44. Is Your Skin Dry, Stressed, or Aging? Ayurveda Has an Oil for That

In this practical and passionate solo episode, Kate O’Donnell unpacks the Ayurvedic ritual of oil massage—known as Abhyanga—and shares everything you need to know to make it a regular part of your wellness routine. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin, calm your nerves, age with grace, or detox gently, this episode offers a complete guide to integrating this timeless practice into your life. Kate walks you through the how, why, and when of oil massage, including shortcuts, contraindications, and her favorite oils for every body type. What You’ll Learn How Ayurvedic oil massage nourishes skin, nerves, and the lymphatic system Why morning is the ideal time for Abhyanga—and when evening is better The difference between sesame, coconut, almond, and herbal oils A simple step-by-step massage guide (including the “quickie” version) When not to oil (hint: indigestion, menstruation, and more) Why sneha means both oil and love in Sanskrit—and what that means for your practice How to upgrade your shower routine into a healing ritual Travel tips for keeping your oiling practice alive on the go Common misconceptions about using grocery store oils Links to Kate’s favorite oils (with discount codes!) Resources + Links 🌿 Kate’s Favorites Page (Massage Oils + Discounts): https://ayurvedicliving.institute/our-favorites 📩 Contact Kate: hello@ayurvedicliving.institute 📸 Instagram: @kateodonnell.ayurveda Call to Action Feeling inspired? Try oil massage this week and tell us how it goes! Send your questions or share your experience via Instagram @kateodonnell.ayurveda or by email. And stay tuned for next week’s episode on Ayurvedic hair health—yes, more oils are involved! Health Disclaimer The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine. Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org Ayurvedic Living Institute Membership: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/membership Cleanse Leader Training: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/cleanse-leader-training Deep Winter Self-Care Workshop: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/self-care-workshop-deep-winter Women's Health Collection: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/collections/womens-healthhttps://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024 Gift Guide: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/digital_downloads/gift-guide