Joints15 min
Warm sesame oil massage for stiff joints
Abhyanga — self-massage with warm oil — is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic self-care. Sesame oil is warming and is traditionally used on stiff, cold, creaky joints, especially in winter.
Ingredients
- 2–3 tablespoons cold-pressed sesame oil (til ka tel)
- A clove of garlic or a pinch of ajwain (optional, for extra warmth)
How to prepare
- Warm the oil gently in a small steel bowl. If using garlic or ajwain, let it sizzle in the oil for a minute, then cool and strain.
- Check the temperature on your wrist before applying.
How to use
- Massage the knees, shoulders or other stiff joints with slow circular strokes for 5–10 minutes.
- Leave on for 20–30 minutes, then take a warm shower or apply a warm towel.
Precautions
- Do not massage a joint that is hot, red, badly swollen or very painful — that needs a doctor.
- Avoid massage over injuries, fractures, varicose veins or broken skin.
- Joint pain with fever, morning stiffness lasting over an hour, or swelling in many joints should be checked for arthritis.
