Yes, oil massage can help reduce body heat, especially when done with the right type of oils and techniques.
Here’s how it works:
- Cooling Oils: Certain oils like coconut oil, sandalwood oil, and rose oil have natural cooling properties. Applying these can help calm the body and regulate heat.
- Improved Blood Circulation: Massage boosts circulation, which helps disperse excess heat and bring balance to body temperature.
- Stress Reduction: Stress and tension can increase internal heat. Massage promotes relaxation, which helps lower stress-induced heat.
- Ayurvedic Perspective: In Ayurveda, oil massage (abhyanga) is a traditional method to balance “pitta dosha”—which is associated with heat. Cooling oils are often recommended to soothe pitta imbalance.
Tips for Cooling Oil Massage:
- Use coconut or castor oil for natural cooling.
- Massage in the evening or early morning, when the body is more receptive.
- Avoid strong heating oils like mustard or eucalyptus if your goal is to reduce body heat.