05/23/2026
I still remember when Dr Sheena taught us that another word for snigha (oil/oleation) means love.
The entire practice of abhyangha (self applied oil massage) took on a whole different meaning. Oil application became more than just a practice or something cosmetic.
It became nourishment, warmth, softness, care… an applied loving kindness ritual I do daily.
And in a world that is bombarding us with messages to critique, fix, tighten, reverse or fight with our skin… there is something really healing and radical about approaching our skin and bodies with gentleness.
PS this phot was taken immediately after mukha abyangha (facial oil massage). No makeup, no fancy lighting (unless the sometimes harsh bathroom lights count 🤔), no AI and no shower. Literally just the face massage with oil.
And I do this twice a day with different oils. It is one of my favorite parts of my sadhana.
Applying oil to the skin can be an act of love. And if that isn’t beauty, I’m not sure what is.
More to explore with this topic in the next Embodying Ayurveda workshop.