The daily self massage (called Abhyanga) is an ancient tradition in the Ayurvedic healing world. This massage has so many benefits. My three favorites benefits are calming to the nerves, can improve restless sleep and offers a warm, “motherly” type of support when we need it. Here are some more benefits traditionally associated with regular performance of this pleasant daily ritual:
• Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
• Toning of the muscles and the whole physiology
• Calming for the nerves
• Lubrication of the joints
• Increased mental alertness
• Improved elimination of impurities from the body
• Softer, smoother skin
• Increased levels of stamina through the day
Abhyanga — The Ayurvedic Daily Massage
“Abhyanga” — the Ayurvedic oil massage — is an integral part of the daily routine recommended by this healing system for overall health and well-being. Traditional ayurvedic texts enumerate the benefits: “Give yourself a full body oil massage on a daily basis. It is nourishing, pacifies the doshas, relieves fatigue, provides stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep, enhances the complexion and the luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the body.”
The ayurvedic massage is traditionally performed in the morning, before your bath or shower, to facilitate the release of toxins that may have accumulated during the previous night. Sesame oil is the traditional choice, although other oils may be recommended based on imbalance and body type. To “cure” or purify the oil, heat the oil to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. (If you do not have a thermometer, you can put a few drops of water in a pan with the oil – the water will sink to the bottom and start to boil and “pop” when the oil reaches 212 degrees.) Remove from heat once this temperature is reached, cool and store for use as needed. Cure up to a quart of oil at a time. Of course, you should observe safety precautions when curing oil. All oils are highly flammable. Use low heat, and don’t leave the oil on heat unattended. (Note: You do not have to cure the oil, if you are using an herbalized oil.)
How to Perform the Self-Massage
Use comfortably warm massage oil. Store your massage oil in a plastic flip-top and place it in the sink with hot water to warm the oil. Or place hot water in a large mug and place the plastic containing in this. Squirt the oil into the palm of the hand and apply to the entire body, starting with the head first. Do not forgot the ears, the scalp, or the feet. Also, at this time, if you are using pure unscented or non-herbalized oil, you place approximately 2 tablespoons of oil in your mouth and hold it there, while swishing it between the teeth occasionally, as you do the rest of the massage. (This practice is very beneficial for preventing gum disease.) After you have placed a liberal amount of oil on the skin of the entire body, massage the body, applying even pressure with the whole hand.. Apply light pressure on sensitive areas such as the abdomen or the heart. Use more oil and spend more time where nerve endings are concentrated, such as the soles of the feet, palms of the hands and along the base of the fingernails. Circular motions over rounded areas such as your head or joints, and straight strokes on straight areas such as your arms and legs, work best. After you’re done, allow the oil to soak in for 5 to 10 minutes. Do some other part of your daily hygiene routine at this time (shave or do nails or do some gentle yoga postures or just relax). Follow the massage with a warm bath of shower. (Note: To get the oil out of the hair, place shampoo on the head before you put any water on. It will lather up a bit and save tremendously on the amount of shampoo you need to use.)
To keep your pipes from clogging: Once a week put 1/4 cup of vinegar down the drain followed by 4 quarts of boiling hot water (from the stove, not from the faucet).
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