Road to Yoga day — Oil Bath

Significance of Oil bath:

Q1: What happens if we apply oil on the skin?

1. It loosens the tension in the muscles

2. Increases the restful nature of the body. Both mind & body gets the needed rest

3. It smoothens the skin & muscles

4. It helps to control Kapha & Vata and facilitates free flow in the pathways inside the body (blood flow etc)

5. Acts as a keeling agent in the joints

6. Helps in the regeneration of damaged tissues

7. Removes the dirt & dryness on the skin

Q2: will the applied oil penetrate the skin?

Ans: As per Susrutha samhita, it seeps inside and mixes with inner skin, blood, bones, bone marrow, etc

Q3: When is the right time to take an oil bath?

Ans: Morning bath is ideal. As per Ayurveda, the time between 8.24 am — 10.48 am is most preferable (days are divided into multiple periods based on tridoshas — Vata, pitta, Kapha). There is one exception — on the day of Diwali, as per sastra, we are allowed to take oil bath early morning before the sunrise

Q4: What day is ideal for the oil bath?

Ans: The combination of Dharmasastra, Vaidya sastra, and common practice advises “Saturday” as the apt day for oil bath. It has astrological significance too. As per our Jyotish sastra, 3 days are recommended for oil bath — Monday, Wednesday & Saturday

Q4: Why Saturday is considered a special day?

Ans: Lord Saturn’s natural instinct is slowing down/slowness, as per Jyothisha sastra. He is the Lord for tiredness, slowness, laziness in the body. On his day, his valour will increase; hence, the body will slow down automatically. Adequate rest is given to the body, naturally. In general, all auspicious things that need the active participation of the body/mind will not be kept on Saturday. Therefore, the oil bath on Saturday will enhance the restful nature of the body (Since Women need the blessings of Sukra/Venus, they can take bath on Friday)

Q5: How to apply oil?

Ans: Again, as per Sri Vagbhata, it is better to apply oil all over the body. If we are not able to apply fully body-wise then 3 areas are important — head, ears & legs. After that wait for 30 minutes (do not sit under the fan) and then proceed to take bath with hot water and herbal powder

For more details, please study Susrutha Samhita