In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores the Ayurvedic practice of oiling the skin and its relationship with balancing Vata.

The first question is why the skin? The second question is why oil? The answer to the first question is that the skin is the chief location in the body for the sense of touch. The sense of touch is governed primarily by the air element, and the air element together with the space element creates Vata in the body. Therefore, doing something beneficial to the skin, which is filled with countless tiny nerve endings, will do something beneficial for your Vata.

That is why we oil the skin. The next question is why oil? The qualities of oil are almost exactly opposite to the qualities of Vata, and this is what we generally want when we are trying to create a therapeutic effect.

Oil is heavy, while Vata is light. Oil is dense, while Vata is subtle and rarified. Oil moves slowly, while Vata tends to move quickly. Oil is generally warming in nature, while Vata is cool. Oil also has a quality called snigdha in Sanskrit, which means sticky or unctuous, while Vata, unless it is affected by ama, is not sticky.

These qualities help calm aggravated Vata, which is something that many people experience today. The qualities of oil counteract the qualities of Vata, and therefore the intensity of Vata can be reduced.

Ayurveda therefore recommends oiling the skin as a beneficial practice. However, it is important to distinguish between a condition where ama is present and one where it is not. When ama is present, the tongue will usually be coated, sweating may be reduced, and there may be other signs of congestion within the body.

Under these conditions, applying oil generally to the skin can increase congestion and toxicity. Therefore, the ama should first be digested before regularly applying oil to the skin.

One exception is castor oil. Even when ama is present, castor oil may be applied to a specific area, such as a sore or inflamed joint, and heat may be applied over it. This can have a beneficial effect. However, applying castor oil over the entire body would make the skin extremely sticky because castor oil has a very picchila quality.

If there is no ama, if the tongue is clear, and if Vata is moving without major obstruction, then oiling the skin is generally beneficial. It is important to distinguish between different kinds of imbalance. There is a difference between obstruction caused by excess material related to Kapha, inflammation caused by Pitta, and constriction affecting Vata.

There are many different medicated oils used in Ayurveda. One commonly used oil for the body in North India is Mahanarayan Oil. In South India, one oil commonly used for the nose is Anu Taila. I use it every morning by putting a small amount on my fingertip and applying it inside the nose. It can move toward the brain along the fibers of the olfactory nerve.

You do not need to apply a large amount of oil. If you use too much, you will have to remove it, and it may disturb your body’s natural functions. A small amount followed by a warm shower is sufficient. The heat will encourage the oil to absorb properly without creating unnecessary difficulty.