How Winter Abhyanga Heals and Nourishes Your Body – Ayurveda Guide

Winter is not just a colder season, it’s a completely different physiological state for the body and skin.
If you’ve noticed that oiling feels more nourishing, more effective, and even more necessary in winter, there’s a reason for that.

Let’s understand why oiling behaves differently in winter, through both modern science and Ayurveda and how to do it the right way.

What Changes in Our Body During Winter?

From an Ayurvedic Perspective

Winter is dominated by cold, dry, and heavy qualities.
This leads to:

• Increased dryness in skin & joints
• Tight muscles and slower lymphatic flow
• Accumulation of toxins due to reduced movement

Ayurveda recommends Abhyanga (oil massage) in winter because oil:

• Counteracts dryness
• Improves circulation
• Keeps tissues supple and nourished

In winter, oil doesn’t just sit on the skin, it penetrates deeper.

Why Oiling Works Better in Winter (Not Summer)

That’s why the same oil feels magical in winter but overwhelming in summer.

Choosing the Right Oil for Winter

In winter, oils should be:

• Slightly warming
• Nourishing, not drying
• Rich in essential fatty acids

Good winter oils include:

• Sesame-based oils
• Herbal-infused oils
• Oils blended with basil, Ashwagandha , turmeric ,lavender, or warming botanicals

Why Choose Ohria’s Shrikamya Body Oil

Ohria’s Shrikamya Body Oil is an ideal winter oil because it combines a warming base of cold-pressed sesame oil with powerful Ayurvedic herbs that support skin health during colder months.

This beauty oil is a luxurious, herb-infused blend of:

• Cold-pressed sesame oil – naturally warming, deeply nourishing, and known in Ayurveda for strengthening the skin barrier in winter
• Kasturi Manjal – promotes brightness and healthy glow
• Parijat flower essential oil – encourages circulation and skin vitality

Regular winter massage with Shrikamya Body Oil not only nourishes the skin but also helps relax and support muscles, prevent winter-related sagging, and maintain softness when dryness is at its peak.

For those who prefer a classical Ayurvedic option, Dhanwantaram Oil is another excellent choice for winter. It is traditionally known for its warming nature, making it ideal for cold weather, muscle stiffness, and daily abhyanga during winter months.

 

Winter Massage Technique: Using a Kansa Wand 

Gentle stimulation works far better than aggressive massage in winter.

Why Kansa Tools Are Ideal in Winter

• Improve blood circulation without irritating skin
• Support lymphatic drainage
• Generate gentle warmth
• Help balance skin pH

How to Massage

Step 1: Warm the Shrikamya Body Oil
Use a few drops of warm oil, never cold oil in winter.

Step 2: Gentle Application
Apply oil with palms first. Let skin adjust for 30–60 seconds.

Step 3: Tool Massage

• Use slow, rhythmic strokes
• Avoid fast or harsh pressure
• Use upward stroked towards the heart

Step 4: Rest Time
Leave oil on for at least 20–30 minutes before cleansing.

✨ Winter massage is about calming and warming, not sculpting.

Dietary Tips That Make Oiling More Effective

External oiling works best when supported internally.

Add These in Winter:

• Healthy fats: ghee, coconut, sesame
• Roasted sesame seeds (white + black mix)
• Warm milk with spices
• Stews, soups, khichdi

Reduce:

• Excess cold foods
• Dry snacks
• Too much caffeine

When the body is nourished from within, skin holds oil better.

FAQs: Winter Oiling

1. Should I oil daily in winter?
Light oiling can be done daily. Deeper massage 2–3 times a week is ideal.

2. Is oiling good even for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes—when done lightly and with the right oil. Winter often reduces excess oil naturally.

3. Can I oil my face at night in winter?
Yes. Use only a few drops, massage gently, and leave it on overnight. Night oiling supports collagen health, and the natural healthy fats in oils help keep the skin firm, nourished, and protected during winter.

4. Do I need a tool, or are my hands enough?
Hands work very well. However, tools like a kansa face or head massage tool can enhance circulation with minimal effort—especially in cold weather. Slightly warm the tool by placing it in warm oil before using it on the skin.

5. Why does my skin glow more in winter oiling?
Better absorption + improved circulation + reduced moisture loss = natural glow.