Daily Ritual: Abhyanga
Today’s self-care ritual is the practice of Ayurvedic self-massage called abhyanga. In Ayurveda, the practice of abhyanga is a daily ritual that’s easy to do and recommended for everyone.
WHY DOES AYURVEDA RECOMMEND SELF-MASSAGE?
For starters, stress relief. Receiving a massage relieves the body and mind of stress and tension. Health benefits from incorporating a short and simple daily oil massage into your morning or evening routine include:
Musculoskeletal and nervous system health
Increase circulation and lymph drainage
Improve sleep patterns
Promote graceful aging
Firm, strong limbs
Tones the body’s tissues
Nourish the whole body
In Ayurveda, the idea of covering the body in oil is equal to surrounding it in love. This idea comes from the Sanskrit word, sneha, which can be translated as both “oil” and “love.” Both self-massage and oil give a feeling of comfort and warmth.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT OIL
If you know your dosha, you can purchase an oil formulated specifically for your dosha: vata, pitta, kapha. You can also buy an oil for daily massage without knowing your specific dosha and you’ll still reap the many benefits of abhyanga.
HOW TO DO IT
Heat the oil until it's warm but still comfortable to the touch. During the warmer months, I simply warm the oil in my hands before applying. In the cooler months, I’ll put the bottle of oil in a container of hot water to warm it slightly.
Massage your body with the warm oil, moving from the head to the feet. Begin with the outer folds of the ears, then massage the head (if you don't want to get oil in your hair, do a dry head massage before you put oil in your hands), and work down your body. Use circular motions on the joints and use a gentle circular clockwise motion over the heart and abdomen. On the torso, massage inward following the direction of the ribs. Massage straight up and down on the arms and legs. Lastly, thoroughly massage the feet.
Sit comfortably on the edge of the tub or lie on a towel on the floor and relax for at least 10 minutes, allowing the oil to penetrate the skin. I usually relax in a warm bath.. If you only have 5 minutes, do it for 5 minutes and give it your full attention. You will still experience the benefits of abhyanga.
When you are done, use a gentle cleanser to wash the oil off. Notice how soft and nourished your skin feels.
If you give any of these daily rituals a try, I’d love to hear from you about your experience!