A massage with a heated oil appropriate to one’s dosha is highly recommended prior to bathing. In the Ashtanga Yoga system, a weekly oil bath is recommended, especially if you are having any kind of persistent soreness or stiffness. As we start to get into the dry, cold time of year, oil bath becomes important.
Recommended oils: coconut, sesame. Other oils can also be used for various purposes (mustard oil for pain, castor oil for deeply-entrenched pain or injuries, almond oil, oilve oil, grapeseed oil, etc...), and you can add essential oils for aromatherapy or therapeutic purposes. I like to add a few drops of rose oil, sandalwood and lavendar oils. You can also purchase ready-made oils for particular doshas or therapeutic needs. Oil should be fresh.
Place the oil in a plastic container and hold under hot water, or put a smaller bowl of oil in a larger bowl of warm water. We don't recommend heating in the microwave. Begin at the head: pour a stream of oil onto the brahmarandra (8 fingers up from the third eye). Massage oil at the crown of the head and occipital ridges, then all through the scalp. Massage the face and work your way down the body. Pay special attention to the head and feet. Place a few drops of oil in each ear and the navel, and a drop on each finger and toenail. Let the oil soak in for a few minutes then shower and shampoo.
Pattabhi Jois did this frequently and he had beautiful skin - smooth like a baby, and he always smelled like sandalwood.
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