The Ayurvedic practice of Abhyanga, refers to the practice of daily self-massage with warm oil. Abhyanga is a beneficial and rewarding addition to any wellness routine. I recommend doing it for 5-10 minutes before a shower or bath each morning, so that the benefits will stay with you all throughout your busy day. However, it can also be done later in the afternoon, which works well, too.
Benefits:
- Calms the mind and nervous system while it rejuvenates, strengthens and protects the internal organs.
-Relieves muscular tension.- Improves circulation and energizes the whole body.
-Helps the body release toxins from the deepest cellular level.
- Purifies and tones the skin.
-Strengthens and tones the musculo-skeletal system, including the joints, making the body stronger and less prone to injury or pain.
- Helps balance the digestive system, relieving constipation and indigestion.
-Supports eyes and eyesight, as well as ears and hearing.
-Improves sleep patterns.
The best oils to use would be - vata oil, pitta oil or kapha oil as they have pacific herbs infused within the oils itself.
However you can use Cold- press Sesame oil in the cooler winter months as it is a great warming, purifying oil and coconut oil in the summer because of its cooler properties as well as being highly nourishing.
Essential oils may also be included for enhanced health benefits. Sandalwood and rose are especially lovely for their calming and healing properties.
All these oils are considered anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial.
Instructions:
1. Place your jar or bottle of oil in a bowl of hot water for about 5 minutes, until the oil heats up to a comfortable temperature.
2. Make sure to do this in a comfortably warm, draft-free room.
3. Placing oil in the palm of your hand, apply to your body, working systematically down from the top of your head.
4. Next, massage the oil into your skin, giving each part of your body ample attention. Use long strokes on the limbs and circular clockwise strokes on your joints. Massage the abdomen and chest in wide, clockwise, circular motions. Apply lighter pressure over the chest and abdomen. This process should take about 5-10 minutes.
5. If massaging your scalp, apply oil to the crown of the head and then work it into your scalp with your fingers in outward circles, as if you are shampooing your hair with the oil. Also, make sure to gently rub oil on your forehead, ears, and throat area. You might be amazed in the beginning how quickly the oil soaks in everywhere.
6. As you massage your body, smile at your organs and body, envisioning yourself as healthy and happy. Allow yourself to feel gratitude and love for yourself in this simple ritual of self-nurturing.
7. Sit quietly with eyes closed for 5 or more minutes, breathing deeply and enjoying the nourishment that you have just taken into every cell of your being.
8. Take a warm bath or shower, being very careful not to slip. Use a very gentle, non-soap cleanser and a gentle shampoo. The thin layer of oil that remains on the skin after your bath or shower helps keep your skin moisturized and protected from the environment through the day.
9. I also recommend that you rub a little sesame oil on your feet at night before bed, and cover your feet with light socks after applying the oil. This is very calming and strengthening to the nervous system, and over time, can help promote restful sleep.
Love and Peace Fez
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