The Sanskrit word for oil
is “snigdha.” Sanskrit has many
layers of meaning, and translated, snigdha means oil, fat and also, love! Oil creates smoothness, lubrication,
and vigor. It is nourishing, like
love. When we use oil in a
massage, we are taking care of ourselves, and coating ourselves with love. The opposite of oily is dry, or
“ruksha.” Dryness creates
dehydration. Dry weather
aggravates vata, and causes dry skin.
Fear, nervousness, anxiety and loneliness are also dry. Love is the antidote! So to balance ruksha, coat the skin
with oil, or love. Then take a
warm shower after the application of oil, and the skin, kidneys and colon are
also nourished.
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