Pada Abhyanga: A Calming Āyurvedic Foot Bath
EXPERIENCE THE GROUNDING EFFECTS OF FOOT OILING AND BATHING
Our go-to Āyurvedic foot bathing routine to encourage presence and slow down. This practice is good for relaxation, stimulates and invigorates organs and bodily tissues, brings a sense of stability and supports circulation. It can also improve the quality of your sleep when done before bed.
What you’ll need for the foot bath:
foot soaking tub
sesame oil or one of Banyan Botanical’s blends
epsom salt
old towel for wiping off afterwards
essential oils, such as lavender, clary sage, bergamont or vetiver (optional)
Process for Pada Abhyanga:
Warm the oil by placing the bottle or vessel in bowl of hot water
Fill your foot soaking tub with warm water, add Epsom salts and essential oils
Spread the oil onto the base and top of the foot, each toe and the ankle. Be generous with your oil.
Then, begin to work the oil into the foot starting with the base of the big toe. Massaging in a circular motion around the joint. Proceed to the tip of each toe pressing the nail and back of the toe firmly. Continue this process for each toe.
Massage the entire sole of the foot, using circular motions and firm strokes.
Then massage the top of the foot, pressing firmly into the places in between the bones.
Lastly, make circular motions around your anklebone.
After oiling for for ~5 minutes dunk you foot into the foot bath you’ve prepared for yourself and begin oiling the other foot. Finish off with a long soak and enjoy!
About the Author
Emily Murphy Kaur, M.A. & M.S., and her husband Harmeet Singh own Sētu Vermont, an applied yoga and meditation research institute where they guide retreats, teach classes, and direct trainings with the goal of supporting individuals on a path to personalized wellness.