New Delhi, October 19 (Udaipur Kiran): Massaging your feet with sesame or mustard oil before going to bed is an ancient Ayurvedic practice known as Padabhyanga. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, where stress, fatigue, and sleeplessness are common, this simple ritual can be a natural way to relax both the mind and body.

According to Ayurveda, Padabhyanga helps balance the Vata dosha, calming the body’s nerves and promoting deep sleep. Ancient Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridayam mention foot massage as an essential part of daily self-care.

The soles of the feet contain around 72,000 nerve endings, which are connected to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, digestive system, and brain. When these points are massaged with warm oil, the benefits extend throughout the body.

Among oils, sesame oil is considered best for soothing Vata, nourishing the skin, and strengthening the bones. On the other hand, mustard oil is known to improve blood circulation, relieve muscle pain, and protect against cold and cough — making it especially beneficial in winter as it generates warmth in the body.

The method is simple: wash and dry your feet before bed, take some lukewarm oil, and gently massage the soles, heels, and calves for about 5–10 minutes. Wearing socks afterward helps prevent the oil from staining the bedsheet. This short nightly routine can gradually ease tension and improve sleep quality.

Modern science also supports this traditional practice. According to neurology and reflexology, foot massage helps calm the nervous system, improve blood flow, and activate happy hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which enhance mood and promote restful sleep.