You
can’t disagree with me on this. Massage is highly comforting!
Self-massage relates to
self-love and pampering yourself. It works wonders to reduce stiffness, pain,
fatigue, anxiety and stress.
How about learning to do the
ancient practice of self-massage?
It’s time to ditch your
cosmetic lotions and try out some natural oil massage for a healthy skin and
relaxed mind. The benefits are immense.
Abhayanga, in Ayurveda, refers
to the technique of doing regular full-body self-massage with Ayurvedic oils.
This technique, if done correctly, serves to heal, de-stress, detoxify and
rejuvenate the body. The best thing about Abhayanga is that it can be done in
the comforts of your home, all by yourself.
Amazing Benefits of
Self-Massage
- Promotes relaxation
- Helps Restore sound sleep
- Increases longevity
- Increases blood circulation
- Better memory and alertness
- Imparts stamina and strength
- Lubricates the joints
- Softens skin and promotes hair growth
How to do Ayurvedic Self
Massage at Home
Abhyanga is a full body massage
with warm herbal oils.
Take adequate quantity of oil in a small container. Take a larger wide mouthed container with warm water. Gently swirl the small container in the large one to warm the oil. Be careful not to let water inside the oil.
Once the oil is warm enough,
spread it with both the palms and apply it on the crown of the head.
- Massage the scalp gently.
- As you massage your face, do not forget your ears.
- Massage your abdomen gently in clockwise direction.
- Massage downwards to the feet and massage the soles as well.
- Relax as you finish off and allow the oil to seethe in for a few minutes.
- Take a warm shower and use soap sparingly.
- You can apply oil 30 minutes before your shower. It will wash off easily with shower.
Now the question is what oil
works the best.
You may use sesame oil, coconut
oil or almond oil to massage yourself. Ayurveda recommends using oils depending on your body
constitution or Dosha.
- For Vata dosha, use warmer oils like sesame oil.
- For Pitta dosha, use cooler oils like coconut oil.
- For Kapha dosha, very little oil or dry massage is suggested.
- For pain or other medical conditions, medicated oils can be used as recommended by Ayurvedists.
- In winter or cold weather, sesame and coconut oils can be mixed together for use.
- For added aromatherapy, essential oils like ylang ylang, lavender, rose, sandalwood, jasmine, etc. can be added to your regular massage oil.
A Word of Caution
Always use pure cooking grade oils and avoid cosmetic oils. If you suffer from any existing medical condition(s), have fever or nausea, avoid oil massage. Do not use oil on boils and wounds. If you use medications on skin (like corticosteroid creams) then wipe skin before the application of oil.
Practice caution before bath as oil makes bathtubs slippery. Remember to wipe your feet after massage to avoid slipping.
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