10/08/2026
Why I Use Different Ayurvedic Medicinal Oils in Massage & Bodywork
One question my clients often ask me is, “What kind of oil do you use?”
In Ayurveda, oil is not just oil. Different traditional Ayurvedic oils are used for different purposes, depending on the person’s body, constitution, discomfort, and individual needs.
For example, Mahanarayan oil is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal oil often used in massage for muscular tension, stiffness, and joint discomfort.
Ayurveda also considers the three doshas — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha — when choosing oils and planning bodywork. For example, warm sesame-based oils are traditionally used in Vata-balancing practices, while other oils may be more suitable depending on the person and the treatment.
In my practice, I choose oils according to the individual rather than using the same oil for everyone. I consider your needs, the areas of tension, your body’s response, and the purpose of the session.
This is one of the things I value about traditional Ayurvedic bodywork: the oil, the touch, and the treatment are chosen with the individual in mind.
If you have questions about the Ayurvedic oils I use, you are welcome to ask me during your next session.
Therapeutic Ayurveda Center
Boulder, Colorado