| The Ayurvedic Self-Massage
by Shreelata Suresh
Wonderfully relaxing and energizing at the same time, a daily
self-massage with warm oil is easy to do and takes only about
30 minutes. You can do it at home each morning, and reap the
benefits of this luxurious therapy all day long.
Ayurvedic texts list a wide range of benefits from regular
performance of the warm oil full-body massage:
1. It helps pacify Vata dosha, the space and
air elements in the physiology. Because of our hectic 24/7
lives, most of us have high levels of stress, anxiety, a feeling
of being overwhelmed and spaced-out, all indications of an
aggravated Vata dosha. Soothing touch is very Vata-pacifying.
Warm oil, being warm, smooth and unctuous, is also Vata-pacifying.
2. The massage also helps balance Kapha dosha,
the water and earth elements in the physiology. It enhances
circulation throughout the body and revitalizes a lethargic
body and mind.
3. With regular performance of the massage,
deep-seated toxins in the joints and tissues are loosened
and released into the system for elimination through the natural
toxin-release processes. Toxins in the skin are also released,
leaving you with clear healthy skin.
4. Your skin will look beautiful with regular
massage. It will stay moisturized and nourished, and look
supple and lustrous.
5. Abhyanga helps strengthen and tone the muscles.
If you work out several times a week or everyday, you’ll
notice that your muscles are much stronger and resilient to
injury.
6. The Ayurvedic texts recommend that the massage
be done in the morning. It helps keep energy levels high during
the day and helps promote easy, restful sleep at night.
7. The warm oil massage helps calm the mind
and nervous system. You’ll feel more rested and calm,
but focused and alert.
8. The massage also helps promote balanced emotions.
You will feel serene and settled—the kind of bliss that
you get with regular meditation.
9. Your joints will stay nourished and supple
with regular performance of Abhyanga. The warm oil massage
strengthens and lubricates the joints, making them more resilient
to wear and tear.
10. The massage makes you feel youthful and
vital. The ancient texts state that regular performance of
Abhyanga retards the aging process.
Choosing Your Massage Oil
While the massage is healing even when performed
with just a base massage oil such as sesame oil or almond
oil, ayurvedic practitioners typically infuse the base oils
with nourishing herbs and flowers. You’ll find ayurvedic
herbs such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Shankhapushpi
and Turmeric in traditional ayurvedic massage oils. The herbs
are gently cooked into the oils for a specified period of
time, and the oil is then strained for use. Aromatherapy massage
oils incorporate healing essences such as Sandalwood, Jasmine
and Rose for added emotional and mental balance. Look for
cold-pressed organic base oils for maximum benefit. Sesame
oil has antioxidant properties and is anti-inflammatory. Almond
oil is both nourishing and soothing. Coconut oil is cooling
and Pitta-pacifying.
Instructions for performing the warm oil massage
Materials: 2-3 oz massage oil suited to your
needs for balance, plastic squeeze bottle, pot of very warm
water, old cotton towel or mat, paper towels.
Step 1. Pour the oil into the squeeze bottle
and shut bottle tightly.
Step 2. Place the bottle in the warm water for
5 minutes or until the oil heats up to comfortably warm.
Step 3. Stand on your towel or mat in a comfortably
warm, draft-free room.
Step 4. Squeeze the oil a little at a time into
your palm and apply the oil to your body, working systematically
down until your entire body is anointed with oil.
Step 5. Next, massage the oil into your skin,
giving each part of your body adequate attention. Use up and
down strokes over limbs and circular strokes over joints,
chest and abdomen. Apply lighter pressure over chest and abdomen
than over extremities. This process should take about 10-12
minutes.
Step 6. If massaging your scalp, apply oil to
the crown of the head and then work the oil into your scalp
with your fingers in outward circles.
Step 7. Sit quietly with eyes closed for 5 minutes,
breathing deeply.
Step 8. Pat excess oil, if any, off with paper
towels.
Step 9. Take a warm bath or shower, being very
careful not to slip. Wipe excess oil off your feet before
stepping off the towel or mat. Use a very gentle, non-soap
cleanser and a gentle shampoo.
Step 10. Pat your skin with a towel and apply
moisturizing lotion or a gentle natural dusting powder.
Note: The towels and mats you stand on for abhyanga
will get stained and eventually oil-saturated, so use old
ones and do not put them in washing machines or dryers. They
should be periodically thrown away and replaced.
Disclaimer: This information is educational
and is not intended to replace standard medical care or advice.
Keywords: ayurveda, self-massage, oil massage
About the Author
Shreelata Suresh,
info@ayurbalance.com
http://www.ayurbalance.com
Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor who lives in the Bay
Area. She writes for various publications on yoga, ayurveda
and Indian culture. For more articles on ayurveda and premier
ayurvedic products, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.
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