Til Oil/Sesame Oil Massage Benefits for Abhyangam Therapy

Sesame oil, also known as til ka tail, is considered the best oil for abhyangam. This traditional Ayurvedic massage involves kneading the body with warm, nourishing oil. A simpler type of abhyangam is self-massage, which can be conducted at home or by visiting experienced therapists who offer abhyangam. 

A self-massage with hot oil is highly advised to keep the body lubricated and lively, particularly during the winter. Sesame massage oil's lekhaniya (anti-obesity and hypolipidemic) properties assist lean people in developing their muscles and obese individuals lose fat. 

Keep reading to know more about til oil massage benefits.

What is Abhyanga?

Abhyanga, a Sanskrit word, refers to full-body Ayurvedic massage or self-massage. It is claimed to soothe the mind, alleviate pain, and improve general fitness and well-being. Sesame oil is known as the traditional Abhyanga oil. Before rubbing the oil on one's body using this Ayurvedic method, it is often heated and blended with herbs. Because of its therapeutic properties, it is particularly effective in calming the bodies of patients with high Vata dosha levels. 

Ayurveda recognises three primary doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These elemental energies have an impact on our mental and physical states. Til oil massage benefits can help balance all three doshas. It is also said to relieve stress, increase sleep, and purify the body. This is one of the main reasons why it is also utilised for oil pulling. Whether you use it for Abhyanga or oil pulling, ensure it's 100% pure, cold pressed sesame oil.

Nutritional value of Sesame oil: 

Sesame oil has a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and natural beneficial components such as sesamin, sesamolin, and tocopherol. Sesame oil also contains vitamin K, omega-3 fatty acids, and lecithin. Below is the nutritional content of 100g of sesame oil. 

Nutrient	Value
Energy	884kcal
Total lipids	100g
Vitamin E	1.4mg
Vitamin K	13.6 µg
Fatty acids	14.2g
Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)	39.7g
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)	41.7g

Sesame oil/Til oil Full Body Massage Benefits

• Improves blood circulation
• Strengthens bones
• Relieves joint pain
• Moisturises skin
• Sesame oil can heal your skin
• Sesame oil is a natural sunscreen
• Anti-aging

Sesame or til oil, which is nourishing, relaxing, and warming, is one of the most popular Ayurvedic oils for self-massage. Ayurveda describes sesame seeds as sweet, spicy, astringent, and bitter, with a heating impact. It grows in a dry region and is thus advantageous when the dryness is excessive.

Its warm, oily properties might be especially beneficial for the vata dosha, which is prone to excessive dryness when out of balance. Sesame's heating properties can also be beneficial to kapha. However, you should be cautious in situations where excess kapha is also building and heavy. Some of the advantages of utilising sesame oil for this technique are: 

1. Improves blood circulation

Sesame or til oil is a very popular choice for massage because it has many nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, including copper, zinc, and calcium. The oil also helps to improve blood circulation in the body. Sesame oil may assist with the creation of red blood cells within your body.

2. Strengthens bones

Sesame oil has a good amount of zinc in it, and this element is known to improve bone mineral density. Therefore, sesame oil can enhance the quality of your bones. Copper also carries anti-inflammatory characteristics that aid in lessening pain and swelling within joints. At the same time, sesame oil is known to strengthen the bones and joints.

3. Relieves joint pain

If you have joint pain, then it is necessary to apply til oil on your knees and elbows. This oil possesses the power to lessen pain and uneasiness. It serves as an excellent massage oil for aching or rigid joints.

4. Moisturises skin

Particularly in winter, it is notably beneficial to feed our skin with natural oils. There is no better choice than til oil for this purpose. A proper massage using sesame oil helps in keeping the skin hydrated. It prevents dryness on your skin. Many other oils also have the ability to do this, but sesame oil is particularly good because it contains fatty acids and linoleic acid. Sesame oil has double the effects of moisturising and softening for the skin.

5. Sesame oil can heal your skin

If you have cut or scraped your skin, you should apply some sesame oil. It has soothing effects on the skin and can heal the cut or wound. This oil helps to improve blood circulation and supply nutrition to your skin, which aids in the fast recovery of damaged skin. The sooner you apply it, the lesser the chance of a wound or scar formation because sesame oil promotes the quick regeneration of new tissues necessary for healing damaged areas in the body's outer layer.

6. Sesame oil is a natural sunscreen

No sunscreen? Use sesame oil. Before going out in the sun, put a lot of it on your skin for 30 minutes before you go out into the sunlight. The oil's antioxidants will create a shield on your skin, preventing it from absorbing the damaging UV rays.

7. Anti-aging

Sesamol and sesamin are strong antioxidants that can be found in til oil. They help decrease the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pores on your skin. This amazing oil improves skin's flexibility while producing collagen and works like a natural substance to keep you young. The vitamin E and B complex of sesame oil is helpful in making scars less visible as well as easing rashes.

How to Perform Abhyanga or Full Body Massage with Til Oil?

You should follow a few steps to produce the most effective results from til oil massage benefits.

Spread half a cup of heated sesame oil evenly over your body. 

• Step 1: Begin by stroking your body in circular motions. 
• Step 2: Gently rub your limbs and joints. 
• Step 3: Rub your tummy and chest in wide circles. Don't forget about your hands.
• Step 4: Finally, and most importantly, massage your feet softly. The feet contain nerve endings from critical organs; thus, massaging them for at least a few minutes is essential. 
• Step 5: It's time to unwind and let the oil work. Sit for 10 minutes to allow the sesame oil to penetrate deeper bodily layers. 
• Step 6: Take a warm shower to get a renewed shine on your face and body! 

Tips for Abhyangam Full Body Oil Massage

• Choose the right massage oil: Sesame oil is ideal for Vata, coconut oil for Pitta, and mustard oil for Kapha.
• Slightly heat the oil: Warm the oil slightly before massaging to enhance penetration and therapeutic benefits.
• Best time: The best time to perform Abhyangam is in the morning, before taking a bath.
• Duration: Massage for at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow the oil to properly absorb into your skin.
• Consistency: It is recommended to perform Abhyangam daily or at least once a week.
• Post-massage care: Rest for 15 to 20 minutes after the massage to ensure proper oil absorption.

Conclusion

In Ayurveda, the significance of sesame oil for body massage is unbeatable. If you also want to stay healthy with natural things, you should try abhyanga oil massage with pure cold-pressed sesame oil and get the best health benefits that encourage your overall growth. 

FAQs

1. Does Sesame oil cause breakouts?

Til oil helps treat breakouts. It could be possible that if you mix the sesame oil with some essential oils or other skin care products to which your skin has an allergy, it may result in causing breakouts on your skin. Therefore, if you are having any breakouts, it is best to discontinue the use of the oil altogether.

2. Are there any side effects of Sesame oil?

Sesame oil is suitable for all skin types, but if you feel itchy after putting it on your skin, wash it off quickly. Don't use too much of the oil on your head because fatty acids might make the scalp inflamed and irritated. So, always do a patch test before using a huge quantity to see if this works well for you. You can also consult your trichologist or dermatologist if required.

3. Can I massage my body with sesame oil daily?

Yes, a sesame oil massage should be done as part of your daily morning routine.