Advantages of Sesame Oil
Sesame oil has been utilized to promote well-being within the body, including the nervous system, skeletal structure, muscular system, skin and hair health, digestion (including colon health), and reproductive functions.
Sesame Oil in Ayurvedic Self-Massage
Sesame oil, known for its nourishing, calming, and warming qualities, is one of Ayurveda’s most favoured oils for self-massage. According to Ayurvedic principles, the sesame seed possesses sweet, savoury, astringent, and bitter properties, with a warming effect. This oil thrives in arid climates, making it particularly beneficial when excess dryness is a concern.
It’s warming and oily characteristics offer a harmonizing effect for vata dosha, which often experiences heightened dryness during imbalance. Additionally, the warmth of sesame oil can be beneficial for kapha, although caution is advised in cases of excess kapha due to its heaviness.
Some advantages of using sesame oil for this self-massage practice encompass:
- Enhancing the body’s stress-handling capabilities
- Boosting physical strength
- Feeding muscles and bones
- Facilitating comfortable joint mobility
- Fostering healthy sleep patterns
- Supporting the intellect and nervous system
- Nourishing skin and hair
- Traditional Applications of Sesame Oil
Beyond massage, traditional applications of sesame oil in Ayurveda include:
Internal Lubrication: Internally consumed sesame oil has been employed to lubricate the bowels and soften stool consistency.
Addressing Vaginal Dryness: Some have employed sesame oil as a vaginal douche to maintain vaginal balance.
Localized Massage for Vata Reduction: Gentle massage on the abdomen can alleviate imbalanced vata in that area.
Ear Oil Application: Warm sesame oil to the ears promotes ear health.
Encouraging Sound Sleep: Massaging the scalp and soles of the feet with sesame oil before sleep supports healthy sleep patterns.
Oil Pulling: Swishing sesame oil in the mouth can contribute to strong teeth and gums, and a study even showed its ability to reduce oral bacteria.
Instructions for Oil Pulling with Sesame Oil
- Take 1 tablespoon of oil into your mouth.
- Swish the oil throughout your mouth, including all areas around the teeth and both sides of the mouth.
- Continue for 15–20 minutes or until the oil becomes thin and whitish. (For beginners, start with 5 minutes and gradually increase to the recommended duration.)
- Spit the oil into the trash or toilet to prevent drain clogs. Do not swallow the oil.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Using Sesame Oil for Self-Massage
To integrate sesame oil into your self-massage routine, adhere to these steps:
Warm the Oil: Transfer sesame oil to a squeeze bottle and warm it in water until the desired temperature is reached. Test the oil’s temperature before use.
Prepare Undress in a warm room, using a towel that can get oily.
Massage Scalp, Face, and Ears: Take small amounts of oil in your palm and massage your scalp and face using circular motions. Please pay attention to the ears and apply warm oil to them.
Massage Limbs:
- Use long strokes on limbs and circular motions on joints.
- Give care to small joints.
- Begin at the extremities and move towards the body’s centre.
Massage Rest of the Body: Massage the torso and all other body parts. Use long strokes for broad areas like the back and circular motions for the chest and abdomen. Massaging the armpits and breast tissue can support breast health.
Bathe and Rinse: After the self-massage, take a warm shower or bath, being cautious not to slip.
Sesame Oil Safety and Precautions
Avoid sesame seeds and oil if excess body heat, high ama (natural toxins), or congestion is present.
Sesame Oil Production
Sesame seeds naturally open their outer shells when ripening, leading to the phrase “Open Sesame.” Now, the seeds are ready to press into light golden sesame oil.
Our unrefined Sesame Oil provides maximum nutrition, while the Refined Sesame Oil offers a lighter, milder option.
Both oils are certified organic, without chemical herbicides and pesticides, and are expeller pressed. This natural method extracts oil through pressure, eliminating the need for external heat or chemicals.