Abhyanga Oil
Padabhyanga Oil
Padabhyanga is the Ayurvedic foot massage, kept for the last quiet minutes of the evening. This is its oil: eight plant oils carrying Haritaki, rose and gentle warming spices, composed for the feet and for the end of the day.
Ingredients
Sesamum indicum Seed Oil, Cocos nucifera Oil, Helianthus annuus Seed Oil, Olea europaea Fruit Oil, Vitis vinifera Seed Oil, Ricinus communis Seed Oil, Persea gratissima Oil, Simmondsia chinensis Seed Oil, Terminalia chebula Fruit Extract*, Asparagus racemosus Root Extract*, Rubia cordifolia Root Extract*, Rosa damascena Flower Extract*, Glycyrrhiza glabra Root Extract*, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Bark Extract*, Elettaria cardamomum Seed Extract*, Zingiber officinale Rhizome Extract*, Syzygium aromaticum Bud Extract*, Melaleuca alternifolia Leaf Oil, Mentha piperita Oil, Cymbopogon citratus Oil, Cinnamomum camphora Oil. *Infused in carrier oil base. Contains sesame.
How to use
Warm a small amount and massage into both feet in slow circles: soles, heels, arches and toes. Ideally before bed, with cotton socks overnight. Mind smooth floors directly after use.
Padabhyanga Oil
The evening ritual
The classical daily routine gives the feet their own oiling, separate from the body. The Ashtanga Hridayam counts it among the practices of Dinacharya, and the habit has survived because it is simple and it works on the whole evening: warm oil, both feet, slow circles over the soles with the thumbs, heels, arches and each toe in turn. A few unhurried minutes before bed, cotton socks over the top, and the day is closed. The soles of the feet are dense with marma points, which is why the tradition treats this small massage with such respect.
An oil composed for the feet
Feet ask more of an oil than most skin: it must soften hard-worked soles yet absorb without leaving a slick. Eight plant oils form the base, sesame and coconut among them, alongside olive, avocado and jojoba. Into this go Haritaki, one of the three fruits of Triphala, with Shatavari, Manjistha, rose and liquorice root, and a gentle warmth of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and clove. Peppermint and lemongrass keep the finish fresh. Used regularly it leaves the feet soft, smooth and cared for.
Good to know
Mind smooth floors directly after use. Contains sesame and natural essential oils, so it is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. A patch test is sensible for sensitive skin.
For external use only. Not a substitute for professional advice.
Benefits
- Classical oil for Padabhyanga, the Ayurvedic evening foot massage
- Eight plant oils with Haritaki, Shatavari, Manjistha and rose
- Gentle warmth of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and clove
- Leaves hard-working feet soft, smooth and cared for
- The quiet closing ritual of Dinacharya, before sleep
Classical reference
Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana (Dinacharya)
