil(deep-penetrating and mineral-rich) for an indulgent, luxurious self-pampering ritual oil bath. On days when you don't have the luxury of a long, ritualistic oil bath, use the Parama Naturals Zingiber Foot and Body Massage Oil or the Moisturizing Face and Body Oil post bath to get the same benefits.
- Post massage, use Parama Naturals' Enriching Exfoliator Face and Body Scrub Utana or Ubtan with the goodness of ingredients like masoor, manjishtha, chandan, vetiver and more to cleanse, exfoliate and polish your skin followed by a lukewarm shower with Parama Naturals' cold-processed Turmeric soap.
- Complete the abyangasnan ritual by moisturizing your skin with Parama Naturals Turmeric Face and Body Oil or Lavender-Turmeric Moisturizing Hand and Body oil.
You're all set for donning festive wear and the day-long celebrations of the new year starting with the rangoli, doing the floral decorations, tying the Gudi, and last but not the least, cooking and eating delicacies. A very interesting aspect is the ritualistic prasad of the neem flowers and jaggery chutney. This is intended to balance the internal body systems, to introduce people to the various tastes and build immunity. It is commonly believed that it signifies the importance of the bitter and sweet, the sorrows and joys, the rough and the smooth in the journey of life.
Make Abhyangasnan a part of your skincare and body care ritual. Give yourself a spa treatment at home as a weekly or fortnightly routine and soak in the benefits of this Ayurvedic treatment in the comfort of your home with Parama Naturals Products.
Here's wishing you and your loved ones happy celebrations and a healthy new year.