Abhyanga, Vishesh, and Kati Vasti all use warm herbal oil, but they offer very different kinds of care. One invites the body to soften, one brings firmer movement to tight or stagnant muscles, and one offers focused warmth to the low back and sacrum. If you have ever looked at these Sanskrit names and wondered, “Which one is right for me?” this guide will help you begin with what your body is asking for now.

Discover how herbal oils support pain relief, nervous system healing, and tissue recovery. Learn why personalized oil therapy can transform your healing journey.

There are certain Ayurvedic practices that come easily — warm meals, sipping hot water, daily movement, self-massage — and then there are others that, for whatever reason, feel harder to incorporate into daily life. For me, nasya oil was one of those practices. I knew the benefits. I taught the benefits. I understood its importance in Ayurveda. And yet… it was the one ritual I consistently struggled to make a habit. The oils I had tried in the past felt heavy, sometimes irrit