Moving on to the last of the five senses—the sense of touch.
Here, we turn our attention to the largest sensory organ of the body: the skin. Not only is the skin the body’s largest sensory organ, but it is also the largest organ overall, serving as our first line of defense and our most immediate connection with the external world.
Yet, despite its importance, we often neglect it. This neglect can manifest in different ways:
Vata related issues – dryness.
Pitta-related issues – acne, rashes, hives, burning sensations, or discoloration.
Kapha-related issues such as excess oiliness and congestion.
The fascinating point is that Ayurveda, centuries ago, described the skin as having seven distinct layers (twak dhatus), each with different functions and susceptibilities to disease. Modern science now confirms this layered structure through its understanding of the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, and even finer divisions within the epidermis (stratum basale, spinosum, granulosum, lucidum, corneum). Both perspectives highlight that the skin is not a single sheet but a complex, multi-layered system deeply connected to health and disease.
These layers are rich with nerves, blood vessels, sensory receptors, and even tiny muscles. When these receptors are stimulated, they do much more than detect temperature or pressure. They directly influence our emotions and mental state, shaping responses like comfort, love, calmness, or even aversion and irritation.
This intricate skin–mind connection is why Ayurveda places such emphasis on
These therapies help in soothing or stimulating the nervous system, grounding the mind, and balancing the doshas.
Ayurveda emphasizes daily massage as a dinacharya [daily routine] as mentioned in the verse from Ashtanga Hridayam (Sutrasthana).
“Abhyangam acharet nityam sa jarā-shrama-vātahā |
Dṛṣṭiprasāda-puṣṭyāyuḥ-svapna-sutva-kṛt chiraḥ ||”
Abhyanga helps delay aging, relieve fatigue, prevent aggravation of Vata, bestows good vision, nourishes the body, promotes longevity, ensures sound sleep, and keeps the skin and hair healthy. Abhyanga is not just a cosmetic act but a daily therapy for vitality and balance.
The choice of oil is guided by one’s constitution:
On a daily basis, one can just apply the oil for 30mn before showering. Simple rules of oil massage Long strokes along the limbs and circular motions over joints and abdomen.
Caution- Avoid sleeping with oil on, as it can block pores and interfere with the body’s natural detoxification.
Weekly or Monthly – Get an abhyanga in an Ayurvedic center from a professional.
The external application of freshly prepared herbal pastes. These are customized to the imbalance being treated but mainly used in Pitta conditions.
Lepana works by drawing out toxins, reducing inflammation, and rejuvenating the skin layers, directly paralleling modern dermatological practices like medicated masks and topical therapies—but with the added dimension of dosha-specific customization.
Since inflammation disrupts the signals sent to the brain, Lepana helps by soothing inflammation and restoring skin–mind balance.
Where Abhyanga is soothing and nourishing, Udvartana is invigorating and detoxifying. It uses warm herbal powders (often slightly rough in texture) massaged vigorously over the skin in upward strokes.
Benefits:
Common powders: Triphala, Kola (horse gram), Chickpea flour, Mustard, or other Kapha balancing herbs
From Ayurveda to neuroscience, the message is the same: skin care is mind care.
Together, they nourish all seven layers of the skin and restore balance to the body–mind continuum.
Thus, Abhyanga, Lepana, udvartana are not simply cosmetic—they are therapies for the nervous system, emotions, and cognition, demonstrating how touch, skin, and mind are inseparably linked.
Simmi Chopra is a highly accomplished Ayurvedic Practitioner with a unique blend of expertise in traditional Ayurveda and modern science. Trained in the ancient healing system, she completed the prestigious Ayurveda Doctor program from Kerala Ayurveda. Based in New York City, Simmi practices at SIDH Ayur, where she offers personalized Ayurvedic therapies, dietary guidance, lifestyle recommendations, and herbal solutions to help clients achieve holistic balance.
👉 “Here’s the source Link : https://shorturl.at/ZdTVn
