Ayurveda is much more than a branch of medicine; it’s a 5,000-year-old holistic system of healing that originated in India and has since spread across the globe. At its heart lies the concept of Doshas—the life energies that shape every aspect of our being.

In Ayurveda, understanding your Dosha is key to unlocking a harmonious life. These energies not only influence how we eat, sleep, and move but also reveal our unique strengths and vulnerabilities. By keeping these energies balanced, you can achieve a state of well-being where mind, body, and spirit work together in harmony.

Knowing your Dosha empowers you to make mindful choices about your diet, exercise, and daily routines. It’s about living in alignment with your natural rhythm to maintain balance, avoid imbalance, and feel your absolute best.

It is better to entrust the determination of Dosha according to Ayurveda to a specialist, although to begin with you can study the theoretical information and take a test to determine your Dosha type.

Once you have identified your Dosha, choose the right massage oils.

Here are some of the best oils for each Dosha:

Vata — almond oil & sesame oil,

Pitta — olive oil & coconut oil,

Kapha — grape seed oil & sunflower oil.

When massaging oils into the skin, it’s best to choose organic, cold-pressed oils. Why? Because the skin absorbs nutrients faster than the digestive system, making this a super-efficient way to nourish your body.

To start, set the scene in your bathroom. Fill the tub with warm water up to your ankles—this helps keep your body warm during the massage. Next, gently warm the oil. Pour about a quarter cup into a glass bottle, then place it in a bowl of boiling water until it’s pleasantly warm. Have a soft terry towel ready for drying off post-bath.

Ayurvedic oil massage uses both your palms and fingertips. For areas like the chest, abdomen, buttocks, and joints, use circular finger motions. For the arms and legs, glide your palms in up-and-down movements. Once finished, let the oil soak in for about 30 minutes. If you can, wrap yourself in plastic wrap and snuggle under a warm blanket for extra nourishment.

Finally, take a hot bath or shower. The heat opens your pores, allowing the oils to penetrate deeply into your tissues.

Prefer a professional massage? Be sure to ask your therapist to use oils suited to your Dosha for a truly personalized experience.