11 Daily Habits of Indians Who Seem to Age Slowly

6. Practice daily oil massage (abhyanga) and gentle skin care

Abhyanga, a self-oil massage, is a classic Ayurvedic daily habit many Indians adopt. It can be done in the morning or before a bath in the evening using sesame oil, coconut, or almond oil depending on climate and skin type. The technique is simple: warm a small amount of oil, rub gently from the heart outward over limbs, and spend a few minutes on joints and scalp. Wipe or shower as preferred. This ritual supports relaxation and gives you daily tactile care, which many elders swear by and pass down. Massage improves circulation, eases muscle tension, and supports the skin barrier. Research on touch therapies and massage shows benefits for relaxation, sleep, and skin hydration. The practice is gentle, inexpensive, and doubles as a mindful moment—pay attention to sensation, breath, and temperature while you massage to increase stress-relief benefits.